Abstract: A portable media player may provide multi-modes for a user. Each mode may define different features and content that are customized for a particular mode. Based a selected mode, the media player may provide access to only content, features, hardware, user interface elements, and the like that the user wishes to have access to when the mode is enabled. The media player may provide the user different experiences, looks, and feels for each mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for distribution of digital products to portable electronic devices are disclosed. Digital products, such as digital assets or digital gifts, can be a purchased from a centralized location and associated with particular ones of the portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the digital product is a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset) that is pre-stored to a portable electronic device, and after the digital asset is purchased, the digital asset can be activated on the portable electronic device. In another embodiment, the digital product is a digital gift that can be associated with a portable electronic device or a user account for a user of the portable electronic device. Optionally, a personalized message can be provided and associated with a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Improved approaches to display information on a portable computing device having a display with limited display area are disclosed. The information displayed can, for example, assist a user in navigating a hierarchical menu system operable on the portable computing device to browse, search or play media items. In one embodiment, the information displayed can be presented in a multi-pane display screen (or graphical user interface). One pane can present a list of selectable items, such as a list of selectable media items. The list can represent one menu in the hierarchical menu system. Another pane can present other information that can be related to the list being displayed. For example, the other information can be data contextually related to the list. In one embodiment, the size of the panes of a multi-pane display screen can adapt dependent on user interaction and/or characteristics of the data being display.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a media player or portable media device can enable a user to navigate and discover content or other media assets. The media player may analyze broadcasts and other content streams to determine currently playing and forthcoming content. The media player may switch from one source of content to another to find content that matches user preferences or criteria. The media player may generate playlists based on the matching content, and switch between sources of the matching content automatically. In some embodiments, the media player may receive user input to browse content using a navigation stream. Content associated with stations within the navigation stream may be output. As if the user were tuning a radio dial, the media player may determine what content to played back for each station. The media player may procure content and generate playlists to represent each station focus on by the user.

Abstract: Improved approaches to display information on a portable computing device having a display with limited display area are disclosed. The information displayed can, for example, assist a user in navigating a hierarchical menu system operable on the portable computing device to browse, search or play media items. The information displayed can include a menu of the hierarchical menu system along with other information. The menu can include selectable media items. The other information can be related to the menu being displayed. In one embodiment, the invention can use a display screen having at least first and second portions, with the first portion displaying selectable media items (e.g., menu) and with the second portion displaying media information (e.g., graphical image) that is dependent on media items in the first portion or resident on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device.

Abstract: The described embodiments comprise a system that adjusts pixel values to produce visual effects in a frame to be displayed. During operation, the system receives coordinates and pixel-adjustment values for one or more control points within the frame. Next, the system calculates pixel-adjustment values for pixels in the frame based on the coordinates and the pixel-adjustment values for the one or more control points. The system then applies the pixel-adjustment values to the pixels within the frame and displays the frame.

Abstract: Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device.

Abstract: Improved methods, computer readable media and systems that facilitate data acquisition by mobile electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to content acquisition between mobile electronic devices that are within range of a local wireless network. Another aspect pertains to content acquisition by mobile electronic devices capable of communicating across a peer-to-peer wireless network.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for distribution of digital products to portable electronic devices are disclosed. Digital products, such as digital assets or digital gifts, can be a purchased from a centralized location and associated with particular ones of the portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the digital product is a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset) that is pre-stored to a portable electronic device, and after the digital asset is purchased, the digital asset can be activated on the portable electronic device. In another embodiment, the digital product is a digital gift that can be associated with a portable electronic device or a user account for a user of the portable electronic device. Optionally, a personalized message can be provided and associated with a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Delivery and/or presentation of electronic data to a mobile electronic device in accordance with a dynamic user profile are disclosed. In one embodiment, as the user profile changes, the electronic data being delivered to and/or presented on the mobile electronic device can dynamically change. In other words, the electronic data being delivered and/or presented can be selected, customized or targeted for characteristics of the dynamic user profile.

Abstract: Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device.

Abstract: Improved approaches to display information on a portable computing device having a display with limited display area are disclosed. The information displayed can, for example, assist a user in navigating a hierarchical menu system operable on the portable computing device to browse, search or play media items. The information displayed can include a menu of the hierarchical menu system along with other information. The menu can include selectable media items. The other information can be related to the menu being displayed. In one embodiment, the invention can use a display screen having at least first and second portions, with the first portion displaying selectable media items (e.g., menu) and with the second portion displaying media information (e.g., graphical image) that is dependent on media items in the first portion or resident on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Improved approaches to present groups of digital assets in a dynamic, graphical manner are disclosed. The groups to be presented can be automatically formed in accordance with grouping criteria. Each of the resulting groups can then be visually represented by a set of images. The sets of images for the different groups can be dynamically visually presented in a sequential manner. The plurality of images that represent a particular group can be concurrently presented in a partial overlapped arrangement. Optionally, user interaction can affect the group(s) being presented, alter the images visually representing the group(s), or cause other navigational actions with respect to the digital assets. The presentation of the groups (e.g., clusters) can serve to assist a user in understanding what digital assets (e.g., digital media assets) are available on an electronic device. The electronic device typically permits the user to utilize (e.g., play, view, etc.) the digital assets.

Abstract: Improved approaches to display information on a portable computing device having a display with limited display area are disclosed. The information displayed can, for example, assist a user in navigating a hierarchical menu system operable on the portable computing device to browse, search or play media items. In one embodiment, the information displayed can be presented in a multi-pane display screen (or graphical user interface). One pane can present a list of selectable items, such as a list of selectable media items. The list can represent one menu in the hierarchical menu system. Another pane can present other information that can be related to the list being displayed. For example, the other information can be data contextually related to the list. In one embodiment, the size of the panes of a multi-pane display screen can adapt dependent on user interaction and/or characteristics of the data being display.

Abstract: A system that adjusts pixel values to produce visual effects in a frame to be displayed is presented. During operation, the system receives coordinates and pixel-adjustment values for one or more control points within the frame. Next, the system calculates pixel-adjustment values for pixels in the frame based on the coordinates and the pixel-adjustment values for the one or more control points. The system then applies the pixel-adjustment values to the pixels within the frame and displays the frame.