Abstract: Synchronising digital media content to a device is achieved using the following steps: (a) identifying a digital media collection linked to a given user; (b) analysing the content of the digital media collection to derive a “taste signature” for that user; (c) identifying, based on the “taste signature” analysis, the priority order in which media content files are to be provided to the device during a synchronisation; (d) providing one or more media content files to the device during the synchronisation.

Abstract: The invention permits a user to be given access to digital media content on one set of conditions, for a limited time period made known to the consumer, but then automatically forces migration to a different set of conditions to retain access to digital media content already listened to and to gain access to new digital media content, without the consumer having to manually download or install new software or in some other manner interact in a manner that will lessen the chance of the consumer embracing or accepting the migration.

Abstract: A method for defining a collection of digital media content for playback using a digital media player where (a) the collection is defined using specific criteria; and (b) the collection is not static but can alter or grow even after being made available to the digital media player; and (c) the said digital media files form a subset of a catalogue of digital media files available for the digital media player to play.

Abstract: A method, and an automated system or tool, for interrogating networks, and most significantly mobile networks, in order to identify network and gateway issues at the earliest point. The method uses the combination of a client device and a server to execute one or more test cases on the network and thereby determine those characteristics of the network which are relevant to the implementation of a network-based service on the said network. The network characteristics include one or more of data fidelity, protocol support, data timeout periods, data length restrictions and network performance.

Abstract: This invention enables a user to convert their favourite DRM protected media files, which would otherwise have significant use restrictions, to media files that can be played without limitation of time. This is especially useful where the DRM protected files are supplied as part of a subscription service and the ability to playback those files ends when the subscription ends. This approach relies on the ability to gather playback metrics for the DRM protected media files, to analyse them to determine the user's favourites, and then to provide the user with non-time limited versions of those favourite digital media files. In one implementation, a user's favourite music tracks can still be played, even though a music subscription service has ended.

Abstract: A distributed digital media metering and reporting system makes available digital media files for multiple consumer devices from a computer-based infrastructure. The consumer devices meter the number of playbacks of a media file that last beyond a predefined extent, in order to generate metering data, and then automatically report that metering data back to the computer-based infrastructure.

Abstract: A mobile wireless device includes an embedded media player; the functionality of the media player has been extended by integrating a third party application with the media player, the third party application supporting an unlimited music subscription service. Hence, the invention is based on the insight that a third party application that can provide access to an unlimited music subscription service, such as the MusicStation media player, can be integrated with an embedded media player in a mobile wireless device. The device then behaves as though the functionality of the media player has been extended, but without the extensive engineering effort needed to re-write the embedded media payer so that it can itself provide access to the unlimited music subscription service.