Abstract: A card stack navigation interface provides an aesthetic arrangement of items that are available for selection by a user. When a user selects a stack, such as a column of items in a grid, the items in the selected column may be represented by a more complete and/or larger representation. For example, the items may be shown as images on a grid, but when selected (revealed) by the user via a column, the items in the column may include additional information such as a title, a description, a larger image, and so forth. In addition, a navigation bar may be visually associated with the grid to show a location of content of the grid with respect to all of the content, to enable a user to move to a new location in the content, or for other reasons.

Abstract: A user's progress through a digital work may be presented using a progress gauge. One or more content dividers may be presented dividing the progress gauge into segments. Each segment of the progress gauge may correspond to a section of the digital work, and may visually represent an amount of content in the corresponding section of the digital work, relative to other sections of the digital work. A collection of digital works available for access by a computing device may be displayed. A progress gauge may be presented in association with one or more of the digital works in the collection of available digital works.

Abstract: A handheld dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device and last screen rendering techniques for enhancing user experience are described. The eBook reader device detects certain screen conversion events, such as a timeout period, a scheduled event, or an event derived from user behavior. Upon detection of such events, the eBook reader device renders, as the last screen image to remain visible after the user ceases using the device, an image that conveys to the user some meaningful association with a content item. In the context of eBooks, the eBook reader device renders a representation of the book cover as the last screen image. A progress indicator may further be included to represent user progress through the content item.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of an electronic book reader device is described. The user interface facilitates chapter navigation among the various chapters in digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to use input via the touch-screen display. Multiple techniques for navigating chapters include actuating a chapter navigation control, selecting a portion of a progress indicator depicted on the touch-screen display, and detecting patterns of multi-directional strokes made on the touch-screen display.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of an electronic book reader device is described. The user interface has a bookmark feature designed to facilitate navigation through bookmarked locations in digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to use input via the touch-screen display. Further, the user interface provides a split progress indicator with separate portions presented in different areas of the display. The portions of the indicator are configured to represent proportions of content that comes before and after the current location being displayed.

Abstract: A dedicated electronic book reader device and accompanying accessory are described. When the accessory is used with the electronic book reader device, the accessory unlocks content that would otherwise be unavailable to the device. The accessory may be configured to provide a password that unlocks content stored on the electronic book reader device, stored on the accessory, or stored remotely. In one implementation, the accessory is a cover which also physically protects the electronic book reader.

Abstract: A method for providing text to speech from digital content in an electronic device is described. Digital content including a plurality of words and a pronunciation database is received. Pronunciation instructions are determined for the word using the digital content. Audio or speech is played for the word using the pronunciation instructions. As a result, the method provides text to speech on the electronic device based on the digital content.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display.

Abstract: An electronic book reader device leverages a secondary device via an ad hoc network connection to enhance user experience as the user is consuming content on the electronic book reader device. In particular, the secondary device may be equipped with a touch screen and notepad functionality, which may be leveraged to receive user input with respect to content being presented on the electronic book reader device. The user input may take any number of forms, including freeform entry of information (e.g., read notes), control commands, highlights, and so forth.

Abstract: A handheld dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device and last screen rendering techniques for enhancing user experience are described. The eBook reader device detects certain screen conversion events, such as a timeout period, a scheduled event, or an event derived from user behavior. Upon detection of such events, the eBook reader device renders, as the last screen image to remain visible after the user ceases using the device, an image that conveys to the user some meaningful association with a content item. In the context of eBooks, the eBook reader device renders a representation of the book cover as the last screen image. A progress indicator may further be included to represent user progress through the content item.

Abstract: A user's progress through a digital work may be presented using a progress bar. The progress bar may display a visualization of consumed text of the digital work with respect to unconsumed text of the digital work. An expanded portion of the progress bar may also be displayed. A reading rate associated with the user's consumption of the digital work and a consumption time of the digital work may be presented.

Abstract: A handheld dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device and last screen rendering techniques for enhancing user experience are described. The eBook reader device detects certain screen conversion events, such as a timeout period, a scheduled event, or an event derived from user behavior. Upon detection of such events, the eBook reader device renders, as the last screen image to remain visible after the user ceases using the device, an image that conveys to the user some meaningful association with a content item. In the context of eBooks, the eBook reader device renders a representation of the book cover as the last screen image. A progress indicator may further be included to represent user progress through the content item.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for specifying textual input for a computing device using a multi-directional input device. Each character of a textual group is associated with a different angle. Each character of the textual group is displayed on a display screen at the associated angle. A swipe angle of a directional swipe received at a multi-directional pointing device is determined. The associated angle closest to the swipe angle is identified. The character of the textual group corresponding to the identified angle on the display screen is highlighted.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display.

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display.

Abstract: A electronic device that includes an optical assembly containing a projector, an imager, or both is described. The optical assembly may be disposed in an accessory such as a cover for the electronic device, or the electronic device itself. The optical assembly may be attached by a flexible connector or articulated arm that, when extended, positions the optical assembly generally above a plane of an electronic display of the device. The optical assembly may project images onto the electronic display, portions of the cover, or other surfaces. An imager in the optical assembly detects user gestures or other visual inputs to initiate commands on the electronic device.

Abstract: Haptic feedback may be provided to a user of an electronic device, such as an electronic book reader device, to confirm receipt of user input or otherwise convey information to the user. The haptic feedback may be provided more quickly than a display update time of a display of the electronic device. Different patterns, durations, and/or intensities of haptic feedback may be used in response to different events.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the creation and use of collections on an electronic device may include receiving user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The method may also include creating the collections of items. The method may also include storing the collections of items on the electronic device. The method may also include backing up the collections to a backup server.