Abstract:
This specification describes technologies relating to user interfaces for mobile devices. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a touch input to access an application management interface on a mobile device; presenting an application management interface; receiving one or more inputs within the application management interface including an input to install a particular application; installing the selected application; and presenting the installed application.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/354,616, for USER INTERFACE FOR APPLICATION MANAGEMENT FOR A MOBILE DEVICE, to Lemay and Kelly, which was filed on Jan. 15, 2009, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/059,730, filed on Jun. 6, 2008. The disclosure of the foregoing applications are incorporated here by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to user interfaces for mobile devices. 
         [0003]    Conventional mobile devices are often dedicated to performing specific functions. For example, a mobile phone provides telephony services, a personal digital assistant (PDA) provides a way to organize addresses, contacts and notes, a media player plays content, email devices provide email communication, a browser to surf the Internet, etc. Modern mobile devices can include two or more of these functions. 
         [0004]    In particular, a mobile device can include a number of different applications, which a user can access independent of other applications. For example, the mobile device can include one or more games, web applications, or productivity applications. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This specification describes technologies relating to user interfaces for mobile devices. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a touch input to access an application management interface on a mobile device; presenting an application management interface; receiving one or more inputs within the application management interface including an input to install a particular application; installing the selected application; and presenting the installed application. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products. 
         [0006]    These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of the following features. Presenting the application management interface further includes presenting a menu portion and a display portion. The display portion includes one or more application objects corresponding to respective applications, each application object presenting information about the respective application. The menu portion includes multiple tabs, each tab providing access to particular features of the application management interface. Receiving one or more user inputs includes receiving a selection of a particular application object. The method further includes, in response to the selection, transitioning the display portion to present additional information about the selected application. Presenting additional information includes presenting one or more reviews of the selected application. The selected application object is an application update object associated with an update to an application previously installed on the mobile device. Installing the selected application includes presenting a placeholder object on a display of the mobile device, the placeholder object including an indicator of installation progress. The method further includes receiving payment information from a user to purchase the particular application. The mobile device includes a multi-touch-sensitive display. 
         [0007]    In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in systems that include a processor and a user interface for providing interaction with a user, the user interface including a display portion including one or more application objects corresponding to respective applications, each application object presenting information about the respective application, and a menu portion including multiple tabs, each tab providing access to particular features of the application management interface. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding methods, apparatus, and computer program products. 
         [0008]    Particular embodiments of the invention can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. A user can easily navigate an application store to identify and download applications for a mobile device. Users can be notified of updates to previously downloaded applications without navigating to an update interface. Users can quickly provide feedback on applications including rating the applications and reporting identified problems. Additionally, users can quickly and easily share information on particular applications of interest with other users. Once an application is selected, the user can access other features and applications of the mobile device while waiting for the application to download. 
         [0009]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example mobile device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device after invoking an application store display object. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device after selecting a staff favorites button. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device for providing information associated with a particular application. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device for notifying another user of an application. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device including a menu for providing information associated with a selected application. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device for reviewing a selected application. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device for reporting on a selected application. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application store following selection of a categories tab. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram  1000  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating application objects of a particular selected category. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application store following selection of a “top 25” tab. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application store “top 25” with free applications hidden. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application store following selection of a search tab. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device after invoking an application store display object and illustrating available updates. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application store following selection of an updates tab. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application download. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating an example process for navigating an application store using a mobile device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating an application available for deletion. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a block diagram of an example user interface of the mobile device illustrating a rating prompt. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating an example process for deleting an installed application using a mobile device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a block diagram of an example network operating environment for the mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a block diagram of an example implementation of the mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100 . The mobile device  100  can be, for example, a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a network appliance, a camera, a smart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a network base station, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, or a combination of any two or more of these data processing devices or other data processing devices. 
       Mobile Device Overview 
       [0034]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  includes a touch-sensitive display  102 . The touch-sensitive display  102  can implement liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting polymer display (LPD) technology, or some other display technology. The touch-sensitive display  102  can be sensitive to haptic and/or tactile contact with a user. 
         [0035]    In some implementations, the touch-sensitive display  102  can comprise a multi-touch-sensitive display  102 . A multi-touch-sensitive display  102  can, for example, process multiple simultaneous touch points, including processing data related to the pressure, degree and/or position of each touch point. Such processing facilitates gestures and interactions with multiple fingers, chording, and other interactions. Other touch-sensitive display technologies can also be used, e.g., a display in which contact is made using a stylus or other pointing device. Some examples of multi-touch-sensitive display technology are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,323,846, 6,570,557, 6,677,932, and U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0036]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can display one or more graphical user interfaces on the touch-sensitive display  102  for providing the user access to various system objects and for conveying information to the user. In some implementations, the graphical user interface can include one or more display objects  104 ,  106 . In the example shown, the display objects  104 ,  106 , are graphic representations of system objects. Some examples of system objects include device functions, applications, windows, files, alerts, events, or other identifiable system objects. 
       Exemplary Mobile Device Functionality 
       [0037]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can implement multiple device functionalities, such as a telephony device, as indicated by a phone object  110 ; an e-mail device, as indicated by the e-mail object  112 ; a network data communication device, as indicated by the Web object  114 ; a Wi-Fi base station device (not shown); and a media processing device, as indicated by the media player object  116 . In some implementations, particular display objects  104 , e.g., the phone object  110 , the e-mail object  112 , the Web object  114 , and the media player object  116 , can be displayed in a menu bar  118 . In some implementations, device functionalities can be accessed from a top-level graphical user interface, such as the graphical user interface illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Touching one of the objects  110 ,  112 ,  114  or  116  can, for example, invoke corresponding functionality. 
         [0038]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can implement network distribution functionality. For example, the functionality can enable the user to take the mobile device  100  and its associated network while traveling. In particular, the mobile device  100  can extend Internet access (e.g., Wi-Fi) to other wireless devices in the vicinity. For example, mobile device  100  can be configured as a base station for one or more devices. As such, mobile device  100  can grant or deny network access to other wireless devices. 
         [0039]    In some implementations, upon invocation of device functionality, the graphical user interface of the mobile device  100  changes, or is augmented or replaced with another user interface or user interface elements, to facilitate user access to particular functions associated with the corresponding device functionality. For example, in response to a user touching the phone object  110 , the graphical user interface of the touch-sensitive display  102  may present display objects related to various phone functions; likewise, touching of the email object  112  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various e-mail functions; touching the Web object  114  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various Web-surfing functions; and touching the media player object  116  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various media processing functions. 
         [0040]    In some implementations, the top-level graphical user interface environment or state of  FIG. 1  can be restored by pressing a button  120  located near the bottom of the mobile device  100 . In some implementations, each corresponding device functionality may have corresponding “home” display objects displayed on the touch-sensitive display  102 , and the graphical user interface environment of  FIG. 1  can be restored by pressing the “home” display object. 
