Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for a backup wide area network connection for access points and routers. A network interface may be able to connect to wide area network over a broadband connection. A cellular modem may be able to connect to the wide area network through a cellular network. The cellular modem may be distinct from the network interface. A processor may be connected to the network interface and the cellular modem and may be able to detect that the broadband connection between the network interface and the wide area network is not connected and, in response, activate the cellular modem to connect to the cellular network, receive configuration data using the cellular modem, and apply a configuration setting from the received configuration data to establish the broadband connection through the network interface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: Control of one or more switches arrayed in a multi-gang switch box is disclosed. One or more sensors may receive or provide an indication of a gesture near one of the switches. An indication of the switch determined to which a gesture is determined to be directed toward may be displayed. A state change may be performed on the switch according to the gesture.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for a backup wide area network connection for access points and routers. A network interface may be able to connect to wide area network over a broadband connection. A cellular modem may be able to connect to the wide area network through a cellular network. The cellular modem may be distinct from the network interface. A processor may be connected to the network interface and the cellular modem and may be able to detect that the broadband connection between the network interface and the wide area network is not connected and, in response, activate the cellular modem to connect to the cellular network, receive configuration data using the cellular modem, and apply a configuration setting from the received configuration data to establish the broadband connection through the network interface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the volume output of speakers comprising outputting a varying volume control signal in response to movement of a volume control element. In response to the volume control signal, increasing a volume level of a speaker in a linear correlation with the movement of the volume control element as the volume control element is moved between a first position and a second position. In response to the volume control element moving beyond the second position, increasing the volume level of the speaker to increase asymptotically as the volume control element is moved beyond the second position. Additionally, a visual indicator, such as LED lights, provides an interesting and informative display as the volume level is changed.

Abstract: Control of one or more switches arrayed in a multi-gang switch box is disclosed. One or more sensors may receive or provide an indication of a gesture near one of the switches. An indication of the switch determined to which a gesture is determined to be directed toward may be displayed. A state change may be performed on the switch according to the gesture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for retrieving content on a content activation device are provided. A method includes connecting to a mobile device by a near field communication (NFC) connection. An indication of content being displayed on the mobile device may be received via the NFC connection. An instruction to retrieve a version of the content being displayed on the mobile device, from a source distinct from the mobile device may be transmitted via a wireless connection, to a content activation device. Additionally, a method includes connecting, by a mobile device, to a remote control by a near field communication (NFC) connection. An instruction to retrieve a first content displayed on the mobile device may be transmitted to the remote control. The instruction to retrieve the first content may be for a first version of the first content different from a second version of the first content displayed on the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed is subject matter that proposes a system and method for a media device to automatically detect the characteristics of an attached speaker. Speakers have many different characteristics, for example, power, impedance, frequency response, etc. With knowledge of the speaker characteristics, audio output can be equalized appropriately, and an amplifier of the media device, for example, can prevent exceeding the maximum power handling capability of the speaker. Described is a device and method for retrieving information about the speaker from a memory that is coupled to the speaker. A media device can read the data from the memory over existing speaker wires. Software and/or hardware in the media device can optimize the output to the attached speaker. Accordingly, the media device can interrogate the speaker directly over speaker wire to obtain the characteristics of the speaker.

Abstract: Doors such as garage doors can be automated by pushing commands to a removable device attached to the garage door. The state of the door (e.g. whether the door is open or closed) may be obtained from a position sensor located within a removable device. An implementation may indicate, over a wireless network, the state of the door to a user. The user may send a command to a wireless transmitter located within the device to change the state of the door. An implementation may also send a signal to the door to change the state of the door.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an electronic device including receiving a signal through a light sensor of the device, identifying with a processor of the device whether the received signal originated from a light emitter of the device, and controlling a function of the device, the function selected based on whether the signal is identified as originating from the light emitter of the device or the light emitter separate from the device.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.