Abstract: A transfer protocol for sending data between a source device and a receiving device uses hierarchical metadata to establish relationships between content files and content metadata so that after an initial element is received, subsequent elements, be they files or metadata, have a defined relationship to a previously sent element.

Abstract: A media player may stream media content, such as music, to other media players over a data network connection, for example, a WiFi/802.11 connection. An encounter object may be used to keep a record of each media object transmitted. The encounter object may include information about the transmission itself, such as a date and time when the media object was transmitted and the source and destination media players involved. The encounter object may also include metadata about the media object, such as genre, album, title, and artist, if the media object is a song. The DJ session may also support user interaction, such as sharing library listings, suggesting next plays (requests), and polls.

Abstract: A portable media player device is capable of operating in a wireless network. The wireless portable media player device can bootstrap and synchronize with an ad hoc network with low power consumption. Neighbor portable media player devices in an ad hoc network can be discovered by the wireless portable media player device. The portable media player device can establish and terminate connections to neighbor portable media player devices. The portable media player device can transfer data in a high speed data transfer mode or a power save data transfer mode, while concurrently permitting discovery by other devices. The portable media player device operates in a power save mode during an inactive portion of a periodic discovery interval.

Abstract: Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a gaming console, a multimedia console or a console that is both gaming and multimedia console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a multimedia console or a gaming console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: An operating system architecture that provides a high level of system functionality in a multimedia console through the use of concurrent system applications, while reducing the lack of control that multimedia applications have while running on the console. At power ON, a predetermined amount of system resources are reserved within which the concurrent system applications execute. The multimedia applications are afforded control over the unreserved system resources and do not need to support system functionalities as the concurrent system applications provide system functionalities to end users.

Abstract: A user interface on a controller for a gaming console that provides access to system software from within any gaming application running on the console. The system software runs concurrently with other gaming applications and renders a system user interface, system notifications, and messages on top of running gaming applications. The user interface can be added to any controller and other peripheral to access to the system menu such that users can have a uniform experience without requiring substantial effort by gaming application developers.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to silently sign-in a user of an offline game title onto an online service. The user is afforded access to select online services to facilitate future online gaming. In a described implementation, a method is disclosed. The method silently signs in a user of an offline game title onto an online gaming service. As a result, the signed-in user may receive one or more online services such as an in-game notification, a friend request (e.g., inviting a user to become a friend), a cross-title game invitation, and/or data corresponding to a friends list.