Inventors:
Tom Carhart - Menlo Park CA, US
Murgesh Navar - San Jose CA, US
Sergiy Bilobrov - Coquitlam, CA
Andrey Yruski - Pacifica CA, US
Assignee:
VoloMedia, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
H04N 7/173
G06F 3/00
G06F 13/00
H04N 5/445
G06F 17/00
US Classification:
725 86, 725 39, 725 46, 725 61, 725100, 700 94
Abstract:
A personalized media service provides, e. g. , user customization of radio channel selections, immediate availability of multiple preprogrammed and/or customized channels, the ability to intersperse different types of content including periodically refreshed information content, availability of personal radio functions on devices such as car audio systems, PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, etc. Available channels include, e. g. , pre-programmed channels selected for the user based on an interest profile, user-owned content, user-specified recorded content, etc. An audio user interface facilitates user selection of programming and user purchase of currently played audio material. An overall radio experience is thus provided that combines the customization and flexibility of digital media with the immediacy and ubiquity of radio. Video materials may also be accommodated.