Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes establishing, by a mobile phone device, a wireless local area network communication channel between the mobile phone device and a set-top box device, providing, by the mobile phone device, a graphical user interface for display on a display screen of the mobile phone device, the graphical user interface configured to facilitate inputting of one or more control commands by a user of the mobile phone device, and controlling, by the mobile phone device, at least one operation of the set-top box device via the wireless local area network communication channel in accordance with the one or more control commands. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on sensor triggered events on a user device. A set-top box receives a control message from a user device, wherein the control message specifies an event corresponding to one or more sensors of the user device. The set-top box maps the event to an activity associated with an application that is executed by the set-top box. Also, the set-top box presents media content provided by the application according to the mapped activity.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on sensor triggered events on a user device. A set-top box receives a control message from a user device, wherein the control message specifies an event corresponding to one or more sensors of the user device. The set-top box maps the event to an activity associated with an application that is executed by the set-top box. Also, the set-top box presents media content provided by the application according to the mapped activity.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information.

Abstract: A method may include displaying media items via a network, wherein the network includes a mobile device, a personal computer, and a set-top box connected to a television. A first communication session may be established with the personal computer via the network. A media item may be identified for display on the television. A request may be transmitted to the personal computer to output the identified media item for display on the television.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes establishing, by a mobile phone device, a wireless local area network communication channel between the mobile phone device and a set-top box device, providing, by the mobile phone device, a graphical user interface for display on a display screen of the mobile phone device, the graphical user interface configured to facilitate inputting of one or more control commands by a user of the mobile phone device, and controlling, by the mobile phone device, at least one operation of the set-top box device via the wireless local area network communication channel in accordance with the one or more control commands. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.