Abstract: An architecture and techniques for outputting requested information from reference works (e.g., dictionaries, thesauruses, almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, gazetteers) in a context-sensitive manner. For instance, when a user reads an electronic book (eBook) and requests a definition for a word found within the eBook, the techniques may display a definition for the word that has been selected based on the context of the request. In one example, the techniques may display a definition that corresponds to an identified genre of the eBook in which the word appears. In another example, the techniques may display a definition that corresponds to known information about the user, such as a preference of the user or the like.

Abstract: A processing device receives a schedule from a server, the schedule identifying delivery times for a set of items associated with the user device. At each delivery time, the processing device contacts the server to obtain one or more items from the server in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A wireless device management environment may include various systems, methods and computer-readable media for managing communications based on a determination of communication events. The communication events correspond to the anticipated unavailability for a wireless device to exchange information via a wireless communication network. Wireless devices collect wireless device information and user event information that can include performance metrics, location information, user interaction information and/or additional information. A data processing component, on the wireless device and/or on a network-based communication management system, processes the wireless device information and user event information to determine communication events.

Abstract: An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. The device may correspond to a book reader device or other type of device. The item-providing system uses a content delivery module to deliver the items to the user device.

Abstract: A user device determines a current subscriber identity module (SIM) profile, identifies a modem profile that corresponds to the current SIM profile, and updates a non-volatile memory of a modem with the identified modem profile.

Abstract: A user device obtains a device profile corresponding to a primary wireless network at a current location of the user device, reprograms a modem of the user device using the device profile corresponding to the primary wireless network at the current location of the user device, and establishes a network connection using the device profile corresponding to the primary wireless network at the current location of the user device.

Abstract: A processing device receives a schedule from a server, the schedule identifying delivery times for a set of items associated with the user device. At each delivery time, the processing device contacts the server to obtain one or more items from the server in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A server creates a schedule for each of multiple user devices based on a set of items associated with a corresponding user device, and allows each user device to obtain associated items in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A client device may include various sensors that monitor an environment of the client device as well as operations performed by the client device. The client device may identify a digital item that a user has requested to download to the client device according to a predetermined schedule that includes multiple reoccurring periods. The client device may monitor access of the item (or versions thereof) by the user for each of the multiple reoccurring periods of the predetermined schedule. The client device may then determine that the user does not access the item during at least one instance of a particular period of the multiple reoccurring periods. Based at least in part on the determining, the client device may refrain from downloading the item to the client device during an instance of the particular period that is subsequent to the at least one instance of the particular period.

Abstract: An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. The device may correspond to a book reader device or other type of device. In one illustrative case, the item-providing system may send a notification message to the user device to notify the user device to wake up and perform one or more actions. The item-providing system may provide scheduling functionality for determining the timing at which to send the notification message.

Abstract: Electronic devices may locate and test wireless networks that are available, and may establish connections with no or minimal user intervention. The electronic device may periodically transmit a datagram to a connection server, providing updated information as to the network address of the electronic device as well as maintaining a pathway through intervening network devices. The connection server may then initiate a connection via this pathway with the information provided in the datagram.

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

Abstract: A client device may include various sensors that monitor an environment of the client device as well as operations performed by the client device. The sensors may sense data that, when analyzed and compared to past events and patterns, may be used to identify a current user of the client device. In some aspects, the data may be used to determine a context of operation of the client device, which may enable the client device to adapt in real-time or to predict future behavior of a user and then adjust control settings of the client device accordingly.

Abstract: An idle universal serial bus (“USB”) is placed into a low power mode. During low power mode, peripherals attached to the USB bus may also enter a low power mode. While in this low power mode, USB attached peripherals may retain some functionality. For example, a USB attached modem may remain connected, allowing rapid resumption of communications upon awakening.

Abstract: An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. In one representative implementation, a user device includes a mode switching wireless communication module. The mode switching wireless communication module is adapted to receive a first paging signal via a first communication protocol when in a first mode of operation and adapted to receive a second paging signal via a second communication protocol when in a second mode of operation. The user device also includes a to-do list processing module. In response to receiving one of the first or second paging signal, the to-do list processing module sends a request to a remote network device. The request requests that one or more instructions be sent from the remote network device.

Abstract: An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. The device may correspond to a book reader device or other type of device. The item-providing system uses a content delivery module to deliver the items to the user device.

Abstract: A technique in which content is supplied to an electronic reader device is described. A time at which to send content to the electronic reader device is stored in a content server based on user preferences, user electronic reader device interaction or network conditions. The content is transmitted to the electronic reader device at the time for later display. Additional content may be securely supplied to the electronic reader device for purchase. The additional content may be in a format such that when a user later enters a request to purchase the content, the content can be instantly displayed.

Abstract: A technique in which content is supplied to an electronic reader device is described. A time at which to send content to the electronic reader device is stored in a content server based on user preferences, user electronic reader device interaction or network conditions. The content is transmitted to the electronic reader device at the time for later display. Additional content may be securely supplied to the electronic reader device for purchase. The additional content may be in a format such that when a user later enters a request to purchase the content, the content can be instantly displayed.

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.