Abstract: A system and method for providing robust file information for non-native devices, and items stored on or available through the non-native devices, is presented. In operation, a file system includes both a file storage area for providing access to the content of the file/item/device, and a metadata store. The metadata store stores metadata associated with each file or device. Metadata is information that describes the device or item, but is not the content of the device/item. When a device is connected to the file system, metadata for that device, and its items, is generated and stored in the metadata store. The metadata persists within the metadata store when the device is disconnected from, or no longer available to, the file system.

Abstract: An extensible device synchronization architecture and user interface is provided. A variety of device classes are supported, and support is also provided for mass storage, WMDM, MTP, AS, etc. An extensible UI model is provided that allows content type specific setting UI to plug-in. Support for 2-way synchronization is also provided. The synchronization architecture includes a content type user experience level, and a synchronization engine layer, with handlers and a synchronization engine API which handlers can use to manage their item level synchronization relationships and implement the semantics of the synchronization. In addition, the content that is being synchronized may be transformed so that the user's experience on the destination device (e.g., mobile phone, portable audio player, PDA, other type of personal or handheld computer, etc.) is optimized and these transforms are also extensible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for organizing and displaying items for a user interface. The method includes providing a plurality of three-dimensional items, each three-dimensional item representing user information, and arranging the three-dimensional items around a perimeter, wherein the perimeter forms a portion of a closed area. The closed area may be an ellipse, circle, or other geometric shape. The three-dimensional items include at least one item in a focus position. Typically the three-dimensional items will also include at least one item in a peripheral position and may also include background items. The items are capable of rotating around the perimeter. Additionally, the method and system may scale the items in a manner appropriate to a position along the perimeter. The method and system additionally provide for rotation of the items around the perimeter upon receiving a user request.

Abstract: System and methods for managing content on a media device such as a portable digital audio device are described. The system recognizes when a digital audio device is connected to a computer and it automatically notifies a user that the audio device is connected and provides an entry point through which content of the audio device can be managed. The audio device is presented in an extended namespace (UI extension) of an operating system user interface in the same manner that typical storage devices (e.g., hard drives and floppy drives) are presented by the operating system user interface. Contents (e.g., music files) of the audio device are manageable through the UI extension in the same familiar manner as the contents of other typical storage devices of the computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing a shared dynamic content experience are disclosed. A method for sharing a dynamic content experience according to the invention includes an inviter computer communicating, via a first communication path between an invitee computer and a network based communication server, an invitation to establish a shared dynamic content experience between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. If the invitation is accepted, a content sharing communication path is established between and inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the inviter computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the invitee computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the inviter computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining a shared browsing experience are disclosed. A method for establishing a shared browsing experience includes an inviter computer communicating to an invitee computer, via an online messenger communication path, an invitation to establish a co-browsing experience. The invitee computer communicates to the inviter computer, via the first communication path, an acceptance of the invitation. A co-browsing communication path is then established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to the shared browsing experience is then communicated between the inviter and invitee computers via the co-browsing communication path.

Abstract: An improved balance weight construction and a method of securing such a balance weight to a drive shaft or other tubular body are disclosed. A generally cylindrical balance weight is formed with a curved end surface which conforms to the outer surface of the drive shaft. The balance weight and drive shaft are typically formed of dissimilar materials, such as steel and aluminum, respectively. The balance weight has a coaxial aperture formed therethrough and a plurality of radially-extending grooves formed in the curved surface thereof which connect the aperture with the edge of the surface. While the balance weight is maintained against the drive shaft at a predetermined location satisfactory for balancing the drive shaft, an adhesive material, such as molten aluminum wire, is supplied within the aperture so as to form a spot or rivet-type weld.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical balance weight is formed with a curved end surface which conforms to the outer surface of the drive shaft. The balance weight and drive shaft are typically formed of dissimilar materials, such as steel and aluminum, respectively. The balance weight has a coaxial aperture formed therethrough and a plurality of radially-extending grooves formed in the curved surface thereof which connect the aperture with the edge of the surface. While the balance weight is maintained against the drive shaft at a predetermined location satisfactory for balancing the drive shaft, an adhesive material, such as molten aluminum wire, is supplied within the aperture so as to form a spot or rivet-type weld. The radially-extending grooves provide passages which allow gases within the aperture to escape, thereby promoting the smooth flow of molten aluminum into the aperture and increasing the reliability of the weld.