Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for facilitating a sending of a gift from a first machine to a second machine may include a processor of a computer server reviewing a first list of one or more names of people maintained in a computer database. The processor may review context information related to the one or more names to determine if a moment exists for sending a gift from a first machine to a second machine. Content providers may also request one or more gifts to be identified when a second machine is proximate to a content provider who may fulfill a gift.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for facilitating a sending of a gift from a first machine to a second machine may include a processor of a computer server reviewing a first list of one or more names of people maintained in a computer database. The processor may review context information related to the one or more names to determine if a moment exists for sending a gift from a first machine to a second machine. Content providers may also request one or more gifts to be identified when a second machine is proximate to a content provider who may fulfill a gift.

Abstract: A system for and a method of providing enhanced services by using machine-based wireless communications of portable computing devices (PCDs) are described. More specifically, a system for and a method of efficiently and effectively projecting, in a controlled fashion, a user's profile to a service provider's PCD in anticipation of an expected interaction between the user and the service provider. The user's profile may comprise content related to identification, current physical location, personal preferences, etc. The system and method may emphasize proactively controlled projection of private/personal information, proactively controlled use of PCD resources, and proactively controlled use of communication network resources.

Abstract: A system for and a method of providing enhanced services by using machine-based wireless communications of portable computing devices (PCDs) are described. More specifically, a system for and a method of efficiently and effectively projecting, in a controlled fashion, a user's profile to a service provider's PCD in anticipation of an expected interaction between the user and the service provider. The user's profile may comprise content related to identification, current physical location, personal preferences, etc. The system and method may emphasize proactively controlled projection of private/personal information, proactively controlled use of PCD resources, and proactively controlled use of communication network resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing carbon emission credits at a fuel dispensing station via a portable computing device. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request via a communications network for a transaction at a fuel dispensing station; determining a pump identifier associated with the fuel dispensing station; receiving a user selection of a carbon offset for the transaction; sending a message to a store controller associated with the pump identifier for an amount for the selected carbon offset; receiving the amount for the carbon offset; receiving a gas payment amount for the transaction; and initiating processing of a payment comprising the gas payment amount and the amount for the carbon offset.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that provides a merchant associated with a point of sale (“POS”) system and a consumer associated with a portable computing device (“PCD”) to complete a purchase transaction without transmitting or presenting confidential payment credentials. In an exemplary embodiment, sound is used to transmit data between the POS and the PCD. A payment request is rendered on the PCD. The consumer reviews and authorizes via a unique cryptographic signature. The merchant approves via addition of its unique cryptographic signature. A remote service in communication with the POS verifies the signatures via previously registered public keys. The transaction is then settled to a consumer account. Confirmation is returned to the POS and PCD. Advantageously, the transaction is commenced and completed without the PCD being online. Further, the consumer payment credentials are not stored on the PCD or transmitted from the PCD to the merchant POS system.