Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented by, among other things, a remote control device configured to receive an identifier, present a plurality of controllable devices for selection on a display of the remote control device, and receive a selection of two or more controllable devices via the user interface. Using the identifier, a session with the two or more controllable devices is generated and performances of a same task by the two or more controllable devices are controlled by the remote control device by transmitting a message containing control information and the identifier to a network service.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods or communication protocols that enable second-screen applications, such as smartphones, to discover and launch first-screen applications on first-screen devices, such as Internet enabled high definition televisions. Second-screen devices can search local networks for the presence of discovery servers on first-screen devices. Well-known protocols such as RESTful HTTP services and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) may be leveraged to implement the discovery servers. Once located, the discovery servers may assist communications and interactions between the first-screen and second-screen devices, allowing a specified application to be launched on the first-screen device and controlled from a local application on the second-screen device. The specified application may be installed if not previously installed, and may also be hosted as a web application on a cloud server accessible outside of the local network, for example on the Internet.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure can be implemented in, among other things a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor to receive, by a server, a first message from a remote control that is distinct from and external to the server, wherein the first message includes a remote control identifier and control information for controlling one or more functions of at least one device other than the remote control. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to retrieve, by the server, a controlled device identifier that uniquely identifies a controlled device that is distinct from and external to the server. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to send a second message from the server to the controlled device identified by the controlled device identifier to control an operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods or communication protocols that enable second-screen applications, such as smartphones, to discover and launch first-screen applications on first-screen devices, such as Internet enabled high definition televisions. Second-screen devices can search local networks for the presence of discovery servers on first-screen devices. Well-known protocols such as RESTful HTTP services and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) may be leveraged to implement the discovery servers. Once located, the discovery servers may assist communications and interactions between the first-screen and second-screen devices, allowing a specified application to be launched on the first-screen device and controlled from a local application on the second-screen device. The specified application may be installed if not previously installed, and may also be hosted as a web application on a cloud server accessible outside of the local network, for example on the Internet.