Abstract: iCradle Portable Media Device Stand is a portable stand to be used with a portable media device as an accessory for the purposes of viewing any media content including video, listening to music, or utilizing any device-specific software application, hand-free while traveling, in the office, or at home. iCradle is designed to sit on a flat surface and hold a Portable Media Device in an optimal viewing angle. iCradle allows the device user to watch and listen to any media content, and utilize any software application comfortably while having complete freedom of movement with the hand(s). iCradle utilizes an angled placement slot to improve the viewing angle and reduce glares for comfortable viewing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and system for loading information onto a computer in the form of a digital capsule containing information about one of more aspects of a subject, such as products for sale. Preferably, it can then be determined whether the information from the capsule should be updated when the subject is accessed on a user's computer, and, if so, the capsule information can be updated. The capsule is preferably linked to a file containing a representation of the subject and can be exchanged between computers.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for promoting entertainment programs. A request relating to an item is received from a user utilizing a network. The inquiry is mapped to a promotion for a media program of a similar genre. The promotion is output to the user utilizing a network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and system for loading information onto a computer in the form of a digital capsule containing information about one of more aspects of a subject, such as products for sale. Preferably, it can then be determined whether the information from the capsule should be updated when the subject is accessed on a user's computer, and, if so, the capsule information can be updated. The capsule is preferably linked to a file containing a representation of the subject and can be exchanged between computers.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for delivering a promotional offer. A request is received for delivery of a promotional offer for a product to a plurality of users. Users are selected to receive the promotional offer based on input by the users of a product identifier of the product. The promotional offer is sent to the selected users. A fee is charged for each promotional offer sent.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for distributing targeted sales information. User input relating to products is stored in a database. A request to send sales information associated with a product is received. The database is searched for selecting users who have entered user input relating to the product associated with the sales information. The sales information is output to the selected users. A fee is charged for outputting the sales information.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for bar code-based electronic commerce. First, a representation of a bar code is received from a user at a terminal. The representation of the bar code is obtained by scanning a bar code of an item. Information relating to obtaining the item is presented on a display of the terminal. Input relating to obtaining the item is received from the user in response to the presented information.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing bidding on products. A summary of user demand for a product is generated based on user input of product information. The summary is presented to a plurality of sellers of the product. Bids are received from the sellers for a price of the product. The lowest bid is selected and is presented to a reseller of the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for matching products to a textual request. Upon receiving a request for information about an item, the request is parsed to determine attributes of the item. A search of a database is performed for selecting a plurality of products each having the attributes of the item. Information about the products is retrieved and output.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for targeting a promotion to a user based on a user-entered product identifier. A product identifier is received from a client device of a user. The product identifier is associated with a particular product. A promotional offer for the product is retrieved, where the product is associated with the product identifier. The promotional offer is stored on a network data site. The user is allowed to access the promotional offer on the network data site using a user identifier.

Abstract: A bar code scanner is provided according to the present invention. The scanner includes a housing. A scanning portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to scan a bar code for generating an electronic representation of the bar code. A communications portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to upload the representation of the bar code to a client device of a user. A transmitting portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to transmit the representation of the bar code to a remote device, either wirelessly or through physical medium.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for alerting a user to a promotional offer for a product. A representation of a bar code is received from a user. The representation of the bar code is associated with a product. A relationship between the user and the product is generated. The relationship between the user and the product is stored in a database. A search is performed for matching a promotional offer to the product. The promotional offer is output to the user based on the relationship of the user with the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for generating a promotional offer for a product. A form is provided. The form has one or more fields, such as a field for entering a product identification associated with the product or service, a promotion field for identifying the promotional offer, a price field, a discount field, a date field, and/or a field for an identifier of the entity or person offering the promotional offer. Information for entering in the field(s) of the form is received and entered in the field(s) for completing the form. A description of the promotional offer is generated based on the sufficiently completed form. The promotional offer is associated with the product and output to a user upon receiving a request for information about the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for selecting a vendor of a product. First, a textual message having a word generically referring to a product is received. The word is matched to one or more brands of product. A vendor of the brand(s) of product is selected. Information about the vendor is output.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing product information to a user, where the user may remain anonymous. A product identifier is received from a client device of a user. The product identifier is associated with a particular product. A search is made of a data store for matching the product identifier with information about the product. The product information is stored on a network data site. The user is allowed to access the product information on the network data site using a user identifier.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for generating a website based on input of bar code information. A plurality of representations of bar codes are received from a user utilizing a network. Each representation of a bar code is associated with a particular product. A search is performed for information relating to the products. The information found during the search is placed on a website. The user is allowed to access the website.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for presenting product information. A navigation of a user is monitored. A detection is made that the user is viewing content about a product. A database having product information associated with the product is searched. Product information associated with the product is selected based on the search. The selected product information is presented for output in a second window of a display being viewed by the user.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for test marketing in real time based on user polls. User input relating to requests for information about products is stored in a database. The database is searched for selecting users who have entered user input relating to at least one product. Information relating to the product(s) is presented to the selected users. Feedback is received from the users. The feedback is analyzed for determining user interest in the at least one product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for presenting a recipe based on bar code information. A representation of a bar code that is associated with a product is received. One or more recipes that use the product as an ingredient are selected. The recipe(s) are then output for display. A system, method and article of manufacture are also provided for presenting ingredients of a recipe based on bar code information. First, a representation of a bar code associated with a recipe is received. The ingredients of the recipe are determined from information in a database. Products that can be used as ingredients of the recipe are selected. Information about the products, such as the names of the products, is output.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing selection of products while navigating multiple websites. A button is presented on a display screen that is displaying a web page of a first website, where the web page has information about a first product thereon. An identity of the first product is captured upon selection of the button. The button is presented on the display screen upon displaying a web page of a second website, where the web page of the second website has information about a second product thereon. An identity of the second product is captured upon selection of the button. The identities of the products are placed in a list. At least a portion of the list is output.