         [0041]    In some implementations, the top-level graphical user interface can include additional display objects  106 , such as a short messaging service (SMS) object, a calendar object, a photos object, a camera object, a calculator object, a stocks object, a weather object, a maps object, a notes object, a clock object, an address book object, a settings object, and an app store object  132 . Touching the SMS display object can, for example, invoke an SMS messaging environment and supporting functionality; likewise, each selection of a display object can invoke a corresponding object environment and functionality. 
         [0042]    Additional and/or different display objects can also be displayed in the graphical user interface of  FIG. 1 . For example, if the device  100  is functioning as a base station for other devices, one or more “connection” objects may appear in the graphical user interface to indicate the connection. In some implementations, the display objects  106  can be configured by a user, e.g., a user may specify which display objects  106  are displayed, and/or may download additional applications or other software that provides other functionalities and corresponding display objects. 
         [0043]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can include one or more input/output (I/O) devices and/or sensor devices. For example, a speaker  160  and a microphone  162  can be included to facilitate voice-enabled functionalities, such as phone and voice mail functions. In some implementations, an up/down button  184  for volume control of the speaker  160  and the microphone  162  can be included. The mobile device  100  can also include an on/off button  182  for a ring indicator of incoming phone calls. In some implementations, a loud speaker  164  can be included to facilitate hands-free voice functionalities, such as speaker phone functions. An audio jack  166  can also be included for use of headphones and/or a microphone. 
         [0044]    In some implementations, a proximity sensor  168  can be included to facilitate the detection of the user positioning the mobile device  100  proximate to the user&#39;s ear and, in response, to disengage the touch-sensitive display  102  to prevent accidental function invocations. In some implementations, the touch-sensitive display  102  can be turned off to conserve additional power when the mobile device  100  is proximate to the user&#39;s ear. 
         [0045]    Other sensors can also be used. For example, in some implementations, an ambient light sensor  170  can be utilized to facilitate adjusting the brightness of the touch-sensitive display  102 . In some implementations, an accelerometer  172  can be utilized to detect movement of the mobile device  100 , as indicated by the directional arrows. Accordingly, display objects and/or media can be presented according to a detected orientation, e.g., portrait or landscape. In some implementations, the mobile device  100  may include circuitry and sensors for supporting a location determining capability, such as that provided by the global positioning system (GPS) or other positioning systems (e.g., systems using Wi-Fi access points, television signals, cellular grids, Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)). In some implementations, a positioning system (e.g., a GPS receiver) can be integrated into the mobile device  100  or provided as a separate device that can be coupled to the mobile device  100  through an interface (e.g., port device  190 ) to provide access to location-based services. 
         [0046]    The mobile device  100  can also include a camera lens and sensor  180 . In some implementations, the camera lens and sensor  180  can be located on the back surface of the mobile device  100 . The camera can capture still images and/or video. 
         [0047]    The mobile device  100  can also include one or more wireless communication subsystems, such as an 802.11b/g communication device  186 , and/or a Bluetooth™ communication device  188 . Other communication protocols can also be supported, including other 802.x communication protocols (e.g., WiMax, Wi-Fi, 3G), code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), etc. 
         [0048]    In some implementations, the port device  190 , e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, or a docking port, or some other wired port connection, is included. The port device  190  can, for example, be utilized to establish a wired connection to other computing devices, such as other communication devices  100 , network access devices, a personal computer, a printer, or other processing devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting data. In some implementations, the port device  190  allows the mobile device  100  to synchronize with a host device using one or more protocols, such as, for example, the TCP/IP, HTTP, UDP and any other known protocol. In some implementations, a TCP/IP over USB protocol can be used, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/945,904, filed Jun. 22, 2007, for “Multiplexed Data Stream Protocol,” Attorney Docket No. 004860.P5490, which is incorporated by reference here in its entirety. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram  200  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  after invoking an application store display object (e.g., app store display object  132  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch-sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an application store interface. In some implementations, touching the app store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the application store interface. 
         [0050]    The user interface for the application store includes a display portion  236  and a menu portion  240 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes a featured tab  216 , a categories tab  218 , a top 25 tab  220 , a search tab  222 , and an updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store, each of which will be described in greater detail below. In some implementations, other tabs can be provided and/or the tab order can vary, for example, as determined by the application store, the mobile device, or based on input received from another remote location. 
         [0051]    The display portion  236  displays a featured interface  203  associated with the featured tab  216 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The featured interface  203  includes a title bar  201 . The title bar  201  includes a recently added button  202  and a staff favorites button  204 . The recently added button  202  and staff favorites button  204  are shown as separate buttons. However, the buttons can take other forms including, for example, a single toggle button that can be switched from one to the other by touching the button more than once. 
         [0052]    The featured interface  203  also includes one or more application objects  240 . The recently added button  202  is shown as currently selected (e.g., based on a user input to the touch-sensitive display  102 ). When the recently added button  202  is selected, the application objects  240  displayed correspond to applications that have been recently added to the application store. 
         [0053]    In some implementations, the recently added applications are specified by a time period from inclusion of the particular application to the application store. For example, the recently added applications can include applications made available in the application store within the past thirty days. In some other implementations, however, the recently added applications can be a specified number (e.g., 25) of most recently added applications to the application store regardless of the actual elapsed time. 
         [0054]    The application objects  240  can be ordered within the display portion  236  according to one or more criteria. For example, the application objects can be ordered by date added to the application store, alphabetically, or according to user ratings. 
         [0055]    In particular, the application objects  240  shown in the display portion  236  include application objects  210 ,  212 , and  214 . Additionally, when the display portion  236  cannot display all of the application objects  240  at one time, the user can scroll  238  up or down to view additional application objects  240 . While a scroll  238  is represented by a dotted arrow at particular portion of the display portion  236 , the user can scroll  238  from other points. In particular, the user can scroll by gesturing in a particular direction (e.g., up or down) across the touch-sensitive display  102 . 
         [0056]    Each application object  240  includes information associated with the particular application. For example, application object  210  includes application information  228 . The application information  228  can include an image representing the application, the application name (e.g., “Application 1” for application object  210 ), a developer&#39;s name, and rating information. In some implementations, the rating information is represented by a specified number of stars. Stars are filled to indicate the average rating (e.g., three out of five 5) for the application. In some implementations, stars are partially filled to represent a finer degree of granularity of the average rating. 
         [0057]    In some other implementation, different symbols are used to represent the rating information. For example, in some implementations, the small dots are used to represent unselected stars, which are replaced by stars up to the rating level, such that there are only stars equal to the average rating. In some implementations, the rating information also includes a number of reviews used (e.g., from individual users) to determine the average rating. 
