Patent Publication Number: US-2023164206-A1

Title: System and apparatus for streaming, discovering, and sharing geo-spatial media content

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to streaming services. More particularly, the invention relates to a comprehensive social music platform that integrates live radio, music streaming, interactive map, social media, analytics, and sales and is useful for end users, broadcasters, artists, and music organizations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Since the advent of the internet, the music industry has undergone a significant transformation due to technological advances that helped shift the music distribution landscape from analog to digital. Numerous music services and platforms have emerged for the purpose of providing users with easy access to large amount of digital music and information. End users, broadcasters, artists, and music organizations have all benefitted from the ease of accessing, acquiring, exchanging, producing, commercializing, or simply enjoying a vast array of digitally encoded music across many media platforms; including peer to peer file sharing, and over the air radio broadcasts. 
     The amount of global music available on the internet and media platforms is ever-increasing and overwhelming. Furthermore, music data is incomplete, unorganized, and scattered; therefore, hindering users from discovering music culturally, geographically and in real-world. 
     It would be desirable to provide a single platform or software application to consolidate the various ways that digital music is discovered, organized, and experienced among and between end users, broadcasters, artists, and music organizations. Also, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus to allow users to search, discover, interact, disseminate, and enjoy music based on geographic location and in real-world. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system which integrates live radio, music streaming, interactive map, social media, analytics, and sales on a single platform tightly coupled with a software application operating across different communication devices such smartphone, laptop, and home &amp; in-car entertainment system. End users can interact by accessing, disseminating, or simply enjoying interactive music streams and events within its social music community. A key aspect of the invention is its capabilities of empowering end users to discover and experience world culture and music by allowing them to scan geographic regions for content. The system&#39;s innovative geospatial methods and objects revolutionizes the way people consume and disseminate music and other media geographically. 
     It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform application that can be used by end users, broadcasters, artists, and other music industries and organizations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform application that can provide personalized content and functionalities based on end user&#39;s system interactions and activities. It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform application that can be used on a variety of devices. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that can deliver interactive streaming to 1-to-many and many-to-many users. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that can be used for music synchronization sessions between 1-to-many and many-to-many users. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that can be used for music sharing. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that can provide a music social network that allows interactions between users, artists, and broadcasters. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that allows content to be organized geographically. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that allows a user to navigate through content by interacting with a geospatial map interface. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved digital music platform that allows a user to filter and choose a geographical or cultural preference by navigating to a specific geographic region for content. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagrammatic overview of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a diagrammatic representation of the system environment. 
         FIG.  2    shows a capture of the home screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating the mapping function of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  3    shows a capture of the area list screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating a list of artists and stations within the area of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    shows a capture of the media player screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating media control for playback of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    shows a capture of the album screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating song information including associated album, artist, and video of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    shows a capture of the music charts screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating music charts and trends by country of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    shows a capture of the user ‘fan’ profile screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user information of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    shows a capture of the artist profile screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating artist information of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    shows a capture of the radio station profile screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating radio station information of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    shows a capture of the radio station chat screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating public chat room and music recognition of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    shows a capture of the user incoming call screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating two-way audio/video communication of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  12    shows a capture of the live chat room screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating live audio/video communication chat of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  13    shows a capture of the message summary screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user messages and notifications communication of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  14    shows a capture of the user comment screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user commenting messages of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  15    shows a capture of the search screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating content search of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  16    shows a capture of the filter screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating content filtering of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  17    shows a capture of the share screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating content sharing of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  18    shows a capture of the start a message screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating messaging between 1-to-many users of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  19    shows a capture of the user music synchronization screen of the application depicting an interface for initiating music synchronization between end users of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  20    shows a capture of the user synching screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating the start of live music synchronization process of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  21    shows a capture of the user sync request screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating the request of live music synchronization process of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  22    shows a capture of the user sync ended screen of the application depicting an interface for facilitating the ending of live music synchronization process of the system of the invention. 
         FIG.  23    shows a capture of the play button navigation menu of the application depicting an interface for facilitating different music playback states of the system of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is directed to a system or platform which integrates live radio, music streaming, interactive map, social media, analytics, sales, and dissemination so that a single software application on a communication device will allow the end user to connect, access, share, stream, or sell music across the platform including interactive live radio broadcasts and events. A key aspect of the invention is that the end user may decide upon a geographical or cultural preference when seeking music. The system allows a user to scan music, radio stations or other media content based on geographic position so that a user may scan a particular region from, e.g., east to west, with content providers appearing in a scrollable list depending upon their relative location as explained in more detail below. 
     As used herein “Communications device” is defined as any computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, and/or tablet), phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or computing device that comprises a battery, display, circuit board, and processor capable of processing or executing software. 
