Abstract: Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application.

Abstract: Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications.

Abstract: Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing integrated, interactive communications services among multiple client devices in a local network. In one embodiment, a supersystem provides interactive communications services within a local network through a tablet, a handset, and a base station. The tablet includes a first client and a first user interface configured to provide interactivity with first communications services. The handset includes a second client and a second user interface configured to provide interactivity with second communications services. The first and second clients are in communication with the local network and with each other (e.g., either directly, or through the base station or other path). The base station includes interface subsystems configured to removably couple with the tablet and/or handset.

Abstract: Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application.

Abstract: A package assembly includes a container that is configured for expansion in a generally vertical direction between a collapsed state and an extended state. The container includes a sidewall having a first axial end portion and an oppositely disposed second axial end portion. The sidewall is vertically compressed in the collapsed state and configured for expansion in a generally vertical direction to the extended state. A base portion is engaged with the first axial end portion of the sidewall. The base portion and the sidewall cooperatively define an interior region having an opening. A cover is engaged with the second axial end portion of the sidewall. The cover is configured for covering the opening to the interior region during cooking or heating.