         [0058]    The application objects  240  also include a purchasing information  230 . The purchasing information indicates whether the application is free or must be purchased (e.g., identified by “free” or “buy” labels). In some implementations, the purchasing information indicates the cost of the application (e.g., $5.00). In some other implementations, the application object  240  can indicate whether or not the user has already installed the particular application. For example, if the user has already installed the application identified by application object  210 , the purchase information  230  can read “installed” instead of “free”. Alternatively, the purchase information  230  can read “uninstall” indicating that the user can uninstall the already installed application. 
         [0059]    The application objects  240  can also include an “&gt;” indicator (e.g., indicator  232  of application object  210 ). The indicator  232  indicates that selecting a particular application object (e.g., by touching application object  210 ) will transition the user interface to provide additional information about the selected application. The transition can be animated. 
         [0060]    The display portion  236  can also include one or more advertisements. In the display portion  236 , a first advertisement  206  and a second advertisement  208  are shown near the title bar  201 . In other implementations, only a single advertisement is presented. Alternatively, additional advertisements can be presented. Additionally, while the advertisements are shown near the title bar  201 , one or more advertisements can be presented at different locations on the display portion  236 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram  300  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  after selecting a staff favorites button (e.g., staff favorites button  204  in  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the title bar  201  including both the recently added button  202  and the staff favorites button  204 . When the staff favorites button  204  is selected, the display portion  236  presents application objects  340  as part of the featured interface  303 . The application objects  340  can include one or more of the recently added application objects  240  or can be distinct from the application objects  240 . 
         [0062]    In some implementations, the application objects  340  represent application objects selected by one or more individuals associated with the application store. For example, the staff favorites can be selected by a group of individuals within a specified time period. Thus, the staff favorites can change regularly, e.g., every 30 days. In some other implementations, the staff favorites are identified according to the applications receiving a highest ratings from a specified group of individuals. In some implementations, the number of application objects  340  identified as staff favorites is limited to a specified number (e.g., top 25 applications). 
         [0063]    The application objects  340  can be ordered within the featured interface  303  according to one or more criteria. For example, the application objects can be ordered by date added to the application store, alphabetically, or by staff rating. 
         [0064]    In particular, the application objects  340  shown in the display portion  236  include application objects  302 ,  304 , and  306 . Additionally, when the display portion  236  cannot display all of the application objects  340  at one time, the user can scroll  238  up or down to view additional application objects  340  as described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0065]    Each application object  340  includes information associated with the respective application. Similar to the application information  228  described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the application information can include an image representing the application, the application name (e.g., “Application 4” for application object  302 ), a developer&#39;s name, and rating information. In some implementations, the rating information is represented by a specified number of stars identifying an average rating for the corresponding application. 
         [0066]    The application objects  340  also include purchasing information. The purchasing information indicates whether the “staff favorite” applications are free or must be purchased. In some implementations, the purchasing information indicates the cost of the particular application (e.g., $5.00). In some other implementations, the application object  340  indicates whether or not the user has already installed the particular application. For example, if the user has already installed the application identified by application object  302 , the purchase information can read “installed” instead of “free”. Alternatively, the purchase information can read “uninstall” indicating that the user can uninstall the already installed application. 
         [0067]    The application objects  340  can also include an “&gt;” indicator (e.g., indicator  232  of  FIG. 2 ). The indicator indicates that selecting a particular application object (e.g., by touching application object  302 ) will transition the user interface to provide additional information about the selected application. The transition can be animated. 
         [0068]    The featured interface  303  can also include one or more advertisements. In particular, the display portion  236 , presents a first advertisement  206  and a second advertisement  208  near the title bar  201 . In other implementations, only a single advertisement is presented. Alternatively, additional advertisements can be presented. Additionally, while the advertisements are shown near the title bar  201 , one or more advertisements can be presented at different locations on the display portion  236 . 
         [0069]    In either  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 3 , a user selection of an application object (e.g., one of application objects  240  or  340 , respectively), the user interface can transition to provide additional information regarding the application associated with the selected application object. 
         [0070]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram  400  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  for providing information associated with a particular application. In particular, an application information interface  403  corresponds to the user selection of application object  210  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0071]    The application information interface  403  includes an information display portion  410  and the menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . In some implementations, the menu portion  226  is hidden when the application information interface  403  is presented. 
         [0072]    The display portion  410  includes a title bar  401 . The title bar  401  identifies the user interface as an application information interface. Additionally, the title bar  401  can include a back button  402  and a “tell a friend” button  404 . The back button  402  allows the user to, for example, cancel the application information interface  403  and return to the previous user interface (e.g., the user interface for the app store shown in  FIG. 2  or  3 ). The “tell a friend” button  404  allows the user to send information about the selected application. In particular, touching the “tell a friend” button  404  causes the user interface to transition into an interface for notifying another person about the particular application. The interface for notifying another person about the selected application is described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0073]    The display portion  410  also includes application information  406 , purchase information  408 , an application screenshot  412 , and reviews  414 . The application information  406  includes, for example, the application name and the developer. The application information  406  can also include an image representing the particular application as well as other information, for example, the date the application was added to the application store. The application information  406  can also include a brief description of the application. 
         [0074]    The purchase information  408  identifies whether the selected application is free or available for purchase. Alternatively, the purchase information  408  can indicate the price of the application (e.g., $5.00). In some implementations, the user can redeem credit to purchase the application. For example, the user can have a gift card, a coupon, or other credit that can be used toward purchasing applications on the application store. In some implementations, the user is presented with a “redeem” button in the application information interface. Touching the redeem button generates an interface where the user can input account information corresponding to the credit to be applied. 
         [0075]    Additionally, in some implementations, touching the purchase information  408  initiates a process for downloading the application. For example, if the application is free, the download process can begin without further user input. Alternatively, if purchase is required, a user account can be accessed to purchase the application. In some implementations, the user can redeem a coupon or similar credit to purchase the application. In some other implementations, the user is required to provide account or other authentication information before purchasing the application. 
         [0076]    In some alternative implementations, the purchase information  408  indicates whether the user has already installed the application (e.g., by including text “installed” or “uninstall” in the purchase information  408 ). 
         [0077]    The screenshot  412  can provide a screen capture image of the application interface. In some implementations, a more detailed description of the application is provided in place of, or in addition to, the screenshot  412 . For example, the detailed description can include features of the application and other information. In some implementations, more than one screenshot  412  is provided. Alternatively, in some other implementations, additional screenshots can be provided as thumbnails that can be displayed when selected by the user. 
