Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates filtering undesirable content based on anti-tags. During operation, the system receives items of content. Next, the system receives an anti-tag, wherein an anti-tag describes content that a user has elected not to receive. The system then analyzes the items of content to identify one-or-more undesirable items of content that satisfy the anti-tag. Next, the system filters the one-or-more undesirable items of content from the items of content. Finally, the system presents the filtered items of content to the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates updating a task-management system by manipulating physical objects. During operation, the system receives a notification at a computer system indicating that a physical icon (phycon) has been moved to a first physical location, wherein a phycon is a physical object that is associated with an element or an attribute of a task-management system. Next, the system identifies an element of the task-management system that is associated with the phycon. The system then identifies an attribute of the task-management system that is associated with the first physical location. Finally, the system applies the attribute to the element in the task-management system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating a game that operates within a social-networking application. During operation, the system receives a request from a user to participate in a game that is running within the social-networking application, wherein the request is received at the game. Next, in response to the request, the system adds the user to the game. The system then receives a notification at the game that the user has performed an action within the social network. Next, in response to the notification, the system determines a point value assigned to the action. Finally, the system increments a score associated with the user by the point value.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for interacting with a stationary computing device. During operation, the system detects a proximity of a user of the portable electronic device to a stationary computing device. Next, the system uses the proximity to obtain identity data associated with at least one of the user and the portable electronic device. The system then uses the identity data to establish a connection with the portable electronic device. Finally, the system performs one or more tasks for the user on the stationary computing device based on a set of motion-based commands from the portable electronic device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing voice-based credit card processing. During operation, the system receives voice input from a merchant at a computer via a telephone to initiate a credit card transaction. Next, the system authenticates the merchant. After authenticating the merchant, the system prompts the merchant for a credit card number. Next, the system authenticates a consumer associated with the credit card. Note that the system can authenticate the consumer with pre-registered information that is associated with the credit card. Once the consumer is authenticated, the system prompts the merchant for a transaction amount. Next, the system receives the transaction amount from the merchant. The system then authorizes the credit card transaction for the transaction amount. Finally, the system reports the result of the authorization to the merchant.