Abstract: An approach is provided for initiating sending a request message indicating a parameter for an application to an index of parameter values stored in a database for a plurality of related applications. A value for the parameter is received in response to sending the request. Performing a function of the application based on the value received for the parameter is initiated. The value for the parameter is used by a different mobile application of the plurality of related applications.

Abstract: An approach is provided for authenticating a mobile device. A mobile device initiates transmission of a request to an authentication platform for generating a public-key certificate to access a service from the mobile device. The mobile device receives an identity challenge and responds by initiating transmission of a tag specific to the mobile device to the authentication platform. The authentication platform uses the tag to generate a public-key certificate.

Abstract: An approach is provided for displaying purchasing information on a mobile device. Purchasing information that is transmitted for display using a purchasing application on the mobile device is redirected for display on a browser application or a messaging application when the purchasing application is not resident on the mobile device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for authenticating a mobile device. A mobile device initiates transmission of a request to an authentication platform for generating a public-key certificate to access a service from the mobile device. The mobile device receives an identity challenge and responds by initiating transmission of a tag specific to the mobile device to the authentication platform. The authentication platform uses the tag to generate a public-key certificate.

Abstract: An approach is provided for receiving, in association with first content to be rendered on user equipment, a vector of one or more values for a corresponding one or more sliding scales. A determination is made of a relationship of the first content to second content based, at least in part, on the vector received. Each value of the vector represents a relative position along a corresponding sliding scale between a minimum label and a maximum label for the sliding scale.

Abstract: An approach is provided for initiating sending a request message indicating a parameter for an application to an index of parameter values stored in a database for a plurality of related applications. A value for the parameter is received in response to sending the request. Performing a function of the application based on the value received for the parameter is initiated. The value for the parameter is used by a different mobile application of the plurality of related applications.

Abstract: Techniques for a device compatibility service include receiving a first query from a service indicating first device identification data related to a mobile communication device. A second query is initiated into multiple sources for the mobile communication device based on the received device identification data. In response to the received first query, the method further comprises causing to be sent to the service a response that indicates different data associated with the device identification data based on a database of device characteristics, wherein the service is adapted based on the device identification data. For example, in some embodiments the device identification data indicates a specific mobile communication device and the different data indicates characteristics of the specific device. In some embodiments, the device identification data indicates a specific device characteristic and the different data indicates devices associated with the specific device characteristic in the database.

Abstract: An approach is provided for improving the security of a mobile device by clearing credentials from the mobile device in response to a new user obtaining the device. Credentials associated with an identity module of a mobile device are stored. A new identity module associated with the mobile device or removal of the identity module is detected. The credentials from the mobile device are cleared based on the detection.

Abstract: An approach is provided for discovering and paying for items in online commerce. A discovery application is launched to display one or more items available for purchase. Items that are selected for purchase are then transmitted to a payment application that is independent of the discovery application to obtain payment for the selected items.

Abstract: An approach is provided for displaying purchasing information on a mobile device. Purchasing information that is transmitted for display using a purchasing application on the mobile device is redirected for display on a browser application or a messaging application when the purchasing application is not resident on the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing media fingerprint calculations by distributing the fingerprinting task among multiple terminals. A fingerprinting task is distributed among a plurality of terminals by calculating a plurality of different fingerprints or fingerprint portions of a media stream at a plurality of terminals. A stream of fingerprints can thereby created based on the fingerprints or fingerprint portions provided by the terminals involved in the fingerprinting task distribution. Content associated with the media stream is identified using the content fingerprint. In this manner, the content can be identified and provided to the multiple terminals, while distributing the fingerprinting task among the multiple terminals.

Abstract: A device stores one or more compression rules for an action language. Upon receipt of a signal from a tag (such as an RFID tag, a visual tag, or an audio tag), a compressed data stream corresponding to the tag is decoded from the signal. Based on the one or more compression rules, one or more action parameters are derived from the compressed data stream. With these parameters, a corresponding action is performed. The action may include communicating across a wireless communications network as well as obtaining content from a remote content provider. Also the action may include storing data, such as a contact entry, or a calendar event.

Abstract: The invention is defined by systems, methods and applications for establishing a short-range communication link between digital devices for the purpose of transferring data between the devices. The first device generates and displays a visual code that encodes the address of the first device and the location of data element desired to be transferred. A second device, which implements image capture capability, captures the visual code and decodes such to determine the address of the first device and the location of the data element. Upon decoding, the second device will automatically initiate the short-range communication link between the first and second digital devices and the transfer of the data element from the first device to the second device will ensue.