Abstract: An integrated multimedia, entertainment, communications and control system. The system is based on a general purpose computer and is capable of interfacing with, controlling or managing a wide variety of audio, video, telecommunications, data communications or other devices. The system includes a programming environment for creating services or user experiences that may incorporate features or functionalities of several devices that are conventionally operated as separate, standalone devices.

Abstract: Managing messages by storing messages in queues and providing a macro queue that is associated with the queues. An application programming interface is initiates a request to the macro queue to obtain a message stored in one of the queues without identifying a particular queue. The macro queue selects a queue from among the queues, and then selects a message from the selected queue. The macro queue may select a message from a queue based on queue priority or queue service time quality. A remote queue proxy is used to establish a communication link between a remote application programming interface and the macro queue. The queues and the macro queue are implemented using object oriented programming principles.