Abstract: A mobile content delivery system that optimizes the delivery of especially bandwidth-consuming content (or the flow of any peak-hour data traffic) in a way that best utilizes the free capacity in the radio network, thus enabling considerably more efficient usage of the radio capacity. It also allows new services and pricing structures to be used in the cellular network, that otherwise would not be possible. The class of delivery of message content can be selected by the user on a transaction basis, or subscription-based and pre-defined in a user profile. By choosing a scheduled delivery the user can receive the content at a fraction of the price compared to instant delivery, since the content is sent at a time when the network is least utilized.

Abstract: A mobile content delivery system that optimizes the delivery of especially bandwidth-consuming content (or the flow of any peak-hour data traffic) in a way that best utilizes the free capacity in the radio network, thus enabling considerably more efficient usage of the radio capacity. It also allows new services and pricing structures to be used in the cellular network, that otherwise would not be possible. The class of delivery of message content can be selected by the user on a transaction basis, or subscription-based and pre-defined in a user profile. By choosing a scheduled delivery the user can receive the content at a fraction of the price compared to instant delivery, since the content is sent at a time when the network is least utilized.

Abstract: Music selection systems and methods are disclosed. An adaptive set of songs is selected based on implicit feedback from a user. A random set of songs is also selected. A playlist selection module creates a playlist that includes songs from the adaptive set and the random set in a ratio determined by a surprise factor provided by a user. The playlist may also begin with a sure set of songs that are known to be enjoyed by the user.

Abstract: Electronic advertisements and other types of electronic information are distributed based on user profiles and in particular, collections of widgets. User profiles may be generated based on a combination of user entered information and information inferred or derived from user behavior and interaction patterns. The use and collection of various widgets may also be recorded by a user profile to determine a user's preferences and interests. An advertisement may be distributed by segmenting a user population according to user profile information and one or more attributes of the advertisement. Users may further interact with the widgets in a variety of ways including requesting additional information about the advertised product or service and/or requesting communications with an advertiser without compromising their privacy.

Abstract: Electronic advertisements and other types of electronic information are distributed based on user profiles and in particular, collections of widgets. User profiles may be generated based on a combination of user entered information and information inferred or derived from user behavior and interaction patterns. The use and collection of various widgets may also be recorded by a user profile to determine a user's preferences and interests. An advertisement may be distributed by segmenting a user population according to user profile information and one or more attributes of the advertisement. Users may further interact with the widgets in a variety of ways including requesting additional information about the advertised product or service and/or requesting communications with an advertiser without compromising their privacy. Organizations may further obtain widget space by using an auction system and bidding for available widget space through the auction system.

Abstract: The user of a mobile device is able to mark selected portions of content viewed on the mobile device (e.g., URLs associated with web feeds) for later viewing. The selected portions may be transmitted to a server and used to create a user profile associated with the user. The user profile may be used to send targeted content (e.g., advertising) to the user either at the mobile terminal or at another computer associated with the user of the mobile terminal. The marked portions may be used to view fuller portions of the content (e.g., the contents of a web feed) at a later time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for browsing miniaturized versions of images stored locally on a mobile device while allowing the associated full-sized image to be transferred to the mobile device as needed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of viewing an image on the mobile device includes the steps of storing in the mobile device a miniaturized version of an image stored in the mobile device, transferring the image to an external storage device, and deleting the image from the mobile device. In response to the user of the mobile device selecting the miniaturized version of the image, the mobile device sends a wireless message to the external storage device requesting transfer of the full-sized image. The external storage device transfers the full-sized image to the mobile device in a second message and the mobile device is able to display the full-sized image.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal allows a user to receive broadcast programming. A separate recording unit, which can be remote from the communication terminal, records that programming. One or more signals from the mobile terminal identify the broadcast frequency to which the mobile terminal is tuned and cause the recording unit to tune to the identified broadcast frequency. The signals from the mobile terminal also cause the recording unit to record at least a portion of a program being broadcast on the frequency to which the mobile terminal is tuned. The recording unit may buffer portions of broadcast programming being received on the identified frequency. A portion of the buffer contents can subsequently be transmitted to the mobile terminal, permitting the terminal user to replay the portion and identify a start point for the broadcast program. A signal from the mobile terminal can also cause the recording unit to automatically identify the start point in the buffer contents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tapping input on electronic devices are provided. An electronic device, such as a phone, a media playing device, or a personal digital assistant, detects a tap by a user on a surface of the device using one or more motion sensors. Based on the data from the motion sensors, a location upon the surface of the device is determined, and based on that location, an action is performed. Tap input may be interpreted based upon a mode of operation of the device, orientation of the device, timing of the taps, or based on user-defined criteria. An attachable tapping template is provided which can be attached to an electronic device and share information about the template with the device using a radio frequency or electrical identifier.

Abstract: The invention provides for the communicating and editing of media files in wireless portable devices. The invention enables a user to manipulate displayed media content and other types of information stored in a personal media device. A master device may be coupled to a display device such as a television display and bonded to a slave device. A user may through use of either the slave device or the master device manipulate media content. The modified media content may be displayed substantially simultaneously on the television display, the master device, and the at least one slave device.

