Abstract: An auxiliary processing state of a computing device provides an auxiliary display within a primary display device of the computing device. As such, a computing device can switch from a primary processing state (e.g., full power, full operating system, full functionality) to an auxiliary processing state and yet still provide a user interface through the primary display device. The auxiliary processing state may employ a different processor than the primary processing state. Alternatively, auxiliary processing state and the primary processing state may employ different processing modes of the same processor. Transitions between the auxiliary display of the auxiliary processing state and the primary display of the primary processing state may be transitioned to preserve some consistency between the two displays.

Abstract: Described is the outputting of a representation of complex state or other information to an output mechanism, such as computer program state data, in which the output of the state information is configurable. The state information is conveyable via the output mechanism, which may be an auxiliary display device, such as at least one LED and/or luminescent strip, and which may be viewed from a large distance relative to text and graphics displays, and/or remotely on a peripheral device. Logic receives state data from a data source such as an application program, and applies configuration data such as rules and/or user defined preferences to selectively control the output to be conveyed. Various state data may be conveyed via differing colors, differing numbers of LEDs illuminated, differing brightness, differing color intensity, differing hue and/or differing flash/pulse patterns. State information that is output is updatable when some state change occurs.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which an auxiliary computing device comprising a display and/or actuator set coupled to a host computer system may be interacted with (e.g., viewed) independent of whether a main display of the host computer system is visible, e.g., whether a laptop lid or tablet lid is open or closed. In one example implementation, the auxiliary device is located above the keyboard and the main display slightly elevated on one or more pivoting supports. This effectively provides an opening in the lid through which the auxiliary device may be viewed.

Abstract: Described is a system and method comprising a content format by which client programs running on a main computer system may provide data to various types of auxiliary display devices. The format, which may be XML-based, provides menu pages comprising a list of selectable items, content pages comprising text and images, and dialog pages providing text, images and one or more actionable options. The text and images may be accompanied by requested formatting information, e.g., specifying emphasis, color, alignment, wrapping and/or fit to the screen. An auxiliary device can parse the content to display as much as possible, particularly information recognized (via content tags) as significant, and use the formatting information to the extent of its capabilities. Virtual buttons may be defined for page navigation and/or item selection. Pages of the content format may be cached for operation when the main computer system is offline from the auxiliary display device.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which the operation of an auxiliary computing device, comprising a display and/or actuator set, may be automatically modified based on detected state data. For example, user input may be routed from the actuator set to the host computer system when the host computer system is in an online state, or to the auxiliary computing device when the host computer system is offline. State may be determined based on one or more various criteria, such as online or offline, laptop lid position, display orientation, current communication and/or other criteria. The auxiliary display and/or actuator set may be embedded in the host computer system, or each may be separable from it or standalone, such as a remote control or cellular phone.

Abstract: Described is a mechanism for receiving new data at an auxiliary device associated with a main computer system, and processing that new data within the auxiliary device firmware to take some action. The receipt and processing of the data is independent of whether the main computer system is in a powered-up state (online) or powered-down state (offline). A cache that maintains the user application data for offline navigation may be updated with new data, either to change existing data in the cache or add a new navigation path. The received data can be processed to perform other actions, depending on the context of that data as determined by auxiliary processing.

Abstract: An electronic version of physical paper sticky notes is defined. The electronic sticky notes may be attached to or embedded in items such as files and folders. The icons representing the items may include indications as to whether an electronic sticky note is attached thereto. The electronic sticky notes may be seamlessly moved between various attachment states and between various locations on a computer screen.