WO2016124989A1

WO2016124989A1 - Method and apparatus for triggering execution of an application

Info

Publication number: WO2016124989A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/055595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Konstantin Pavlovitch GORSKIY; Alexander Sergeevitch BYKOV; Oleg Anatolievich AVDIENKOV; Ildar Rafaelevich Karimov
Original assignee: Yandex Europe Ag; Yandex Llc; Yandex Inc.
Priority date: 2015-02-06
Filing date: 2015-07-23
Publication date: 2016-08-11
Also published as: RU2606879C2; RU2015104012A

Abstract

There is disclosed a method of operating an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a user input output interface. The method comprises: presenting, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device; receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object; acquiring a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; executing the one of the first application and the second application.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRIGGERING EXECUTION OF AN

APPLICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to Russian Patent Application No. 2015104012, filed February 6, 2015, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRIGGERING EXECUTION OF AN APPLICATION" the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to methods and apparatuses for executing applications, and more specifically to a method and an apparatus for triggering execution of an application.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are hundreds of thousands of software applications available to be installed on electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and other digital electronic devices, and many more are released every day. A user of a typical electronic device has access to a number of applications. When such an electronic device is first purchased (or otherwise obtained by the user), it typically includes a somewhat small set of preinstalled applications having been selected by the manufacturer and/or the retailer of the device and pre-installed onto the electronic device before it is put into the stream of commerce.

[0004] If the user of the device wants to use any additional applications not included among the preinstalled applications, the user is expected to acquire and install each additional application on her or his own.

[0005] Methods of installing these applications have evolved significantly in recent years. In the past, applications were typically distributed on a computer-readable removable storage medium such as a diskette or a CD-ROM and installed on the device via a disk drive. As high-speed Internet connections have become more widespread, applications have increasingly come to be installed by downloading them from a web server and executing an installation routine on the electronic device. On some newer device platforms, users may now purchase and install applications from online repositories such as APPLE'S APP STORE, GOOGLE PLAY, and YANDEX.STORE. [0006] It may happen that more than one application installed on the electronic device can execute the same task. For example, the user may want to check her or his FACEBOOK™ social media account. The user may have more than one application installed on the electronic device that is capable of providing him access to her or his Facebook social media account. For example, if the electronic device is an IPHONE™ smartphone, the user may have installed a FACEBOOK application which give the user access to the Facebook account. The user may also open the SAFARI™ browser and access her or his Facebook account by visiting the Facebook web page, for example, at https://www.facebook.com/ web site. There may be a choice of additional applications that would allow the user to access her or his Facebook account information.

[0007] US patent 8,515,979 discloses a user device that receives, from a user, a query regarding services to be performed by an application and conducts a search of metadata associated with a group of applications. The user device selects, based on the search of the metadata, potential applications, from the group of applications, that are responsive to the user query. The user device generates, based on the user query, commands to be executed by each of the potential applications. The user device generates, based on the commands, results from each of the potential applications, and formats, for presentation on a display, the results from each of the potential applications.

[0008] US patent application 2012/0323898 discloses that applications can be surfaced to a user during browsing without requiring a specific search by the user. The applications can be selected for surfacing to the user based on the network address entered into the address bar of a browser, the content of the page corresponding to the network address, or a combination thereof. Applications may be selected for surfacing based on a partial address entered into the address bar and/or based on the web page content that is currently visible in the browser display.

[0009] US patent 7,203,737 discloses a computer system and method that provide a user with information about a needed application to open or access a particular type of file. In the method, when the user of the computer attempts to access a particular file, the method determines whether the computing device has available an application program that is needed to access a file of the particular file type. If the computing device does not have an application program available that can be used to access the file, a browser program is launched on the computing device. The browser program is utilized to locate a link to at least one application program that can access the selected file. The application program resides on a second computing device in the networked computing environment.

[0010] US patent application 2014/0068516 teaches a method for providing expanded icon functionality that includes displaying a primary icon using a display device. The primary icon is associated with a primary icon function in a storage device and the primary icon function is performed in response to a first user action directed to the primary icon. A second user action that is different from the first user action is received that is directed to the primary icon and, in response, at least one secondary icon that is associated with the primary icon and the second user action in the storage device is retrieved. The at least one secondary icon is displayed using the display device. Each at least one secondary icon is associated with a respective secondary icon function in the storage device, and in response to a selection of a secondary icon, the respective secondary icon function is performed.

[0011] US patent application 2007/0124677 discloses a function-oriented user interface that presents users with selections related to what they want to do, rather than selections related to what tool they want to use. Functions may be dragged onto elements (data objects) or elements may be dragged onto functions to initiate activity. The elements themselves may present icons representing functions that are available such as adding a voice note or addressing to another person.

SUMMARY [0012] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0013] Developers have appreciated that there exists at least one technical problem associated with the current state of triggering execution of application within electronic device.

[0014] As has been outlined above, when the user wishes to execute a given task, the user needs to select the application, from a plurality of potential applications possibly suitable for executing the given task, which is best suited or preferred for executing the given task at the given moment in time.

[0015] Continuing with the example provided above, if the user is desirous of checking her or his Facebook social media account, the user may have to choose between two potential applications that may be capable of addressing her or his needs using her or his IPHONE™ smartphone - the FACEBOOK applications or the SAFARI browser (where she or he can access her or his Facebook account by visiting the Facebook web page, for example, at https://www.facebook.com/ web site). Naturally, there may be a choice of additional applications that would allow the user to access her or his Facebook account information, so the user may need to select from more than two applications that can potentially execute the task the user is desirous of executing (i.e. checking her or his Facebook account).

[0016] In addition, the user's electronic device (in this case iPhone smartphone) needs to render two icons on its screen - one for the Facebook app and one for the Safari browser. It may so happen that the two icons (the icon for the Facebook app and the icon for the Safari browser) , not only does the user needs to decide which one of the two applications that the user is desirous of using, but the user needs to "scroll to" and find the correct icon for the so- chosen application. If the user has numerous applications installed on her or his electronic device, the user may need to "flip" through a number of screens and/or folders to locate the icon for the so-chosen application. Depending of the number of such flips, this may put a significant, yet unnecessary, strain on a battery that powers the electronic device. For those types of electronic devices, where the battery life is shorter, this may cause (or contribute to causing) the electronic device to run out of power prematurely.

