Abstract: Streaming content customization techniques are described. In an implementation, metadata, that is associated with an element, is synchronized with a stream of content that includes the element. The element is configured to accept an input to access related content that provides context for a scene that includes the element. After the related content is output, playback of the stream of content is resumed from the point at which the input was accepted to access the related content.

Abstract: A user interface for displaying a user profile in a gaming console that communicates to a remote service. A “Gamer Profile” is created that serves as a building block for services and applications that aim to create a social community of gamers and grow relationships among players. In accordance with the present invention, the Gamer Profile is the entirety of information (e.g., metadata) related to a specific user. The Gamer Profile is developed from a set of services that collect and expose this information in a meaningful way to the community. Feedback information may be included that is provided by other users to further enhance the profile. The Gamer Profile also provides for personalization such that users can customize their gaming experience.

Abstract: Streaming content customization techniques are described. In an implementation, metadata, that is associated with an element, is synchronized with a stream of content that includes the element. The element is configured to accept an input to access related content that provides context for a scene that includes the element. After the related content is output, playback of the stream of content is resumed from the point at which the input was accepted to access the related content.

Abstract: Described are a system and a corresponding user interface that couple to a media service to provide browse-filtered access to media content, in a manner that facilitates location and/or selection of a particular content item. For example, filtering categories (e.g., new arrivals, genre, and so forth) are listed vertically for navigation and selection in one column, with representations of available content (e.g., top downloads) listed vertically in another column. Queries corresponding to a home page menu as controllable via user input provide the listed items, whereby the user may navigate and select content and filtered submenus via a simplified user interface input mechanism, such as a D-Pad or the like. One filtering category may include a ratings-based category, in which a user is matched to content items based upon ratings provided by at least one ratings source affiliated with the service (a friends list).

Abstract: Entertainment devices often display interfaces that are perceived from a distance. To render the interface intelligible at a distance, a limited interface is used. However, often the user is presented with a large number of choices, which can be tedious and time-consuming to review using such a limited interface. The selection from among multiple sorting mechanisms, all from within a single screen, can enable the user to quickly sort, in the manner most appropriate for that user, the available choices. If the sorting order results in the relevant choices being listed last, a reverse sort option can be used, again from within the same screen.