Abstract: A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display. At least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned, at least one of the base image reference point and the overlay image reference point having coordinates in three dimensions.

Abstract: An electronic mobile device includes a base supporting an input panel. A cover pivotally connects to the base and is pivotable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa relative to the base. In the closed position the cover covers the input panel, and in the open position the cover is disposed away from the base. A base magnet is supported within the base and has a first magnetic axis. A cover magnet is supported within the cover so as to move with the cover relative to the base. The cover magnet has a second magnetic axis that tends to align with the first magnetic axis to thereby bias the cover towards at least one of the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A keyboard can be comprised of a plurality of alphabetic keys that are disposed in an evenly-spaced grid pattern with respect to one another. In any event, these keys have keycaps configured to comport with touch typing as with a keyboard having a plurality of alphabetic keys that are disposed in an offset pattern (such as the classic QWERTY offset-pattern typewriter-styled keyboard). By one approach, these keycaps can have keycaps having bilaterally-nonsymmetrical tactile features that at least substantially match standard touch-typing finger positions. By one approach these tactile features can comprise an indentation. If desired, these keycaps can share a same form factor. In such a case, some of the keycaps for the alphabetic keys can be disposed on the keyboard at a 180 degree rotation as compared to others of the alphabetic character keycaps.

Abstract: A portable bridge device and methods for transmitting application data from the portable bridge device to one or more local devices of varying types, platforms and operating systems are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises establishing communication channels between the portable bridge device and first and second local devices, determining a platform or operating system of the local devices, and formatting, based on the determined platform or operating system, application data and transmitting the formatted application data to a portable bridge device interface module of the local devices via the communication channels. The portable bridge device may also establish a long-range communication channel to a remote computing device, and may operate as a gateway to a remote source of applications or resources. Operation of locally connected devices with the portable bridge device is not impacted by a temporary loss of connectivity between the portable bridge device and remote sources.

Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device includes a keyboard for electrically communicating with the portable electronic device. The cover includes a back cover body for coupling to a back side of the portable electronic device, and a front cover body coupled to the back cover body and foldable relative thereto. The back cover body is movable relative to the portable electronic device such that a first portion of the back cover body slides away from a back side of the portable electronic device. The front cover body is foldable to stack a keyboard portion, on which the keyboard is disposed, and a support portion of the front cover body. The first portion of the back cover body, the support portion, and the keyboard portion are stacked when the keyboard is exposed for use.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and linkage mechanism are provided to enable an opened position of the device which is less than the total length of the lid and base members. In the opened position, a portion of the lid member overlaps the base member. The linkage mechanism may actuate translational movement of the lid member as the device is moved between the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction candidate selection in an electronic device. Input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard. A word prediction process generates a set of word prediction candidates, determines a unique character in each word prediction candidate, and displays the word prediction candidates along with visual indicia to indicate the unique character. A second input is then received comprising a tap input of a single character on the keyboard. The electronic device determines whether the second input corresponds to a unique character associated with any of the word prediction candidates, and if so, displays the selected word in an input field on the display.

Abstract: A method for an electronic device having a display, including, displaying, on the display, a first virtual keyboard including a set of keys, wherein each key of the set of keys is associated with one or more characters, receiving an input reflecting selection of one or more keys of the set of keys, determining, based on the selection, one or more subsequent candidate input characters and one or more word predictions corresponding to the one or more subsequent candidate input characters, displaying, on the display, a second virtual keyboard including a second set of keys, wherein the second set of keys comprises one or more keys associated with the one or more word predictions positioned based, at least in part, on the one or more subsequent candidate input characters. An electronic device including a display, a memory, and a processor, the processor being configured to execute the method.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed whereby fingerprint data is attempted to be captured from a touch sensitive input device during normal operation of an electronic device. If fingerprint data matching a stored fingerprint data is not captured within a threshold time period, security action is taken.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first housing and a second housing. By one approach at least the second housing has at least one exterior edge configured as a pivot surface. The first housing includes at least a first magnet and the second housing includes at least a second magnet that is disposed proximal to the aforementioned pivot surface. So configured, the first and second magnet interact with one another and thereby serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing pivots with respect to the second housing about the pivot surface. By one approach, the first and second housing do not pivotally connect to one another via a mechanical connector.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a portable electronic device having a base portion having a keypad, and a sliding portion. The sliding portion is coupled to the base portion and slideable relative thereto between a closed position wherein the keypad is covered by the sliding portion, and an open position wherein the keypad is exposed. The keypad includes a plurality of keys, at least some of the plurality of keys having a ridge that extends upwardly from the top surface of the key. Each ridge extends between a lower edge of the key and an upper edge of the key and is curved therebetween. Each ridge is offset from a midline of each key.

