Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches to facilitating virtual reality and cross-device experiences. In some implementations, an environmental snapshot is captured which includes an image of a virtual reality (VR) environment presented on a VR device and corresponding depth information of the VR environment. The image of the environmental snapshot is presented on a different device than the VR device. A user modification to content associated with the presented image is translated into the environmental snapshot based on the depth information. The environmental snapshot comprising the user modification is translated into the VR environment. The VR environment comprising the translated user modification is presented. The environmental snapshot may correspond to a personal space of a user and may be accessed by another user through a social networking interface or other user networking interface to cause the presentation of the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches to facilitating virtual reality and cross-device experiences. In some implementations, an environmental snapshot is captured which includes an image of a virtual reality (VR) environment presented on a VR device and corresponding depth information of the VR environment. The image of the environmental snapshot is presented on a different device than the VR device. A user modification to content associated with the presented image is translated into the environmental snapshot based on the depth information. The environmental snapshot comprising the user modification is translated into the VR environment. The VR environment comprising the translated user modification is presented. The environmental snapshot may correspond to a personal space of a user and may be accessed by another user through a social networking interface or other user networking interface to cause the presentation of the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches to facilitating virtual reality and cross-device experiences. In some implementations, an environmental snapshot is captured which includes an image of a virtual reality (VR) environment presented on a VR device and corresponding depth information of the VR environment. The image of the environmental snapshot is presented on a different device than the VR device. A user modification to content associated with the presented image is translated into the environmental snapshot based on the depth information. The environmental snapshot comprising the user modification is translated into the VR environment. The VR environment comprising the translated user modification is presented. The environmental snapshot may correspond to a personal space of a user and may be accessed by another user through a social networking interface or other user networking interface to cause the presentation of the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches to facilitating virtual reality and cross-device experiences. In some implementations, an environmental snapshot is captured which includes an image of a virtual reality (VR) environment presented on a VR device and corresponding depth information of the VR environment. The image of the environmental snapshot is presented on a different device than the VR device. A user modification to content associated with the presented image is translated into the environmental snapshot based on the depth information. The environmental snapshot comprising the user modification is translated into the VR environment. The VR environment comprising the translated user modification is presented. The environmental snapshot may correspond to a personal space of a user and may be accessed by another user through a social networking interface or other user networking interface to cause the presentation of the image.

Abstract: A user input for a near-eye, see-through display device is disclosed. Hands-free user input in an augmented reality environment is provided for. A user can provide input by moving the orientation of their head. For example, the user could rotate their head. In one aspect, a user can provide input by moving their eye gaze along a direction. In one aspect, when the user directs their attention at a user interface symbol, a handle extends away from the user interface symbol. The handle may serve as a type of selection device such that if the user directs their attention along the handle, away from the user interface symbol, a selection can be made. “As one example, the selection causes a spoke menu to appear which the user can select by rotating their head such that the system determines the user is looking along the spoke away from a central hub.

Abstract: A user input for a near-eye, see-through display device is disclosed. Hands-free user input in an augmented reality environment is provided for. A user can provide input by moving the orientation of their head. For example, the user could rotate their head. In one aspect, a user can provide input by moving their eye gaze along a direction. In one aspect, when the user directs their attention at a user interface symbol, a handle extends away from the user interface symbol. The handle may serve as a type of selection device such that if the user directs their attention along the handle, away from the user interface symbol, a selection can be made. “As one example, the selection causes a spoke menu to appear which the user can select by rotating their head such that the system determines the user is looking along the spoke away from a central hub.

Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.

Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.

Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling mobile shared group interaction are described. Members of a group may access, through a user interface, group activities that provide a shared, synchronous, interactive experience. An interface may be provided via a mobile device such as a cellular telephone that enables members who are mobile to participate in group activities with other members who are also mobile or who are logged on via a non-mobile device such as a desktop computer system.

Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: Bubble messaging may include creating a bubble message and seamlessly sending the bubble message to one or more recipients. The bubble message may include message text and a bubble message shape specification. As a result of the bubble message being sent, a notification of the bubble message may be received. The notification of the bubble message may be displayed and, in response to recipient interaction with the displayed notification, a bubble message open animation may be displayed that provides a transition to a shape specified by the bubble message shape specification. The bubble message may be displayed with the shape specified by the bubble message shape specification. A bubble message editor may be configured to enable the creation and seamless sending of the bubble message. A bubble message viewer may be configured to enable the display of bubble messages. The bubble message may be unmodifiable after creation.

Abstract: A novel technique enables participants of an online group interaction to capture and encapsulate an ongoing activity at a particular moment in time. During the online group interaction, a user activates an icon, and is enabled to select properties of the saved memory, such as icon color/image for the saved material, what parts of the shared experience to save, etc. For example, the user may want to save all or some of the conversation, music played, scores for a game played, and the pictures viewed during the session, as well as any other portion desired. The saved material may represent a snapshot of the activity at save time, or may comprise a sequence of events up to the point that the material was saved. While saving the selected material, the application displays an animation such as an origami-type animation of a box folding up from a flat sheet.

Abstract: A novel virtual calling card system and method aid in the formation of online relationships, serving as an introduction tool and as a contact mechanism. The calling card is an exchangeable entity that is automatically updated, ensuring that the recipient or viewer sees the most current version of the card. The card may display an aspect ratio that is the same as that of a traditional business card, and has front side and a reverse side. Furthermore, the card provides a number of avenues for the card owner to express themselves, including an array of affiliation symbols, a most recent mood symbol, and a text field. The reverse side of the card can display a representation of the owner's social network, so that recipients of the card may identify common friends and associates. Thus, the server-based card exchange appears to users as an exchange in the physical world.

Abstract: A novel virtual calling card system and method aid in the formation of online relationships, serving as an introduction tool and as a contact mechanism. The calling card is an exchangeable entity that is automatically updated, ensuring that the recipient or viewer sees the most current version of the card. The card may display an aspect ratio that is the same as that of a traditional business card, and has a front side and a reverse side. Furthermore, the card provides a number of avenues for the card owner to express themselves, including an array of affiliation symbols, a most recent mood symbol, and a text field. The reverse side of the card can display a representation of the owner's social network, so that the recipients of the card may identify common friends and associates. Thus, the sewer-based card exchange appears to users as an exchange in the physical world.

Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: A novel virtual calling card system and method aid in the formation of online relationships, serving as an introduction tool and as a contact mechanism. The calling card is an exchangeable entity that is automatically updated, ensuring that the recipient or viewer sees the most current version of the card. The card may display an aspect ratio that is the same as that of a traditional business card, and has a front side and a reverse side. Furthermore, the card provides a number of avenues for the card owner to express themselves, including an array of affiliation symbols, a most recent mood symbol, and a text field. The reverse side of the card can display a representation of the owner's social network, so that the recipients of the card may identify common friends and associates. Thus, the server-based card exchange appears to users as an exchange in the physical world.