Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to various architectures that can, inter alia, facilitate creation of a synch file as well as facilitate interpretation of the synch file. Both creation and interpretation can be accomplished in conjunction with an original media asset. The synch file can include transformation commands that can operate on a presentation of the asset rather than upon the asset itself. Accordingly, what is actually perceived by a content consumer during a presentation of the asset need not be exactly what the asset creator fixed in a tangible medium. Rather, the content consumer can observe a derivative media presentation based upon interpretation of the synch file.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to various architectures that can, inter alia, facilitate creation of a synch file as well as facilitate interpretation of the synch file. Both creation and interpretation can be accomplished in conjunction with an original media asset. The synch file can include transformation commands that can operate on a presentation of the asset rather than upon the asset itself. Accordingly, what is actually perceived by a content consumer during a presentation of the asset need not be exactly what the asset creator fixed in a tangible medium. Rather, the content consumer can observe a derivative media presentation based upon interpretation of the synch file.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to various architectures that can, inter alia, facilitate creation of a synch file as well as facilitate interpretation of the synch file. Both creation and interpretation can be accomplished in conjunction with an original media asset. The synch file can include transformation commands that can operate on a presentation of the asset rather than upon the asset itself. Accordingly, what is actually perceived by a content consumer during a presentation of the asset need not be exactly what the asset creator fixed in a tangible medium. Rather, the content consumer can observe a derivative media presentation based upon interpretation of the synch file.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can obtain biometric data from a user as the user interacts with a device. Based upon the obtained biometric data, the architecture can determine an identity of the user and automatically apply settings associated with that particular user to the device. The settings can relate to a physical configuration of the device (or aspects, features, and/or peripherals of the device), as well as to a data set employed by the device (or components of the device). As such, a user of the device can benefit from enhanced efficiency, utility, and/or convenience.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to various architectures that can, inter alia, facilitate creation of a synch file as well as facilitate interpretation of the synch file. Both creation and interpretation can be accomplished in conjunction with an original media asset. The synch file can include transformation commands that can operate on a presentation of the asset rather than upon the asset itself. Accordingly, what is actually perceived by a content consumer during a presentation of the asset need not be exactly what the asset creator fixed in a tangible medium. Rather, the content consumer can observe a derivative media presentation based upon interpretation of the synch file.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate a connected gaming experience for multiple players utilizing multiple disparate devices. A game service affords playing a game over a communication framework which can include wired and wireless local area and wide area networks, as well as access to a global positioning system. The game service allows users to play a game in multiple devices, seamlessly switching devices at desired times and locations. In addition, the game service affords community-driven development of a game, as well as customization, through the communication framework. The latter also facilitates exchange of various contents among players, and between a player and the game service: (a) news, (b) advertising, (c) alerts, and (d) participant's real-world positioning information. Real-world embedding into a game is facilitated by the game service in combination with global tracking information received through the communication framework.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate a more robust experience in connection with content consumption. The architecture can span several mediums by way of distinct content channels in order to deliver contextual content and/or media in which a significant event has occurred. Contextual content or other media can be provided simultaneously with the active media, can be synchronized with the active media, and/or can be output to a single or multiple media devices. In addition, media can be appropriated paused while other media is provided and media segments can be recorded for imminent display, such as media segments that include significant events.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize special metadata to facilitate an improved advertising model in connection with media content delivery. The architecture can monitor a media player device and can launch a metadata interface on the media player device upon detection that a pause feature has been activated. Accordingly, while the media player device is paused (and therefore not presenting the media in a normal fashion), a user can interact with the metadata interface. The metadata interface can provide, e.g., advertisements or additional information related to elements or objects that exist in the media. In addition, the metadata interface can launch suitable applications in accordance with the special metadata. Additionally, the architecture can embed metadata in the media, which can be done in accordance with an advertiser bidding model.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can establish a tailored and/or personalized content channel based various aspects of a social network. The content channel can be interfaced with one or more devices, and can be configured to serve content based upon a content schedule. The content schedule can be programmed based upon selections or recommendations of a member of a user's social network. The architecture can further maintain presence information associated with a member of the social network, such as indicia of the member's current behavior or activity.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can establish a tailored and/or personalized content channel. The content channel can be interfaced with one or more devices, and can be configured to serve particular content or types of content as well as to filter particular content or types of content. The content can be selected or filtered based upon a wide variety of factors that can be expressly specified, or in some cases intelligently inferred. In addition, the architecture can provide detailed analysis of content and summarize various content consumption habits or histories.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can obtain biometric data from a user as the user interacts with a device. Based upon the obtained biometric data, the architecture can determine an identity of the user and automatically apply settings associated with that particular user to the device. The settings can relate to a physical configuration of the device (or aspects, features, and/or peripherals of the device), as well as to a data set employed by the device (or components of the device). As such, a user of the device can benefit from enhanced efficiency, utility, and/or convenience.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to architectures for providing and accessing a service that facilitates an enhanced travel experience. The architectures can determine a location of a subscribing mobile device, match a profile relating to the device with available guides for a site in proximity to the location, and transmit a notification to the device of the availability of the guide(s). The architecture can also provide incentives to third-parties for authoring guides or content for guides as well as tools and/or templates to assist in guide creation. In addition, the architecture can receive requests from the device for guides as well as facilitate the output of the guide on the subscribing device.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate an enhanced entertainment experience based upon interactivity between entertainment medium or content and a content consumer's environment. In one aspect, based upon features or condition of a content consumer's environment, entertainment content can be interactively selected or modified. In another aspect, based upon features included in the entertainment content, components or conditions extant in the environment can be interactively updated or modified.