         [0078]    The reviews  414  includes rating information as well as individual reviews of the application. The rating information can include a graphic illustration of an average rating (e.g., using a star rating). Additionally, the number of individual reviews used to determine the average rating can also be provided. The average rating can be followed by one or more individual reviews of the application. In some implementation all reviews are listed. In some other implementations, only a specified number of reviews are listed. In some implementations, the user can scroll  238  to view additional reviews that are not presented within the visible portion of the application information interface  403 . 
         [0079]    The reviews  414  portion of the application information interface  403  can also include a review button  418  that allows a user to provide a review or other report associated with the application. Providing a review of the application is described below with respect to  FIGS. 6-8   
         [0080]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram  500  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  for notifying another user of an application. In particular,  FIG. 5  includes a notification interface  502 . The notification interface  502  can be presented in response to the user selecting the “tell a friend” button  404  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0081]    The notification interface  502  includes a title bar  501 . The title bar  501  identifies the notification interface  502  (e.g., as “tell a friend”). Additionally, the title bar  501  includes a back button  504  and a send button  506 . The back button  504  can cancel the notification interface  502  and allow the user to return to a preceding user interface (e.g., the application information interface  403 ). The send button  506  allows the user to send application information to another person. 
         [0082]    The notification interface  502  can provide a pre-configured e-mail message that includes a link to the application information in the application store. The notification interface  502  includes a “to” field  508 , a “from” field  510 , a subject field  512 , and a text box  514 . The “to” field  508  allows the user to identify the recipient of the notification. The user can input, for example, an e-mail address or a name corresponding to a contact or address book entry. The “from” field  510  allows the user to identify for the recipient the sender of the notification. In some implementations, the “from” field  510  is automatically populated based on user profile or account information. In some other implementations, the “from” field  510  is not presented to the user, but instead is automatically added to the notification. The “subject” field  512  allow the user to specify a subject for the recipient, for example, “check out this application”. In some implementations, the subject field  512  is automatically populated by the application store, for example, with the name of the application or other text. 
         [0083]    The text box  514  provides additional space for the user to provide additional text to the user (e.g., a message body). In some implementations, the text box  514  has a maximum number of allowed characters for user input. 
         [0084]    Input to each field and the text box  514  can be provided using keyboard  516 . The keyboard  516  provides a full QWERTY layout of keys for typing. The user inputs text with the touch-sensitive display  102  by touching individual keys according to the desired text. After inputting information into one or more fields, the user can send the notification by touching the send button  506  as described above. In some implementations, sending the notification causes the user interface to transition to the previous user interface (e.g., application information interface  403 ). 
         [0085]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram  600  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  including a menu  602  for providing information associated with a selected application. In particular, a portion of the application information interface  403  can be overlaid with the menu  602 . The menu  602  can be partially transparent such that the overlaid portion of the application information interface  403  is partially visible. In some implementations, the menu  602  is presented in response to the user selecting the review button  418  in the application information interface  403 . In some alternative implementations, the menu  602  replaces the application information  403  entirely instead of being provided as a partial overlay. 
         [0086]    The menu  602  includes a write a review button  604 , a report a problem button  606 , and a cancel button  608 . The write a review button  604  allows the user to write a review for the application of the application information interface  403 . In particular, when the user touches the write a review button  604 , the user interface transitions into a review interface (e.g., using an animated transition). The review interface is described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0087]    The report a problem button  606  allows the user to report a problem with the application identified in the application information interface  403 . In particular, when the user touches the report a problem button  604 , the user interface transitions into a report interface (e.g., using an animated transition). The report interface is described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0088]    The cancel button  608  allows the user to cancel the menu  602  and return to the application information interface  403  of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram  700  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  for reviewing a selected application. In particular,  FIG. 7  shows a review interface  702  presented, for example, in response to the user selecting the write a review button  604  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0090]    The review interface  702  includes a title bar  701  identifying the interface as a review interface. The title bar  701  further includes a back button  704  and a send button  706 . The back button  702  can cancel the review interface  702  and allow the user to return to a preceding user interface (e.g., the application information interface  403 ). The send button  706  allows the user to submit the review. 
         [0091]    The review interface  702  includes a rating  708 . The rating  708  allows the user to assign a rating value to the application. For example, the user can assign a specified number of stars to the application out of a maximum possible (e.g., from zero to five stars). In particular, the user can assign stars using a gesture motion on the touch-sensitive interface  102 . For example, the user can slide a finger in a first direction to incrementally increase the number of stars (to a maximum number, e.g., 5) or in a second direction to incrementally reduce the number of stars (to a minimum number, e.g., zero). 
         [0092]    The review interface  702  also includes a “from” field  710 , a “title” field  712 , and a review text box  714 . The “from” field  710  allows the user to identify who is providing the review. In some implementations, the “from” field  710  is automatically populated based on user profile or account information. In some other implementations, the “from” field  710  is not presented to the user, but instead is automatically added to the review. The “title” field  712  allows the user to identify an occupation or capacity in which they are providing the review. In some implementations, the “title” field  712  is not provided. 
         [0093]    The text box  714  provides additional space for the user to provide review text beyond the rating value. In some implementations, the text box  714  has a maximum number of allowed characters for user input. 
         [0094]    Input to each field and the text box  714  can be provided using keyboard  516 . The keyboard  516  provides a full QWERTY layout of keys for typing. The user inputs text with the touch-sensitive display  102  by touching individual keys according to the desired text. After inputting information into one or more fields, the user can submit the review by touching the send button  706  as described above. In some implementations, submitting the review causes the user interface to transition to a previous user interface (e.g., application information interface  403 ). 
         [0095]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram  800  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  for reporting on a selected application. In particular,  FIG. 8  shows a reporting interface  802  presented, for example, in response to the user selecting the report a problem button  606  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0096]    The reporting interface  802  includes a title bar  801  identifying the interface as a reporting interface. The title bar  801  further includes a back button  804  and a send button  806 . The back button  802 , for example, can cancel the reporting interface  802  and allow the user to return to a preceding user interface (e.g., the application information interface  403 ). The send button  806  allows the user to submit the report. 
         [0097]    The review interface  802  includes menu buttons with suggested problems to report. In particular, the review interface  802  includes a report a bug button  808 , a report as offensive button  810 , and a concern not listed button  812 . The user can select one of the menu buttons by touching a particular menu button in the review interface  802 . In some implantations, when a user selects a particular menu button, the selected menu button is highlighted. In some other implementations, when the user selects a menu button an icon is displayed to indicate selection, for example, a checkmark. 
         [0098]    Additionally, a text box  814  is presented. The text box  814  allows the user to optionally describe the reported problem. In some implementations, the text box  814  has a maximum number of allowed characters for user input. 
