Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that obtains consumption information for each of a group of communication devices associated with a user. A data plan is identified that is applicable to a communication device of the group of communication devices, and a group of media content is identified for the user based on the consumption information. The media content is provided to the communication device at a bit rate that varies according to the data plan. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that obtains consumption information for each of a group of communication devices associated with a user. A data plan is identified that is applicable to a communication device of the group of communication devices, and a group of media content is identified for the user based on the consumption information. The media content is provided to the communication device at a bit rate that varies according to the data plan. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that obtains consumption information for each of a group of communication devices associated with a user. A data plan is identified that is applicable to a communication device of the group of communication devices, and a group of media content is identified for the user based on the consumption information. The media content is provided to the communication device at a bit rate that varies according to the data plan. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method of preparing and presenting a customized media channel, including receiving user preferences of a first user; receiving data plan information applicable to a first device utilized by the first user; receiving consumption information of the first user; scheduling media content on a first channel customized for the first user, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences of the first user and the consumption information of the first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at a first bit rate that varies according to the data plan information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system including a head mounted display (HMD), a sensor or input device, and options, selection, and display modules. The HMD displays a VR environment including sports content of a live game, a prerecorded game, or a sports channel. The options module generates an options signal to show viewing options in the VR environment. The viewing options define viewing aspects for viewing the sports content within the VR environment. The sensor or input device generates signals based on detection of movement of the HMD, movement of an eyeball of a user, user voice communication, or user contact with the input device. The selection module, based on the signals: selects the sports content and a viewing option; and generates a selection signal. The display module displays the sports content in the VR environment based on the selection signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method of preparing and presenting a customized media channel, including receiving user preferences of a first user; receiving data plan information applicable to a first device utilized by the first user; receiving consumption information of the first user; scheduling media content on a first channel customized for the first user, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences of the first user and the consumption information of the first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at a first bit rate that varies according to the data plan information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method of preparing and presenting a customized media channel, including receiving user preferences of a first user; receiving data plan information applicable to a first device utilized by the first user; receiving consumption information of the first user; scheduling media content on a first channel customized for the first user, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences of the first user and the consumption information of the first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at a first bit rate that varies according to the data plan information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for streaming content from a device of a user, accessing a user profile to determine a first preference of the user, accessing a user device to identify third party content service providers of the user to determine a second preference of the user, and generating a playlist based on the first preference and the second preference of the user.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes determining, by a processing system, whether a transmission from a client device includes a request to participate in a sponsored data session. If a sponsored data session is requested, the request is sent to equipment of a sponsoring entity. The processing system receives a list of data items available from the equipment of the sponsoring entity in the sponsored data session; initiates the sponsored data session; and generates a session identifier for transmission to the client device. The processing system also determines whether a subsequent request received from the client device corresponds to a listed data item, and causes a sponsored data rate to be applied to a client account for transfer of the data item. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system including a head mounted display (HMD), a sensor or input device, and options, selection, and display modules. The HMD displays a VR environment including sports content of a live game, a prerecorded game, or a sports channel. The options module generates an options signal to show viewing options in the VR environment. The viewing options define viewing aspects for viewing the sports content within the VR environment. The sensor or input device generates signals based on detection of movement of the HMD, movement of an eyeball of a user, user voice communication, or user contact with the input device. The selection module, based on the signals: selects the sports content and a viewing option; and generates a selection signal. The display module displays the sports content in the VR environment based on the selection signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method of preparing and presenting a customized media channel, including receiving user preferences of a first user; receiving data plan information applicable to a first device utilized by the first user; receiving consumption information of the first user; scheduling media content on a first channel customized for the first user, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences of the first user and the consumption information of the first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at a first bit rate that varies according to the data plan information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes determining, by a processing system, whether a transmission from a client device includes a request to participate in a sponsored data session. If a sponsored data session is requested, the request is sent to equipment of a sponsoring entity. The processing system receives a list of data items available from the equipment of the sponsoring entity in the sponsored data session; initiates the sponsored data session; and generates a session identifier for transmission to the client device. The processing system also determines whether a subsequent request received from the client device corresponds to a listed data item, and causes a sponsored data rate to be applied to a client account for transfer of the data item. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method of preparing and presenting a customized media channel, including receiving user preferences of a first user; receiving data plan information applicable to a first device utilized by the first user; receiving consumption information of the first user; scheduling media content on a first channel customized for the first user, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences of the first user and the consumption information of the first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at a first bit rate that varies according to the data plan information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for streaming content from a device of a user, accessing a user profile to determine a first preference of the user, accessing a user device to identify third party content service providers of the user to determine a second preference of the user, and generating a playlist based on the first preference and the second preference of the user.