Abstract: The present technology resolves playlist version conflicts resulting from modifications made to a playlist version, stored on a client device and in a cloud locker, when the client device and the cloud locker are in a disconnected state. The present technology is a heuristic for determining how to resolve such version conflicts. Upon reconnection of the client and cloud locker, the server, associated with cloud locker attempts to reconcile any version discrepancies resulting from user-initiated changes. In one embodiment, when the server determines that one of the playlists on the client or server is a superset of the other, the superset is selected and saved to both the client and cloud locker, while the subset version is deleted.

Abstract: Improved techniques to create, browse, rate and/or purchase media asset groups are disclosed. Media assets groups can be created by various users and published to a digital assets manager. Thereafter, the media assets groups can be finalized and made available for on-line purchase. Once the media asset groups are made available for on-line purchase, users can browse, rate and/or purchase the media asset groups at an on-line media store. One example of a media asset group (group of media items) is known as a playlist, which can pertain to a group of audio tracks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based allowance control are disclosed. A user creates an allowance in association with a recipient account such that funds are available in the recipient account for use by a recipient for the purchase of goods over a network (e.g., Internet). Specifically, by creating an allowance, a user initiates a periodic (recurring) transfer (i.e., credit) of an amount of money (i.e., funds) to the recipient account. This money may then be used by the recipient for the purchase of goods over the network. The recipient account may be related to a parent account as a sub-account, enabling the user of the parent account to monitor purchases made by the recipient, as well as limit the items that can be purchased by the recipient.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating an internet radio media station based on metadata available on the user's media library. The media station can be generated in response to a subscription request to an internet radio service. In one example, the media station is generated without a user seed. Metadata related to the user's media library is analyzed and format rules are selected and configured according to the analysis. The format rules are associated with slots in a media station that define the playback sequence of the media station.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating an internet radio media station based on metadata available on the user's media library. The media station can be generated in response to a subscription request to an internet radio service. In one example, the media station is generated without a user seed. Metadata related to the user's media library is analyzed and format rules are selected and configured according to the analysis. The format rules are associated with slots in a media station that define the playback sequence of the media station.

Abstract: Improved approaches to allow a portable electronic device to dynamically present location-specific information while the portable electronic device is at a predetermined location are disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device has a display that can display the location-specific information and has wireless capabilities for use in receiving the location-specific information from the server. The location-specific information can, for example, augment other information that is to be presented on the display. In one embodiment, the location-specific information can be information pertaining to a media item being played in an establishment, such as a store, where the portable electronic device is located.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a unique (or quasi unique) identifier can be received by an application store, or other on-line store, and the store can create a signed receipt that includes data desired from the unique identifier. This signed receipt is then transmitted to a device that is running the application obtained from the on-line store and the device can verify the receipt by deriving the unique (or quasi-unique) identifier from the signed receipt and comparing the derived identifier with the device identifier stored on the device, or the vendor identifier assigned to the application vendor.

Abstract: Improved techniques that facilitate the use of podcasts are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, organizing, searching, browsing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to yet one aspect, tags are embedded into syndication feeds that may be made available for distribution by an online media store to facilitate the organization, browsing and searching of podcasts. In accordance with one embodiment, one or more keyword tags may be embedded at the feed and/or episode levels of a podcast, thereby enabling the keywords to be associated with the feed and/or episode. In accordance with another embodiment, two or more category tags may be embedded at the feed and/or episode levels of a podcast, enabling the feed and/or episode to be categorized according to two or more categories.

Abstract: The present technology resolves playlist version conflicts resulting from modifications made to a playlist version, stored on a client device and in a cloud locker, when the client device and the cloud locker are in a disconnected state. The present technology is a heuristic for determining how to resolve such version conflicts. Upon reconnection of the client and cloud locker, the server, associated with cloud locker attempts to reconcile any version discrepancies resulting from user-initiated changes. In one embodiment, when the server determines that one of the playlists on the client or server is a superset of the other, the superset is selected and saved to both the client and cloud locker, while the subset version is deleted.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for storage, delivery and acquisition of digital assets are disclosed. The techniques and systems are suitable and useful for storing, delivering and accessing digital assets (e.g., media assets) that have been acquired from online stores. The techniques and systems are also suitable and useful for storing, delivering and accessing digital assets that have been acquired from other than from online stores. Regardless, the digital assets become accessible from a network-based digital data repository (e.g., cloud data storage) via electronic devices (e.g., user devices) and thus usable by the electronic devices. The digital assets can include media assets and/or non-media assets.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for storage, delivery and acquisition of digital assets are disclosed. The techniques and systems are suitable and useful for storing, delivering and accessing digital assets (e.g., media assets) that have been acquired from online stores. The techniques and systems are also suitable and useful for storing, delivering and accessing digital assets that have been acquired from other than from online stores. Regardless, the digital assets become accessible from a network-based digital data repository (e.g., cloud data storage) via electronic devices (e.g., user devices) and thus usable by the electronic devices. The digital assets can include media assets and/or non-media assets.