         [0099]    Input to the text box  814  can be provided using keyboard  516 . The keyboard  516  provides a full QWERTY layout of keys for typing. The user inputs text with the touch-sensitive display  102  by touching individual keys according to the desired text. After inputting information into the text box  814 , the user can submit the report by touching the send button  806  as described above. In some implementations, submitting the report causes the user interface to transition to a previous user interface (e.g., application information interface  403 ). 
         [0100]    In some implementations, the keyboard  516  is not presented in the reporting interface  802  until the user selects the text box  814  (e.g., by touching the text box  814 ). 
         [0101]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram  900  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application store following selection of a categories tab (e.g., categories tab  218  of  FIG. 2 ). For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an app store interface. In some implementations, touching the app store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the app store interface. 
         [0102]    The user interface for the app store includes a display portion  902  and a menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0103]    The display portion  236  displays a categories interface  903  associated with the categories tab  218 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The categories interface  903  includes a title bar  901  identifying the user interface as a categories interface. In some implementations, the title bar  903  includes one or more buttons, for example, a back button allowing the user to access a previous user interface. Alternatively, the user can exit the application store and return to the “home” interface shown in  FIG. 1  by pressing button  120 . 
         [0104]    The categories interface  903  includes one or more category buttons. In particular, the categories interface  903  includes a games button  904 , entertainment button  906 , news button  908 , productivity button  910 , sports button  912 , and travel button  914 . The displayed categories can be arranged in any order (e.g., alphabetical, by popularity, etc.). Additionally, other categories can be displayed in place of or in addition to the categories shown. In some implementations, the user can view additional categories by scrolling  238  the category buttons. 
         [0105]    Each category button allows the user to transition to an interface providing application objects associated with the particular category. For example, a selection of the games button  904  can cause the categories interface to transition to an game objects interface that includes one or more application objects corresponding to games or otherwise associated with the games category. 
         [0106]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram  1000  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating application objects of a particular selected category. In particular,  FIG. 10  shows a games objects interface  1003  presented in response to a user category selection (e.g., a user selection of the games button  904  in  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0107]    The user interface includes a display portion  1002  and a menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  includes several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes a featured tab  216 , a categories tab  218 , a top 25 tab  220 , a search tab  222 , and an updates tab  224 . In particular, the categories tab  218  is shown as highlighted. 
         [0108]    The display portion  1002  displays a games objects interface  1003  associated with the selection of a games category. The games objects interface  1003  includes a title bar  1001  including recently added button  1004  and staff favorites button  1006 . The recently added button  1004  and staff favorites button  1006  are shown as separate buttons, however, they can take other forms including, for example, a single toggle button that can be switched from one to the other. 
         [0109]    The games objects interface  1003  also includes one or more games objects  1040 . The recently added button  1004  is shown as currently selected (e.g., based on a user input to the touch-sensitive display  102 ). When the recently added button  1004  is selected, the games objects  1040  displayed correspond to game applications that have been recently added to the application store in similar manner as described above in  FIG. 2 , but with respect to games objects. Similarly, when the staff favorites button  1006  is selected or toggled, the games objects  1040  displayed correspond to game applications that have been selected by one or more individuals associated with the app store in a similar manner as described above in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0110]    The game objects  1040  shown in the display portion  1002  include game objects  1012 ,  1014 , and  1016 . Additionally, when the display portion  1002  cannot display all of the game objects  1040  at one time, the user can scroll  238  up or down to view additional game objects  1040 . 
         [0111]    Each game object  1040  includes information associated with the particular game application. For example, game object  1012  includes game application information  1018 . The game application information  1018  can include an image representing the game application, the game application name (“Game 1”), a developer&#39;s name, and rating information. In some implementations, the rating information is represented by a specified number of stars. Stars are filled to indicate the average rating (e.g., three out of five) of the game. In some implementations, stars can be partially filled to represent a finer degree of granularity of the average rating. 
         [0112]    The game objects  1040  also include a purchasing information  1022 . The purchasing information  1022  indicates whether the application is free or must be purchased. In some implementations, the purchasing information indicates the cost of the game (e.g., $5.00). In some other implementations, each game object (e.g., game objects  1012 ,  1014 , and  1016 ) can indicate whether or not the user has already installed the particular game. For example, if the user has already installed the game identified by game object  1012 , the purchase information  1022  can read “installed” instead of “free”. Alternatively, the purchase information  122  can read “uninstall” indicating that the user can uninstall the already installed game application. 
         [0113]    The game objects  1040  can also include an “&gt;” indicator  1020 . The indicator  1020  indicates that selecting a particular game object (e.g., by touching game object  1012 ) transitions the user interface to provide additional information about the selected game application. The transition can be animated. 
         [0114]    The display portion  1002  can also include one or more advertisements. In the display portion  1002 , a first advertisement  1008  and a second advertisement  1010  are shown near the title bar  1001 . In other implementations, only a single advertisement is presented. Alternatively, additional advertisements can be presented. Additionally, while the advertisements are shown near the title bar  1001 , one or more advertisements can be presented at different locations on the display portion  1002 . 
         [0115]    The user can select a particular game object  1040  in order to transition to provide information regarding the game associated with the selected game object. The game information is provided in a similar manner to the application information interface  403  described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram  1100  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application store following selection of a “top 25” tab (e.g., “top 25” tab  220 ). For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an app store interface. In some implementations, touching the app store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the app store interface. 
         [0117]    The user interface for the app store includes a display portion  1102  and the menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0118]    The display portion  1102  displays a “top 25” interface  1103  associated with the “top 25” tab  220 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The top 25 interface  1103  includes a title bar  1101  identifying the user interface as a top 25 interface. The title bar  1101  also includes a “show free” button  1104  and a “hide free” button  1106 . 
         [0119]    When the “show free” button  1104  is selected (as is shown by the highlighting in  FIG. 11 ), the “top 25” interface  1103  displays application objects  1140  including those associated with applications available for free. When the “hide free” button  1106  is selected, the “top 25” interface  1103  only displays application objects that require payment. 
         [0120]    The “top 25” interface  1103  includes application objects  1140 . In particular,  25  application objects  1140  are listed. However, when all 25 application objects  1140  cannot be displayed in the display portion  1102 , the user can scroll  238  to view additional application objects. Additionally, in some implementations, when the user scrolls to the bottom of the “top 25” list of application objects a button can be provided to allow the user to view another group of application objects (e.g., a “next 25” application objects). 
         [0121]    The application objects  1140  shown include application objects  1112 ,  1114 , and  1116 . The application objects  1140  are presented in ranked order. Thus, application object  1112  is ranked above application object  1114 . The rank of each application object is identified in the application object. For example, application object  1112  includes a rank identifier  1118  that identifies the application object  1112  as being ranked number one in the list of application objects  1140 . 
