Abstract: User ratings can be received from Instant Messaging (IM) users, such as ratings for other users established via an IM application interface. Each received user rating can represent a rating corresponding to an IM communicator. The received user ratings can be processed to establish a global rating for the IM communicator. The global rating can be conveyed to IM clients along with an identifier of the IM communicator. IM applications can present these global rating to IM users, who can also configure behavior of the IM applications based upon global IM ratings. In one embodiment, categories can be established, which results in category specific IM ratings, which can be used in a manner similar to the global IM ratings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for automated playback control for portable audio devices using environmental cues as indicators for interrupting playback. In the solution, an event handler can be responsive to environmental cues around the user of the portable audio device to determine if playback should be interrupted. Triggering events can be speech emanating from the user or another proximate entity, proximity detection of a person or device, user behavior changes/transitions, and the like. Device configuration can allow for user interaction to permit or deny playback interruption. User interactions can range from a “yes/no” speech response to motion sensitive headphones detecting a head “nod” or “shake” gesture to indicate approval or refusal.