Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow a media streaming device to dynamically control the quality of service associated with streaming media content being presented to a user. To dynamically control the quality of service associated with the streaming media content, the local environment in which the media streaming device, and one or more downstream devices which may be configured to receive the streaming media content, if present, operate, is monitored. Feedback regarding the status of the local environment can be gleaned based on the monitoring, and based on the feedback, the quality of service associated with the streaming media content can be adjusted accordingly, or the streaming media content may be paused, altogether terminated, maintained, or initiated/re-initiated. To further refine the feedback, user behavior may also be monitored, which can be suggestive of a user's attentiveness to the streaming media content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling output energy levels in wireless communications devices, such as wireless USB modems, while optimizing performance of the wireless communications devices. Controlling output energy levels includes controlling specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and heat levels generated by one or more radiating elements in a wireless communications device. Controlling output energy levels is achieved by integrating one or more radiating elements in a movable device, such a fan and/or by incorporating a moving reflector element, such as a fan, proximate to one or more radiating elements. Integrating the one or more radiating elements in, e.g., a fan, or by using a fan near the one or more radiating elements, the radiation pattern resulting from the output energy may be spatially averaged and/or dithered, reducing SAR levels and allowing for excessive output heat energy to be vented and/or one or more radiating elements to be cooled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling radio frequency (RF) levels in wireless communications devices, such as embedded modems, while optimizing performance of the wireless communications devices. Controlling RF levels is achieved by adjusting transmitted power levels of an embedded modem based upon a type or model of host device that the embedded modem is operatively connected to. By tailoring output power levels to specific host devices, regulations related to limiting RF exposure, such as specific absorption rate (SAR) or maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits, may be met without unduly affecting performance of the wireless communications devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels in wireless communications devices that utilize at least two transmit (Tx) antennas. In particular, mechanisms are provided to reduce and/or maintain SAR levels to meet regulatory requirements by at least one of the following: controlling energy transmission based upon orientation of the device; controlling use of Tx antennas such that physically separate Tx antennas are utilized; and coordinating the use of Tx antennas based upon time averaged energy considerations.

Abstract: A device behavior modification apparatus is provided to detect insertion of an external antenna into a portable communication device, and identify the external antenna as being either, e.g., a valid, FCC-approved external antenna or an invalid external antenna. The apparatus may determine whether or not an internal antenna is being utilized and/or has been substituted with the inserted external antenna. Depending on the type of external antenna inserted, the apparatus may react and effectuate changes to the operation of the portable communication device and/or the external antenna. Such behavior modification may include, e.g., reducing the RF signal power output or disabling the radio portion of the portable communication device altogether. Additionally, the apparatus may receive certain augmentative information to notify the apparatus or allow the apparatus to determine the region within which it is operating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to prevent or mitigate noise interference resulting from the operation of a memory device, such as a microSD card that is operating in proximity to a radio of a communications device. Noise interference is managed by shifting the rate at which the microSD card is accessed so that the resulting noise does not match or interfere with the particular radio channel(s) being utilized by radio at the time of the microSD card access. That is, a determination/knowledge of the radio receive channels being utilized can be leveraged to intelligently control the clock frequency of the microSD card, such that the harmonics of the microSD card clock do not result in interfering noise at the particular radio receive frequencies.