     A graphic user interface (“Gur”) allows users to interact with communications devices through icons and other visual indicators presented on a display. 
     A “smartphone” (or “smart phone”) is a mobile telephone with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones. Smartphones typically include the features of a telephone combined with one or more features of other popular consumer devices, for example including but not limited to a personal digital assistant, media player, audio speakers, digital camera, and/or a GPS navigation unit. Smartphones typically include features such as a touchscreen interface, web browsing, broadband network radio (e.g., LTE), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3rd-party apps. 
     “Content” refers to, but is not limited to, media (e.g., audio, video, images), streaming, broadcasting, interactive chat, messaging, data, sharing (e.g., syncing with other music listeners), etc. 
     “Content provider” includes, but is not limited to, broadcasters, artists, end users, streaming services, etc. A content provider may use a communications device other than a smart phone. 
     “End user” or “User” refers to individuals accessing the system solely for the purpose of browsing, selecting, and accessing content available on the system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  1 B , the system of the invention, generally indicated by the numeral  1 , is diagrammatically illustrated. The system  1  allows content providers  7  the ability to disseminate searchable content via the internet  6  to user&#39;s communications devices  20  having access to the internet, and several components. The communications device  20  includes a display  21  in the form of a touchscreen which can present GUIs to allow the user to access various features of the system as will be described below. The system  1  allows each user  10  to access all available content from internet accessible content providers  7  such as broadcasters  50  (e.g., terrestrial, and digital radio stations), artists, and music streaming services on their communications device  20 , which is preferably a smart phone. All content on the system is processed by a central server  5  which allows for the identification, categorization, storage, and dissemination of the content to requesting users. The central server  5  has an operating system which allows for receiving, processing, storing, and transmitting digital media files in the well-known manner. The exact methods and protocols for file transfer do not form a part of the invention unless otherwise noted. Content on the system  1  includes, but is not limited to, streaming, broadcasting, social media, mapping, analytics, interactive chat, and hosted talk shows (e.g., talk radio). The system also allows users to share files by syncing, as will be explained in more detail later. 
     The system  1  is implemented using the internet  6  to allow for communication between the various users  10  via communication device  20 , a central server  5 , and content providers  7 . The central server  5  can be accessed by users and content providers  7  alike via the internet  6  in the well-known manner. 
     The system  1  has several components which are coordinated to provide the various functions as described below. The music services component  30 , which is software implemented on the central server  5  (as are all components of the system as described below), process music files to facilitate some of the various processes provided by the inventive system. All the music files available on the system  1  are passed through the music services component  30  using various digital information transformation and exchange protocols as are known in the art. The inbound music file &amp; stream sub-component  33 , process uploaded music files, music streams, or otherwise provided via the various content providers  7  and user devices  20  connected to the system  1 , in the form of a digitized audio/video signal or file. If the inbound music file &amp; stream  33  has no identifying metadata, the file &amp; stream  33  data is compared to the music files stored on the central database  60  associated with central server  5  to determine if there is a match, that is, if the music file &amp; stream  33  has been previously stored in the database and thus has song and music metadata associated therewith. In the event of a match, the requesting user receives the identifying song and artist metadata, which is displayed on the device  20  (along with identifying graphics) as the music plays. If there is no match, the music file &amp; stream  33  is sent to third-party metadata providers to determine if there is a match. If so, the metadata is attached to the music &amp; stream and the file and associated metadata are stored in central database  60  and file storage  61 . The music business rules sub-component  32  verifies the data and updates any missing information in the central music database  60 . All incoming data identified as a music &amp; stream  33  from a content provider  7  is monitored for status and online activities. If any music &amp; stream  33  has no digitized musical audio, the content provider  7  is flagged and reported. 
     Media services  40  processes all of the digital media files  42  uploaded to the system via the various content providers  7  and devices  20 , and stores them in a file storage device  61  associated with the central server  5  for later retrieval. Each digital media file stored in device  61  is uploaded and processed by the media process  41  via music metadata API  31  and media API  43  to obtain artist, album, track, broadcaster, video, or other metadata associated with the uploaded file. Once the metadata is obtained, the file (along with previously uploaded files) can be accessed by the content provider  7  that initially uploaded it, allowing them to manage their files stored on file storage  61  for other users to consume it. Compression algorithms may be performed and applied to audio, video, and image files by the media process  41  to reduce the file size in the well-known manner. Once the uploaded music file from the content provider  7  is associated with identifying metadata, the central database  60  is updated with a media file storage  61  and a signed URL is generated for users to consume the content securely. Content providers  7  can record live events, which events may be uploaded in real time to central server  5  for processing, with a digital recording of the event stored on file storage  61  after processing in the manner described above. 
