Abstract: Systems and methods for opening a file via a user device. One system includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive a request to open the file, determine a file type of the file, determine an application installed on the user device configured to open files of the file type, and determine a version of the application installed on the user device. The electronic processor is also configured to compare the version of the application installed on the user device to a predetermined version, and selectively open the file using a web-based adaptation of the application based on comparing the version of the application installed on the user device to the predetermined version.

Abstract: A desired state system monitors an activity of a first product operating on a machine. The desired state system determines a second product that is connected to the first product. The first product and the second product are both part of a family of products. The desired state system determines an activity of the second product installed on the machine, and a desired activity of the second product on the machine. The activity of the second product is compared with the desired activity of the second product. The desired state system generates a customized message based on the comparison at the machine.

Abstract: A desired state system monitors an activity of a first product operating on a machine. The desired state system determines a second product that is connected to the first product. The first product and the second product are both part of a family of products. The desired state system determines an activity of the second product installed on the machine, and a desired activity of the second product on the machine. The activity of the second product is compared with the desired activity of the second product. The desired state system generates a customized message based on the comparison at the machine.

Abstract: Functionality is described for allowing a first user to select a sound item. The first user can use a first device to send this sound item to a second device operated by a second user. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the sound item selected by the first user can be presented by the second device to the second user. The first device and the second device may correspond to two devices in an Instant Messaging (IM) system. According to another illustrative aspect, functionality is described that allows the first user to select the new sound item from a source sound item by adjusting the position and/or size (e.g., width) of a graphical selection unit that is presented over a graphical depiction of the source sound item.

Abstract: Content sharing and instant messaging are described. In an implementation, a first user interface is displayed at a first client that is configured to provide instant messaging with a second client having a second user interface. One or more content items are output in the first user interface to be controllable via both the first user interface and the second user interface.

Abstract: Functionality is described for allowing a first user to select a sound item. The first user can use a first device to send this sound item to a second device operated by a second user. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the sound item selected by the first user can be presented by the second device to the second user. The first device and the second device may correspond to two devices in an Instant Messaging (IM) system. According to another illustrative aspect, functionality is described that allows the first user to select the new sound item from a source sound item by adjusting the position and/or size (e.g., width) of a graphical selection unit that is presented over a graphical depiction of the source sound item.

Abstract: Functionality is described for allowing a first user to select a sound item. The first user can use a first device to send this sound item to a second device operated by a second user. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the sound item selected by the first user can be presented by the second device to the second user. The first device and the second device may correspond to two devices in an Instant Messaging (IM) system. According to another illustrative aspect, functionality is described that allows the first user to select the new sound item from a source sound item by adjusting the position and/or size (e.g., width) of a graphical selection unit that is presented over a graphical depiction of the source sound item.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host.

Abstract: Asynchronous voice messaging is employed to enable individuals to send voice clips back and forth over a network. In at least some embodiments, the voice clips reside in the form of discrete, manageable objects that can be easily managed by the user. In addition, some embodiments described provide hand-free/eyes-free functionality that can permit a user to create and send (or receive and play) a voice message without having to physically enter an intended recipient's address or otherwise digitally manipulate the device over which the message is sent or received.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host.

Abstract: Voice instant messaging between mobile and computing devices is described. In an embodiment, a messaging service receives a recorded voice clip from a mobile communication-enabled device via a wireless communication link. The messaging service then processes the recorded voice clip for communication via a data network to a computing-based device that renders an audio message from the recorded voice clip. A virtual connection protocol manages and sequences transmission control protocol (TCP) connection events to provide reliable wireless transfer of recorded voice clip(s) via wireless communication link. The mobile communication-enabled device logs a first instant messaging contact into the messaging service, and the computing-based device logs a second instant messaging contact into the messaging service to enable two-way voice instant messaging between the first instant messaging contact and the second instant messaging contact at the respective devices.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host.

Abstract: Content sharing and instant messaging are described. In an implementation, a first user interface is displayed at a first client that is configured to provide instant messaging with a second client having a second user interface. One or more content items are output in the first user interface to be controllable via both the first user interface and the second user interface.

Abstract: Communication functionality is described for conducting communication among a plurality of participants in peer-to-peer fashion. The communication functionality comprises peer-to-peer overlay functionality configured to establish a peer-to-peer overlay network that includes a plurality of participants. The peer-to-peer overlay functionality relies on endpoint provider functionality for physically exchanging information among the plurality of participants in the peer-to-peer overlay network. The endpoint provider functionality exchanges information using a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism accommodates multiple different transport protocols for exchanging information among the plurality of participants, allowing different pairs of participants to communicate with each other using different respective transport protocols.

Abstract: Functionality is described for allowing a first user to select a sound item. The first user can use a first device to send this sound item to a second device operated by a second user. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the sound item selected by the first user can be presented by the second device to the second user. The first device and the second device may correspond to two devices in an Instant Messaging (IM) system. According to another illustrative aspect, functionality is described that allows the first user to select the new sound item from a source sound item by adjusting the position and/or size (e.g., width) of a graphical selection unit that is presented over a graphical depiction of the source sound item.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting contacts to participate in a voice chat session over a communications network, such as the Internet, and for assigning contacts to a plurality of chat channels both automatically and manually. In a multiplayer game application, the method enables a player to host a chat session by providing a list of contacts from which the host can choose other player who will be invited to join the chat session and thereafter, to participate in the game. Upon joining the chat session, players are automatically assigned to chat channels, for example, based on an order in which they join the session. Optionally, chat channel assignments may be pre-assigned by the host, or reassigned by individual users after the initial automatic assignment. In addition, players can be selectively assigned to a “team” channel.

Abstract: Dynamic sizing of packets of data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a client and a server. The client receives packets of dynamic size, the client having a bandwidth. The server determines the dynamic size of the packets based on at least one factor. One such factor is the bandwidth of the client. The server sends the packets to the client.