Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. Combining and grouping platforms is also possible. Full participation in obtaining and redeeming rewards for interacting with the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base through messaging, reviewing, purchasing, bidding on offers, etc., is achieved via an authorized user device for access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base includes an auction management module that enables users to participate in real-time auctions in novel ways and enables platforms such as hotels or other rental platforms to move inventory via real-time auctions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. Combining and grouping platforms is also possible. Full participation in obtaining and redeeming rewards for interacting with the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base through messaging, reviewing, purchasing, bidding on offers, etc., is achieved via an authorized user device for access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. Enhanced rewards can be provided by identifying an offer associated with a merchant platform associated with a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, determining that the offer involves goods or services from the merchant platform that might cause the user, when using the goods or the services, not to need the authorized user device to yield a determination, receiving a purchase of the offer by the user via the authorized user device, monitoring, after the purchase of the offer, a time in which the user does not use the authorized user device to yield a free time analysis and providing, based on the free time analysis, enhanced rewards associated with the offer to one of the user and the merchant platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different applications. A data management module manages the receipt and use or sharing of data in which the data is accessible across the respective platforms on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining user privacy of a user when others take a picture of the user. The method can include receiving, from a first user device operated by a first user, an image of a second user having a second user device, wherein the second user has a user profile with a privacy setting indicating that pictures or video taken of the second user by the first device should be blurred. Based on the user profile, the method includes blurring the image of the second user taken by the first user device and transmitting a request to the second user device to unblur the image. When the second user authorizes, via interacting with the request, that the image can be unblurred, the method includes unblurring the image. When the second user declines to authorize that the image can be unblurred, the method includes maintaining the blurring of the image.

Abstract: A portable add-on component to a computing device is configured with an internal cavity and openings from which displays can extend. The add-on component includes arms that latch onto the computing device. Once the add-on component is secured to the computing device, a user can release the one or more displays from within the add-on component for use. The add-on component includes openings on its lateral sides so that the user can turn their single display computing device into a multi-screen setup that has an additional one or two displays extending laterally as if the displays are part of their computing device. The extended displays are attached to hinges that provide a dynamic environment where the displays can move forward and backward and rotate about an axis.

Abstract: A charging case is configured with two sides that can store a pair of earbuds on one side and a pair of batteries on the other side; the batteries are connectable and interchangeable with the earbuds. Underneath a top lid is two earbud homes which correspond to the size and shape of the earbuds. The homes include an upper portion to hold the main body of the earbuds and an opening that receives the ear tip of the earbuds. Underneath the charging case's bottom lid are battery homes that can store and charge the earbud's detachable and rechargeable batteries. Each earbud and battery home includes charging points that engage with corresponding charging points on the earbuds and batteries, respectively. Charging lights that extend around a horizontal perimeter of the charging case are utilized to notify the user of input earbuds or batteries' charging status.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. Full participation in obtaining and redeeming rewards for interacting with the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base through messaging, reviewing, purchasing, bidding on offers, etc., is achieved via an authorized user device for access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Data gathered through user interactions can be aggregated and monetized and can yield additional rewards.

Abstract: A pair of earbuds are configured with a rotatable knob that connects to the earbud's main body and, responsive to user adjustment, adjusts the size of the silicone ear tip on the fly. The rotatable knob connects to an end of the earbud's main body, and the silicone tip attaches to an opposite end of the rotatable knob. The ear tip, typically comprised of silicone, snugly conforms to a shape of the rotatable knob so that when an adjustment section of the rotatable knob adjusts, the adjustment reflects onto the tip. The earbud's main body is equipped with a receptacle to which connectors on the rotatable knob attach. The connector is part of the rotatable knob, which includes the adjustment section. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the knob results in an adjustment to the adjustment section and the size of the knob's exterior.

Abstract: Primary and companion smartphones and mobile devices are configured with magnetic connection mechanisms in which stagnant connectors are positioned at respective cutouts on the smartphones, and the connectors magnetically connect to each other. Each cutout includes a spacer that retracts and extends based on the rotational movement of the smartphones. The cutout, connectors, and spacers on each of the primary and companion smartphones are substantially identical and have similar configurations. Each connector is magnetized to enable attraction when both devices are adjacent to each other. Each magnetized connector is connected to an electromagnet wire (e.g., a copper wire), which is internal to each computing device that delivers electricity to the magnetic connectors to create magnetism. The electromagnet wires may receive an electrical current from respective batteries internal to the smartphones to which an end of the wire is connected.

Abstract: A pair of earbuds having interchangeable and rechargeable batteries is implemented, enabling the user to switch out a depleted battery with a charged one and virtually endlessly listen to music, video, etc. A rear of the earbud's main body is adapted with charging/connecting points to which corresponding connecting points on a detachable battery are positioned. The contact points are positive and negatively charged so that a current from the battery can pass to the main body for use. In addition, the battery is external to the earbud's main body so that the user can easily detach and replace it with a new one within seconds. Furthermore, a rear side of the battery is adapted with a touch-input surface that receives input from a user to control the earbuds and connected computing device's functions, such as play and pause, adjust the volume, and answer phone calls.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for electronic devices is implemented by which a user can mechanically and communicatively connect two devices together. Each device supports a rotatable cylindrical shaft that is positioned near adjacent edges of each respective smartphone. The rotatable shaft includes spring-loaded tabs which lock into place against corresponding notches on a hinge pin that is positioned within a cavity of the rotatable shaft. User manipulation (e.g., rotation) of the devices translates to the rotatable shaft to thereby cause rotation of a device relative to the partner device. Upon authorized connection, various functionality can be enabled between the two devices, such as sharing displays to create one large display for viewing and sharing battery power between the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base includes an auction management module that enables users to participate in real-time auctions in novel ways.

Abstract: A charging device includes a base and a platform that extends upward from the base. The base and platform may each be configured with wireless charging surfaces to enable wireless charging of a computing device upon contact. The base includes a recess in front of where the platform extends to provide support to a computing device, such as a smartphone. The base's surface may gradually rise until reaching the recess to provide further support to the smartphone and thereby prevent the smartphone from sliding down. The charging device includes female receptacles to enable charging adapters to connect to the charging device, thereby increasing the number of accessories charged with the charging device. Charging adapters can include a laterally extending platform on which, for example, a smartwatch can rest, or a charging shaft that includes a series of electrical contacts for charging external battery devices.