Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a device from a content source, a portion of a particular chunk of media content a particular quality level during adaptive bit rate media streaming of the media content. The method includes receiving, at the device, network data related to network conditions associated with the device in response to receipt of the portion. The method also includes, in response to a determination to download the particular chunk at a first quality level different than the particular quality level, the determination based on the particular quality level and the network data: sending a request from the device for the particular chunk at the first quality level to the content source, and replacing the portion with the particular chunk at the first quality level.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining predicted available bandwidths for an end user device, monitoring buffer occupancy of a buffer of the end user device, determining bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy, and adjusting bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy during streaming of the media content to the end user device over a wireless network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining predicted available bandwidths for an end user device, monitoring buffer occupancy of a buffer of the end user device, determining bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy, and adjusting bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy during streaming of the media content to the end user device over a wireless network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Wireless-enabled kiosk systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with mobile phones and other electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for wirelessly connecting a consumer-operated kiosk with an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a wireless link to identify a device, evaluate a device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the device, locate a device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a device from a content source, a portion of a particular chunk of media content a particular quality level during adaptive bit rate media streaming of the media content. The method includes receiving, at the device, network data related to network conditions associated with the device in response to receipt of the portion. The method also includes, in response to a determination to download the particular chunk at a first quality level different than the particular quality level, the determination based on the particular quality level and the network data: sending a request from the device for the particular chunk at the first quality level to the content source, and replacing the portion with the particular chunk at the first quality level.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a device from a content source, a portion of a particular chunk of media content a particular quality level during adaptive bit rate media streaming of the media content. The method includes receiving, at the device, network data related to network conditions associated with the device in response to receipt of the portion. The method also includes, in response to a determination to download the particular chunk at a first quality level different than the particular quality level, the determination based on the particular quality level and the network data: sending a request from the device for the particular chunk at the first quality level to the content source, and replacing the portion with the particular chunk at the first quality level.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining predicted available bandwidths for an end user device, monitoring buffer occupancy of a buffer of the end user device, determining bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy, and adjusting bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy during streaming of the media content to the end user device over a wireless network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining predicted available bandwidths for an end user device, monitoring buffer occupancy of a buffer of the end user device, determining bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy, and adjusting bit rates for portions of media content according to the predicted available bandwidths and according to the buffer occupancy during streaming of the media content to the end user device over a wireless network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a device from a content source, a portion of a particular chunk of media content a particular quality level during adaptive bit rate media streaming of the media content. The method includes receiving, at the device, network data related to network conditions associated with the device in response to receipt of the portion. The method also includes, in response to a determination to download the particular chunk at a first quality level different than the particular quality level, the determination based on the particular quality level and the network data: sending a request from the device for the particular chunk at the first quality level to the content source, and replacing the portion with the particular chunk at the first quality level.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a broadcast services platform includes a memory that stores operational instructions. A processor executes the operational instructions to: receive user data, the user data including a list of users and performance metric data corresponding to individual ones of the users; sort the list of the users in order of the performance metric data to generate a sorted list of the users; partition the sorted list of the users to generate a plurality of user groups; and generate network resource allocation data that allocates network resources to provide broadcast services to the users. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example performing, by a wireless communication device comprising a processor, wireless telephony communications via a first wireless interface, transmitting information associated with media-related activities to a server, receiving from the server a media recommendation that is generated according to the information associated with media-related activities, initiating communications with a network via a second wireless interface, downloading a media content item of the media recommendation from a content provider via the second wireless interface, and presenting the media content item at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a device from a content source, a portion of a particular chunk of media content a particular quality level during adaptive bit rate media streaming of the media content. The method includes receiving, at the device, network data related to network conditions associated with the device in response to receipt of the portion. The method also includes, in response to a determination to download the particular chunk at a first quality level different than the particular quality level, the determination based on the particular quality level and the network data: sending a request from the device for the particular chunk at the first quality level to the content source, and replacing the portion with the particular chunk at the first quality level.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a broadcast services platform includes a memory that stores operational instructions. A processor executes the operational instructions to: receive user data, the user data including a list of users and performance metric data corresponding to individual ones of the users; sort the list of the users in order of the performance metric data to generate a sorted list of the users; partition the sorted list of the users to generate a plurality of user groups; and generate network resource allocation data that allocates network resources to provide broadcast services to the users. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for predicting video engagement from network measurements for a user device connected to a wireless network. Wireless network measurements are retrieved from a wireless network device in the wireless network. The wireless network measurements are related to the user device of a user. It is determined that the user device is engaged in a video streaming session. A computer classifies the video streaming session as one of a plurality of classes, in which the plurality of classes predict an outcome of the video streaming session for the user device.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for detecting a tethering function being performed by an endpoint device in a communications network are disclosed. For example, the method analyzes a data packet directed towards the endpoint device, detects a signature based upon analyzing the data packet, and identifies the endpoint device as performing the tethering function based upon detecting the signature.