Abstract: A method and system for providing advanced notice of cost to access web content, where the cost is computed based on the size of the web content. During transmission of web content over a communication path between a content server and a client station, an intermediation system may add into the web content, in conjunction with a hyperlink to referenced web content, an indication of size-based cost to access the referenced web content. Further, during transmission of a request for web content over a communication path from a client station to a content server, and/or during transmission of the web content over a communication path from a content server to a client station, the intermediation system may engage in interstitial communication with a user of the client station to obtain the user's agreement to pay the size-based cost.

Abstract: A method of optimizing data transmissions to a wireless device is provided. In particular, a client application may discover the data rate of the wireless connection, and provide that information to a media server. The media server may then provide content to the application over the wireless connection, where the level of media detail provided is best suited for transmission at the available data rate.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for engaging in interactive photo gaming with user ratification. The mechanism can be used to provide a picture-tag game or other games. In a picture-tag game, for instance, a user designated as “IT” tags another user by capturing a photo of the other user. The photo is then transmitted to a game host, which distributes it to the participating players' devices. Upon receipt of the photo, a device presents the photo and prompts a user to acknowledge that the photo represents the user, i.e., that the user has been tagged. The device then sends the acknowledgement to the game host, and the game host notifies the players who is now designated as IT.