Abstract: Evaluation of a plurality of activities comprising a service includes, for each of the plurality of activities, identification of a network service path of the activity from the source to the user, wherein a network service path of a first activity of the plurality of activities is different from a network service path of at least one other of the plurality of activities, measurement of a service quality metric for each respective network segment of each identified network service path, and, for each of the plurality of activities, determination of a service quality metric based on the service quality metrics measured for each of the network segments of the network service path of the activity.

Abstract: Evaluation of a plurality of activities comprising a service includes, for each of the plurality of activities, identification of a network service path of the activity from the source to the user, wherein a network service path of a first activity of the plurality of activities is different from a network service path of at least one other of the plurality of activities, measurement of a service quality metric for each respective network segment of each identified network service path, and, for each of the plurality of activities, determination of a service quality metric based on the service quality metrics measured for each of the network segments of the network service path of the activity.

Abstract: Many services measure quality of service (QoS) according to abstract metrics based on general heuristics of QoS determinants (e.g., VoIP service providers may presume that QoS is predominantly determined by network performance). However, users' QoS perceptions are often based on their experiences with particular activities of the service, which may utilize different service paths having different QoS determinants. Therefore, QoS may be measured by identifying the activities of the service, and the dependencies among the components of such services; for respective activities and dependencies, identifying a service path from the source to the user, and the segments comprising the service path; measuring the quality of the segments of the service path; and calculating the QoS of the activity according to the QoS of the segments of the service path providing the activity. This approach may yield QoS information of greater relevance to the users' experience and with greater analytic value.

Abstract: The description relates to enhancing user experience with devices, such as host and peripheral devices. One example relates to devices that can automatically power down when packaged for shipping and power up when opened by the user. Another example allows automatic, secure pairing between sets of host and peripheral devices without any affirmative user actions.

Abstract: The description relates to enhancing user experience with devices, such as host and peripheral devices. One example relates to devices that can automatically power down when packaged for shipping and power up when opened by the user. Another example allows automatic, secure pairing between sets of host and peripheral devices without any affirmative user actions.

Abstract: Many services measure quality of service (QoS) according to abstract metrics based on general heuristics of QoS determinants (e.g., VoIP service providers may presume that QoS is predominantly determined by network performance). However, users' QoS perceptions are often based on their experiences with particular activities of the service, which may utilize different service paths having different QoS determinants. Therefore, QoS may be measured by identifying the activities of the service, and the dependencies among the components of such services; for respective activities and dependencies, identifying a service path from the source to the user, and the segments comprising the service path; measuring the quality of the segments of the service path; and calculating the QoS of the activity according to the QoS of the segments of the service path providing the activity. This approach may yield QoS information of greater relevance to the users' experience and with greater analytic value.