[0017] In addition, the user may have multiple applications available for executing the task and it may happen that the user does not recall all the possible applications that she or he has available to her or him for executing the given task. So, the user may pick a given application from a plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task "by habit". Within such a situation, the user may not choose the most appropriate one of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (just because the user may not recall all of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task). Thus, in addition to the above technical problems with the battery life, the current solutions may also worsen the user experience with the electronic devices that the user is using.

[0018] According to a first broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method of operating an electronic device. The electronic device comprising a user input output interface. The method comprises: presenting, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device; receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object; acquiring a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; executing the one of the first application and the second application.

[0019] In some implementations of the method, each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object; a general application preference parameter associated with the user; an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality. [0020] In some implementations of the method, the method further comprises allowing the user to input an application switch command.

[0021] In some implementations of the method, the method further comprises, responsive to receiving the application switch command, executing the other one of the first application and the second application. [0022] In some implementations of the method, the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and the receiving is executed in response to the user executing a predetermined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

[0023] In some implementations of the method, the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

[0024] In some implementations of the method, the gesture is actuating the graphical object. [0025] In some implementations of the method, the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object.

[0026] In some implementations of the method, the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap. [0027] In some implementations of the method, the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

[0028] In some implementations of the method, the method further comprises transmitting an execution content from the first application to the second application. [0029] According to another broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided an electronic device. The electronic device comprises: a user input output interface; a processor coupled to the user input output interface, the processor configured to execute an application, the processor being further configured to: present, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device; receive, via the input output interface, an indication of the user actuating the graphical object; acquire a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determine which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; execute the one of the first application and the second application.

[0030] In some implementations of the electronic device, each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object; a general application preference parameter associated with the user; an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality.

[0031] In some implementations of the electronic device, the processor is further configured to allow the user to input an application switch command.

[0032] In some implementations of the electronic device, the processor is further configured, responsive to receiving the application switch command, to execute the other one of the first application and the second application. [0033] In some implementations of the electronic device, the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and to receive, the processor is configured to appreciate a user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

[0034] In some implementations of the electronic device, the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

[0035] In some implementations of the electronic device, the gesture is actuating the graphical object.

[0036] In some implementations of the electronic device, the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object.

[0037] In some implementations of the electronic device, the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap.

[0038] In some implementations of the electronic device, the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

[0039] In some implementations of the electronic device, the processor being further configured to transmit an execution content from the first application to the second application. [0040] Within some embodiments of the method and the electronic device, the acquiring comprises determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

[0041] Within some embodiments of the method and the electronic device, the acquiring comprises retrieving from a memory the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application. Within some of these embodiments of the method and the electronic device, the additional step of determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application can be done at a point of time prior to the receiving the indication. [0042] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, a "server" is a computer program that is running on appropriate hardware and is capable of receiving requests (e.g. from client devices) over a network, and carrying out those requests, or causing those requests to be carried out. The hardware may be one physical computer or one physical computer system, but neither is required to be the case with respect to the present technology. In the present context, the use of the expression a "server" is not intended to mean that every task (e.g. received instructions or requests) or any given task will have been received, carried out, or caused to be carried out, by the same server (i.e. the same software and/or hardware); it is intended to mean that any number of software elements or hardware devices may be involved in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request; and all of this software and hardware may be one server or multiple servers, both of which are included within the expression "at least one server".

[0043] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, "client device" is any computer hardware that is capable of running software appropriate to the relevant task at hand. Thus, some (non-limiting) examples of client devices include personal computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), smartphones, and tablets. It should be noted that a device acting as a client device in the present context is not precluded from acting as a server to other client devices. The use of the expression "a client device" does not preclude multiple client devices being used in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request, or steps of any method described herein.

[0044] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, a "database" is any structured collection of data, irrespective of its particular structure, the database management software, or the computer hardware on which the data is stored, implemented or otherwise rendered available for use. A database may reside on the same hardware as the process that stores or makes use of the information stored in the database or it may reside on separate hardware, such as a dedicated server or plurality of servers.

[0045] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the expression "component" is meant to include software (appropriate to a particular hardware context) that is both necessary and sufficient to achieve the specific function(s) being referenced. [0046] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the expression "computer usable information storage medium" is intended to include media of any nature and kind whatsoever, including RAM, ROM, disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, hard drivers, etc.), USB keys, solid state-drives, tape drives, etc. [0047] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the expression "interactive" is meant to indicate that something is responsive to a user's input or that at least portions thereof are responsive to a user's input.

[0048] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, an "indication" of an information element may be the information element itself or a pointer, reference, link, or other indirect mechanism enabling the recipient of the indication to locate a network, memory, database, or other computer-readable medium location from which the information element may be retrieved. For example, an indication of a file could include the file itself (i.e. its contents), or it could be a unique file descriptor identifying the file with respect to a particular file system, or some other means of directing the recipient of the indication to a network location, memory address, database table, or other location where the file may be accessed. As one skilled in the art would recognize, the degree of precision required in such an indication depends on the extent of any prior understanding about the interpretation to be given to information being exchanged as between the sender and the recipient of the indication. For example, if it is understood prior to a communication between a sender and a recipient that an indication of an information element will take the form of a database key for an entry in a particular table of a predetermined database containing the information element, then the sending of the database key is all that is required to effectively convey the information element to the recipient, even though the information element itself was not transmitted as between the sender and the recipient of the indication. [0049] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. [0050] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0052] Figure 1 is a front view of an electronic device implemented in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0053] Figure 2 is a back view of the electronic device of Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 3 is a side view of the electronic device of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 4 depicts a schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a system being suitable for implementing non- limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0057] Figure 6 depicts a schematic representation of information maintained by an application storage of the system of Figure 5, the application storage being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0058] Figure 7 depicts a screen shot depicting an output of a first application, the first application being executed on the electronic device of Figure 1 and displayed on an input output module of the electronic device.

[0059] Figure 8 depicts another embodiment of a control elements tab displayed within the screen shot of Figure 7.

[0060] Figure 9 depicts a screen shot, the screen shot depicting an output of a Facebook account content accessed through the Safari web site executed on the electronic device of Figure 1. [0061] Figure 10 depicts a screen shot, the screen shot depicting an output of the Facebook content accessed through a Facebook application executed on the electronic device of Figure 1.

