Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the signal to noise ratio for audio input in a computing system are provided. Signal to noise ratio improvements are enabled for an input audio signal by incorporating a plurality of microphones into the PC environment, for example, to improve the processing of voice or speech input or other audio capture applications. In various embodiments, a plurality of microphones are spaced apart, e.g., attached to or within a PC housing, in such a way that noise from PC components can be “subtracted” or reduced from an input audio signal, which increases the signal to noise ratio and improves audio processing accuracy. The “subtraction” or reduction techniques applied by the present invention are unique to the PC environment wherein different noises having particular characteristics can be identified, including, but not limited to, rattle of device components, fan noise and disk noise.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the spin rate of an optical device. A device driver provides notification that media has been inserted into the optical device. A control service determines the format of information on the media. The spin rate of the optical device is locked or unlocked based on the format.

Abstract: An auxiliary computing device normally used for remotely controlling a primary device may change its functionality and extend its usefulness based on a usage context. An auxiliary device may change its usage context by connecting differently to a primary device depending on any number of parameters including distance from the device, battery life, connection method, and proximity to other devices. The device may change its usage context by interfacing with a primary device service that communicates with various applications to feed the auxiliary device different information in different usage contexts. Further, the device may control different functions of the primary device based on the usage context.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a personal computer to preserve user and system state data in the event of an AC power failure when the computer is in a standby state. When the AC power failure occurs, a switchover circuit connects a rechargeable energy storage medium, such as a rechargeable battery, to the power supply of the computer for powering components of computer, and the computer is awaken. A critical battery alarm is then issued to trigger the operating system of the computer to perform a transition into a hibernation state, during which the state data of the computer are persistently stored. The energy storage medium is disconnected from the power supply after the computer system has entered hibernation.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a personal computer to preserve user and system state data in the event of an AC power failure when the computer is in a standby state. When the AC power failure occurs, a switchover circuit connects a rechargeable energy storage medium, such as a rechargeable battery, to the power supply of the computer for powering components of computer, and the computer is awaken. A critical battery alarm is then issued to trigger the operating system of the computer to perform a transition into a hibernation state, during which the state data of the computer are persistently stored. The energy storage medium is disconnected from the power supply after the computer system has entered hibernation.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a personal computer to preserve user and system state data in the event of an AC power failure when the computer is in a standby state. When the AC power failure occurs, a switchover circuit connects a rechargeable energy storage medium, such as a rechargeable battery, to the power supply of the computer for powering components of computer, and the computer is awaken. A critical battery alarm is then issued to trigger the operating system of the computer to perform a transition into a hibernation state, during which the state data of the computer are persistently stored. The energy storage medium is disconnected from the power supply after the computer system has entered hibernation.