Abstract: A system architecture that predefines a unique schema around content or applications so that the actions of a user are understood outside a specific piece of content or application. Additionally, the application also reports to system applications what specific locations or actions are currently being undertaken by a user. With this data, the system application can build a system whereby it concurrently presents contextual information to users outside of the specific piece of content or application in a way that supports bringing users with similar contextual states together and allow other information services to be hosted and presented concurrently to the user outside the specific piece of content or application on the multimedia device.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: A service that provides for setting up game sessions for a plurality of game players. A number of game players that each have a computing device capable of playing a computer game are linked together by the service. The service allows a player to set up a common game session so that a subset of the players can simultaneously start playing the game at the same level. Additionally, the service allows game competitions to be structured and played among a subset of the game players.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: A service that provides for setting up game sessions for a plurality of game players. A number of game players that each have a computing device capable of playing a computer game are linked together by the service. The service allows a player to set up a common game session so that a subset of the players can simultaneously start playing the game at the same level. Additionally, the service allows game competitions to be structured and played among a subset of the game players.

Abstract: A service that provides for setting up game sessions for a plurality of game players. A number of game players that each have a computing device capable of playing a computer game are linked together by the service. The service allows a player to set up a common game session so that a subset of the players can simultaneously start playing the game at the same level. Additionally, the service allows game competitions to be structured and played among a subset of the game players.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: Groups are formed, in a computer-based (e.g., on-line) gaming environment, based on social relationships between players. Teams are formed from members of the group. Team formation is based on a game related interest. Each team is assigned an identity that is maintained within a single game and across multiple sessions of a game. The team can interact within the gaming environment much like an individual user can interact. Teams can play games with other in-group and out-of-group teams. Team members can play games with each other. Team statistics and achievements can be accumulated and aggregated. Team profiles provide information about the team, such as a list of the members of the team. Via team profiles, a member of a team can see information about other members of the team, such as other teams to which they belong. Team members can send and receive intra-team messages.

Abstract: Information is shared among users in a system by the use of a service. The service receives information from at least two different game applications that each have a configuration file (defined with a common schema) that defines information from the game application to share with a service. An intermediary program executing on a computer that is also executing one of said game applications receives information from the application as defined by said configuration files and stores at least a portion of the information received from the application. At least a portion of the information is sent to the service when the intermediary is in communication with the service over a network wherein the service provides information about a user of said at least two game applications based on information received by said service.

Abstract: Groups are formed, in a computer-based (e.g., on-line) gaming environment, based on social relationships between players. Teams are formed from members of the group. Team formation is based on a game related interest. Each team is assigned an identity that is maintained within a single game and across multiple sessions of a game. The team can interact within the gaming environment much like an individual user can interact. Teams can play games with other in-group and out-of-group teams. Team members can play games with each other. Team statistics and achievements can be accumulated and aggregated. Team profiles provide information about the team, such as a list of the members of the team. Via team profiles, a member of a team can see information about other members of the team, such as other teams to which they belong. Team members can send and receive intra-team messages.

Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of digital content in response to user requests. User requests to download digital content include parameters defining conditions for downloads. Parameters may define the device to which the requested content is to be downloaded and the time that the download is to take place. The requests and related parameters are maintained in a queue which may be centrally managed and maintained. The queue is monitored and downloads executed consistent with the user-specified parameters. Digital content is downloaded to devices other than from which the request was made and at times specified by the user.

Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of purchased digital content. Information regarding the digital content items that are purchased by each user and the terms of use of those purchased items is maintained. Information regarding the formats of digital content items that each device is adapted to receive is maintained. Upon determining that a user wishes to download a digital content item, the requested digital content is downloaded in an appropriate format for a particular digital device provided the recorded information indicates the content item has been purchased by the user and the download is within the quantity of downloads authorized by the terms of the purchase.

Abstract: Techniques to enable parental control for a media console are described. One such technique involves enabling user-specific security (or rights) settings. This technique includes first receiving a user identifier from a user interface of a media console. The technique includes next determining a first security profile for the media console based on the user identifier. In this technique, the first security profile defines a supervised operating configuration for the media console that is specific to the user identifier, and which is controlled by an authorized party, such as a parent. Finally, the technique includes enabling use of the first media console subject to the first security profile. In this technique, the first security profile thereby defines parental control choices regarding use of the first media console by the first user, e.g., a child.

Abstract: A matchmaking service that selects matches based on personal/social characteristics as well as skill and experience. The service takes into account direct feedback from other players about positive and negative experiences with a particular player and expectations about appropriate conduct and type of game being played before a player joins the game session.

Abstract: An avatar along with its accessories, emotes, and animations may be system provided and omnipresent. In this manner, the avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations may be available across multiple environments provided or exposed by multiple avatar computing applications, such as computer games, chats, forums, communities, or instant messaging services. An avatar system may change the avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations, e.g. pursuant to a request from the user, instructions from an avatar computing application, or updates provided by software associated with a computing device. The avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations may be changed by a system or computing application associated with a computing device outside of a computer game or computing environment in which the avatar may be rendered or used by the user.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable contextual gamer options menu provides options to online game players. The game options are determined as a function of the game being played and relationships between game players. Game options are updated, added, and/or deleted dynamically as relationships and context change.

Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of digital content in response to user requests. User requests to download digital content include parameters defining conditions for downloads. Parameters may define the device to which the requested content is to be downloaded and the time that the download is to take place. The requests and related parameters are maintained in a queue which may be centrally managed and maintained. The queue is monitored and downloads executed consistent with the user-specified parameters. Digital content is downloaded to devices other than from which the request was made and at times specified by the user.

Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of purchased digital content. Information regarding the digital content items that are purchased by each user and the terms of use of those purchased items is maintained. Information regarding the formats of digital content items that each device is adapted to receive is maintained. Upon determining that a user wishes to download a digital content item, the requested digital content is downloaded in an appropriate format for a particular digital device provided the recorded information indicates the content item has been purchased by the user and the download is within the quantity of downloads authorized by the terms of the purchase.