Abstract: A system for generating proximal menus described herein can include a processor to detect a location of a touch gesture on a display device coupled to the system. The processor can also determine a proximal menu is to be displayed at the location of the touch gesture and populate the proximal menu with at least one feature corresponding to a ring of an operating system. Furthermore, the processor can display the proximal menu with the at least one feature within an executed application.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a computing device for adaptive calibration for dynamic rotation. In an example, a computing device may include an orientation sensor to generate orientation information corresponding to an orientation of the computing device. The computing device monitor a rotation of the computing device based on the orientation information and determine a resting rotational angle of the computing device does not match a desired endpoint orientation angle. The computing device may set the endpoint orientation angle equal to the resting rotational angle and map a set of image orientation angles of an image according to the endpoint orientation angle and a second endpoint orientation angle. The computing device may determine the computing device is rotating based on the orientation information and cause dynamic display of the image based on the set of image orientation angles in response to a rotation of the computing device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a computing device for adaptive calibration for dynamic rotation. In an example, a computing device may include an orientation sensor to generate orientation information corresponding to an orientation of the computing device. The computing device monitor a rotation of the computing device based on the orientation information and determine a resting rotational angle of the computing device does not match a desired endpoint orientation angle. The computing device may set the endpoint orientation angle equal to the resting rotational angle and map a set of image orientation angles of an image according to the endpoint orientation angle and a second endpoint orientation angle. The computing device may determine the computing device is rotating based on the orientation information and cause dynamic display of the image based on the set of image orientation angles in response to a rotation of the computing device.

Abstract: A system for generating proximal menus described herein can include a processor to detect a location of a touch gesture on a display device coupled to the system. The processor can also determine a proximal menu is to be displayed at the location of the touch gesture and populate the proximal menu with at least one feature corresponding to a ring of an operating system. Furthermore, the processor can display the proximal menu with the at least one feature within an executed application.

Abstract: Methods, systems and architectures for enhancing a user's DVD experience are described. In one embodiment, the physical structure (e.g. titles and chapters) of a DVD is ascertained and a playlist structure shell that represents the DVD's physical structure is built. Metadata associated with the DVD is acquired and used to populate the playlist structure shell. In some embodiments, the metadata can be acquired from a metadata source external to the DVD and/or remote from a computing device on which the DVD is being played. Remote locations can include, without limitation, those that are network- or Internet-accessible. Once the playlist structure shell is populated, it can be used to render a playlist associated with the DVD's video in an area of a user interface display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for presenting secondary media objects are provided. A primary media presenting module presents primary media. Upon detecting an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object, the primary media object may be delayed and the secondary media object may be initiated. In embodiments, an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object may comprise a selector hovered over a song title associated with the secondary media object. At a later instance, the primary media object may resume such that it resumes at the point at which the primary media object was delayed. In embodiments, a user may initiate the resuming of the primary media object by removing the selector from the song title.

Abstract: A graphical user interface allows users to access multiple third party services (e.g., online media services) and enables the services to provide functionality within the GUI adjacent to core functionality of a host application (e.g., a media player application, operating system shell, etc.). The GUI provides an interface region for third party service functionality that is distinct from, but equal in exposure and prominence to, the core functionality provided by the application hosting the GUI. The GUI enables seamless switching between a list of available services provided in a service menu. Switching between services replaces service function buttons and service branding according to particular service customizations.

Abstract: A method for generating a subgroup of one or more media items from a library of media items. The method monitors user playback control actions during a playback experience with the library on a media player. The method chooses a selecting filter based upon the monitored user playback control action and generates a subgroup of media items selected from the library of media items by applying the selecting filter to the library of media items. The method may further order the subgroup of media items. A system also generates a subgroup of one or more media items from a library of media items. The system comprises a processor for monitoring a user playback control action during a playback experience with the library, a selecting filter adapted to generate a subgroup of media items from the library of media items, and a user interface adapted for presenting the user with the subgroup of media items for playing on a media player.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that support variable play speed control for media streams. The variable play speed control for media streams discussed herein provides an end-to-end solution for media stream delivery, playback, and user interface that enables end users and software developers to dynamically control the playback speed of media streams without losing the ability to comprehend the media content.