[0062] Figure 11 depicts flow chart of a method, the method being executed in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] With reference to Figure 1, there is depicted a front view of the electronic device 102, the electronic device 102 being implemented in accordance with the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Within the illustration of Figure 1, the electronic device 102 is executed as a tablet electronic device and, as such, can be referred to herein below as a tablet device 102. However, it should be expressly understood that the teachings of embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the electronic devices 102 being implemented as tablets. As such, teachings presented herein can be adapted by those of ordinary skill in the art to other type of wireless electronic devices (a cell phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant and the like), as well as a personal computer (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), or even network equipment (a router, a switch, or a gateway).

[0064] In the depicted illustration of Figure 1, the tablet device 102 can be an ANDROID™ based tablet device in the sense that the tablet device 102 operates on the ANDROID based mobile operating system (OS), which in turn can be based on a Linux kernel and currently being promulgated by Google Corporation of Googleplex, Mountain View, California, United States of America. However, in alternative non-limiting embodiments, the tablet device 102 can operate on a different type of an operating system, such as (but not limited to): WINDOWS operating system, iOS, MAC OS and the like. [0065] The general construction of the tablet device 102 is well known to those of skill in the art and, as such, only a high level description thereof will be presented here.

[0066] Within the depicted illustration, the tablet device 102 comprises an input output module 104. Input output module 104 may comprise one or more input and output devices. For example, input output module 104 may include keyboard, mouse, one or more buttons, thumb wheel, and/or display (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), Interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or any other suitable display technology).

[0067] Generally, the input portion of the input output module 104 is configured to transfer data, commands and responses from the outside world into the tablet device 102. The output portion of the input output module 104 is generally configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an easy to use visual interface between a user of the tablet device 102 and the operating system or application(s) running on the tablet device 102. Generally, the GUI presents programs, files and operational options with graphical images. During operation, the user may select and activate various graphical images displayed on the display in order to initiate functions and tasks associated therewith.

[0068] In the depicted embodiment, the input output module 104 is implemented as a touch screen, which implements functionality of both an input device (by means of acquiring user's touch based commands) and an output device (i.e. a screen). In other words, the touch screen is a display that detects the presence and location of user touch-based inputs. In alternative embodiments, the input output module 104 can be implemented as a separate screen and a separate input device. In yet alternative embodiments, the input output module 104 can include a physical keyboard (including one or more physical buttons) in addition to the touchscreen.

[0069] With additional reference to Figure 2, which depicts the back view of the tablet device 102, the tablet device comprises a front camera 106 and a back camera 108, together referred to as cameras 106, 108. For example, the cameras 106, 108 can include an optical sensor (e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD), or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor), to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips.

[0070] Even though in the depicted embodiment, both the front camera 106 and the back camera 108 are present, in alternative embodiments only a single instance thereof can be implemented. By the same token, one or both of the front camera 106 and the back camera 108 can include multiples thereof. Finally, the exact placement of the front camera 106 and the back camera 108 is not limited to those placements depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0071] With reference to Figure 3, which depicts a side view of the tablet device 102, the tablet device 102 further includes an audio module 110. In the depicted embodiment, the audio module 110 comprises two sets of speakers - a first speaker 112 and a second speaker [0072] The tablet device 102 can include a set of additional ports, generally depicted at 116. The set of additional ports 116 can have one or more of:

• Audio out port (such as 3.5mm audio out port)

• Micro USB port

• Mini-HDMI video output

• Micro SD card slot

• Etc.

[0073] It should be noted that the exact number, placement or mix of the ports within the set of additional ports is not limited to those depicted in Figure 3.

[0074] With reference to Figure 4, there is depicted a schematic diagram of the tablet device 102, which will be used to describe additional details of the general construction and structure of the tablet device 102.

[0075] The tablet device 102 may comprise a processor 118. In a particular embodiment, the processor 118 may comprise one or more processors and/or one or more microcontrollers configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the operation of the tablet device 102. In various embodiments, processor 118 may be implemented as a single-chip, multiple chips and/or other electrical components including one or more integrated circuits and printed circuit boards. Processor 118 may optionally contain a cache memory unit (not depicted) for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. By way of example, the processor 118 may include one or more processors or one or more controllers dedicated for certain processing tasks of the tablet device 102 or a single multi-functional processor or controller.

[0076] The processor 118 is operatively coupled to the aforementioned input output module 104, the audio module 110 and the cameras 106, 108.

[0077] The processor 118 is further coupled to a memory module 120. The memory module 120 may encompass one or more storage media and generally provide a place to store computer code (e.g., software and/or firmware). By way of example, the memory module 120 may include various tangible computer-readable storage media including Read-Only Memory (ROM) and/or Random-Access Memory (RAM). As is well known in the art, ROM acts to transfer data and instructions uni-directionally to the processor 118, and RAM is used typically to transfer data and instructions in a bi-directional manner.

[0078] Memory module 120 may also include one or more fixed storage devices in the form of, by way of example, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), flash-memory cards (e.g., Secured Digital or SD cards, embedded MultiMediaCard or eMMD cards), among other suitable forms of memory coupled bi-directionally to the processor 118. Information may also reside on one or more removable storage media loaded into or installed in the tablet device 102 when needed. By way of example, any of a number of suitable memory cards (e.g., SD cards) may be loaded into the tablet device 102 on a temporary or permanent basis (using one or more of the set of additional ports 116, as an example).

[0079] The memory module 120 may store inter alia a series of computer-readable instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor 118 (as well as other components of the tablet device 102) to execute the various operations described herein. [0080] In various particular embodiments, the tablet device 102 may additionally comprise a wireless communication module 122 and a sensor module 124, both operably connected to the processor 118 to facilitate various functions of tablet device 102.

[0081] Wireless communication module 122 can be designed to operate over one or more wireless networks, for example, a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN, an infrared PAN), a WI-FI network (such as, for example, an 802.11a/b/g/n WI-FI network, an 802.11s mesh network), a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and/or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network). Additionally, wireless communication module 122 may include hosting protocols such that the tablet device 102 may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices.

[0082] The sensor module 124 may include one or more sensor devices to provide additional input and facilitate multiple functionalities of the tablet device 102. Some examples of implementations of the sensor module 124 can include one or more: an accelerometer, an ambient temperature measurement device, a device for measuring the force of gravity, a gyroscope, a device for measuring ambient light, a device for measuring acceleration force, a device for measuring ambient geomagnetic field, a device for measuring a degree of rotation, a device for measuring ambient air pressure, a device for measuring relative ambient humidity, a device for measuring device orientation, a device for measuring temperature of the device, etc. It is noted that some of these devices can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of the two.