         [0122]    Each application object  1140  includes information associated with the particular application. For example, application object  1112  includes application information  1122 . The application information  1122  can include an image representing the application, the application name (“Application 5”), a developer&#39;s name, and rating information. In some implementations, the rating information is represented by a specified number of stars. Stars are filled to indicate the average rating (e.g., 3/5) of the game. In some implementations, stars can be partially filled to represent a finer degree of granularity of the average rating. 
         [0123]    The application objects  1140  also include a purchasing information  1124 . The purchasing information  1124  indicates whether the application is free or must be purchased. In some implementations, the purchasing information indicates the cost of the application (e.g., $5.00). In some other implementations, each application object (e.g., application objects  1112 ,  1114 , and  1116 ) can indicate whether or not the user has already installed the particular application. For example, if the user has already installed the application identified by application object  1112 , the purchase information  1124  can read “installed” instead of “free”. Alternatively, the purchase information  1124  can read “uninstall” indicating that the user can uninstall the already installed application. 
         [0124]    The application objects  1140  can also each include an “&gt;” indicator  1124 . The indicator  1124  indicates that selecting a particular application object (e.g., by touching application object  1112 ) will transition the user interface to provide additional information about the selected application. The transition can be animated. 
         [0125]    The display portion  1102  can also include one or more advertisements. In the display portion  1102 , a first advertisement  1108  and a second advertisement  1110  are shown near the title bar  1101 . In other implementations, only a single advertisement is presented. Alternatively, additional advertisements can be presented. Additionally, while the advertisements are shown near the title bar  1101 , one or more advertisements can be presented at different locations on the display portion  1102 . 
         [0126]    Selecting a particular application object in the ranked list of application objects  1140  transitions the user interface to an interface providing information regarding the application associated with the selected application object. The application information is provided in a similar manner to the application information interface  403  described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0127]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram  1200  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application store “top 25” with free applications hidden. The user interface for the app store includes a display portion  1202  and the menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0128]    The display portion  1202  displays a “top 25” interface  1203  associated with the “top 25” tab  220 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The top 25 interface  1103  includes a title bar  1201  identifying the user interface as a “top 25” interface. The title bar  1201  also includes the “show free” button  1104  and the “hide free” button  1106 . In particular, the “hide free” button  1106  is selected, as shown by the highlighting in  FIG. 12 . When the “hide free” button  1106  is selected, the “top 25” interface  1203  only displays application objects which require payment. 
         [0129]    The “top 25” interface  1203  includes application objects  1240 . In particular, up to 25 application objects  1240  are listed. However, when there are more application objects  1240  than can be displayed in the display portion  1202 , the user can scroll  238  to view additional application objects. Additionally, in some implementations, when the user scrolls to the bottom of the “top 25” list of application objects a button can be provided to allow the user to view another group of application objects (e.g., a “next 25” application objects). 
         [0130]    The application objects  1240  shown include application objects  1204 ,  1206 , and  1208 . The application objects  1240  are presented in a ranked order. Thus, application object  1204  is ranked above application object  1206 . The rank of each application object is identified in the application object. For example, application object  1204  includes a rank identifier  1210  that identifies the application object  1204  as being ranked number one in the list of application objects  1240 . The ranking can be based, for example, on the average star rating of each application or some other criteria. 
         [0131]    Each application object  1240  includes information associated with the particular application. For example, the application objects  1240  can include an image representing the application, the application name (e.g., “Application 2”), a developer&#39;s name, and rating information. 
         [0132]    The application objects  1240  also include a purchasing information  1212 . In particular, since the “hide free” button  1106  is selected or toggled, each of the application objects  1240  requires payment. Selecting a particular application object in the ranked list of application objects  1240  transitions the user interface to an interface providing information regarding the application associated with the selected application object. The application information is provided in a similar manner to the application information interface  403  described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram  1300  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application store following selection of a search tab. For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an app store interface. In some implementations, touching the app store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the app store interface. 
         [0134]    The user interface for the app store includes a display portion  1302  and the menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0135]    In particular, the display portion  1302  displays a search interface  1303  associated with the search tab  222 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The search interface  1303  includes a title bar  1201  identifying the user interface as an application search interface. 
         [0136]    The search interface  1303  includes a search field  1304  and a search button  1306 . The search field  1304  allows a user to input one or more search terms. For example, the user can input keywords identifying a particular application, developer, category, or other keywords. The search button  1306  executes an application search based on the user input to the search field  1304 . For example, the user can execute the search by touching the search button  1306 . 
         [0137]    The user can input search terms into the search field  1304  using keyboard  516 . The keyboard  516  provides a full QWERTY layout of keys for typing. The user inputs text with the touch sensitive display  102  by touching individual keys according to the desired text. 
         [0138]    Executing a search (e.g., by touching the search button  1306 ) transitions the user interface to an interface providing information regarding one or more applications associated with the input search terms. The application information is provided in a similar manner to the application information interface  403  (e.g., as a list of application objects) as described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram  1400  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  after invoking an application store display object and illustrating available updates. For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an application store interface. In some implementations, touching the application store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the app store interface. 
         [0140]    The user interface for the application store includes the display portion  236  and the menu portion  240 . The menu portion  226  includes several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0141]    The display portion  236  displays a featured interface  203  associated with the featured tab  216 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The featured interface  203  including application objects is described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0142]    The updates tab  224  includes an updates badge  1402 . The updates badge  1402  identifies whether or not there are updates available to the applications installed on the mobile device  100 . The user can identify whether there are available updates without selecting the updates tab  224 . For example, the updates badge  1402  can be a symbol or graphic associated with the updates tab  224 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the updates badge  1402  is a circle with a number inside that is superimposed over a portion of the graphic identifying the updates tab  224 . Additionally, the updates badge  1402  can be visible only when an update is available. In some implementations, the updates badge indicates the number of available updates (e.g., by including a number in the badge). For example, updates badge  1402  shows that there are two updates available. 
         [0143]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an example user interface  1500  of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application store following selection of an updates tab (e.g., updates tab  224 ). For example, the user can access the app store display object  132  using the touch sensitive display  102  (e.g., by pressing the app store display object  132 ), resulting in a transition to an app store interface. In some implementations, touching the app store display object  132  in  FIG. 1  causes an animated transition to the app store interface. 
         [0144]    The user interface for the app store includes a display portion  1102  and the menu portion  226 . The menu portion  226  can include several tabs. In particular, the menu portion  226  includes the featured tab  216 , the categories tab  218 , the top 25 tab  220 , the search tab  222 , and the updates tab  224 . Each of the tabs in the menu portion  226  can be used to access different features of the application store. 
