Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for controlling a user's interaction with a keyboard of a multi-application electronic device such as a personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, a keyboard usage statistic for the user is determined and compared with a usage limit. Responsive to the comparison, an input mode capability of the device may be altered by throttling keyboard input to a first application such as a text input application while permitting unlimited input to a second application such as a speech input application. Altering an input mode capability may include at least one of: disabling a keyboard function, enabling an alternate input mechanism, and instructing the user to use the alternate input mechanism.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product are provided that receives an instant messaging request from a sender over a network, such as the Internet. The instant messaging request is directed to requesting an instant messaging session with a primary recipient. The system determines whether the primary recipient is available. If the primary recipient is available, the system sets up the instant messaging session with the primary recipient. On the other hand, if the primary recipient is unavailable, the system identifies a backup recipient. This is accomplished by retrieving stored backup recipient identifiers that correspond to one or more backup recipients associated with the primary recipient. At least one available backup recipient identifier from the one or more stored backup recipient identifiers is identified, and the instant messaging session is set up with the identified (available) backup recipient.

Abstract: A technique, system, and computer program for quickly and efficiently selecting or deselecting a spatially-related group of objects using a single selection or deselection operation, while preserving the ability to select or deselect individual items within a group or subgroup. A new set of graphical control objects is defined, any of which will graphically indicate the members of the group with which it is associated without requiring a textual explanation. Alternatively, a control object such as a slider bar may be used, where the technique of controlling the selection status of the group is defined for the slider bar in a novel manner.

Abstract: A sheetlike structure of fibres is provided, useful as a reinforcement for plastic components. A plurality of threads are arranged in the warp and weft directions, and some of the threads are made of a material which shrinks when subjected to heat treatment at a temperature below its melting point and which substantially regains its original strength after being subjected to heat shrinking and cooling.