Abstract: A computing device, and method thereof, may have a first display. A first user input is received from an input device of the computing device. In response, a task manager is displayed, the task manager having representations of respective objects on the computing device. When a second user input is received via the input device, a target representation is selected according to the second user input and an application window of an application corresponding to the target representation is displayed on the second display.

Abstract: A mobile computing device has a processor and storage, connected to the processor and storing computer program instructions for an operating system for the computing device. The mobile computing device also may include a display and a communications radio. An electrical connection is provided for connection to a removable battery that provides power to the components of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device also includes an auxiliary power source configured to provide power to the components of the mobile computing device when the removable battery is not supplying sufficient power. In response to the auxiliary power source being used, the operating system performs a set of actions that prioritize processes executed by the processor, manage power utilization by those processors, communicate information to the user about available power and, in some instances, gracefully degrade operation of the processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing a live panoramic view from real-time streaming digital image data may include, by a computing device in real-time and for each identified digital image of a plurality of received digital images, a location of the received digital image may be determined within a panoramic view. The panoramic view may be updated with the received digital image based on the determined location, and the updated panoramic view may be displayed. The plurality of digital images may include standard video frames and/or optimized video frames received with the real-time streaming digital image data. The optimized video frames may be captured with one or more associated imaging parameters optimized for use in the panoramic view.

Abstract: A network usage manager in an operating system executing on a mobile device is configured to enable selection among different cellular data connections by application (“app”) or by app class so that end users can tailor cellular network allocation, app performance, and costs to meet their specific needs while mobile operators can improve network utilization and provide more comprehensive data plan offerings. The network usage manager applies app usage policies to select among different cellular data connections which may be supported on the mobile device using single or multiple SIM/UICC (Subscriber Identity Module/Universal Integrated Circuit Card) cards. The app usage policies can be set for a given app or class of app on the mobile device so that, for example, apps that implement background synchronization processes can use typically less expensive, lower bandwidth connections while typically more expensive, higher bandwidth connections are selected for data intensive apps.

Abstract: A computing device, and method thereof, may have a first display. A first user input is received from an input device of the computing device. In response, a task manager is displayed, the task manager having representations of respective objects on the computing device. When a second user input is received via the input device, a target representation is selected according to the second user input and an application window of an application corresponding to the target representation is displayed on the second display.

Abstract: Example embodiments concern reducing the negative impacts of camera motion during video capture. Processing, transmitting, or displaying motion compromised video data yields inefficient use of bandwidth, battery power, memory, and other resources. Watching video acquired from a moving video camera may induce motion sickness. Unlike conventional systems that attempt to address motion by increasing frame capture rates to produce better individual frames, example embodiments identify frames that are compromised by motion data and do not provide or present them for viewing. Compromised frames may be logically or physically deleted from a video stream or memory. Motion may be detected by physical apparatus (e.g., accelerometer) or through image processing (e.g., motion artifacts, low correlation between frames, low signal-to-noise ratio). A display device may be controlled to operate in a video display mode or a still frame mode depending on motion detected in captured video frames.

Abstract: A mobile computing device has a processor and storage, connected to the processor and storing computer program instructions for an operating system for the computing device. The mobile computing device also may include a display and a communications radio. An electrical connection is provided for connection to a removable battery that provides power to the components of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device also includes an auxiliary power source configured to provide power to the components of the mobile computing device when the removable battery is not supplying sufficient power. In response to the auxiliary power source being used, the operating system performs a set of actions that prioritize processes executed by the processor, manage power utilization by those processors, communicate information to the user about available power and, in some instances, gracefully degrade operation of the processes.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern a first device (e.g., phone, tablet) controlling what is displayed on both the first device and on a second device (e.g., television, computer). The first device may detect the second device and establish a communication link and a context (e.g. control relationship) between the first and second device. The first device may provide an output (e.g., browser, movie) to be displayed on the second device. The first device may also provide a cursor to be displayed on the second device. In response to an action (e.g., touch, gesture) on the first device, an application running on the first device may be controlled, which may in turn determine what is displayed on the second display. The action on the first device may be related to positioning or responding to the cursor in relation to the output displayed on the second device.

