Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure communications are disclosed. An identifier is received from a personal object such as a ring. This identifier is received, for example, through a non-contact near field communication. The identifier is recognized and associated to a mobile terminal device of a user, the mobile terminal device being separate from the object. A secure communication channel is established based upon recognition of the identifier of the personal object that is associated with the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure communications are disclosed. An identifier is received from a personal object such as a ring. This identifier is received, for example, through a non-contact near field communication. The identifier is recognized and associated to a mobile terminal device of a user, the mobile terminal device being separate from the object. Then, a secure communication channel is established with the mobile terminal device over another connection that preferably provides a secure communication channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure communications are disclosed. An identifier is received from a personal object such as a ring. This identifier is received, for example, through a non-contact near field communication. The identifier is recognized and associated to a mobile terminal device of a user, the mobile terminal device being separate from the object. Then, a secure communication channel is established with the mobile terminal device over another connection that preferably provides a secure communication channel.

Abstract: For possible use in an electronic content distribution system, automatic recognition of compact discs or other storage media containing particular content, and corresponding account crediting is described. In an electronic content distribution system, such as those providing music available by digital downloading or streaming technologies, a user may ordinarily pay a full price to receive the music. A user who possesses and apparently owns a compact disc containing particular content can be conveniently offered a discount or credit usable towards the purchase of the analogous particular content in a form provided by the electronic content distribution system. Preferably, compact discs are uniquely identified by determining whether their digital fingerprint matches a known reference fingerprint for a compact disc containing the particular content.

Abstract: An application for accommodating wagering arrangements between users. A set wagering line is presented for an event having first and second opposing outcomes. The set wagering line is generally applicable to wager submissions on the event, whether in support of the first outcome or the second outcome. A wager submission is received from a first user in connection with presented wagering line, for a particular amount in support of the first outcome. It is then determined whether a counterpart wager (a wager on the event for the same amount in support of the second outcome) has already been received or is ultimately received from a second user during an applicability period. A wagering arrangement is accommodated between the first user and the second user when the counterpart wager submission is determined to be present.