Abstract: The systems and techniques described herein generate a skill rating of a participant with respect to a new title. The system is configured to generate a generic skill rating algorithm based on an aggregate of parameters and parameter weights that already exist in established skill rating algorithms of other titles of a particular game category. Once the generic skill rating algorithm is generated, the system is configured to aggregate, organize, and plug participant performance data into the generic skill rating algorithm so that a representative skill rating for the participant can be calculated. The representative skill rating is provided to the new title thereby enabling the new title to effectively match participants in a multiplayer session of the new title such that a fair and a competitive gaming experience is realized.

Abstract: The systems and techniques described herein generate a skill rating of a participant with respect to a new title. The system is configured to generate a generic skill rating algorithm based on an aggregate of parameters and parameter weights that already exist in established skill rating algorithms of other titles of a particular game category. Once the generic skill rating algorithm is generated, the system is configured to aggregate, organize, and plug participant performance data into the generic skill rating algorithm so that a representative skill rating for the participant can be calculated. The representative skill rating is provided to the new title thereby enabling the new title to effectively match participants in a multiplayer session of the new title such that a fair and a competitive gaming experience is realized.

Abstract: Devices including gaming consoles, personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and the like may be configured with a client for capturing signals which are representative of user interactions with applications such as games. The captured signals are sent to a cloud-based service for archival storage. The service can subsequently replay the archived captured signals and compare them against known rules to determine if an achievement obtained by a user during interaction with the application was legitimately obtained in compliance with the rules or obtained improperly, for example by cheating or exploiting a bug in the application to falsely trigger the achievement. If the achievement is invalid, then the service can retroactively revoke the achievement. Alternatively, the service can replay the captured signals and detect instances in which an achievement was validly achieved but not properly acknowledged. The achievement can then be awarded or unlocked for the user retroactively.

Abstract: Devices including gaming consoles, personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and the like may be configured with a client for capturing signals which are representative of user interactions with applications such as games. The captured signals are sent to a cloud-based service for archival storage. The service can subsequently replay the archived captured signals and compare them against known rules to determine if an achievement obtained by a user during interaction with the application was legitimately obtained in compliance with the rules or obtained improperly, for example by cheating or exploiting a bug in the application to falsely trigger the achievement. If the achievement is invalid, then the service can retroactively revoke the achievement. Alternatively, the service can replay the captured signals and detect instances in which an achievement was validly achieved but not properly acknowledged. The achievement can then be awarded or unlocked for the user retroactively.

Abstract: A cloud-based service provides incentives for users of devices such as game consoles, personal computers, smartphones, and the like to explicitly acknowledge product placements within media content by offering rewards to the users that may be obtained by performing certain user actions as the media content is being consumed and rendered on the device. The user actions may comprise clicking a button or performing a gesture to an input device, for example, at particular times in the media content presentation in which a branded product is shown, mentioned, or used. A client component on the device captures the user actions as signals which are sent to the service which compares the signals against known reward criteria. If reward criteria are met by the user actions, the service can provide either digital or physical rewards to the user.

Abstract: A snipper tool device is disclosed for snipping J-channel. The device includes a first member having a first and a second end and a second member having a first and a second extremity. The first and second members are pivotally secured to each other about a first axis which is disposed between the ends of the first member and between the extremities of the second member. The first end of the first member defines a shearing edge and the first extremity of the second member defines a cutting edge, the shearing and cutting edges cooperating together for snipping the J-channel. Also, the second end of the first member defines a hand grip and the second extremity of the second member defines a finger grip, the hand grip and the finger grip being arranged such that when the hand grip and the finger grip move towards each other, the shearing edge and the cutting edge move towards each other for snipping the J-channel.

Abstract: A punch pliers device is disclosed for cutting J-channel used for fastening siding around an opening defined by a building. The device includes a first U-shaped member having a first and a second arm. A second U-shaped member has a first and a second limb, the second member being pivotally secured to the first member such that in a first disposition of the members relative to each other, the arms and the limbs define therebetween an opening for the reception therein of the J-channel. When the members are pivoted relative to each other to a second disposition thereof, at least some of the arms and the limbs cut through the J-channel such that subsequent bending of the J-channel to fit around the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed for fastening siding around an opening defined by a building. The device includes a first and a second J-channel element which co-operate together in an abutting connected angular relationship relative to each other adjacent to the opening. The first element has an exposed portion which defines a miter cut disposed adjacent to the second element. The second element has an exposed face, the arrangement being such that in the vicinity of the miter cut, the exposed portion overlies and conceals the exposed face when the elements are disposed in the aforementioned abutting relationship so that when the siding is installed, the exposed portion and the face of the elements appear to be mitered relative to each other.