Abstract: A system may implement a flexible architecture to allow designers and testers to use a single flexible system for testing during a transition from a computer simulated model to a physical working prototype via a bus (or protocol). As hardware components become available, the system may be updated to enable replacing a simulated component with a physical hardware component while continuing to leverage at least some existing parts of the system (e.g., software and/or hardware components including simulation). The system may use customizable application program interfaces (APIs) to interface with the different components, simulated or physical. The APIs may enable components to be “plugged in” to the system to create a different configuration. In some embodiments, API's and/or other simulation data may be stored in a library to enable reuse or modifications at different times.

Abstract: Architecture that provides location broker services which share the user location with other parties (e.g., based on user consent). Stationary computing devices can also determine the location of the user operator and interact accordingly. In one embodiment, the user location is retrieved from the user mobile device (e.g., smart phone) and is transmitted to other mobile or non-mobile devices with which the user interacts. Moreover, existing infrastructure and systems can be employed using a device driver that emulates the user location so that any software that uses the location services does not need modification.

Abstract: Architecture that integrates location-based information and application-driven devices (e.g., cell phones). Users can now be provided the most relevant application and/or application data based on the user location. Thus, users are assisted in finding the relevant application(s) to accomplish a task based on their current location. More specifically, given a location (e.g., business) registered to a service, the user's client application is automatically updated to comprise the data relevant to that location. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the service can suggest installing a new application relevant to the location.

Abstract: Turn-by-turn directions can guide a user to a dynamic destination, such as a person or a rendezvous location. The turn-by-turn directions enable one user to follow another or, alternatively, multiple people to rendezvous with each other. The selection can be via identifiers used in network contexts, such as social networking Individuals can select the circumstances under which their location can be revealed. Turn-by-turn directions enabling following utilize anticipated locations or predictions of likely destinations based on historical and contextual information. Turn-by-turn directions enabling rendezvous reference a rendezvous location, which is either the same for all users, or which differs among them. Also, the directions can reference intermediate, “staging”, locations from which further intermediate, or ultimate, destinations can be routed to.