Abstract: A method includes providing, for presentation on a screen of a client device, a user interface associated with a first session of an application, the user interface associated with the first session of the application comprising a plurality of content items; receiving, via the user interface associated with the first session of the application, a user selection of a first content item of the plurality of content items; providing, for presentation within the user interface associated with the first session of the application, a sub-window for the first content item while keeping at least a portion of the user interface associated with the first session of the application visible on the screen of the client device; receiving user input indicating a request to initiate a second session of the application; and in response to receiving the user input, causing a user interface associated with the second session of the application to be presented together with the sub-window for the first content item.

Abstract: Techniques of generating a virtual environment in a virtual reality system involves changing, within a user interface of the second user, an attribute of an avatar representing the first user while maintaining a spatial position of an object with which the first user is interacting. In this way, the second user may see only non-threatening or otherwise pleasant avatars within their user interface while other users may not perceive any change to the virtual environment as displayed in their respective user interfaces.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus allow a lay person to easily and intuitively define virtual scenes using natural language commands and natural gestures. Natural language commands include statements that a person would naturally (e.g., spontaneously, simply, easily, intuitively, etc.) speak without any or little training. Example natural language commands include “put a cat on the box,” or “put a ball in front of the red box.” Natural gestures include gestures that a person would naturally do, perform or carry out (e.g., spontaneously, simply, easily, intuitively, etc.) without any or little training. Example natural gestures include pointing, a distance between hands, gazing, head tilt, kicking, etc. The person can simply speak and gesture how it naturally occurs to them.

Abstract: Techniques of conflict resolution in VR environments involve a VR server generating a conflict state when a virtual object in a VR environment is simultaneously manipulated by more than one user in the VR environment. When the virtual object is in a conflict state, the VR server shows each user their own manipulation. When conflict is resolved, the user whose proposed manipulation is not selected is shown his/her manipulation being animated to the resolved state. In this way, each user sees a natural and cohesive view of the VR environment and remains immersed in that environment. Virtual objects do not suddenly disappear upon a manipulation and reappear elsewhere in a different form, but rather change in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Techniques of compressing a number of frames of a presentation generated in a virtual environment per time period. Along these lines, the animations in each chapter of a presentation is expressed in a number of frames. Depending on the memory capacity of the device generating the presentation in the virtual environment, the device may package the frames into sections having a fixed amount of memory or covering a given amount of presentation time. The device may them compress each of these sections one at a time. Upon compression, the device may transmit a compressed section to a remote storage device.

Abstract: Meetings held in virtual environments can allow participants to conveniently express emotions to a meeting organizer and/or other participants. The avatar representing a meeting participant can be enhanced to include an expression symbol selected by that participant. The participant can choose among a set of expression symbols offered for the meeting.

Abstract: Techniques of generating a virtual environment in a virtual reality system involves changing, within a user interface of the second user, an attribute of an avatar representing the first user while maintaining a spatial position of an object with which the first user is interacting. In this way, the second user may see only non-threatening or otherwise pleasant avatars within their user interface while other users may not perceive any change to the virtual environment as displayed in their respective user interfaces.