Abstract: Techniques are provided for creating a mapping that maps locations in audio data (e.g., an audio book) to corresponding locations in text data (e.g., an e-book). Techniques are provided for using a mapping between audio data and text data, whether the mapping is created automatically or manually. A mapping may be used for bookmark switching where a bookmark established in one version of a digital work (e.g., e-book) is used to identify a corresponding location with another version of the digital work (e.g., an audio book). Alternatively, the mapping may be used to play audio that corresponds to text selected by a user. Alternatively, the mapping may be used to automatically highlight text in response to audio that corresponds to the text being played. Alternatively, the mapping may be used to determine where an annotation created in one media context (e.g., audio) will be consumed in another media context.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for gifting and personalizing a digital media item, particularly an electronic book. A system is described that includes personalizing a digital media item that is to be gifted from a first person to one or more people. The digital media item can be personalized using a segment of the digital media item that the first person associated with the second person. Depending on the second person's response, the gift can be accepted, rejected, or re-gifted. News of the second person's response can be automatically transmitted to a plurality of social networking services.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for gifting and personalizing a digital media item, particularly an electronic book. A system is described that includes personalizing a digital media item that is to be gifted from a first person to one or more people. The digital media item can be personalized using a segment of the digital media item that the first person associated with the second person. Depending on the second person's response, the gift can be accepted, rejected, or re-gifted. News of the second person's response can be automatically transmitted to a plurality of social networking services.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for gifting and personalizing a digital media item, particularly an electronic book. A system is described that includes personalizing a digital media item that is to be gifted from a first person to one or more people. The digital media item can be personalized using a segment of the digital media item that the first person associated with the second person. Depending on the second person's response, the gift can be accepted, rejected, or re-gifted. News of the second person's response can be automatically transmitted to a plurality of social networking services.

Abstract: A user can proof (e.g., view, review) an electronic publication on a portable device. When the user finds errors in the electronic publication on the portable device, the user can edit the electronic publication on the editing device. The changes can be automatically synchronized with the portable device and displayed so that the user can review the changes and continue proofing the electronic publication on the portable device. In some implementations, an editing device can monitor files associated with an electronic publication for changes to the files and, when changes are detected, the files can be automatically synchronized to a portable device coupled to the editing device.

Abstract: A narration session between a plurality of participants can be set up to allow participants to collaboratively narrate an electronic book. Information can be transmitted to each participant so that the views of the participants remain in sync. Visual cues can also be transmitted to notify a participant of text that is to read aloud and audio snippets of read text are collected to form a narration file. Participants without access rights to the electronic book can be granted temporary rights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for embedding an autograph into digital media, particularly an electronic book. A system is described that includes an author's device running a signing application and at least one reader's device storing a copy of the electronic book. Depending on the proximity of the reader's device to the author's device, the author's device automatically performs different autographing tasks.

Abstract: A narration session between a plurality of participants can be set up to allow participants to collaboratively narrate an electronic book. Information can be transmitted to each participant so that the views of the participants remain in sync. Visual cues can also be transmitted to notify a participant of text that is to read aloud and audio snippets of read text are collected to form a narration file. Participants without access rights to the electronic book can be granted temporary rights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for embedding an autograph into digital media, particularly an electronic book. A system is described that includes an author's device running a signing application and at least one reader's device storing a copy of the electronic book. Depending on the proximity of the reader's device to the author's device, the author's device automatically performs different autographing tasks.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a visual depiction of a cover for a digital item are provided. A base-depiction-selector-value is generated based on one or more values from attribute metadata associated with the digital item. A mapping table is then accessed to select a base visual depiction item using the base-depiction-selector-value. A visual depiction of a cover is generated for the digital item based at least in part on the selected base visual depiction item. The visual depiction is then caused to be displayed to a user on a display device. The techniques may be employed, for example, in the context of an online digital item retailer or in the context of a personal computing application to generate visual depictions of covers for digital items that users browse, purchase, download, access, or use.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for creating a mapping that maps locations in audio data (e.g., an audio book) to corresponding locations in text data (e.g., an e-book). Techniques are provided for using a mapping between audio data and text data, whether the mapping is created automatically or manually. A mapping may be used for bookmark switching where a bookmark established in one version of a digital work (e.g., e-book) is used to identify a corresponding location with another version of the digital work (e.g., an audio book). Alternatively, the mapping may be used to play audio that corresponds to text selected by a user. Alternatively, the mapping may be used to automatically highlight text in response to audio that corresponds to the text being played. Alternatively, the mapping may be used to determine where an annotation created in one media context (e.g., audio) will be consumed in another media context.