Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting playback and graphical representations of media files are provided. The systems and methods can monitor playback and access of media files to create usage metadata. The usage metadata can then be used to adjust the playback of the media file. For example, the usage metadata may indicate that a user skips, on average, the first 22 seconds of a particular song so the next time that song is played, the first 22 seconds will automatically be skipped. The usage metadata can additionally or alternatively be used to adjust a graphical representation of the media file. For example, the usage metadata may indicate that a user rarely accesses a particular song so the graphical representation of that song will be small and faded. This change in graphical representation can help a user find more commonly used media files.

Abstract: A media player may occasionally be unable to play or continue to play a particular item of media. When that occurs, the media player outputs an error indication that is related to the type of media that the problem media item is representative of. For example, if the problem item is a movie, then the media player may display an error indication having the appearance of broken movie film. If the problem media item is music, then the media player may display an error indication having the appearance of a broken compact disc (“CD”). Thus whatever the type of media that is not playing, the media player outputs an error indication that is appropriate for that type of media. The error indications output by the player are therefore context-based or media-appropriate.

Abstract: Improved methods, computer readable media and systems that facilitate data acquisition by mobile electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to content acquisition between mobile electronic devices that are within range of a local wireless network. Another aspect pertains to content acquisition by mobile electronic devices capable of communicating across a peer-to-peer wireless network.

Abstract: A user interfaces can deliver enhanced information regarding media assets stored on a portable media device. A graphical user interface for database browsing and navigation can include a list of values of a metadata item and a graphical representation of the distribution of media assets across the values on the list, such as a pie chart where the size of different wedges reflects the fraction of media assets having a particular value. As a user browses a list, the graphical representation can be modified to emphasize the correspondence between different graphical elements and different entries on the list.

Abstract: Data files are selected for downloading from a host device to an electronic device via a sync process. Once the sync process starts, the electronic device provides the user with dynamic sync status information so that the user, for example, knows how much data has been downloaded, how much time is remaining in the download, what data files are being downloaded, etc. In addition, the user is also provided with the capability to obtain general summary information about the data files downloaded after the sync process is complete, as well as detailed summary information that may, for example, provide the user the names of each song downloaded and the size of each file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the scrolling of user interfaces of electronic devices are provided.

Abstract: Video data files are provided to a user for playback. Once playback begins, the methods and apparatus of the present invention enable a user to interrupt the video playback function and quickly resume playback prior to reloading the selected video file. The techniques of the present invention can store video data in a cache memory and, upon interruption, capture a frame of video data at approximately the time of the interruption. The captured frame and cache data can be used to provide the user with a unique menu option for resumption of the video playback at the moment of interruption.

Abstract: Improved approaches to present groups of digital assets in a dynamic, graphical manner are disclosed. The groups to be presented can be automatically formed in accordance with grouping criteria. Each of the resulting groups can then be visually represented by a set of images. The sets of images for the different groups can be dynamically visually presented in a sequential manner. The plurality of images that represent a particular group can be concurrently presented in a partial overlapped arrangement. Optionally, user interaction can affect the group(s) being presented, alter the images visually representing the group(s), or cause other navigational actions with respect to the digital assets. The presentation of the groups (e.g., clusters) can serve to assist a user in understanding what digital assets (e.g., digital media assets) are available on an electronic device. The electronic device typically permits the user to utilize (e.g., play, view, etc.) the digital assets.