[0083] There is also provided a power source module 126 for providing power to one or more components of the tablet device 102. In some embodiments, the power source module 126 can be implemented as rechargeable lithium-ion battery. However, other types of rechargeable (or non-rechargeable) batteries can be used. Naturally, in other embodiments in addition or as an alternative to using batteries, the power source module 126 can be implemented as main power supplier connector configured to couple the tablet device 102 to the main power source, such as standard AC power cable and plug.

[0084] In various embodiments of the present technology, various components of tablet device 102 may be operably connected together by one or more buses (including hardware and/or software), the buses not being separately numbered. As an example and not by way of limitation, the one or more buses may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI- X) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) interface, a Inter-Integrated Circuit (I C) bus, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a Secure Digital (SD) memory interface, a MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory interface, a Memory Stick (MS) memory interface, a Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) interface, a Multi-channel Buffered Serial Port (McBSP) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) bus, a General Purpose Memory Controller (GPMC) bus, a SDRAM Controller (SDRC) bus, a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) bus, a Separate Video (S-Video) bus, a Display Serial Interface (DSI) bus, an Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic diagram of a system 500 being suitable for implementing non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. It is to be expressly understood that the system 500 is depicted merely as an illustrative implementation of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the system 500 may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e. where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition, it is to be understood that the system 500 may provide in certain instances simple implementations of the present technology, and that where such is the case they have been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[0086] The system 500 comprises the aforementioned tablet device 102. The tablet device 102 is typically associated with a user 502. It should be noted that the fact that the tablet device 102 is associated with the user 502 does not need to suggest or imply any mode of operation, such as a need to log in, a need to be registered or the like.

[0087] The tablet device 102 comprises hardware and software and/or firmware (or a combination thereof) for executing various applications (such as a browser application, a mapping application and the like). One of the applications executed by the tablet device 102 allows the tablet device to access an application download service (to be described below). [0088] The tablet device 102 is coupled to a communication network 504 via a communication link 506. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the communication network 504 can be implemented as the internet. In other embodiments of the present technology, the communication network 504 can be implemented differently, such as any wide-area communication network, local-area communication network, a private communication network and the like. [0089] How the communication link 506 is implemented is not particularly limited and will depend on how the wireless communication module 122 of the tablet device 102 is implemented. Merely as an example and not as a limitation, the communication link 506 can be implemented as a wide-area wireless communication link (such as but not limited to, a 3G communication network link, a 4G communication network link), a local-area wireless communication link (such as but not limited to a Wireless Fidelity, or WiFi® for short, Bluetooth® and the like). Naturally, other types oft the communication links 506 are possible.

[0090] Also coupled to the communication network are an application repository 508 and an search server 510, together referred to as servers 508, 510. The servers 508, 510 can each be implemented as a conventional computer server. In an example of an embodiment of the present technology, each of the servers 508, 510 can be implemented as a Dell™ PowerEdge™ Server running the Microsoft™ Windows Server™ operating system. It is contemplated that the servers 508, 510 can be implemented in any other suitable hardware and/or software and/or firmware or a combination thereof. Naturally, the application repository 508 can be implemented differently from the search server 510.

[0091] In the depicted non-limiting embodiment of present technology, each of the servers 508, 510 is a single server. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functionality of each of the servers 508, 510 may be distributed and may be implemented via respective multiple servers. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functionality of the servers 508, 510 may be combined in a single server.

[0092] The implementation of the servers 508, 510 is well known to a person skilled in the art of the present technology. However, briefly speaking, the servers 508, 510 comprise a communication interface (not depicted) structured and configured to communicate with various entities (such as the tablet device 102, for example and/or each other) via the communication network 504. Each of the servers 508, 510 further comprises at least one computer processor (not depicted) operationally connected with the communication interface and structured and configured to execute various processes to be described herein.

[0093] The application repository 508 can be operated by and/or be under control and/or under management of an entity that either manufacturers and/or distributes the tablet device 102. As a non-limiting example, where the tablet device 102 is manufactured (directly or through sub-contractors) and/or distributed (directly or through resellers) by YANDEX corporation of Lev Tolstoy st. 16, Moscow, 119021, Russia, the application repository 508 can be managed and operated (directly or indirectly) by Yandex corporation.

[0094] The search server 510 can be operated by and/or be under control and/or under management of the entity that either manufacturers and/or distributes the tablet device 102. Alternatively, the search server 510 can be operated by and/or be under control and/or under management of an entity different from the entity that either manufacturers and/or distributes the tablet device 102. As a non-limiting example, where the tablet device 102 is manufactured (directly or through sub-contractors) and/or distributed (directly or through resellers) by YANDEX corporation of Lev Tolstoy st. 16, Moscow, 119021, Russia, the search server 510 can be managed and operated (directly or indirectly) by Yandex corporation. In some embodiments of the present technology, the search server 510 can be the same server that performs web searches (such as web searches available at www.yandex.com) for users, such as the user 502.

[0095] The application repository 508 is coupled to the communication network 504 via a communication link 512. The search server 510 is coupled to the communication network 504 via a communication link 514. How the communication links 512, 514 are implemented is not particularly limited and will depend on how the servers 508, 510 are implemented. It is contemplated that the examples of implementations of the communication link 506 provided above could be applied to the communication links 512, 514. [0096] Naturally, in alternative embodiments of the present technology, the communication links 512, 514 can be implemented as wired connection, such as Ethernet based connection, fiber optical based connection and the like.

[0097] Also, even though not depicted in Figure 5, the application repository 508 and the search server 510 can be interconnected by a direct link or a communication network that is separate from the communication network 504.

[0098] The application repository 508 is coupled to or otherwise has access to an application storage 522. The application storage 522 is configured to store one or more applications available for download from the application repository 508. A reference to Figure 6 will now be made, which depicts a schematic representation of information maintained by the application storage 522, implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. [0099] The application storage 522 maintains, for each available application, a record 607, which record 607 includes: an application identifier 602, a download file 604 (also referred to sometimes here as a "distributive file") and a description 606. The application identifier 602 is used to uniquely identify the application the record 607 is associated with. The download file 604 contains an executable file or a link thereto, which executable file can cause installation of the application on the tablet device 102. The description 606 contains a description of the application with which the record 607 is associated, such as some or all of: a title, a brief description, user feedback, and the like.

[00100] The application storage 522 maintains a number of such records similar to the record 607, jointly depicted at 608.