Abstract: A method for sharing information between users of a media management application is disclosed. In one embodiment, a server computer receives a media information share request, retrieves artist or album information according to the media information share request, constructs a media message form, and sends the completed media message form to the client computer. The server computer then receives a completed media message form from a client computer, constructs a media message containing artist or album information according to the media message form, extracts a list of e-mail addresses from the media message form, and sends a media message to at least one e-mail address in the list of e-mail addresses.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for delivery and acquisition of digital assets are disclosed. The techniques and systems are especially suitable and useful for delivering digital assets (e.g., media assets) that are available for acquisition and electronic delivery from online stores to electronic devices. In accordance with one aspect, when a digital asset is acquired form an online store via an electronic device associated with a user, the digital asset can be arranged for delivery to a number of other of electronic devices also associated with the user. It will be appreciated that the digital asset can be delivered and acquired without requiring explicit user input or instruction in accordance with another aspect. Other aspects of the techniques and systems include customization of configuration and user interfaces that are provided to facilitate acquisition of digital assets in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable users to download digital media assets are disclosed. According to one aspect, digital media assets that a user has acquired from a remote media repository can be authorized for download multiple times. This, for example, allows a user to subsequently re-downloaded digital media assets that the user previously acquired. In one embodiment, digital media assets that a user previously downloaded to a user client device from a remote media repository can be made available to the user for subsequent re-download. Advantageously, a remote media repository can, in effect, provide users with a remote backup for previously acquired digital media assets.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for synchronizing and transferring digital media items. One or more media items are received, from a network operating environment, at a first device. A first media database on the first device, including metadata associated with the media items, is synchronized with a second media database on a second device. The one or more media items are moved from the first device to the second device. The one or more media items are copied from the second device to the first device.

Abstract: Embodiments for a networked system that supports access to media assets as well as social interactions amongst users are disclosed. One aspect can pertain to a networked system and method for providing recommendations to users of the networked system. The networked system can provide media content and/or a social network to users. For example, the networked system can pertain to a media system incorporating social networking. The networked system can evaluate users and/or activities to determine when and to which users a recommendation should be provided. Another aspect can pertain to creation or editing of profiles. The profiles can be used with an online media system. A profile for a user can include information about users, including a media profile that represents the media interests of the user. The profiles can also facilitate social networking via the online media system.

Abstract: Embodiments of enhancements to online social networks are disclosed. According to one aspect, methods and systems described herein can facilitate and manage “posts” amongst followers. The posts can be user-initiated or system-initiated. In one embodiment, system-initiated posts can occur when a follower performs a commerce event. The enhanced online social network can be integrated or coupled with an electronic commerce site (e.g., online store). As such, purchases at the electronic commerce site can be used to inject commerce related posts to followers' feeds. In another embodiment, for a given user, posts to a user's feed can be managed to limit or filter posts so that those posts being posted are more likely to be of interest to the given user.

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable users to download digital media assets are disclosed. According to one aspect, digital media assets that a user has acquired from a remote media repository can be authorized for download multiple times. This, for example, allows a user to subsequently re-downloaded digital media assets that the user previously acquired. In one embodiment, digital media assets that a user previously downloaded to a user client device from a remote media repository can be made available to the user for subsequent re-download. Advantageously, a remote media repository can, in effect, provide users with a remote backup for previously acquired digital media assets.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for acquisition of digital assets in a bulk fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, upon accessing an online store, a digital asset and a quantity to be acquired (e.g., purchased) can be identified. In some cases, a discounted cost for acquisition of the quantity of the digital asset can be permitted, provided the quantity is sufficient. After payment of the discounted cost, a set of redeemable codes can be electronically provided. Each of the redeemable codes can be thereafter redeemed for acquisition of the digital asset.

Abstract: Subscriptions for digital products including digital content are disclosed. A subscription for a digital product can provide digital content to subscribers for a period of time. In one embodiment, a subscription for a digital product can be purchased from an online store, and then a subscriber can receive digital content associated with the subscription. The subscription may require renewal if the subscription is to be continued. A subscription server can be provided to manage renewal of subscriptions, including payment of subscription renewal fees, so that subscriptions can be renewed and thus continued. Receipts for payments can be electronically distributed so that, upon renewal, digital content providers for subscriptions can verify that a given subscriber has renewed a particular subscription for a digital product.