Patent ID: 8935610
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method executed at least in part in a computing device for providing a communication navigation bar in a minimized state within an expanded communication application, the method comprising: determining a state for the communication navigation bar based on one of a user interface context, a device type, a plurality of user preferences, and a user selection, wherein the communication navigation bar provides temporary previews, summary information in form of information badges, and enables the temporary previews to be docked for permanent viewing; if the determined state is the minimized state, displaying the communication navigation bar in the minimized state comprising a plurality of icons representing individual modules of the communication application associated with at least one or more from an email exchange, a scheduling, a contact management, and a task management within a user interface of the communication application; in response to detecting a hover action on one of the plurality of icons on the communication navigation bar, displaying a temporary preview of content associated with the individual module represented by the icon simultaneously with a main view of the communication application displaying content associated with another one of the individual modules, wherein a format of the temporary preview and the main view are distinct; in response to detecting selection of the temporary preview, modifying the user interface to display the content associated with the individual module represented by icon in the main view; and enabling docking of the temporary preview to the main view to display both simultaneously in response to a user selection.