Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, the contextual presentation of steps to perform a task. A virtual assistant may search a task server to retrieve a list steps to perform a task in response to a request from a user. The list of steps may include instructions, dependency information, and owner information. The virtual assistant may then work collaboratively with the user to perform the list steps in the task. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a media consumption database that stores data elements describing conditions under which electronic media content is consumed by a user on an electronic device. A search of the media consumption database based on at least a portion of the conditions may result in at least a portion of the electronic media content to be re-presented to an electronic device of the user Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a virtual assistant that includes a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations of creating a normalized profile for a user of the virtual assistant device; identifying an anomaly deviating from the normalized profile over a threshold time period during use of the virtual assistant device; and changing an interface of the virtual assistant device to accommodate the identified anomaly. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining, from a network server device, first information regarding a first device, generating a media control package based on the first information, wherein the media control package relates to primary content to be presented, wherein the primary content is associated with a first timestamp that corresponds to a first event or context in the primary content, and wherein the media control package includes a first instruction for controlling the first device when a playback position of the primary content corresponds to the first timestamp, and causing the media control package to be provided to the network server device to enable augmentation of a presentation of the first event or context via control of the first device, in accordance with the first instruction, when the playback position of the primary content corresponds to the first timestamp. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a first communication device associated with a first user, identifying, based on the identifying of the first communication device associated with the first user, at least one profile, wherein the at least one profile is associated with the first user, a second user that is different from the first user, or a combination thereof, providing at least one option to the first communication device based on an analysis of data included in the at least one profile, receiving a selection of a first option included in the at least one option, performing a search for content based on the receiving of the selection of the first option, generating search results based on the search, and providing the search results to the first communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a first communication device associated with a first user, identifying, based on the identifying of the first communication device associated with the first user, at least one profile associated with at least a second user that is different from the first user, performing a search for content based on the at least one profile, generating search results based on the search, and providing the search results to the first communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining metadata associated with media content to be presented, wherein the metadata identifies different portions of the media content demarcated by timestamps, during presenting of a first portion of the media content on a display device, monitoring a consumption of the media content by a user, detecting a command provided by the user, analyzing the command, determining, based on the analyzing and based on the metadata, that the user desires that a second portion of the media content be played back by the display device and, responsive to the determining, causing the display device to switch from presenting the first portion of the media content to presenting the second portion of the media content based on a particular timestamp that corresponds to the second portion of the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a user input that defines an avoidance rule and that associates the avoidance rule with a plurality of applications installed on a user device, where the avoidance rule relates to content, associating the avoidance rule with the applications responsive to receiving the user input, monitoring data received at the applications, based on detecting that a first portion of first data received at a first application satisfies the avoidance rule, preventing the first application from presenting the first portion of the first data on the user device, and based on identifying, according to information received at the first application or a second application, that a discussion or event occurring at a geographic location satisfies the avoidance rule, causing a first notification regarding the discussion or event to be presented by the user device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example virtual assistants that allow communications with non-human entities. A virtual assistant associated with a non-human entity may communicate directly with a human user or may communicate with a second virtual assistant associated with the user. Example non-human entities include animals, toys, and connected devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a virtual assistant that includes a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations of creating a normalized profile for a user of the virtual assistant device; identifying an anomaly deviating from the normalized profile over a threshold time period during use of the virtual assistant device; and changing an interface of the virtual assistant device to accommodate the identified anomaly. Other embodiments are disclosed.