[00101] The search server 510 is coupled to or otherwise has access to a log database

520. The log database 520 is configured to maintain information representative of users' past behaviour, which can include users' past searches, users' interaction with search result engine pages (SERPs), user browsing activity, which information can be anonymized and aggregated based on a plurality of users (potentially including the user 502) who have used various services offered by the search server 510 (such as web searches, targeted message services and the like).

[00102] With reference to Figure 7, there is depicted a screen shot 700, the screen shot 700 depicting an output of an application 704, the application 704 being executed on the tablet device 102 and displayed on the input output module 104. The application 704 is a front end of an application download service, such as in this case, the application download service provided by the application repository 508. The application 704 presents a first GUI 706. The first GUI 706 enables the user to interact with the application download service provided by the application repository 508. [00103] Within the illustrated embodiment, the first GUI 706 presents a control panel 708. The control panel 708 presents the user several buttons to actuate the GUI 706 between different "screens" or "screen verticals". In the illustrated embodiments, there are five buttons within the control panel 708 - Yandex (illustrated in Russian as " ndeKc"), Applications (illustrated in Russian as "IJpwioy/ceHUx"), Games (illustrated in Russian as "Hzpu"), Movies (illustrated in Russian as "KUHO"), Books (illustrated in Russian as "KHUZU") associated with a respective screen vertical. The currently active screen vertical, which in this case is the Applications screen, is associated with an active screen indicator (not separately numbered), which in this case is a small dash under the name of the screen vertical.

[00104] The GUI 706 further presents a plurality of icons 712. The plurality of icons

712 allows the user to select one or more applications that are available (i.e. that have been installed) on the tablet device 102. In the depicted embodiment, each of the plurality of icons 712 is presented as a rectangular graphical image, with either an application logo, an application name or both. It should be expressly understood that the form factor of some or all of the plurality of icons 712 can be different (and they do not all need to be the same within the same screen of the GUI 706). For example, in alternative embodiments, the icons within the plurality of icons 712 can be presented as circular graphical images (or any other form factor of a graphical image), as textual links and the like. It is noted that the size of the graphical images can vary and/or can be adjusted by the user 502 by adjusting appropriate user settings.

[00105] Just to provide some examples, the plurality of icons 712 includes inter alia: a first icon 714 associated with a photo application, a second icon 716 associated with the

YOUTUBE application, a third icon 718 associated with the INSTAGRAM application.

Naturally, the plurality of icons 712 may contain more icons that can fit onto a single screen of the GUI 716. As such, in some embodiments there can be provided a scroll indicator 719.

The scroll indicator 719 can be indicative of more icons available within the given screen vertical but not fitting within the given screen vertical, which icons can be scrolled to by user performing a predefined action (swiping vertically, actuating the scroll indicator 719 or any other suitable virtual or physical actuator of the input output module 104).

[00106] According to the various non-limiting embodiments, there is also provided a search bar 710. The search bar 710 can enable the user to input search queries, such as search queries for searching items stored on the memory module 120 (i.e. local items) and/or search the Internet (i.e. global items) and/or search items available from the application repository 508. Thus, the search bar 710 can be thought of a "multi-functional search bar" in a sense that it is configured to search locally within the memory module 120, files generally available in the Internet and files available for downloading from the application repository 508. [00107] To complete the description of GUI 706, there is also provided a control elements tab 720. Generally speaking, the control elements tab 720 contains at least one element for controlling the tablet device 102. Within the various embodiments of the present technology, the control elements tab 720 can have a first tab element 722, the first tab element 722 for allowing the user to start the FACEBOOK application. The control elements tab 720 can have a second tab element 724 for allowing the user to start a media player. The control elements tab 720 can have a third tab element 726 for allowing the user to open a particular document, in this case a WORD document 500.doc.

[00108] Put another way, the control element tab 720 can have one or more tab elements for allowing the user to control the tablet device 102 and/or the GUI 704: to execute one or more applications, to open one or more documents saved on the memory module 120, and the like. Thus, the control element tab 720 can be thought of a "multi-functional control element tab" in a sense that it is configured to trigger execution of applications and trigger opening of documents. In addition, in some embodiments, the control element tab 720 can also enable the user 502 to affect control of various other functions of the tablet device 102.

[00109] It should be noted that the description of the GUI 704 presented with reference to Figure 7 is just one embodiment of one screen of the various screens potentially presentable to the user on the input output module 104.

[00110] With reference with Figure 8, there is depicted another embodiment of a control elements tab 820. The control element tab 820 is substantially similar to the control element tab 720 (but for the specific differences to be described herein below) and will be used for illustrating embodiments of the present technology to be presented herein below.

[00111] Generally speaking, the control elements tab 820 contains at least one element for controlling operations of the the tablet device 102. Within the various embodiments of the present technology, the control elements tab 820 can have a first tab element 822, a second tab element 824, a third tab element 826, a fourth tab element 828, a fifth tab element 830, a sixth tab element 832, a seventh tab element 834, an eight tab element 836 and a ninth tab element 838.

[00112] It should be expressly understood that the number of the tabs within the control elements tab 820, their exact content, their placement and the like can vary in the various embodiments of the present technology. A more detailed description of the general construction and variations for the tabs within the control elements tab 820 can be found in co-owned patent application bearing an application number PCT/IB2014/065791 filed with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property on November 4 , 2014 and entitled BROWSER APPLICATION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE BROWSER APPLICATION, content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all those jurisdictions where such incorporation by reference is permitted. [00113] Within the depicted embodiment of Figure 8, the first tab element 820 is configured for allowing the user to access the FACEBOOK account, as will be described in more detail below. The first tab element 820 is implemented as a "multi- application triggering element".

[00114] The second tab element 824 is configured for allowing the user to access the TWITTER account. In some embodiments, the second tab element 824 can be configured to the single application triggering tab (i.e. the second tab element 824 can be configured, when actuated by the user 502, to trigger execution of the TWITTER application). In other embodiments, the second tab element 824 can also be configured as the multi-application triggering element, akin to what is to be described below in regard to the first tab element 820. [00115] The third tab element 826 is configured for allowing the user to access the YANDEX™ e-mail account, for example by launching the Safari browser and opening the user's inbox (for example through a book mark associated with the third tab element 826). Within the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, the user 502 is signed in the e-mail service provided by the Yandex.Mail server (not depicted) and, as such, the third tab element 826 is configured to provide an indication of un-read messages 827, which contains number two indicative of two unread e-mail messages destined to the user 502. In alternative embodiments, the third tab element 826 can also be implemented as the multi- application triggering element.

