Abstract: A user of a user computer whose hard disk drive (HDD) is “fried” can press a special key to cause BIOS to automatically gather location information about the computer from its GPS receiver and gather information about the HDD, activate a WWAN transceiver, and automatically send the location and HDD information over the WWAN to a service computer, which may return a location of a nearest service center to the user computer and any other advice including recovery advice for the HDD that the service center might be able to divine from the information sent to it by the user computer.

Abstract: An electronic device that provides entertainment recommendations to a device user includes a metadata manager that automatically searches social networking websites on the Internet to obtain metadata pertaining to entertainment preferences of the device user of the electronic device. The metadata manager then compiles the metadata into a metadata database. A recommendation manager may then analyze the various metadata in the metadata database to automatically provide targeted entertainment recommendations to the device user through the electronic device.

Abstract: A user of a user computer whose hard disk drive (HDD) is “fried” can press a special key to cause BIOS to automatically gather location information about the computer from its GPS receiver and gather information about the HDD, activate a WWAN transceiver, and automatically send the location and HDD information over the WWAN to a service computer, which may return a location of a nearest service center to the user computer and any other advice including recovery advice for the HDD that the service center might be able to divine from the information sent to it by the user computer.

Abstract: Computer help is provided through a user's social networking sites. For example, a computer help desk can request permission to be added to a user's social networking contacts or can add itself automatically as a contact of the user to provide help information through the social network as an RSS feed.

Abstract: An apparatus for effectively implementing system and desktop configuration enhancements in an electronic device includes a user interface that a device user may utilize to interact with the electronic device. In accordance with the present invention, various appropriate means for enhancing the utilization capabilities of the user interface are implemented and supported. The electronic device further includes a processor device that is configured to control the means for enhancing the utilization capabilities of the user interface.

Abstract: Keypad keys having functions when they are pressed simultaneously with a meta key are backlit or bear indicia indicating the functions. A user interface (UI) can be presented indicating the functions of the keys. A row of special purpose keys user-programmable can be provided with each key invoking a respective application of service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing power management enhancements. In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving an indication that the computing device is in a non-user-interactable state and powering down non-essential device components such that the computing device is configured to enter a low power state. In another embodiment, the method comprises selecting a duration for a battery life of the computing device and selecting a power profile for the computing device to ensure that the computing device operates for at least as long as the selected duration. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a computing device comprising means for providing battery power and means for altering a power profile of the computing device.

Abstract: Social media account UIs are disclosed to allow users to easily manage all social media accounts. Photos are automatically shared based on image recognition with social networking contacts appearing in the photos. Movies are automatically created from related social media clips, and videos can be generated by a user and uploaded to the user's social media accounts with a single click.