Abstract: Described is a technology (e.g., in Windows® Presentation Foundation) by which user interface elements are reconfigured into a new configuration, with at least some of the elements transitioned from between configurations in an animated manner. To animate, elements have interim data computed therefor between the first configuration and the new configuration over a series of frames. As frames are rendered, the interim layout data provides an animation effect, which may be movement via interim coordinates, resizing via interim size data, and fading in or out via interim opacity data. The layout system may defer computationally expensive layout operations until the elements are in the second configuration. If an element's size is not at least a minimum, that element's visualization may be changed. If an element's content does not fit, a priority among pieces of the content may determine which piece or pieces will be shown.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a user interface directed to publication and discovery of the presence of users on a network. A sidebar tile is provided that peripherally and unobtrusively displays the presence information of nearby users on the network. The sidebar tile is also used to notify a local user that their information is also being published on the network. The sidebar tile provides options for selecting to change, enable, or disable the presence discovery service.

Abstract: A messaging system is provided whereby a message indicative of an invitation to collaboratively execute an application can be sent from one of the computing object to an intermediary system whereby the message is multicast to the other ones of the plurality of computing objects. The invitation message can be accepted by the other computing objects to cause the first object to launch the corresponding application. The other computing objects also launch versions of the application and exchange addressing information with the first application so that a multiparty application execution can be established.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for confirmation of the identity of a contact on the network. A notification that a nearby user is present on a network is signed with a private key associated with the nearby user. The private key is also associated with a public key. A local user that has the nearby user's public key can verify the signature on the notification and confirm that the nearby user is the source of the notification. The verification of identity of the nearby user allows rich content previously stored for the nearby user to be displayed along with the nearby user's presence information.

Abstract: Described is a technology (e.g., in Windows® Presentation Foundation) by which user interface elements are reconfigured into a new configuration, with at least some of the elements transitioned from between configurations in an animated manner. To animate, elements have interim data computed therefor between the first configuration and the new configuration over a series of frames. As frames are rendered, the interim layout data provides an animation effect, which may be movement via interim coordinates, resizing via interim size data, and fading in or out via interim opacity data. The layout system may defer computationally expensive layout operations until the elements are in the second configuration. If an element's size is not at least a minimum, that element's visualization may be changed. If an element's content does not fit, a priority among pieces of the content may determine which piece or pieces will be shown.