Abstract: Techniques for dynamically selecting example passages to output on an electronic device in response to a user selecting a word or other portion of a content item are described herein. In one example, a user selects a word from a rendered electronic book. In response, the device outputs an entry for the word from a reference work (e.g., a definition from a dictionary, etc.). In addition, the device outputs passages that include the word from other electronic books stored on the device. These passages are more likely to be recognized and appreciated by the user than generic passages, since the dynamically-selected passages are found in electronic books that the user has previously acquired and potentially previously read.

Abstract: A server computing device receives location data for a user. The server computing device determines a location of the user based on the location data. The server computing device then transmits emails addressed to an email list to an email address for the user based on determining that the location of the user device is associated with the email list.

Abstract: A processing device receives a schedule from a server, the schedule identifying delivery times for a set of items associated with the user device. At each delivery time, the processing device contacts the server to obtain one or more items from the server in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A handheld dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device renders an image on a screen during periods of inactivity of the device. The device detects certain screen conversion events such as a timeout period or a user indication. Upon detection of such events, the device renders, as the last screen image to remain visible after the user ceases using the device, an image that conveys some meaningful association with a content item accessible by the device. In the context of eBooks, the eBook reader device renders a representation of an author of the eBook as the last screen image. A highlighted portion of the eBook may additionally or alternatively be presented as the last screen image.

Abstract: A server creates a schedule for each of multiple user devices based on a set of items associated with a corresponding user device, and allows each user device to obtain associated items in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A sharing service receives a request to store a media item stored on an electronic book reader device for sharing with one or more other content rendering devices. In response, the sharing service associates a pass phrase with the request. The sharing service then provides the media item to those devices (e.g., eBook reader devices) that provide the pass phrase to the sharing service within a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein allow a user to synchronize the playing and displaying of digital content on an electronic device. The device may render a first portion of digital content so it may be displayed. The device may also play a segment of the digital content as audio using text to speech software. The device may also render a second portion of digital content for display depending on whether the position of the last word read is greater than the last position in the first portion of digital content.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein allow a user to synchronize the playing and displaying of digital content on an electronic device. The device may render a first portion of digital content so it may be displayed. The device may also play a segment of the digital content as audio using text to speech software. The device may also render a second portion of digital content for display depending on whether the position of the last word read is greater than the last position in the first portion of digital content.

Abstract: Electronic devices may locate and test wireless networks that are available, and may establish connections with no or minimal user intervention. The electronic device may periodically transmit a datagram to a connection server, providing updated information as to the network address of the electronic device as well as maintaining a pathway through intervening network devices. The connection server may then initiate a connection via this pathway with the information provided in the datagram.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein allow a user to synchronize the playing and displaying of digital content on an electronic device. The device may render a first portion of digital content so it may be displayed. The device may also play a segment of the digital content as audio using text to speech software. The device may also render a second portion of digital content for display depending on whether the position of the last word read is greater than the last position in the first portion of digital content.

Abstract: A method of selecting an application in a wireless device and a user location method are provided. In the method of selecting an application, specific messages are received from a wireless station. The application specific messages are specific to services provided via a wireless station transmitting the application specific messages. The application specific messages have an application specific identifier identifying a specific application and data corresponding to the specific application. It is determined whether an application is present in the wireless device that corresponds to the received application specific identifier. If it is determined that the corresponding application is absent in the wireless device, the correspondingly received data is ignored. In the user location method that is used in a wireless system, locations and user identities of users of wireless devices are registered.

Abstract: A method of selecting an application in a wireless device and a user location method are provided. In the method of selecting an application, specific messages are received from a wireless station. The application specific messages are specific to services provided via a wireless station transmitting the application specific messages. The application specific messages have an application specific identifier identifying a specific application and data corresponding to the specific application. It is determined whether an application is present in the wireless device that corresponds to the received application specific identifier. If it is determined that the corresponding application is absent in the wireless device, the correspondingly received data is ignored. In the user location method that is used in a wireless system, locations and user identities of users of wireless devices are registered.