[00116] The fourth tab element 828 is configured for allowing the user to open a particular document, in this case a MICROSOFT™ WORD™ "Document.doc". In alternative embodiments, the fourth tab element 828 can also be implemented as the multi-application triggering element.

[00117] The fifth tab element 830 is configured for allowing the user to start an application associated with RAIFFEISEN™ bank. In alternative embodiments, the fifth tab element 830 can also be implemented as the multi-application triggering element. [00118] The sixth tab element 832 is configured for allowing the user to access the lenta.ru content, for example by launching the Safari browser and opening the web site associated with the content, namely _.www.Ient ,nj (for example through a book mark associated with the sixth tab element 832). In alternative embodiments, the sixth tab element 832 can also be implemented as the multi-application triggering element.

[00119] The seventh tab element 834 is configured for allowing the user to start the SKYSCANNER™ application. In alternative embodiments, the seventh tab element 834 can also be implemented as the multi-application triggering element.

[00120] The eighth tab element 836 is configured for allowing the user to start the ANGRY BIRDS™ game application.

[00121] The ninth tab element 838 is also implemented as the multi-application triggering element in the sense that it can provide access to the YOUTUBE™ video content selectively through (a) launching the Youtibe application or (b) launching the Safari browser and opening the web site associated with the content, namely www-yjoiitobe om (for example through a book mark associated with the ninth tab element 838).

[00122] Put another way, the control element tab 820 can have one or more tab elements for allowing the user to control the tablet device 102: to execute one or more applications, to open one or more documents saved on the memory module 120, and the like. Thus, the control element tab 820 can be thought of as a "multi-functional control element tab" in a sense that it is configured to trigger execution of applications and trigger opening of documents. In addition, in some embodiments, the control element tab 820 can also enable the user 502 to affect control of various other functions of the tablet device 102.

[00123] It should be expressly understood that the number of elements within the control element tab 820 that are implemented as the multi-application triggering element(s) is not limited to what is described here. As such, as few as one of the elements of the control element tab 820 can be implemented as the multi-application triggering element. Alternatively, all of the elements of the control element tab 820 can be implemented as the multi-application triggering element.

[00124] Examples to be presented herein below will use the first tab element 822 as an example to illustrate functionality of the multi- application triggering element, which is implemented in accordance with the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. As has been alluded to above, the first tab element 822 is configured to provide access to the Facebook account content selectively through (a) launching the Facebook application or (b) launching the Safari browser (or any other default or user electable browser) and opening the web site associated with the content, namely www.facebook.com or one of its mirror sites (for example through a book mark associated with the first tab element 822).

[00125] To demonstrate the difference between selective output of the first tab element 822, reference will be made to the following two figures - Figure 9 and Figure 10. Figure 9 depicts a screen shot 900, the screen shot 900 depicting an output of the Facebook content accessed through the Safari web site and Figure 10 depicts a screen shot 1000, the screen shot 1000 depicting an output of the Facebook content accessed through the Facebook application.

[00126] It is noted that it is the single instance of the first tab element 822 (or, in other words, a single graphical object) which can selective trigger executing the user event (i.e. accessing the Facebook content) through either the Safari browser (i.e. screen shot 900) or the Facebook application (i.e. screen shot 1000).

[00127] It is noted that the actuation of the first element tab element 822 can first trigger execution of an application selection routine. Generally, the purpose of the application selection routine is to select one of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application). [00128] Application selection routine

[00129] As is clear from the description above, the first tab element 822 is not associated with a particular application (either the Safari browser or the Facebook application, in the example being used herein), but rather the first tab element 822 is associated with "functionality" - i.e. ability to access Facebook content. In response to the user 502 indicating the desire to use the functionality associated with the first tab element 822, the first tab element 822 is configured to cause the application selection routine to select one of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application).

[00130] Within embodiments of the present technology, the user desire to use the functionality can be indicated by means of: • tapping the first tab element 822 using the touch sensitive display

• actuating the first tab element 822 by a special gesture (such as short tap, long tap, double tap and the like)

• clicking or otherwise actuating the first tab element 822 using a mouse, a pointing device and the like

[00131] When the user 502 provides an indication of the user desire to use the functionality associated with the first tab element 822, instead the tablet device 102 soliciting from the user 502 an indication of which one of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application) the user 502 is desirous of using, the tablet device 102 executes the application selection routine to select one of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application).

[00132] More specifically, the tablet device 102 executes the application selection routine in order to: (a) rank the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application) and (b) select the so-top-rated one as the application to execute the action.

[00133] Within the various embodiments of the present technology, the application selection routine can use various parameters to rank the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task (in this case one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application). Some of these factors include but are not limited to:

• The time when each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task was downloaded and/or installed

• The time when each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task was previously used · The frequency of usage of each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task • The popularity of each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task, for example, as listed in the description 606 stored at the application storage 522 of the application repository 508

• The popularity of each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task, i.e. how often each of the plurality of possible applications is actually used for executing the given task

The general application preference parameter associated with the

• The indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality

[00134] For the popularity of each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task, the popularity of each of the plurality of possible applications suitable for executing the given task can be tracked by the tablet device 102. For example, the tablet device 102 can track time of the day when the user 502 is more likely to use the Safari browser or the Facebook application to access their Facebook account. The tablet device 102 can track a sequence of user 502 tasks - for example, the user 502 is more likely to use the Facebook application after the user 502 used a Calculator application, than the Safari browser. Naturally, any other logic can be used.

[00135] Naturally, a combination of these and other factors can be taken into account by the tablet device 102.

[00136] For general application preference parameter associated with the user 502, the tablet device 502 can track the user 502 preferences for executing different tasks using different types of applications. The tablet device 502 can further track which functionality the user 502 has recently used. For example, the user may have consistently started Safari browser by actuating the Safari browser icon and logged into his or her Facebook account. This information may be indicative to the tablet device 102 that the user is more likely to use the Safari browser than the Facebook application.

[00137] Even though the example above has been provided with applications suitable for executing a task and recalling that the control elements tab 820 can be implemented as the "multi-functional control element tab" (in the sense that it is configured to trigger execution of applications and trigger opening of documents) teachings presented herein can be also applied to the ranking and selection the application that is best suited for opening a particular file. For example, let's say one of the elements within the control elements tab 820 is associated with a PDF file (much akin to the fourth tab element 828 being associated with a WORD document). [00138] The tablet device 102 then determines the specific application to execute the user' s requested task. How the step of determining can be executed is not particularly limited. In some embodiments of the present technology, the step of determining is executed on the basis of heuristics that have been pre-determined and stored within the memory module 120. Alternatively, the determining can be executed on the basis of a machine learned algorithm, which has been trained on a training set of applications and associated tasks, as selected by assessors.

