Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Brian Stone

David Mondelore

Kyle Lampe

James Shepherd

Tim Ackroyd

David Millard

Adam Miller

Joshua Whitney Samuels Atkins

Luca Beltrami

Jerry Johnson

Ijaz Akram

Rod Boyd

Tom Langan

Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to generate an audio-visual project. Certain embodiments enable a user to use one of a plurality of predefined templates to generate a project easily and quickly. Other embodiments enable a user to generate a custom project that gives more control to the user, compared to if the user selected one of the predefined templates. Each project includes one or more segments, which may be specified by a user directly, or may be specified by the template selected by the user. An effect is applied to each segment, wherein the effect specifies how many video and audio slots are included in the segment, if any, and can specify one or more other properties of the segment. Projects generated using embodiments disclosed herein can be saved and shared with other users.

Audio-visual project generator

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to creating and providing an interactive video program. One disclosed embodiment includes combining a first interactive video segment of a first type and a second interactive video segment of a second, different type than the first segment. The first interactive video segment includes a first video component, a second video component related to the first component, and metadata including information related to a possible user input that triggers the second component. The interactive video program includes an active viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments, and includes playback of the second component. The active viewing route is triggered by receipt of an actual user input that corresponds to the possible user input. The interactive video program also includes a passive viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments without playback of the second component.

Interactive video program providing linear viewing experience

A shared environment is provided for electronic media devices such as game consoles which have Internet connectivity for receiving streaming video content. The shared environment is a virtual world which includes the video content as well as avatars which represent a group of users who have agreed to watch the content together, and scene elements which provide a realistic and eye-catching appearance. The users can enter commands to cause their avatars to emote, such as by cheering. The users can also explore the shared environment from different camera angles. A voice and/or video chat channel can also be enabled to allow the users to speak to and see one another. The video content is synchronized among the electronic media devices of the users so that the users' interactions are more meaningful as they can react to the same portion of the video content in real time.

Interactive and shared viewing experience

Growing community of inventors

London, United Kingdom

Brian Stone