Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating media playlists, or selecting a media asset, according to a “shape” selected by a user. Specifically, a user may “shape” the playlist by designating specific sub-categories of media assets that should be presented at selected times in the playlist. The media application then interpolates the sub-categories for a media asset between the selected times such that adjacent media assets have smooth categorical transitions (e.g., feature incremental changes in the range of sub-categories).

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating media playlists, or selecting a media asset, according to a “shape” selected by a user. Specifically, a user may “shape” the playlist by designating specific sub-categories of media assets that should be presented at selected times in the playlist. The media application then interpolates the sub-categories for a media asset between the selected times such that adjacent media assets have smooth categorical transitions (e.g., feature incremental changes in the range of sub-categories).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling playback of media assets. In some aspects, the systems and methods described detect a first user within proximity of a user equipment device. The systems and methods detect a second user, who is restricted from accessing a media asset on the user equipment device without a first user within proximity of the user equipment device who has a content authorization level higher than the second user. Processing circuitry measures the first user's engagement level with the user equipment device. The processing circuitry retrieves a threshold value from the user equipment's memory and determines whether the measured engagement level of the first user with the user equipment device is above the retrieved threshold. If the measured engagement level of the first user with the user equipment device is above the threshold, processing circuitry enables access to the media asset.