Abstract: A keyboard portion is configured to move (with respect to a housing) between a deployed position and a non-deployed position. A cover pivotally couples to the housing and is configured to at least partially cover the keyboard portion when the keyboard portion is in the non-deployed position and to reveal the keyboard portion when the keyboard portion is in the deployed position. By one approach the cover is configured to move the keyboard portion between the deployed position and the non-deployed position as the cover pivots with respect to the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of directing calls on a mobile communication device comprises receiving a call signal at the mobile communication device from a short-range enabled communication device operably connected with the mobile communication device, accessing subscriber identity module data of the short-range enabled communication device, preparing an outgoing call signal using the accessed subscriber identity module data of the short-range enabled communication device, establishing a communication session between the short-range enabled communication device and a network, and transmitting the outgoing call signal to the network.

Abstract: A method of controlling a portable electronic device that has a touch-sensitive display includes displaying information on the touch-sensitive display, detecting a gesture on the touch-sensitive display, scrolling through the information in a first scrolling mode when the gesture is associated with a first area of the touch-sensitive display, and scrolling through the information in a second scrolling mode when the gesture is associated with a second area of the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a housing, a flexible display associated with the housing, and an input portion linked to the flexible display. The input portion is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The flexible display has a first viewing area when the input portion is in the first position and a second viewing area when the input portion is in the second position. The second viewing area is smaller than the first viewing area.

Abstract: Control rings are mounted on a stylus body. A controller within the stylus body generates a control signal dependent upon the control rings. The control signal is transmitted to a host electronic device where information contained in the control signal is used to control properties of a drawing tool in a computer drawing application.

Abstract: A keyboard moves between a stored position in a housing and a deployed position. The keyboard automatically has a first angular orientation with respect to the housing when in the stored position and a second, different angular orientation with respect to the housing when in the deployed position. The first angular orientation can comprise a substantially parallel orientation between the stored keyboard and the housing. The second angular orientation can be an angle from about five degrees to about forty-five degrees between the deployed keyboard and the housing's longitudinal axis. The apparatus can further include a tray. This tray slides in and out of the housing in order to move the keyboard between the stored position and the deployed position. One end of the keyboard can hingeably couple to the tray. The housing can include at least one slot to receive a keyboard post and guide movement of the tray.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of directing calls on a mobile communication device comprises receiving a call at the mobile communication device; determining that the received call is directed to subscriber identity information associated with a short-range enabled communication device; selecting on which of the mobile communication device and the short-range enabled device to answer the call; and directing the call to the selected device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the display of an mobile device by: capturing an image using a camera device of the mobile device, the camera device being directed in a same direction as a display of the mobile device, the image comprising one or more subjects (e.g. users or other humans seen in the image); determining a point of regard in the image for at least one of the one or more subjects, the point of regard being indicative of an area on the display at which a gaze of the corresponding subject is directed; determining, based on the point of regard, an instruction for controlling the display; and controlling the display according to the instruction, wherein controlling the display includes reducing visibility of at least one portion of what is displayed on the display.

Abstract: There is disclosed one or more methods, devices, systems and components therefor to remotely control a media system. A second electronic device may be configured, with remote control codes for at least one component of the media system, by a first electronic device connected to the media system. The first electronic device is connected to the media system via a media interface and is configured to determine the remote control codes from an identification of at least one component of the system. The media interface may be a high definition media interface (HDMI) to identify the connected components. The first and second electronic devices are configured to communicate the codes to configure the second electronic device. The automatic code communication may be responsive to a Bluetooth connection. The first electronic device and second electronic device may each comprise a tablet or a smartphone.