Abstract: A method for generating a list of media items selected from a library of media items in response to only a single action being performed. The method displays information identifying a portion of the library of media items and selects a group of media items from the portion of the library in response to only a single action. By utilizing only a portion of the media items in the library, the generated list of media items is desirable to a user by excluding less desirable media items.

Abstract: A method for establishing a filtering engine for generating an ordered list of one or more media items selected from a library of media items. A user can select multiple filters and assign a weight to the filters according to the importance of each filter. In response, the playlist engine will generate a playlist of media items according to the weighted filters. A user interface includes elements for selecting and weighting filters for generating such a playlist.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for presenting secondary media objects are provided. A primary media presenting module presents primary media. Upon detecting an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object, the primary media object may be delayed and the secondary media object may be initiated. In embodiments, an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object may comprise a selector hovered over a song title associated with the secondary media object. At a later instance, the primary media object may resume such that it resumes at the point at which the primary media object was delayed. In embodiments, a user may initiate the resuming of the primary media object by removing the selector from the song title.

Abstract: Methods, systems and architectures for enhancing a user's DVD experience are described. In one embodiment, the physical structure (e.g. titles and chapters) of a DVD is ascertained and a playlist structure shell that represents the DVD's physical structure is built. Metadata associated with the DVD is acquired and used to populate the playlist structure shell. In some embodiments, the metadata can be acquired from a metadata source external to the DVD and/or remote from a computing device on which the DVD is being played. Remote locations can include, without limitation, those that are network- or Internet-accessible. Once the playlist structure shell is populated, it can be used to render a playlist associated with the DVD's video in an area of a user interface display.

Abstract: A system and method for suggesting a list of media items to a user. The method comprises presenting a user with a selection element for gathering a seed for generating a list of media items related to the seed. The method further receives a seed selection from the user and identifies one or more characteristics of the seed. The method further generates a suggested list of media items with characteristics corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the seed. The method additionally presents the user with the suggested list of media items and a choice of selecting media items or groups of media items in the suggested list. A system for executing the method comprises a user interface, a processor, and a data source for generating the suggested list by evaluating characteristics of the media items to similar find media items.

Abstract: Compositing functionality is provided in the form of an application program interface (API) that applications can utilize to composite images on video data that is to be rendered. In at least some embodiments, this functionality is exposed in a multimedia pipeline towards the end of the multimedia pipeline, such as at or by a renderer component. A set of methods exposed by the API permit an application to create and manage image compositing.

Abstract: Methods, systems and architectures for enhancing a user's DVD experience are described. In one embodiment, the hierarchical structure (e.g. titles and chapters) of a DVD is ascertained and a corresponding playlist structure shell is built. Metadata associated with the DVD is acquired and used to populate the playlist structure shell. In some embodiments, the metadata can be acquired from a metadata source external to the DVD and/or remote from a computing device on which the DYD is being played. Remote locations can include, without limitation, those that are network- or Internet-accessible. Once the playlist structure shell is populated, it can be used to render a playlist associated with the DVD's video in an area of a user interface display.

Abstract: Methods and system for enhancing user experience when rendering digital media content. Defining a visible region of the window in which a media player user interface (UI) is presented to clip undesirable portions of the window provides an improved media player UI. Further aspects are directed to enhancing user experience when rendering digital media content in full screen presentation mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that support variable play speed control for media streams. The variable play speed control for media streams discussed herein provides an end-to-end solution for media stream delivery, playback, and user interface that enables end users and software developers to dynamically control the playback speed of media streams without losing the ability to comprehend the media content.

Abstract: Methods and system for enhancing user experience when rendering digital media content. Defining a visible region of the window in which a media player user interface (UI) is presented to clip undesirable portions of the window provides an improved media player UI. Further aspects are directed to enhancing user experience when rendering digital media content in full screen presentation mode.