Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more processors, an audio interface, operable with the one or more processors, and a voice interface engine. The audio interface receives first acoustic signals identifying a control operation for the one or more processors. The one or more processors cause the audio interface to exchange second acoustic signals with at least one other electronic device, thereby negotiating which device will perform the control operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling ambient lighting at a playback location during media playback entail generating an ambient light map for controlling ambient lighting in synchrony with the media during playback of the media. The ambient light map includes lighting directions as well as a time stamp or other facility for synchronizing execution of the lighting directions with the playback of the media. For intensity-only lighting, a grayscale ambient light map may be used. Other sensory inputs may also be controlled, such as scent, temperature and tactile input. Moreover, the user mood may be detected and may then be used to modify the ambient light map.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and program products are disclosed for tracking physical activity. One apparatus includes a processor, and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to detect, by use of the apparatus held by a first person, a second person in close proximity to the first person. The code is executable by the processor to track physical activity of the first person. The code is executable by the processor to transmit at least a portion of the tracked physical activity of the first person to an electronic identity corresponding to the second person to enable attaching at least the portion of the tracked physical activity of the first person to the electronic identity corresponding to the second person.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for connecting devices over peer-to-peer connections. An example method includes: sending first wireless network information and first peer-to-peer information from a first device to a second device; comparing the first wireless network information and a second wireless network information; sending a second peer-to-peer information from the second device to the first device, if the first and second wireless network information match; and attempting a peer-to-peer connection between the first device and the second device based on the first and second peer-to-peer information.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a composite security identifier associated with a remote device in a local device. A plurality of identification codes associated with the remote device are encoded in the composite security identifier. An access request from the remote device is received in the local device. The access request is associated with a first one of the plurality of identification codes. The remote device is challenged for a second one of the plurality of identification codes different than the first one of the identification codes. An access level for the remote device is set on the local device based on the composite security identifier and the challenging of the remote device. The access request is selectively executed or denied based on the access level.

Abstract: A method includes detecting an interaction event on a display of a device in a locked mode. The interaction event originates at one of a fingerprint sensor of the device or an application icon and terminates at the other of the fingerprint sensor or the application icon. The interaction event is authenticated using the fingerprint sensor. A function associated with the application icon is activated responsive to authenticating the interaction event without unlocking the device.

Abstract: A method includes detecting an interaction event on a display of a device in a locked mode. The interaction event originates at one of a fingerprint sensor of the device or an application icon and terminates at the other of the fingerprint sensor or the application icon. The interaction event is authenticated using the fingerprint sensor. A function associated with the application icon is activated responsive to authenticating the interaction event without unlocking the device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more processors and a wireless communication circuit. The one or more processors cause the wireless communication circuit to engage in a pairing procedure with at least one other electronic device to establish, during a pairing process, a peer-to-peer wireless communication link with the second electronic device. During pairing, the electronic device determines a minimum signal strength of wireless communication signals required to establish the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. Thereafter, the electronic device communicates at, and/or transmits a device discovery beacon having, a signal strength equal to or less than the minimum signal strength to conserve power.

Abstract: A method includes receiving headset motion data over a headset interface of a device while playing an audio selection on the device. A preference indicator for the audio selection is generated based on the headset motion data. A device includes a headset interface and a processor coupled to the headset interface. The processor is to receive headset motion data over the headset interface while playing an audio selection over the headset interface and generate a preference indicator for the audio selection based on the headset motion data.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an incoming biometric identification request on a first device from a user. First location data for the first device is determined. Second location data associated with at least one previous biometric identification request associated with the user is retrieved. A second level identification request is selectively initiated on the first device based on at least the first and second location data. A device includes a location module to determine first location data for the device, a biometric sensor to generate an incoming biometric identification request from a user, and a processor to retrieve second location data associated with at least one previous biometric identification request associated with the user and selectively initiate a second level identification request on the device based on at least the first and second location data.

Abstract: A method includes identifying an active state of a headset interface of a device. A signal generated by a microphone of the device is monitored to identify an alert trigger not initiated by a user of the device. Operation of the headset interface is interrupted responsive to identifying the alert trigger. A device includes a microphone, a headset interface, and a processor coupled to the microphone and the headset interface. The processor is to identify an active state of the headset interface, monitor a signal generated by the microphone to identify an alert trigger not initiated by a user of the device, and interrupt operation of the headset interface responsive to identifying the alert trigger.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, that identifies biometric input received at the biometric sensor. One or more processors operable with the biometric sensor identify at least one authentication agent operating on at least one companion device operating within a wireless communication radius of the electronic device. The processors then select an authentication credential for selected authentication agents. A wireless communication circuit delivers the authentication credential to the authentication agent. An authentication tool can also be delivered.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, to identify biometric input. One or more processors are then operable to identify at least one paired device and at least one companion device operating within a wireless communication radius. The paired device then detects and identifies a simple gesture, communicating this in an electronic communication to a wireless communication circuit of the electronic device. The one or more processors then identify at least one authentication agent operating on the at least one companion device and select at least one authentication credential for the at least one authentication agent. The wireless communication circuit then delivers an authentication credential in response to the predefined gesture input.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for automatically receiving authorization data required to log into a service portal from a second device to a first device, via a validated connection. The method includes the first device submitting a first request to a provider to acquire authorization data required for an authenticated login to an associated online service of the provider. In response to the first device submitting the first request to the provider, the first device automatically receives the authorization data via a validated connection with the second device. In response to receiving the authorization data via the validated connection, the first device transmits a second request, including the authorization data, to the provider to gain access to the online service.