Abstract: A method and system for controlling a data transmission for a network-based service over limited network connectivity are described. A computing device detects that it has insufficient network connectivity to transmit a data message from a service requester application executing on the computing device to a server using a data communications channel. The computing device receives user input for a request for service and transmits the request for service to the server via an alternate communications channel. The server receives and processes the request to arrange for service for the user and transmits data corresponding to a service arrangement to the computing device over the alternate communications channel.

Abstract: A method of generating map content includes receiving a service request including at least a start location from a computing device of a user, and selecting a service provider to provide the service request. The method further includes transmitting a confirmation to the computing device indicating that the selected service provider is traveling to the start location, and enabling map content to be displayed on a user interface of a service application on the computing device, the map content indicating at least the start location, and a dynamic location of the selected service provider while the selected service provider is traveling to the start location. The method also includes enabling dynamic zooming of the map content on the user interface based on the dynamic location of the selected service provider and at least one of the start location or a current location of the user.

Abstract: A method for determining playback behavior of a media item including a video component and an audio component includes determining a current event that causes a playing of the video component of the media item on a screen of a user device to be suspended. The method further includes predicting user playback preferences for the media item using a behavioral model trained on previous events corresponding to the current event, and determining, based on the predicted user playback preferences, whether to continue playing the audio component of the media item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing adaptive background playback behavior is provided herein. Embodiments of the method include steps of playing a media item in a media viewer executing on a processor of a computing device. The media item includes both an audio component and a video component. The method further includes steps of detecting an event that causes the playing of the video component of the media item to be suspended and of identifying data pertaining to user behavior associated with the event. Additionally, the method includes determining whether to continue playing the audio component of the media item in view of the identified data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing adaptive background playback behavior is provided herein. Embodiments of the method include steps of playing a media item in a media viewer executing on a processor of a computing device. The media item includes both an audio component and a video component. The method further includes steps of detecting an event that causes the playing of the video component of the media item to be suspended and of identifying data pertaining to user behavior associated with the event. Additionally, the method includes determining whether to continue playing the audio component of the media item in view of the identified data.

Abstract: A messaging application provides a user interface through which a user is presented a view of messages related to a selected contact. The message application processes messages based on contacts related to the messages. A user can select a contact and view the messages related to that contact. In a view of messages related to a contact, messages can be organized by threads, which include a plurality of messages from multiple entities. This view is generated based in part on a parameter of a message in each thread that is related to the selected contact. The threads can be ordered based on the last message in each thread from the selected contact. When selecting and displaying only unread messages, the system reveals threads which contain unread messages from the selected contact. A list of contacts that are frequent participants in messages can be identified automatically and set as favorites.