Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic device. The electronic device provides, for display on a display device, a user interface including a first set of columns, two or more columns in the first set of columns each including two or more menu items. The electronic device receives a selection input. In response to receiving the selection input, in accordance with a determination that the selection input corresponds to selection of a first column the electronic device provides, for display on the display device, a second set of columns, two or more of the columns in the second set of columns corresponding to different subsets of menu items that were displayed in the first column that was selected in response to the selection input.

Abstract: A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device displays representations of groups of channels along a first axis in a user interface, and displays representations of channels associated with a selected group of channels along the first axis in response to receiving selection of the group. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays a user interface for viewing subscribed and unsubscribed channels, and for subscribing to unsubscribed channels. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays a navigation bar for navigating between live content, watchlist content, on-demand content, channels, and search content. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays an array-based content guide.

Abstract: An electronic device provides, to a display, data to present a user interface that includes a first group of user interface objects and a second group of user interface objects. A current focus is on a first user interface object of the first group of user interface objects. The device receives an input that corresponds to a request to move the current focus to a user interface object in the second group of user interface objects; determines a projection of the first user interface object based on a direction of the input; identifies one or more user interface objects that overlap with the projection of the first user interface object in the direction on the display that corresponds to the direction of the input; and moves the current focus to a second user interface object of the one or more identified user input objects.

Abstract: An electronic device provides, to a display, while in a screensaver mode, data to present a first media, that includes a first visual motion effect. In response to receiving a user input on a remote user input device, a type of the user input on the remote user input device is determined. If the user input is of a first type, the device provides, to the display, data to present the first media, that includes the first visual motion effect, with corresponding descriptive text. If the user input is of a second type, the device exits the screensaver mode.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device performs character recognition based on spatial and temporal components of touch input detected on a touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, a device provides feedback about handwritten input and its recognition by the device. In some embodiments, a device presents a user interface for changing previously-inputted characters.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes displaying a representation of a first automatically-generated playlist, the representation of the first automatically-generated playlist including representations of a first set of media items selected for inclusion in the first automatically-generated playlist based on first playlist generation criteria for the first automatically-generated playlist. While displaying the first automatically-generated playlist, detecting user interaction with the representations of the first set of media items, and then detecting that a first update criterion for the first automatically-generated playlist has been met. In response, the method includes updating the first set of media items based on the first playlist generation criteria and the user interaction with the representations of the first set of media items—by adding or removing one or more removed media items from the first set of media items, and/or maintaining media items in the first set of media items.

Abstract: An electronic device provides, to a display, information identifying a plurality of media sources for a first media program, including a first media source for the first media program; episode objects that correspond episodes for the first media program available from the first media source, a first episode object of the episode objects being visually distinguished to indicate selection of the first episode object, the first episode object corresponding to a first episode of the first media program; and a first set of media management objects for the first episode, wherein the first set of media management objects includes one or more media presentation option objects that corresponds to the first episode and the first media source. In response to a user input to activate a first media presentation option object, initiating provision, to the display, of data to play the first episode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a media content system. A media content provider includes storage for storing and serving video content to subscribers. The media content provider records and or otherwise stores video content from around the world. The system includes display devices configured to identify and tailor content to multiple individual users. Each user may have individual settings which provide for a customized viewing environment and experience. The system is configured to identify users of the system in order to tailor the content as appropriate. In addition, identification of users allows for the identification of the subscription content that corresponds to the user. Based upon identification of a user and corresponding subscription, the user's subscription content may be streamed to any location. In this manner, the users subscribed content may follow the user from home to a friend's house, or elsewhere.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device displays functionality information in response to receiving an indication of a first input for which a contact meets functionality display criteria. In some embodiments, a device generates a user interface that includes a navigation bar including images from different positions in a respective content item, and a representation of an adjacent content item. In some embodiments, a device moves a selection-indicator in a user interface by a predefined amount in response to receiving an indication of a first input that meets unitary movement criteria. In some embodiments, a device interprets movement of a contact of an input based at least in part on a grip of a user. In some embodiments, a device displays a plurality of character selection options when a text entry field is not tolerant of character ambiguity and a first input corresponds to a plurality of candidate characters.

Abstract: An electronic device provides, to a display, data to present a user interface that includes a first group of user interface objects and a second group of user interface objects. A current focus is on a first user interface object of the first group of user interface objects. The device receives an input that corresponds to a request to move the current focus to a user interface object in the second group of user interface objects; determines a projection of the first user interface object based on a direction of the input; identifies one or more user interface objects that overlap with the projection of the first user interface object in the direction on the display that corresponds to the direction of the input; and moves the current focus to a second user interface object of the one or more identified user input objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide synchronized sharing of multimedia between multiple devices. The multiple devices may form an ad-hoc network for sharing of multimedia. In an embodiment, group members may have playlist manipulation privileges such as pausing, rewinding, fast forwarding, or adding tracks to the playlist. A system may stream or distribute content according to the shared playlist. Playback may be synchronized for group members so that everyone is exposed to a same part of the content as the same time.

Abstract: Providing an online store interface that maintains continuity of a user browsing experience by layering a product view on top of referring product views or online-store pages such that a user can navigate back to the referring page without needing the previous page to reload, and re-navigate to the point the user left off. Providing the ability for an item preview to continue even when a user navigates the online store interface away from the preview page further preserves browsing continuity. The present technology also provides a mechanism for allowing users to specify favorite categories and have them listed as tabs in the user interface when the online store is browsed with an appropriate device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus that facilitate activation of mobile devices, such as communication devices or multi-function devices, via a computer are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a mobile device can be forced into a limited service mode until properly activated with a service provider for a wireless network. According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile device can defer its attempt to send a location update request to a wireless network. According to still another aspect of the invention, a mobile device can be automatically controlled to reset a portion of its internal hardware to initiate a location update request.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic device. The electronic device generates for presentation on a display a user interface including a plurality of content items, a first heading, and a second heading. While the user interface is presented on the display, the electronic device receives input scrolling the plurality of content items. In response to the input, the electronic device scrolls the plurality of content items including: scrolling the first heading with a first content item of the plurality of content items that is currently playing; and scrolling the second heading with a second content item of the plurality of content items that is next in a queue of content items.

Abstract: The embodiments set forth techniques for managing advertisement attributions. A first technique can be implemented by an “app store” application, and include the steps of (1) receiving, from a first user application, a request to view a second user application, where the request includes a set of digitally-signed parameters that are specific to an advertising campaign (provided by an advertisement network) for the second user application that is presented by the first user application. In turn, and in response to identifying that the second user application satisfies at least one criterion, the app store application provides the set of digitally-signed parameters to an advertisement metrics manager that: (i) verifies the set of digitally-signed parameters, and (ii) indicates, to the advertisement network, that business logic should be carried out in association with the first user application and the second user application. A second technique for managing advertisement attributions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a networked media station providing a variety of features including a wireless network interface, a wired network interface, a peripheral interface, and a multimedia interface. The wireless network interface(s) allows the device to communicate to serve as a wireless base station or repeater and/or a bridge between a wireless and a wired network. The peripheral interface allows the device to communicate with a variety of peripherals, and, in conjunction with the network interface(s), allows sharing of a peripheral among multiple networked computers. The multimedia interface allows the device to be used with entertainment devices for streaming of multimedia information from a network connected computer to the entertainment device. Control of various aspects of the device is preferably controlled from a network connected computer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accessing media across networks. The present invention generally allows for media to be provided across a network. A client requests media information from a server so the client can create a local representation of the server's database. The client is then able to manage the media information locally. When the client selects the desired media, it requests the selection from across the network. The server then delivers the selected media.