Abstract: Separate user accounts can be linked into a group of linked user accounts so that content items assigned to each of the user accounts can be accessed by each user account in the group. Linking user accounts in this way allows the individual user accounts to share content items while also retaining their individual properties such as username, password, preference data, etc. Linking user accounts allows each user account to retain the content items assigned to the user account when the user account is unlinked from the group. Linking user accounts can be restricted according to linking rules that dictate how many user accounts can be included in a group, when a user account can be added or removed from a group, etc. A master user account can set parameters restricting content items accessible to the user accounts in the group, as well as money spent be each user account.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed for encoding digital media for fast start on digital media players. In some implementations, a set of frames at the beginning of a digital media file or stream are encoded at a first bitrate (e.g., a constant low bitrate), and subsequent frames of the digital file or stream are encoded at a second, bitrate that may be higher than the first bitrate.

Abstract: Classifications and statuses can be assigned to entities and devices associated with a network (e.g., users of a social activity or networking system) based on media, application, network and/or other information (e.g., purchasable product information). A status or classification can pertain to a subject matter that is, for example, associated with a media and/or applications in a very broad sense or in a specific context (e.g., category, genre, item). As such, a status or a classification can, for example, provide valuable information regarding a user to other users of a social activity system. By way of example, a user can be classified as a music expert, as a high volume application user, as an expert with respect a particular genre of music or movies, or as a novice with respect to a specific media asset, item, or event (e.g., a particular song, a movie, concert, gaming application, product).

Abstract: Embodiments for a networked system that supports access to media assets as well as social interactions amongst users are disclosed. One aspect can pertain to a networked system and method for providing recommendations to users of the networked system. The networked system can provide media content and/or a social network to users. For example, the networked system can pertain to a media system incorporating social networking. The networked system can evaluate users and/or activities to determine when and to which users a recommendation should be provided. Another aspect can pertain to creation or editing of profiles. The profiles can be used with an online media system. A profile for a user can include information about users, including a media profile that represents the media interests of the user. The profiles can also facilitate social networking via the online media system.

Abstract: Classification and status can be assigned to entities and devices associated with a network (e.g., users of a social activity or networking system) based on media, application, network and/or other information (e.g., purchasable product information). A status or classification can pertain to a subject matter that is, for example, associated with media and/or application in a broad sense or in a specific context (e.g., category, genre, item). As such, a status or a classification can, for example, provide valuable information regarding a user to other users of a social activity system. Among other things, a status or classification can be used to manage a social activity system, as well as managing information provided by the social activity system.

Abstract: Embodiments of enhancements to online social networks are disclosed. According to one aspect, methods and systems described herein can facilitate and manage “posts” amongst followers. The posts can be user-initiated or system-initiated. In one embodiment, system-initiated posts can occur when a follower performs a commerce event. The enhanced online social network can be integrated or coupled with an electronic commerce site (e.g., online store). As such, purchases at the electronic commerce site can be used to inject commerce related posts to followers' feeds. In another embodiment, for a given user, posts to a user's feed can be managed to limit or filter posts so that those posts being posted are more likely to be of interest to the given user.