[00139] Once the tablet device 102 selects the application to execute the given task - i.e. one of the Safari browser and the Facebook application, the tablet device 102 causes execution of the selected application. So, responsive to the application selection routine and the execution of the so-selected application, the user 502 will be presented with one of the screen shot 900 (Facebook content accessed through the Safari web site) and the screen shot 1000 (Facebook content accessed through the Facebook application).

[00140] Optional enhancement

[00141] It may so happen that the tablet device 102 may select one of the possible applications and the user 502 may be actually desirous of using a different one of the possible applications. Therefore, the tablet device 102 may be configured to execute an application switch routine.

[00142] More specifically, in response to the user 502 providing an application switch command, the tablet device 102 can trigger execution of another application from the plurality of possible applications for executing the given task. In some embodiments, the tablet device 102 executes the next ranked applications following after the top ranked application which was selected as the one application to execute the given task in the first place. In alternative embodiments, the tablet device 102 can provide the user 502 a choice of all other possible applications (in a drop down menu and the like) to select from. [00143] In some embodiments of the present technology, acquiring the application switch command can be executed by means of the user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen. In some embodiments, the pre-determined gesture is a gesture associated with the first tab element 822 (i.e. the same tab element that was used for triggering the application selection routine in the first place).

[00144] In some embodiments of the present technology, the gesture is of the same type as the gesture used for actuating the first tab element 822 in the first place. Therefore, both gestures can be short taps, for instance. The fact that the user has tapped the first tab element 822 again can be taken, by the tablet device 102, as an indication that the user 502 is desirous of switching the applications.

[00145] In alternative embodiments, the gesture is of a different type than the gesture used for actuating the first tab element 822 in the first place. For example, the first actuation (i.e. the original actuation of the first tab element 822) can be a short tap and the second actuation can be a different gesture, such as a long tap. Alternatively, the first actuation can be a single tap and the second actuation can be a double tap. Naturally, a combination of different gestures can be used.

[00146] In alternative embodiments, the pre-determined gesture can be with an object other than the first tab element 822 (i.e. not the same tab element that was used for triggering the application selection routine in the first place). For example, the gesture can be with a pre- defined switch object (not depicted), a general gesture with the touch sensitive screen (such as a long swipe across the screen, etc) and the like.

[00147] When the switch routine is executed, the processor 118 can cause the execution content to be passed from the firstly-executed application to the switched application. The execution content can be passed as a bookmark, as a link, as a token and the like. [00148] Given the architecture described above, the tablet device 102 is configured to execute a method of operating the tablet device 102. With reference to Figure 11, there is depicted a flow chart of a method 1100, the method 1100 being executed in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. The method 1100 can be executed by the processor 118 of the tablet device 102. To that end, the processor 118 has access to computer executable instructions stored in the memory module 120 [00149] Step 1102 - presenting, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device [00150] The method 1100 starts at step 1102, where the processor 118 causes presentation, on the user input output interface 104 (i.e. the input output module 104), of a graphical object (such as the above-described first tab element 822) representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the tablet device 102.

[00151] Step 1104 - receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object

[00152] Next, at step 1104, the processor 118 receives an indication of the user actuating the graphical object. As has been alluded to above, if the input output module 104 is implemented as a touch sensitive screen, the receiving the indication can be done by appreciating a user touch on the first tab element 822.

[00153] Step 1106 - acquiring a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application

[00154] Next, at step 1106, the processor 118 appreciates a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application. As has been described above, the respective first parameter and the second parameter can be one or more of:

• The time when the first application and the second application was downloaded and/or installed · The time when the first application and the second application was previously used

• The frequency of usage of the first application and the second application • The popularity of the first application and the second application with the application repository 508

• The popularity of the first application and the second application for executing the given task [00155] In some embodiments of the present technology, the respective first parameter and the second parameter can be generated as part of executing the method 1100. As such, in these embodiments, the step 1106 further comprises generating the respective the first parameter and the second parameter.

[00156] In alternative embodiments, the respective first parameter and the second parameter can be generated offline, in the sense that they can be generated not as part of the method 1100. As such, the tablet device 102 can generate (and update from time to time) the first parameter and the second parameter and store them in the memory module 120. As such, in these embodiments, the step 1106 further comprises retrieving the respective the first parameter and the second parameter from the memory module 120. [00157] Step 1108 - based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality

[00158] Next, at step 1108, the processor 118, based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality.

[00159] As has been described above, how the step of determining can be executed is not particularly limited. In some embodiments of the present technology, the step of determining is executed on the basis an heuristics that have been pre-determined and stored within the memory module 120. Alternatively, the determining can be executed on the basis of a machine learned algorithm, which has been trained on a training set of applications and associated tasks, as selected by assessors.

[00160] Step 1110 - executing the one of the first application and the second application [00161] Next, at step 1110, the processor 118 executes the one of the first application and the second application selected in step 1108. In some embodiments, the processor triggers the execution file associated with the respective one of the first application and the second application. [00162] In some embodiments of the present technology, the method 1100 further comprises allowing the user to input an application switch command. Within various implementations of the method, responsive to receiving the application switch command, the processor 118 is configured to execute the other one of the first application and the second application. [00163] In some embodiments of the present technology, where the tablet device 102 comprises a touch-sensitive screen and the step of receiving is executed in response to the user 502 executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

[00164] In some embodiments of the present technology, the pre-determined gesture can be a long swipe. [00165] In some embodiments of the present technology, the gesture is actuating the graphical object (i.e. the first tab element 822).

[00166] In some embodiments of the present technology, the step of actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the step of receiving the indication of the user actuating the graphical object to be executed in the first place. [00167] In some embodiments of the present technology, where the tablet device 102 comprises a touch-sensitive screen the first actuating can be a single tap and the second actuation can be a double tap. Alternatively, the first actuating can be a short tap and the second actuation can be a long tap. Naturally, any other combination of gestures is possible.