Abstract: A network usage manager in an operating system executing on a mobile device is configured to enable selection among different cellular data connections by application (“app”) or by app class so that end users can tailor cellular network allocation, app performance, and costs to meet their specific needs while mobile operators can improve network utilization and provide more comprehensive data plan offerings. The network usage manager applies app usage policies to select among different cellular data connections which may be supported on the mobile device using single or multiple SIM/UICC (Subscriber Identity Module/Universal Integrated Circuit Card) cards. The app usage policies can be set for a given app or class of app on the mobile device so that, for example, apps that implement background synchronization processes can use typically less expensive, lower bandwidth connections while typically more expensive, higher bandwidth connections are selected for data intensive apps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing a live panoramic view from real-time streaming digital image data may include, by a computing device in real-time and for each identified digital image of a plurality of received digital images, a location of the received digital image may be determined within a panoramic view. The panoramic view may be updated with the received digital image based on the determined location, and the updated panoramic view may be displayed. The plurality of digital images may include standard video frames and/or optimized video frames received with the real-time streaming digital image data. The optimized video frames may be captured with one or more associated imaging parameters optimized for use in the panoramic view.

Abstract: Example embodiments concern reducing the negative impacts of camera motion during video capture. Processing, transmitting, or displaying motion compromised video data yields inefficient use of bandwidth, battery power, memory, and other resources. Watching video acquired from a moving video camera may induce motion sickness. Unlike conventional systems that attempt to address motion by increasing frame capture rates to produce better individual frames, example embodiments identify frames that are compromised by motion data and do not provide or present them for viewing. Compromised frames may be logically or physically deleted from a video stream or memory. Motion may be detected by physical apparatus (e.g., accelerometer) or through image processing (e.g., motion artifacts, low correlation between frames, low signal-to-noise ratio). A display device may be controlled to operate in a video display mode or a still frame mode depending on motion detected in captured video frames.

Abstract: A system and process for harvesting context information from selected content is described. One may use a stylus to indicate what content is to be captured. The context information that may be associated with selected content may include URLs, file names, folder names, text from the content, and ink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for automatically installing and using media processing filters to extend the media functionality of system processes. A system service is requested by the add-in filter to be installed on the system. The filter management service processes the request and installs the filters to be invoked later by other system processes such as device drivers, applications and acquisition software. The system processes use the filter management service to enumerate filters available on the system and select one or more of the filters to extend their media functionality. The filters are objects that may be used by multiple processes at any given time. Also, the filter management service can validate trustworthiness of a filter prior to installing the filter on the system. Additionally, the filter management service can be used to provide selected filters to be invoked from a process separate from the process requesting the filter for use.

Abstract: A method of controlling power management is provided. In an embodiment, the user provides feedback that the inactivity period before a display blanks is too short. In response to the user feedback, a behavior tracking mode is entered and the inactivity period is adjusted to a period that is more suitable to the user's needs. In an embodiment, the adjustment may be done through incrementing a counter and changing the inactivity period based on the value of the counter.

Abstract: In response to a user instruction to initiate media playback, which instruction may come from a dedicated media playback hardware button or from a user interface on a display screen, a computer operating system activates a predesignated media playback user account. The account may be limited to access of media playback applications and files located within shared directories. The operating system also launches a media playback application in response to the user instruction to initiate media playback. Instead of activating an account in response to a media playback instruction, the operating system can execute a media player application within a login screen.

Abstract: A system and process for harvesting context information from selected content is described. One may use a stylus to indicate what content is to be captured. The context information that may be associated with selected content may include URLs, file names, folder names, text from the content, and ink.

Abstract: An electronic version of physical paper sticky notes is defined. The electronic sticky notes may be attached to or embedded in items such as files and folders. The icons representing the items may include indications as to whether an electronic sticky note is attached thereto. The electronic sticky notes may be seamlessly moved between various attachment states and between various locations on a computer screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for automatically installing and using media processing filters to extend the media functionality of system processes. A system service is requested by the add-in filter to be installed on the system. The filter management service processes the request and installs the filters to be invoked later by other system processes such as device drivers, applications and acquisition software. The system processes use the filter management service to enumerate filters available on the system and select one or more of the filters to extend their media functionality. The filters are objects that may be used by multiple processes at any given time. Also, the filter management service can validate trustworthiness of a filter prior to installing the filter on the system. Additionally, the filter management service can be used to provide selected filters to be invoked from a process separate from the process requesting the filter for use.