Synchronized media streaming between distributed peers
First Claim
1. Apparatus for enabling two individuals to listen to the same time-based media program content at the same time comprising, in combination, a first player for reproducing time-based media program content in a form perceptible to a first user, a second player for reproducing time-based media program content in a form perceptible to a second user, a communication channel for transmitting the specific time-based media content being reproduced by said first player to said second player, and control means in said second player for reproducing said specific time-based media content for said second user at substantially the same time said specific time-based media content is being reproduced by said first player for said first user.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for providing synchronous playback of the same piece of time-based media on multiple devices connected over heterogenous channels consisting of varying degrees of delay. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a handheld music player that uses a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communications link to enable users to share music with similar nearby players and to synchronously play back the same music different players simultaneously. Users of all players tuned into one source hear the same thing at the same time, enabling the feeling of a shared music experience. Users can also use their players to exchange profile information and text messages.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for enabling two individuals to listen to the same time-based media program content at the same time comprising, in combination,
a first player for reproducing time-based media program content in a form perceptible to a first user, a second player for reproducing time-based media program content in a form perceptible to a second user, a communication channel for transmitting the specific time-based media content being reproduced by said first player to said second player, and control means in said second player for reproducing said specific time-based media content for said second user at substantially the same time said specific time-based media content is being reproduced by said first player for said first user.
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13. A music sharing system comprising a plurality of hand-held music players which are interconnected by a wireless communications network, each of said players comprising:
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means for selecting another given one of said players, and means for synchronously reproducing the same music currently being played by said given one of said players. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification