Techniques for enhancing a multi-tasking user interface of an operating system are disclosed. An update data item pertaining to an application placed in the background on the device is received. An update image is generated to include information pertaining to the update data item. The update image is incorporated into a multitasking user interface of the operating system such that the update image is presented to a user and the user may view the information pertaining to the update data item before choosing whether to bring the application to the foreground.