[00168] It should be expressly understood that not all technical effects mentioned herein need to be enjoyed in each and every embodiment of the present technology. For example, embodiments of the present technology may be implemented without the user enjoying some of these technical effects, while other embodiments may be implemented with the user enjoying other technical effects or none at all. [00169] One skilled in the art will appreciate when the instant description refers to "receiving data" from a user that the electronic device executing receiving of the data from the user may receive an electronic (or other) signal from the user. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that displaying data to the user via a user-graphical interface (such as the screen of the electronic device and the like) may involve transmitting a signal to the user- graphical interface, the signal containing data, which data can be manipulated and at least a portion of the data can be displayed to the user using the user-graphical interface.

[00170] Some of these steps and signal sending-receiving are well known in the art and, as such, have been omitted in certain portions of this description for the sake of simplicity. The signals can be sent-received using optical means (such as a fibre-optic connection), electronic means (such as using wired or wireless connection), and mechanical means (such as pressure-based, temperature based or any other suitable physical parameter based).

[00171] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS USPTO-Style Claims What is claimed is:

1. A method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a user input output interface, the method comprising: presenting, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device; receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object; acquiring a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; executing the one of the first application and the second application.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object; a general application preference parameter associated with the user; an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality.

3. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising allowing the user to input an application switch command.

4. The method of claim 3, the method further comprises, responsive to receiving the application switch command, executing the other one of the first application and the second application.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein the receiving is executed in response to the user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the gesture is actuating the graphical object.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

11. The method of claim 4, the method further comprising transmitting an execution content from the first application to the second application.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the acquiring comprises determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the acquiring comprises retrieving from a memory the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application at a point of time prior to the receiving the indication.

15. An electronic device comprising: a user input output interface; a processor coupled to the user input output interface, the processor configured to execute an application, the processor being further configured to: present, on the user input output interface, a graphical object representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device; receive, via the input output interface, an indication of the user actuating the graphical object; acquire a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determine which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; execute the one of the first application and the second application.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object; a general application preference parameter associated with the user; an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality.

17. The electronic device of claim 15, the processor being further configured to allow the user to input an application switch command.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, the processor being further configured, responsive to receiving the application switch command, to execute the other one of the first application and the second application.

19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein to receive, the processor is configured to appreciate a user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

21. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the gesture is actuating the graphical object.

22. The electronic device of claim 21, wherein the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object.

23. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap.

24. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein the electronic device comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

25. The electronic device of claim 18, the processor being further configured to transmit an execution content from the first application to the second application.

26. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein to acquire, the processor is configured to determine the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

27. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein to acquire, the processor is configured to retrieve from a memory the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

28. The electronic device of claim 27, the processor being further configured to determine the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application at a point of time prior to the receiving the indication. EPO-Style Claims

29. A method (1100) of operating an electronic device (102), the electronic device (102) comprising a user input output interface (104), the method (1100) comprising: presenting (1102), on the user input output interface (104), a graphical object (822) representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device (102); receiving (1104) an indication of a user (502) actuating the graphical object (822); acquiring (1106) a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determining (1108) which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; executing (1110) the one of the first application and the second application.

30. The method (1100) of claim 29, wherein each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object (822); a general application preference parameter associated with the user (502); an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality.

31. The method (1100) of claim 29, the method further comprising allowing the user (502) to input an application switch command.

32. The method (1100) of claim 31, responsive to receiving the application switch command, executing the other one of the first application and the second application.

33. The method (1100) of claim 32, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein the receiving is executed in response to the user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch-sensitive screen.

34. The method (1100) of claim 33, wherein the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

35. The method (1100) of claim 33, wherein the gesture is actuating the graphical object.

36. The method (1100) of claim 35, wherein the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object (822).

37. The method (1100) of claim 36, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap.

38. The method (1100) of claim 36, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch- sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

39. The method (1100) of claim 32, the method further comprising transmitting an execution content from the first application to the second application.

40. The method (1100) of claim 29, wherein the acquiring comprises determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

41. The method (1100) of claim 29, wherein the acquiring comprises retrieving from a memory (120) the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

42. The method (1100) of claim 41, further comprising determining the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application at a point of time prior to the receiving the indication.

43. An electronic device (102) comprising: a user input output interface (104); a processor (118) coupled to the user input output interface (104), the processor (118) configured to execute an application, the processor (118) being further configured to: present, on the user input output interface (104), a graphical object (822) representative of a functionality, the functionality being supported by a first application and a second application, both the first application and the second application having been installed and being executable by the electronic device (102); receive, via the input output interface (104), an indication of a user (502) actuating the graphical object (822); acquire a first parameter associated with the first application and a second parameter associated with the second application; based on the first parameter and the second parameter, determine which one of the first application and the second application is better suited for the functionality; execute the one of the first application and the second application.

44. The electronic (102) device of claim 43, wherein each of the first parameter and the second parameter comprises at least one of: a time when the respective first application and the second application was installed; a time when the respective first application and the second application was previously used; a frequency of usage of the respective first application and the second application; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application in an application store; a popularity of the respective first application and the second application for executing a given task associated with the graphical object; a general application preference parameter associated with the user; an indication of a type of last executed application for executing the functionality.

45. The electronic device (102) of claim 43, the processor being (118) further configured to allow the user to input an application switch command.

46. The electronic device (102) of claim 45, the processor (118) being further configured, responsive to receiving the application switch command, to execute the other one of the first application and the second application.

47. The electronic device (102) of claim 46, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein to receive, the processor (118) is configured to appreciate a user executing a pre-determined gesture using the touch- sensitive screen.

48. The electronic device (102) of claim 47, wherein the pre-determined gesture is a long swipe.

49. The electronic device (102) of claim 47, wherein the gesture is actuating the graphical object.

50. The electronic device (102) of claim 49, wherein the actuating is a second actuating that is different from a first actuating that caused the receiving an indication of the user actuating the graphical object.

51. The electronic device (102) of claim 50, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a single tap and the second actuation is a double tap.

52. The electronic device (102) of claim 50, wherein the electronic device (102) comprises a touch-sensitive screen and wherein the first actuating is a short tap and the second actuation is a long tap.

53. The electronic device (102) of claim 46, the processor (118) being further configured to transmit an execution content from the first application to the second application.

54. The electronic device (102) of claim 43, wherein to acquire, the processor (118( is configured to determine the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

55. The electronic device (102) of claim 43, wherein to acquire, the processor (118) is configured to retrieve from a memory (120) the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application.

56. The electronic device (102) of claim 55, the processor (118) being further configured to determine the first parameter associated with the first application and the second parameter associated with the second application at a point of time prior to the receiving the indication.