Abstract: A search tool graphical user interface comprises search criteria selected by an operator of the search tool. One, or more search results that correspond to the search criteria are displayed on the search tool graphical user interface, and an indication of characteristics is displayed for one or more of the search results. The characteristics displayed may include the availability ,or maturity of content associated with the search results. The search results may be sorted or filtered based on the characteristics of content associated with the search results. The characteristics may be determined before or after the search results are identified and displayed on the search tool graphical user interface.

Abstract: An avatar that represents an user in a communications session is animated, without user manipulation, based on the animation of another avatar that represents another user in the same instant messaging communication session. The avatars may be displayed in a single instant messaging window, and the displayed animations may create an appearance that the avatars are interacting with one another. An avatar animation may be based on the content communicated by a user and a category that is associated with a user.

Abstract: An avatar may be used to convey information independent of information conveyed directly in a text message sent during an instant messaging communications session between two users. The information may be communicated using a change in the avatar appearance (including animating the avatar) as a communication conduit. For example, information identifying an event or a subject visually represented by an avatar may be accessed. Information may be received that is related to the event or the subject visually represented by the avatar, and an appearance of the avatar may be configured in response to the received information.

Abstract: Techniques are described for forwarding an instant message addressed to an intended instant message recipient to the recipient's mobile telephone. Techniques are also described for prohibiting the forwarding of an instant message addressed to an intended message recipient to the recipient's mobile telephone. Further techniques are provided for updating an intended message recipient's on-line presence information (and/or reflecting the same) to indicate that the intended message recipient prohibits message forwarding to the potential message recipient's mobile telephone or to indicate that the intended message recipient's mobile telephone is unavailable to receive a communication.

Abstract: Transferring instant messaging sessions includes receiving a selection, from a user within a user interface, of at least one instant messaging session from among multiple instant messaging sessions to transfer from a first instant messaging controller on a first device to at least a second instant messaging controller on a second device, where the user is signed on concurrently to the first instant messaging controller on the first device and the second instant messaging controller on the second device. At least a portion of the selected instant messaging session is transferred from the first instant messaging controller on the first device to the second instant messaging controller on the second device and the transferred portion of the instant messaging session is made perceivable on the second instant messaging controller on the second device.

Abstract: Initiating a conference call using a call waiting graphical user interface includes receiving an indication that an incoming telephone call is directed to a telephone number and identifying an account associated with the telephone number to which the incoming call is directed. Configuration data related to the account is accessed. A first online identity and a second online identity associated with the account are identified based on the configuration data accessed. A first electronic communication is sent to the first online identity and a second electronic communication is sent to the second online identity. The first online identity can respond to the first electronic communication and the second online identity can respond to the second electronic communication.