Abstract: Apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and methods are disclosed for allowing wireless communication device users to retrieve and view photographs, videos, and other media content using mobile computing platforms for display using a slideshow application. According to one disclosed embodiment, a method of performing a client-side slideshow application on a wireless communication device comprises, based on detecting that that wireless communication device is connected to a charging device, automatically invoking a slideshow application operable to display a series of images using the wireless communication device. The method further comprises transmitting a request for images via the Internet and receiving a series of images selected based at least in part on the request, adding at least one image from the series of images to an image playlist, and displaying at least a portion of the image playlist sequentially using the slideshow application on the wireless communication device.

Abstract: Embodiments extend functionality of a first application with actions from one or more second applications specifically applicable to a content item selected by a user. The selected content item belongs to a category. A description of the selected content item distinguishes the selected content item from other content items in the same category. At least one of a plurality of second applications is selected based on a comparison between the description and application data associated with the second applications. The computing device identifies, to the user, the actions from the second applications applicable to the selected content item. Upon selection of an action, the computing device executes the corresponding second application and provides output data within the context of the first application, or otherwise integrated with the first application experience.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards a technology in which a mobile device such as a phone automatically changes its lock wallpaper content (e.g., an image or video) that appears when the device is in its lock state. An API or the like allows information to be received from an application or service according to which the content is changed, including obtaining the content as needed. The lock wallpaper content may change in response to an automatic change event, and may correspond to a current device context. For example, lock wallpaper content may be displayed based upon a currently playing podcast, audio track, or currently running application program or service. The lock wallpaper may change among content obtained from a social networking site, or from a favorites store. The device may allow gesturing to change the content.

Abstract: Embodiments extend functionality of a first application with actions from one or more second applications specifically applicable to a content item selected by a user. The selected content item belongs to a category. A description of the selected content item distinguishes the selected content item from other content items in the same category. At least one of a plurality of second applications is selected based on a comparison between the description and application data associated with the second applications. The computing device identifies, to the user, the actions from the second applications applicable to the selected content item. Upon selection of an action, the computing device executes the corresponding second application and provides output data within the context of the first application, or otherwise integrated with the first application experience.

Abstract: Cropping images while retaining the relevant portions of the images. The images are cropped based on an orientation of the images. For the images having a portrait orientation, the images are cropped outside a region defined by a parallelogram centered along a golden section line. For the images having a landscape orientation, the images are cropped outside a region defined by a parallelogram centered along a midpoint line. In some embodiments, the images are cropped into squares for display on a mobile computing device having a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards a technology in which a mobile device service plays background audio as instructed by a third party audio player application. The service continues to play background audio after the audio player application is deactivated from the foreground, e.g., as another application becomes the foreground application. Also described is launching agents to obtain additional information and/or to handle custom audio formats, and handling of user requests from a universal (system) volume control or the audio player application (when in the foreground).

Abstract: Apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and methods are disclosed for allowing wireless communication device users to retrieve and view photographs, videos, and other media content using mobile computing platforms for display using a slideshow application. According to one disclosed embodiment, a method of performing a client-side slideshow application on a wireless communication device comprises, based on detecting that that wireless communication device is connected to a charging device, automatically invoking a slideshow application operable to display a series of images using the wireless communication device. The method further comprises transmitting a request for images via the Internet and receiving a series of images selected based at least in part on the request, adding at least one image from the series of images to an image playlist, and displaying at least a portion of the image playlist sequentially using the slideshow application on the wireless communication device.

Abstract: Cropping images while retaining the relevant portions of the images. The images are cropped based on an orientation of the images. For the images having a portrait orientation, the images are cropped outside a region defined by a parallelogram centered along a golden section line. For the images having a landscape orientation, the images are cropped outside a region defined by a parallelogram centered along a midpoint line. In some embodiments, the images are cropped into squares for display on a mobile computing device having a 16:9 aspect ratio.