Abstract: A mobile content delivery system that optimizes the delivery of especially bandwidth-consuming content (or the flow of any peak-hour data traffic) in a way that best utilizes the free capacity in the radio network, thus enabling considerably more efficient usage of the radio capacity. It also allows new services and pricing structures to be used in the cellular network, that otherwise would not be possible. The class of delivery of message content can be selected by the user on a transaction basis, or subscription-based and pre-defined in a user profile. By choosing a scheduled delivery the user can receive the content at a fraction of the price compared to instant delivery, since the content is sent at a time when the network is least utilized.

Abstract: A mobile content delivery system that optimizes the delivery of especially bandwidth-consuming content (or the flow of any peak-hour data traffic) in a way that best utilizes the free capacity in the radio network, thus enabling considerably more efficient usage of the radio capacity. It also allows new services and pricing structures to be used in the cellular network, that otherwise would not be possible. The class of delivery of message content can be selected by the user on a transaction basis, or subscription-based and pre-defined in a user profile. By choosing a scheduled delivery the user can receive the content at a fraction of the price compared to instant delivery, since the content is sent at a time when the network is least utilized.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a data connection between two devices over a mobile telecommunications network is provided. A mobile terminal can establish a data connection with a second device by establishing a GPRS connection and obtaining an IP address. The mobile terminal sends an SMS message including its IP address to the second device. The second device also establishes a GPRS connection and obtains an IP address, and then sends a return SMS message including the second device's IP address to the mobile terminal. Once the two devices have exchanged IP address information, they jointly set up a data connection to transfer data, e.g., image files.

Abstract: The invention provides searching, accessing, maintaining, or editing of media files using a remote control device having a display. The invention enables a user to manipulate displayed media files and other types of information stored on a server. The server may be coupled to a display device such as a television receiver and to a remote control device also having a display. A user, through the remote control device, may manipulate media files through the use of buttons displayed on the remote control device. The buttons of the remote control device may be associated with executable commands to be performed on the media files. The modified media files may be displayed on both the television receiver and the remote control device to improve a user's ability to modify the media files.

Abstract: User data files for electronic images and/or other types of information are stored in a server coupled to a display such as a television set and having interfaces with one or more communication networks. Priorities of individual user data files are modified based on prior activity regarding those files. File activities affecting priority can include enlarging an image, editing an image and copying an image to another folder. When the user views an array of thumbnail images, thumbnail images are only displayed for user data files meeting a priority threshold. The user can adjust the priority threshold so as to increase or decrease the number of thumbnail images shown. The invention is applicable to numerous types of data, files and file formats, as well as to numerous manners of providing information regarding files.

Abstract: A user selects a data file (e.g., an image file) from an interface (e.g., a thumbnail view). Upon selecting a file from the interface, the contents of that file are presented to the user in an appropriate manner (e.g., providing an enlarged image display). The selected file is also moved to a separate folder. As the contents of additional files are presented to the user, those files are also moved to the separate folder. A new folder is created when the user returns to the interface and selects another file from that interface, or alternatively, upon instruction from the user to create a new folder. The user may then rename or otherwise modify the folder(s).

Abstract: A resource controller may store a plurality of files or other data that are at least partially accessible by one or more users in a network. The user may operate a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone and/or personal digital assistant, to call or otherwise contact the resource controller. The mobile device and/or a communications network may send identification information to the resource controller that identifies the mobile device and distinguishes it from other mobile devices. Based on the identification information, the resource controller may grant or deny access to files. The resource controller may further provide the user with the appropriate user ID and/or password based on the identification information. The user may then enter the user ID and/or password to gain access to files stored at the resource controller.

Abstract: A resource controller may store a plurality of files or other data that are at least partially accessible by one or more users in a network. The user may operate a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone and/or personal digital assistant, to call or otherwise contact the resource controller. The mobile device and/or a communications network may send identification information to the resource controller that identifies the mobile device and distinguishes it from other mobile devices. Based on the identification information, the resource controller may grant or deny access to files. The resource controller may further provide the user with the appropriate user ID and/or password based on the identification information. The user may then enter the user ID and/or password to gain access to files stored at the resource controller.

Abstract: Music selection systems and methods are disclosed. An adaptive set of songs is selected based on implicit feedback from a user. A random set of songs is also selected. A playlist selection module creates a playlist that includes songs from the adaptive set and the random set in a ratio determined by a surprise factor provided by a user. The playlist may also begin with a sure set of songs that are known to be enjoyed by the user.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for tracking content communicated over a network. Users can have content registered and tracked in order to show the popularity of the content for a community of users. Content transmitted over the network is marked and registered such that subsequent transmission, such as through message forwarding, can be recognized as the messages proliferate the network. A bonus or other reward may be provided to users whose content proves to be popular, which can be determined by the number of times the content was transmitted and/or forwarded.