         [0145]    The display portion  1502  displays an updates interface  1503  associated with the updates tab  224 , which is shown as highlighted in the display portion  236 . The updates interface  1503  includes a title bar  1501  identifying the user interface as an updates interface. The title bar  1501  also includes an optional back button  1504 . The back button  1504  allows the user to exit the updates interface  1503  or the application store and to return to an earlier user interface. Alternatively, the user can exit the application store and return to the “home” interface shown in  FIG. 1  by pressing button  120 . 
         [0146]    The updates interface  1503  includes update objects  1540 . In particular, two update objects  1506  and  1508  are shown in the updates interface  1503 , which corresponds to the number of updates identified by the updates badge  1402  in  FIG. 14 . In some other implementations, there are more update objects  1540  than are displayable in the display portion  1502 . When there are additional update objects  1540  than can be displayed, the user can scroll to view additional update objects. Additionally, in some implementations, when the user can be presented with a button to allow the user to view another group of update objects (e.g., a next 25 update objects) either after scrolling or without any scrolling. 
         [0147]    In some implementations, the update objects  1540  identify particular updates available for applications already installed on the mobile device  100 . For example, the update object  1506  identifies an update to “Application A” while the update object  1508  identifies an update to “Application B”. The user can select the particular update object (e.g., by touching the update object or an associated update button  1514 ). Selecting the update object can indicate the update download. Alternatively, selecting the update object can transition the updates interface  1503  to an information interface that provides additional information about the update, after which the user can decide whether or not to get the update. In some implantations, a select all button is provided in the updates interface  1503  allowing the user to get all application updates associated with the displayed update objects  1540 . 
         [0148]    Upon selecting one or more of the update objects  1503  for download, the updates interface  1503  can end, restoring a previous interface or returning the user to the home screen. Alternatively, when a user selects a particular update object (e.g., update object  1506 ), that object disappears from the update interface  1503  (e.g., only the update object  1508  would remain). 
         [0149]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram  1600  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application download. For example, the user can select a particular application in the app store, for example, as described above. When the user selects an application object to download, the user interface can transition to the home screen including display objects  104  and  106  as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0150]    Additionally, a download object  1602  is presented as one of the display objects  106 . The download object presents a dimmed or shaded object placeholder for the application being downloaded. The download object  1602  is positioned in the next available location relative to the other display objects  106 . In particular, the download object includes a “loading . . . ” indicator instead of the application title as well as a loading bar. The loading bar can animate to show the progress of the download. Once the download of the application is complete, the “loading . . . ” changes to the application title and the image presented in the download object  1602  is modified to correspond to the downloaded application. 
         [0151]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating an example process  1700  for navigating an application store using a mobile device. An input is provided to a mobile device requesting an application management interface (step  1702 ). For example, the user can select (e.g., using a touch-sensitive display) an application store object as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0152]    An application management interface is presented (step  1704 ). For example, one or more user interfaces can be presented in association with an application store. The application management interface can include buttons, toggles, or other user activated elements that allow the user to navigate between different user interfaces, identify and select application objects, and review and report applications as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2-15 . 
         [0153]    An input is received selecting a particular application for installation (step  1706 ). The input can be received, for example, from a user touching a touch-sensitive display (e.g., touch-sensitive display  102  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, the user can search for or identify an application in the presented application management interface using different criteria or listings provided by the application management interface. The user can select the particular application using a touch-sensitive display by touching a displayed application object corresponding to the particular application. 
         [0154]    In some other implementations, other user inputs can be received. For example, an input can be received reviewing an application, reporting a problem with an application, notifying others about an application, or updating a previously installed application. 
         [0155]    A determination is made as to whether a payment is required for the selected application (step  1708 ). Some applications can be free to any user while other applications require payment. If payment is not required, the application is installed on the mobile device (step  1710 ). 
         [0156]    If payment is required, the payment is collected (step  1712 ). The payment can be received, for example, by charging a user account, redeeming a coupon or other credit, or by receiving an electronic payment (e.g., by credit card) from the user. In some implementations, authentication is performed to verify the user. 
         [0157]    The application is presented in a home screen of the mobile device (step  1714 ). The application can be presented as an object on the home screen. In some implementations, while the application is being installed, a placeholder object is positioned on the home screen (e.g., in a next available location on the home screen). The placeholder object can be dimmed and include other indications that the application is not yet available (e.g., providing loading text). The placeholder object can indicate the progress of the installation (e.g., using a loading bar animation). 
         [0158]    In some implementations, the application store can include one or more applications that are location specific. For example, corporations or other entities can develop and provide applications within the network, which are not accessible to those outside the local network. In some other implementations, parental controls can be activated (e.g., using settings for the mobile device) to limit access to applications or particular types of applications in the application store. 
         [0159]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram  1800  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating an application available for deletion. The user can identify applications available for deletion, for example, by selecting a display object  106  (e.g., using a touch-sensitive display). For example, the user can touch and hold a display object  106  corresponding to a particular application (e.g., application  1802 ) for a specified period of time to enter an editing mode. 
         [0160]    In response to holding the application, the held application along with one or more other display objects  106  can become editable (e.g., movable to other locations on the touch-sensitive display  102 ). Some display objects  106  can be deleted. The system can present an indicator in the editing mode identifying those display objects, for example, a badge with an “X” presented for those display objects that can be deleted. As shown in  FIG. 18 , “Application 1”  1802  has a badge indicating that this application can be deleted. The user can select the badge (e.g., by touching the “X” on the touch-sensitive display  102 ) in order to initiate a deletion process for the application. 
         [0161]      FIG. 19  is a block diagram  1900  of an example user interface of the mobile device  100  illustrating a rating prompt  1902 . When a user selects an application for deletion (e.g., application  1802  of  FIG. 18 ), the rating prompt  1902  can be displayed, for example, on the user-interface provided by the touch-sensitive display  102 . In some implementations, the portion of the user interface outside of the rating prompt  1902  can be dimmed relative to the rating prompt  1902 . 
         [0162]    The rating prompt  1902  can include a request to review the application, a rating scale (e.g., a set of stars), and one or more buttons (e.g., to submit a rating or to decline rating the application). The user can provide an input (e.g., using the touch-sensitive display  102 ) that indicates a particular rating (e.g., by selecting a particular number of stars). Once the user has selected a particular number of stars, the user can submit the rating using, e.g., a “rate” button. Alternatively, the user can decline to rate the application, for example, by selecting a “no thanks” button. 
         [0163]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating an example process  2000  for deleting an installed application using a mobile device. An input is received to delete an installed application (step  2002 ). The input can be received, for example, from a user touching a touch-sensitive display (e.g., touch-sensitive display  102  of  FIG. 18 ). For example, the user can select a particular application and provide an input indicating that the selected application should be deleted. In some implementations, the user can enter an editing mode that allows the user to identify applications that can be deleted as well as select a particular application for deletion. 
