Abstract: A shared edge for a display environment is described. In one or more implementations, a display environment of a computing device that is implemented using a plurality of display devices is configured to include a shared edge defined through a described arrangement of at least two of the display devices in relation to each other. Responsive to an input that describes movement of a cursor across at least a portion of the shared edge, an element is displayed in the display environment.

Abstract: Application of content and associated functionality from multiple content sources to an electronic content item is provided. Content from a first document may be displayed over a second document via a user interface component. If desired, such content may be inserted into the second document, and application functionality associated with the inserted content may be retained after it is inserted into the second document. One or more navigation means may be provided for conveniently navigating inside a content item (e.g., a document) for adding new content or for reviewing or editing existing content. In addition, a number of content views and content mappings may be provided.

Abstract: Techniques of handling input from a pointing device within a computing system. The method includes, under control of one or more processors configured with executable instructions, receiving from the pointing device a first signal while the pointing device is pointing at an object related to an executable application. The origin of the first signal is determined and if the first signal originated based upon a single activation of a first user input on the pointing device, the object is selected. If the first signal originated based upon a single activation of a second user input on the pointing device, the object is executed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use with a pointer invocable navigational user interface are provided. The system may include a navigational module configured to provide a navigational user interface having a hidden invocation region positioned along a logical left edge of a display. Application program graphical user interfaces (GUIs) may be ordered in an application order. The navigational module may be configured to detect an invocation pointer input in the hidden invocation region. Upon detecting the invocation pointer input, the navigational module may be to configured display a visible GUI selector element of the navigational user interface including a preview of a most recently used application program GUI not currently in focus. While the preview is displayed, a focus switching input from the pointer device may be received. In response to the focus switching input, focus may be switched to the application program GUI for which the preview is displayed.

Abstract: An electronic personal assistant that uses task information to obtain task performance assistance and help content is provided. Tasks from an electronic tasks application may be utilized by the personal assistant application to search a variety of information sources for task performance functionality and help content related to the tasks. The personal assistant may provide functionality to help a user actually perform a given task. Alternatively, once help content is obtained, a new task may be generated or the related task may be modified to provide the help content or to provide a link to the help content. The personal assistant application may provide the help content in a separate user interface or cause an application from which the help content is obtained to be launched.

Abstract: Generation of a task or reminder in an electronic task list authoring surface from a variety of data or information locations or media without the need for launching a separate task or reminder application and without the need for moving focus away from an information location or media presently in use is provided. Generation of a task or task reminder may be accomplished from a variety of information locations or media. When an information item is flagged or captured and a task/reminder is generated, one or more pieces of metadata may be applied to the flagged information item for enhancing the subsequent use of the associated generated task or reminder.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism for generating task reminders based on contextual information associated with the tasks is provided. Contextual information may be extracted from a variety of sources and may be related to one or more tasks. Based on the contextual information, task reminders may be generated and may be presented in a manner that makes the task reminders more useful to an end user.

Abstract: A list authoring surface (LAS) is provided that includes a lightweight user interface component for entering, displaying, manipulating, and providing reminders for one or more tasks that takes the place of hand-written notes, scraps of paper, or “sticky” notes. The list authoring surface may be deployed across a multitude of software applications and may be readily accessed anywhere on a stationary or mobile desktop or display screen. Information may be manually or automatically entered into the list authoring surface user interface. An event timeline that uses a “fuzzy” reminder method allows for reminders to be associated with tasks where some tasks must be accomplished or must occur at hard dates/times, but where other tasks may be accomplished or may occur during soft or “fuzzy” date/time ranges.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable software functionality controls that are relevant to a selected object and that remain visibly available for use while the selected object is being edited. Upon selection of a particular object for editing, functionality available for editing the object is presented in a ribbon-shaped user interface above the software application workspace to allow the user ready and efficient access to functionality needed for editing the selected object. The display of relevant functionality controls is persisted until the user dismisses the display, selects another top-level functionality control or selects another object for editing.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable software functionality controls and for presenting logical groupings of particular functionality controls associated with a selected top-level functionality. Underneath a row of top-level functionality tabs, functionalities controls associated with a given top-level functionality tab are presented in logical groupings. Selection of a particular tab switches modes of the user interface to present controls for functionalities associated with the selected tab.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling an edge gesture. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable selection of a user interface not currently exposed on a display through an edge gesture that is easy-to-use and remember.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for managing an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environment. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable a user to alter sizes and/or a layout of multiple immersive interfaces with as little as one selection.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a multi-application environment. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable multi-application environments having combinations of immersive interfaces, windows-based interfaces, and a desktop treated as an immersive interface.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a multi-application environment. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable multi-application environments having combinations of immersive interfaces, windows-based interfaces, and a desktop treated as an immersive interface.

Abstract: Desktop as an immersive application techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an immersive environment module is configured to provide an immersive shell through which a user may interact with applications of a computing device. The immersive environment module is further configured to provide a desktop shell within the immersive shell to support additional techniques for interaction with the application of the computing device. The desktop shell, for instance, may be configured for accessibility similar to that provided to applications in the immersive shell.

Abstract: Desktop as an immersive application techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an immersive environment module is configured to provide an immersive shell through which a user may interact with applications of a computing device. The immersive environment module is further configured to provide a desktop shell within the immersive shell to support additional techniques for interaction with the application of the computing device. The desktop shell, for instance, may be configured for accessibility similar to that provided to applications in the immersive shell.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling an edge gesture. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable selection of a user interface not currently exposed on a display through an edge gesture that is easy-to-use and remember.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for managing an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environment. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable a user to alter sizes and/or a layout of multiple immersive interfaces with as little as one selection.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for switching back to a previously-interacted-with application. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable selection of a user interface not currently exposed on a display through a simple gesture that is both easy-to-use and remember.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling an edge gesture. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable selection of a user interface not currently exposed on a display through an edge gesture that is easy-to-use and remember.