Abstract: An electronic book is provided with a soundtrack, to which a reader can listen while reading the electronic book. Playback of the soundtrack is synchronized with the visual display of the electronic book. Audio cues are associated with different points in the text and these cues are dynamically played back in synchronization with the visual display of the electronic book based on the interaction of the user with the electronic book. The dynamic playback involves editing and playing an audio cue so that it has a duration that is based on a prediction of the duration of the portion of the electronic book with which the cue is synchronized. When the system starts playing an audio cue, it predicts when the next audio cue should start. The current cue is played for predicted duration and a transition to the next audio cue is initiated at an appropriate time.

Abstract: An example embodiment involves creating a playlist of audio tracks, wherein the playlist comprises a plurality of segments, and selecting audio tracks for each segment, wherein the audio tracks comprising each particular segment are related to each other by at least one property of the audio tracks' musical composition. Points, based upon input data, are defined in the playlist at which each segment will begin playing, and at each defined point, a particular segment wherein the at least one property of the audio tracks comprising the particular segment is different from the at least one property of the audio tracks comprising the previously-played segment is played.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed to minimize inefficiencies for local area users to share and access data. A local proxy server operates in conjunction with a central server. Local area users can post or store (“store”) data, e.g., media data, on the local proxy server in order for the data to be accessed locally. The local proxy server can also store the data from the local area users on a central server. Additionally, the local proxy server can copy data being stored on the central server for local access by the local area users. In this manner, local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of storing and accessing media data to and from a local area source (i.e., the local proxy server).

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for file synchronization between at least a first system and a second system coupled via a network. Each system has a file directory with one or more files. Information associated with a first file directory of the first system and information associated with a second file directory of the second system are obtained. The obtained information determines a layout of the first file directory and second file directory. The obtained information associated with the first and second file directories are stored. The stored information associated with the first file directory is compared with the information associated with the second file directory to determine if the first and second file directories match. At least one of the first file directory and the second file directory is modified if the file directories do not match to maintain synchronization of the file directories.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed to minimize inefficiencies for local area users to share and access data. A local proxy server operates in conjunction with a central server. Local area users can post or store (“store”) data, e.g., media data, on the local proxy server in order for the data to be accessed locally. The local proxy server can also store the data from the local area users on a central server. Additionally, the local proxy server can copy data being stored on the central server for local access by the local area users. In this manner, local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of storing and accessing media data to and from a local area source (i.e., the local proxy server).

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed allowing media data to be stored on a secondary storage system accessible for local area users. Such users can thus post or store media data (“posted media data”) on a central server and on the secondary storage system. By such a process, posted media data on the central server is in effect “mirrored” on the secondary storage system. As a result, collaborating local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of accessing posted media data from a local area source (i.e., the secondary storage system). Furthermore, in order to avoid downloading incomplete posted media data, a completion signal or pending signal can be used to indicate if the posted media data has been completely stored or is in the process of being stored on the secondary storage system.