         [0164]    In some implementations, when a user selects an application for deletion, a confirmation prompt can be presented to the user. The confirmation prompt can indicate that continuing will delete the application including any saved data associated with the application. The conformation prompt can further provide an opportunity for the user to cancel the deletion process. 
         [0165]    A rating prompt is presented (step  2004 ). The ratings prompt can be presented prior to completing the deletion of the selected application. The ratings prompt allows the user to provide feedback for the application being deleted. For example, the user can input a rating for the application (e.g., by selecting a specified number of stars). 
         [0166]    A determination is made as to whether the user rated the application (step  2006 ). The determination can be made according to one or more user inputs. For example, based on whether the user entered a rating or selected a button indicating that a rating has been provided. Alternatively, the user input can indicate that no rating is being provided. For example, the user can select a button indicating that no rating is being provided. 
         [0167]    If the determination is made that a rating has been provided, the rating information is sent to a remote location (step  2008 ). For example, the rating information can be sent to an application store located at a remote location (e.g., the application store described above). After sending the rating information, the application is removed and the user interface can return to a home screen or other default interface (step  2010 ). 
         [0168]    If the determination is made that a rating has not been provided, the application is removed and the user interface can return to a home screen or other default interface (step  2010 ). 
       Network Operating Environment 
       [0169]      FIG. 21  is a block diagram of an example network operating environment  2100  for the mobile device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The mobile device  100  of  FIG. 1  can, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks  2110  in data communication. For example, a wireless network  2112 , e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)  2114 , such as the Internet, by use of a gateway  2116 . Likewise, an access point  2118 , such as an 802.11g wireless access point, can provide communication access to the wide area network  2114 . In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over the wireless network  2112  and the access point  2118 . For example, the mobile device  100   a  can place and receive phone calls (e.g., using VoIP protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using POP3 protocol), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over the wireless network  2112 , gateway  2116 , and wide area network  2114  (e.g., using TCP/IP or UDP protocols). Likewise, the mobile device  100   b  can place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over the access point  2118  and the wide area network  2114 . In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can be physically connected to the access point  2118  using one or more cables and the access point  2118  can be a personal computer. In this configuration, the mobile device  100  can be referred to as a “tethered” device. 
         [0170]    The mobile devices  100   a  and  100   b  can also establish communications by other means. For example, the wireless device  100   a  can communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other wireless devices  100 , cell phones, etc., over the wireless network  2112 . Likewise, the mobile devices  100   a  and  100   b  can establish peer-to-peer communications  2120 , e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as the Bluetooth™ communication device  188  shown in  FIG. 1 . Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented. 
         [0171]    The mobile device  100  can, for example, communicate with one or more services  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 , and  2160  and/or one or more content publishers  2170  over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks  2110 . For example, a navigation service  2130  can provide navigation information, e.g., map information, location information, route information, and other information, to the mobile device  100 . In the example shown, a user of the mobile device  100   b  has invoked a map functionality, e.g., by pressing the maps object  144  on the top-level graphical user interface shown in  FIG. 1 , and has requested and received a map for the location “1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.” 
         [0172]    A messaging service  2140  can, for example, provide e-mail and/or other messaging services. A media service  2150  can, for example, provide access to media files, such as song files, movie files, video clips, and other media data. One or more other services  2160  can also be utilized by the mobile device  100 . 
         [0173]    The mobile device  100  can also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks  2110 . For example, an application store  2170 , can be accessed by the mobile device  100  to provide applications. Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching a web object on the home screen of the mobile device  100 . 
         [0174]    Exemplary Mobile Device Architecture 
         [0175]      FIG. 22  is a block diagram  2200  of an example implementation of the mobile device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The mobile device  100  can include a memory interface  2202 , one or more data processors, image processors and/or central processing units  2204 , and a peripherals interface  2206 . The memory interface  2202 , the one or more processors  2204  and/or the peripherals interface  2206  can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. The various components in the mobile device  100  can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines. 
         [0176]    Sensors, devices and subsystems can be coupled to the peripherals interface  2206  to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, a motion sensor  2210 , a light sensor  2212 , and a proximity sensor  2214  can be coupled to the peripherals interface  2206  to facilitate the orientation, lighting and proximity functions described with respect to  FIG. 1 . Other sensors  2216  can also be connected to the peripherals interface  2206 , such as a positioning system (e.g., GPS receiver), a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, or other sensing device, to facilitate related functionalities. 
         [0177]    A camera subsystem  2220  and an optical sensor  2222 , e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips. 
         [0178]    Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems  2224 , which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem  2224  can depend on the communication network(s) over which the mobile device  100  is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device  100  may include communication subsystems  2224  designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi or WiMax network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems  2224  may include hosting protocols such that the device  100  may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices. 
         [0179]    An audio subsystem  2226  can be coupled to a speaker  2228  and a microphone  2230  to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. 
         [0180]    The I/O subsystem  2240  can include a touch screen controller  2242  and/or other input controller(s)  2244 . The touch-screen controller  2242  can be coupled to a touch screen  2246 . The touch screen  2246  and touch screen controller  2242  can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of multiple touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with the touch screen  2246 . 
         [0181]    The other input controller(s)  2244  can be coupled to other input/control devices  2248 , such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of the speaker  2228  and/or the microphone  2230 . 
         [0182]    In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of the touch screen  2246 ; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to the mobile device  100  on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch screen  2246  can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard. 
         [0183]    In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod™. The mobile device  100  may, therefore, include a 32-pin connector that is compatible with the iPod™ Other input/output and control devices can also be used. 
         [0184]    The memory interface  2202  can be coupled to memory  2250 . The memory  2250  can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). The memory  2250  can store an operating system  2252 , such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. The operating system  2252  may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, the operating system  2252  can be a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel). 
         [0185]    The memory  2250  may also store communication instructions  2254  to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. The memory  2250  may include graphical user interface instructions  2256  to facilitate graphic user interface processing including presentation, navigation, and selection within an application store as shown in  FIGS. 2-16 ; sensor processing instructions  2258  to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions  2260  to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions  2262  to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions  2264  to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions  2266  to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions  2268  to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions; camera instructions  2270  to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; and/or other software instructions  2272  to facilitate other processes and functions. 
         [0186]    Each of the above identified instructions and applications can correspond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These instructions need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules. The memory  2250  can include additional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, various functions of the mobile device  100  may be implemented in hardware and/or in software, including in one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
         [0187]    Embodiments of the invention and all of the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more them. The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus. 
         [0188]    A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. 
         [0189]    The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). 
         [0190]    Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to name just a few. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. 
         [0191]    To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
         [0192]    Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the invention, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet. 
         [0193]    The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. 
         [0194]    While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0195]    Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understand as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
         [0196]    Thus, particular embodiments of the invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.