Abstract: A media object being played by a user may be marked by creating a mark object comprising the playback time when the mark was created. The time may be used to reference metadata with information about the media object at the time referenced. The metadata may be used to launch web searches corresponding to elements of the media at the time in question, for example, a back up singer at a point in a music track or the name of a resort in a movie. The searches may be performed from media player or the mark object may be transferred to a networked computer for performing the searches. The technique is equally applicable to portable media players, software or firmware media players on computers, or set top boxes.

Abstract: An arrangement for managing cables of accessories such as earphone sets, chargers, and synchronization arrangements used with portable electronic devices is provided by a flexible and elastically deformable loop that extends from a base that optionally includes a hook or other loop retention feature. The base may be alternatively configured to be integrally formed with a component of an accessory, or be configured as a discrete clip that may be detachably coupled to the component, or to the cable portion of the accessory. The elastically deformable loop is configured to be removably fastenable by a user to articles such as buttons on clothing to help keep cables out of the way when the accessory is in use. In addition, the elastically deformable loop may be used to keep an accessory cable neatly stowed during storage by being stretched around a bundled cable and then secured on the hook.

Abstract: Techniques for locating wireless channels usable for transmitting media signals from personal media players that are adequately separated from wireless channels used for other purposes. One technique involves identifying a target channel and at least two additional channels within a certain proximity of the target channel, and evaluating a channel usability algorithm based on characteristics, such as the received signal strengths, of the target channel and the received signal strengths of each of the proximate channels. Based on evaluation of the algorithm, the target channel is deemed either usable or not usable to transmit the media signal. The most desirable available target channel(s) in a particular group or sub-group of wireless channels may also be identified.

Abstract: Several of the components used to implement a wireless transmitter, such as a DC-powered FM transmitter usable for playing media content from a personal media player over a vehicle's FM radio, are organized using an arrangement by which a controller that includes a user interface is removably couplable to a charger plug that interfaces with a power source. An arrangement for removably coupling a device connector in the transmitter to the charger plug is also provided. In an illustrative example, the controller and charger plug are configured with magnetic elements which are used to retain the controller against an end of the charger plug using magnetic force. A portion of the device connector is removably insertable into an elastically deformable connector cap that is configured to removably slide over the charger plug end.

Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.

Abstract: An adaptive dock for use with media players of varying form factors is provided by an arrangement in which a device connector is located on a moveable sled that is located in the dock's base unit. A device-specific dock insert is arranged for removable engagement with the base unit to allow the base to have applicability to different media players by using the appropriately configured insert. The insert includes a device receiving space having an opening that is located to expose the media player's accessory connector. The insert further includes an actuator that slidably engages with a cam that is located on the sled to impart a lateral motion to the sled as the insert is placed downward into the dock's base unit so as to align the device connector on the sled with the opening in the insert.

Abstract: An arrangement for identifying the left and right earphones in an earphone set is provided in which the acoustically transparent grills positioned over the transducers in the earphones are configured to provide a visual effect that identifies the correct orientation of the earphone set during use by indicating which earphone is intended for which ear. In an illustrative example, the transducer grills on respective left and right earphones are configured with a series of openings that are arranged in a pattern which indicate “L” and “R.” In other illustrative examples, the transducer grills have embossed or molded markings. As an alternative to the “L” and “R” markings, the transducer grills may be configured to convey other information or graphics such as logos.

Abstract: An arrangement for managing cables of accessories such as earphone sets, chargers, and synchronization arrangements used with portable electronic devices is provided by a flexible and elastically deformable loop that extends from a base that optionally includes a hook or other loop retention feature. The base may be alternatively configured to be integrally formed with a component of an accessory, or be configured as a discrete clip that may be detachably coupled to the component, or to the cable portion of the accessory. The elastically deformable loop is configured to be removably fastenable by a user to articles such as buttons on clothing to help keep cables out of the way when the accessory is in use. In addition, the elastically deformable loop may be used to keep an accessory cable neatly stowed during storage by being stretched around a bundled cable and then secured on the hook.

Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.

Abstract: An adaptive dock for use with media players of varying form factors is provided by an arrangement in which a device connector is located on a moveable sled that is located in the dock's base unit. A device-specific dock insert is arranged for removable engagement with the base unit to allow the base to have applicability to different media players by using the appropriately configured insert. The insert includes a device receiving space having an opening that is located to expose the media player's accessory connector. The insert further includes an actuator that slidably engages with a cam that is located on the sled to impart a lateral motion to the sled as the insert is placed downward into the dock's base unit so as to align the device connector on the sled with the opening in the insert.

Abstract: Several of the components used to implement a wireless transmitter, such as a DC-powered FM transmitter usable for playing media content from a personal media player over a vehicle's FM radio, are organized using an arrangement by which a controller that includes a user interface is removably couplable to a charger plug that interfaces with a power source. An arrangement for removably coupling a device connector in the transmitter to the charger plug is also provided. In an illustrative example, the controller and charger plug are configured with magnetic elements which are used to retain the controller against an end of the charger plug using magnetic force. A portion of the device connector is removably insertable into an elastically deformable connector cap that is configured to removably slide over the charger plug end.

Abstract: Techniques for locating wireless channels usable for transmitting media signals from personal media players that are adequately separated from wireless channels used for other purposes. One technique involves identifying a target channel and at least two additional channels within a certain proximity of the target channel, and evaluating a channel usability algorithm based on characteristics, such as the received signal strengths, of the target channel and the received signal strengths of each of the proximate channels. Based on evaluation of the algorithm, the target channel is deemed either usable or not usable to transmit the media signal. The most desirable available target channel(s) in a particular group or sub-group of wireless channels may also be identified.

Abstract: A media object being played by a user may be marked by creating a mark object comprising the playback time when the mark was created. The time may be used to reference metadata with information about the media object at the time referenced. The metadata may be used to launch web searches corresponding to elements of the media at the time in question, for example, a back up singer at a point in a music track or the name of a resort in a movie. The searches may be performed from media player or the mark object may be transferred to a networked computer for performing the searches. The technique is equally applicable to portable media players, software or firmware media players on computers, or set top boxes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allow application of licenses, including limited use licenses, to media objects downloaded to a media device. The media object may include elements such as playable content, label/cover art, metadata, promotional versions, or other related information. The limited use license may include terms for use of the playable content over a period of time or for a number of plays/executions. The limited use license may also be tied to a subscription that defines license terms to classes of media objects, such as all music from a given publisher. In one embodiment, the limited use license allows a media object to be played three times over a period of three days.

Abstract: Transmitting a wireless signal from a transmitter to a receiver includes receiving an indication that a signal transmission is desired, in response to the indication, automatically searching an available frequency range for a station meeting an ambient signal strength criteria, and transmitting the wireless signal to the receiver at the station. Automatically searching the available frequency range may include determining ambient signal strength for each of a plurality of different stations to find a station having an ambient signal strength below a predetermined limit. The indication that a new station is to be selected may be user actuated or may be automatic. A transmitter may include a first input that receives an electronic audio signal, a second input that receives ambient signals at a range of frequencies used for transmitting by the transmitter, and a processor, coupled to at least the second input, that selects a station for the transmitter to transmit the electronic audio signal.