Abstract: A method includes uploading a plurality of songs to a server; allowing a first user to listen to a selected song from the plurality on an electronic device, the selected song being transmitted across an electronic network from the server; allowing the first user to record a user-generated stem track using the electronic device, the electronic device being located at the user location; without saving the user-generated stem track, transmitting only the user-generated stem track across the electronic network to the server; storing the user-generated stem track on the server; allowing the first user to select a plurality of other individual user-generated stem tracks from the server and combine the selected user-generated stem tracks to form a user-generated cover song; and transmitting an electronic message to other users who generated the other individual user-generated stem tracks, informing them of the combination of their stem tracks to form the cover song.

Abstract: A method includes uploading a plurality of master songs at a server location to a server located at the server location; allowing a first user to listen to a selected song from the plurality of master songs on an electronic device at a user location, the selected song being transmitted across an electronic network from the server at the server location; allowing the first user to record a user-generated stem track using the electronic device during the prior step, the electronic device being located at the user location; without saving the user-generated stem track at the user location, simultaneously with the prior step, transmitting only the user-generated stem track across the electronic network to the server location; storing the user-generated stem track on the server at the server location; allowing the first user to select, from the user location, a plurality of other individual user-generated stem tracks from the server and combine the selected user-generated stem tracks at the user location to form a

Abstract: A method includes the steps of allowing a first user to play a selected song on an electronic device at a first location, the selected song being transmitted across an electronic network from a server at a second location; allowing the first user to record a user-generated stem track using the electronic device at the first location while playing the selected song; transmitting the user-generated stem track across the electronic network to the second location; and storing the user-generated stem track on the server at the second location. An electronic system that allows the first user to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of electronically storing a plurality of songs on a server; allowing a first user to select one of the plurality of songs; allowing the first user to play the one of the plurality of songs and record a user-generated track while the one of the plurality of songs is playing; and saving the user-generated track on the server separate from the one of the plurality of songs. An electronic system that allows the first user to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of electronically storing a plurality of songs on a server; allowing a first user to select one of the plurality of songs; allowing the first user to play the one of the plurality of songs and record a user-generated track while the one of the plurality of songs is playing; and saving the user-generated track on the server separate from the one of the plurality of songs. An electronic system that allows the first user to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of allowing a first user to play a selected song on an electronic device at a first location, the selected song being transmitted across an electronic network from a server at a second location; allowing the first user to record a user-generated stem track using the electronic device at the first location while playing the selected song; transmitting the user-generated stem track across the electronic network to the second location; and storing the user-generated stem track on the server at the second location. An electronic system that allows the first user to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide is disclosed. The waveguide includes a substrate, a first cladding disposed on the substrate, and a first core disposed on a first portion of the first cladding. The first core is constructed from a first material. The optical waveguide also includes a second core disposed on a second portion of the first cladding, with the second core being constructed from a second material and a second cladding disposed on the first core, the second core, and a remaining portion of the first cladding. A method of manufacturing the waveguide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide is disclosed. The waveguide includes a substrate, a first cladding disposed on the substrate, and a first core disposed on a first portion of the first cladding. The first core is constructed from a first material. The optical waveguide also includes a second core disposed on a second portion of the first cladding, with the second core being constructed from a second material and a second cladding disposed on the first core, the second core, and a remaining portion of the first cladding. A method of manufacturing the waveguide is also disclosed.