Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for selecting one or more mobile device applications using context data describing the current environment of a mobile device and application metadata describing environment conditions where applications are more likely to be relevant, in order to improve the experience of discovering, downloading, and installing mobile device applications. According to one embodiment, a method comprises associating metadata with mobile device applications automatically receiving context data representing a current geographical location from a mobile phone, searching the metadata to determine which applications are likely of interest based on the current geographical location, and transmitting notification data to the mobile phone indicating the determined applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for selecting one or more mobile device applications using context data describing the current environment of a mobile device and application metadata describing environment conditions where applications are more likely to be relevant, in order to improve the experience of discovering, downloading, and installing mobile device applications. According to one embodiment, a method comprises associating metadata with mobile device applications automatically receiving context data representing a current geographical location from a mobile phone, searching the metadata to determine which applications are likely of interest based on the current geographical location, and transmitting notification data to the mobile phone indicating the determined applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for selecting one or more mobile device applications using context data describing the current environment of a mobile device and application metadata describing environment conditions where applications are more likely to be relevant, in order to improve the experience of discovering, downloading, and installing mobile device applications. According to one embodiment, a method comprises associating metadata with mobile device applications automatically receiving context data representing a current geographical location from a mobile phone, searching the metadata to determine which applications are likely of interest based on the current geographical location, and transmitting notification data to the mobile phone indicating the determined applications.

Abstract: Localization techniques are described. In an implementation, data is parsed from a feed of data that is public and not localized. A template is formed from the data for each locale that is to be supported. The data that is localized for a particular locale is presented is based on a particular template for the particular locale.

Abstract: Embodiments present engagement opportunities outside an execution context of applications encouraging the engagement. A computing device accesses challenge offers each identifying a challenge for completion by a user within the execution context of an application. Without causing the application to be executed, the challenge offers are presented to the user. After receiving a request from the user to participate in one of the challenges, the computing device directs execution of the corresponding application to present the challenge. In some embodiments, challenge participation statistics from a plurality of users are aggregated and provided to potential challenge sponsors.

Abstract: Virtual location information is received at one or more devices as part of a virtual location check-in request for a user. The virtual location information identifies a virtual location of the user in a virtual environment. A notification of the virtual location of the user in the virtual environment is sent from the one or more devices to one or more additional users external to the virtual environment. One or more gameplay features can also be made available to the user based on the virtual location.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for selecting one or more mobile device applications using context data describing the current environment of a mobile device and application metadata describing environment conditions where applications are more likely to be relevant, in order to improve the experience of discovering, downloading, and installing mobile device applications. According to one embodiment, a method comprises associating metadata with mobile device applications automatically receiving context data representing a current geographical location from a mobile phone, searching the metadata to determine which applications are likely of interest based on the current geographical location, and transmitting notification data to the mobile phone indicating the determined applications.

Abstract: Assigning a mobile application to a promotional slot in a mobile application marketplace managed by an operator. One or more bids for the promotional slot in the mobile application marketplace are received. Each of the received bids is associated with one of a plurality of applications and includes a value representing a proposed revenue share with the operator. Revenue potential information corresponding to the applications associated with the bids is accessed. Expected revenue for the operator for the applications associated with the bids is calculated based on the received bids and the accessed revenue potential information. The calculated expected revenue differentiates the mobile applications. One of the applications is selected to be assigned to the promotional slot based at least on the calculated expected revenue for the operator.

Abstract: Permission access model techniques are described. In an implementation, an association between data that is publicly accessible and a member of a social network service is formed. The association is combined with a permission control that is operable to control access to the association independent of access to the data.

Abstract: Feed content presentation techniques are described. In an implementation, data from a plurality of feeds of data is aggregated. The data that is aggregated may include an attribute that describes the data and is associated with a member of a social network service. The data is filtered for presentation based on one or more of a user context associated with a member that is to consume the presentation when the data is requested or a particular attribute of the data selected by a member that is to consume the presentation.

Abstract: Localization techniques are described. In an implementation, data is parsed from a feed of data that is public and not localized. A template is formed from the data for each locale that is to be supported. The data that is localized for a particular locale is presented is based on a particular template for the particular locale.

Abstract: A method and a system provide an online application platform in which an entity may create applications to be shared among users of a user community. The online application platform may provide the users of the user community with information regarding applications and entities and may provide the users with an interface for providing feedback with respect to the applications and the entities. The online application platform may track usage of the applications and may store data with respect to the tracked usage. The data may be used to generate business intelligence, which may be used to improve the applications, market the applications, or for other useful purposes. The users of the user community may subscribe to an information update service to receive dynamically communicated application updates, or other information.