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.
Here's Apple's background and summary of the invention: "Electronic devices, such as portable media players, cellular phones, personal digital assists (PDAs), and the like, are prevalent in today's marketplace, as are the peripheral electronic devices that support their use, such as docking stations and the like. As competition in the personal electronics marketplace becomes ever more heated, consumers have become more demanding in terms of both the functionality and use of such devices.
"Users listen to, watch, or otherwise receive and consume content in a variety of contexts. For example, it is common to listen to music while driving, riding public transit, exercising, hiking, doing chores, or the like. Additionally, users now are more often using media players to receive radio, television, and satellite broadcasts, Global Positioning and other broadcast-based location services for navigation and recreation in addition to the playback of content stored on the media players.
"Conventionally, a media player or portable media player can be capable of playing media, such as audio (e.g., songs) or video (e.g., movies) for the benefit of its user. When playing audio, if the media player includes a display, the display can present the name of the song, artist, and other information pertaining to the song. In the case of playing a video, the display can be used to present the video.
"Typically, these media players are statically configure to provide one mode of operation. For example, a typical media player may present one consistent user interface and set of applications to the user at all times. Moreover, even though the user can alter the type of content played by a device, generally, the same content will be available to the user irrespective of the activity of the user.
"Accordingly, what is desired are improved methods and apparatus for solving the problems discussed above. Additionally, what is desired are improved methods and apparatus for reducing some of the drawbacks discussed above.
"In various embodiments, an electronic device, such as a media player or portable media device, may automatically alter a user's experience with the device. The electronic device may include one or more modes, such as music playback mode or video playback mode. Each mode can specify different applications, features, options, settings, or the like that are available to the user when the mode is enabled. Furthermore, each mode may specify applications, features, options, settings, or the like that are unavailable, disabled, or otherwise missing from a user interface to provide a cleaner, more focused user experience. Each mode may additionally specify the content that is available to the user when the mode is available. Accordingly, a media playback device may be automatically "reconfigured" when a particular mode is enabled to provide a user with access settings, applications, content, etc. relevant to a user's current activity, prior usage history, location, or the like.
"In some embodiments, an electronic device may include a plurality of modes. Each mode may define or otherwise specify applications, settings, options, features, functionalities, or the like that may be enabled or disabled when the mode is active. The mode may define which applications can be accessed through a graphical user interface (GUI) by a user. The mode may further specify how applications relevant to the mode may be displayed, such as backgrounds, icons, style information, themes, or other information that provides a visual indicator of the active mode. In one embodiment, a mode may specify what hardware features may enabled/disabled during the mode. In another embodiment, a mode may also specify which accessories may be available/unavailable, and further prompt the user to attach or remove a give accessory device.
"In further embodiments, a mode may define selection criteria in the form of attributes or other features for selecting which content or other media assets should be accessible or otherwise made available when the mode is enabled. When mode is enabled that is relevant to the user's current activity, usage history, location, or the like, the electronic device provide simplified access to content or other media assets that satisfy the selection criteria. In one embodiment, a media playback device may automatically generate playlists of content or other media assets relevant to the enabled mode."
The inventors are William Bull and Ben Rottler. The graphic below shows a graphical user interface that may be configured according to modes in one embodiment.
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