     A key aspect of the inventive system is the mapping service  70 . This service allows users to locate content and content providers based on geographical location. Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a screen capture of the home screen of the user application, which screen appears after user sign-in, of the system  1  illustrating an interface for facilitating the mapping service  70  is shown. It should be noted that some of the screen captures are scrolled versions, that is, all the images that can be seen scrolling the screen are presented as a single screen for explanatory purposes. The top row  104  shows several control GUIs including a video GUI  102  for live streaming, a search GUI  105  for searching content, a map layer GUI  101  for selecting a map overlay, and a filter GUI  103  for filtering content. User avatar GUI  109  is presented dynamically when content provider  7  starts a live audio/video communication session. Screen  106  displays a rotatable three-dimensional world map  107 . A plurality of selectable radio station GUIs  108  is displayed in various positions on the world map, the positions corresponding to the actual physical location of the radio station, with each GUI  108  representing a radio station providing content. Thus, radio stations that are content providers  7 , in the instant case terrestrial and digital radio stations, are represented as GUI images  108  such as avatars positioned at the geographical location of the station. The mapping services  70  provides mapping capabilities to the application where users can rotate (by swiping the display  106  in the known manner) the world map globe GUI  107  on their device  20  to tune in to music by tapping on (selecting) a particular GUI such as an avatar GUI  108  in a country or region of interest. Users can search GUI  105  for content based on language and/or country or by simply rotating the world map GUI  107  to a desired region, and then selecting a GUI  108  of interest. The world map GUI  107  may be expanded (in the well-known manner for magnifying smart phone/laptop screen images) to reveal more detail and allow the user to select among closely spaced or clustered stations in large metropolitan areas like large cities. Artists, events, talk shows, and advertisement in the selected geographic area may also be displayed as, e.g., actual images or avatars on the world map GUI  107 , with other content providers  7  using representative GUI images  108 . The geocoding business sub-component process  71  detects when new content providers  7  upload content to the system  1  and calls the geocoding API  72  to retrieve location information of the uploading provider. The mapping service  70  uses radio station location data, public artist birthplace information, and other data relating to uploading content providers  7  to geocode the GPS coordinates of the country and city of the uploaded music file. Once obtained, the location allows the system  1  to display content providers  7  (other than terrestrial radio stations which are positionally fixed) on the GUI  107  based on place of origin as opposed to their current physical location. 
     The selected station name (or the name of the last station played before signing out of the inventive application) and an identifying logo  111  (if available) are presented on the scrolling station deck  113  and which area is scrollable and includes a heart icon  100 , a country icon  119 , and a dialog or “chat” box icon  114 . The chat box icon  114  allows the user to enter an interactive public group chat with the radio station operator/disc jockey. The country icon  119  allows the user to locate the country position on the map  107 . The heart icon  100  allows the user to ‘like’ a station which is then added to the user&#39;s favorite list. The name of the song currently playing as well as the artist are displayed in this area  113  of the screen. The bottom area of the screen  106  includes a toolbar  115  having a number of control GUIs including a play/stop GUI  116 , a trending up GUI  118  which allows for the display of charts and trending content, a user profile GUI  110  for displaying the user preferences and content, a message GUI  112  which allows users to receive system notifications and messages from other users and content providers, and a GUI  120  which allows for the presentation of a media player controls in  FIG.  4   . 
     The application of the invention can effectively function as a geo-positional virtual radio tuner and music navigation system. As can be seen in  FIG.  3   , screen  135  is displayed after sliding the scrolling station deck GUI  113  upwards. The selected station logo  1  is presented including information pertaining to the station followers, location, ‘likes’, and music genre. A star icon  132  allows user to add station to a preset list for quick retrieval when seeking for stations. A chat room icon  114  allows the user to enter an interactive public group chat with the radio station operator/disc jockey. A horizontal scrollable list of tracks played on the selected (current) station is shown as a row of GUIs  137 , any of which can be selected to display information about both artist and song. Radio stations  130  in the geographic vicinity of the selected GUI are displayed as a single scrollable column at the bottom of the screen  131 . The row can be manipulated vertically to display all stations in the selected geographic area. The user can continually scroll the column of stations until all the stations in the selected vicinity are exhausted at which point the stations in the adjacent geographical area are displayed on the row  131 . If, for example, the user selects a station on the east coast of say the United States, he can slide the row to the bottom to navigate all the way to the west coast stations on the system. Thus, a geographic virtual radio (or content) dial, allowing a user to select stations from e.g., east to west is provided. It can be appreciated that if the user selects a station in eastern South America for example, the stations presented will be Latino music stations with varying styles as the user progresses from east to west. This affords the user an unprecedented ability to enjoy music from various regions/cultures with relative ease and effort while discovering geography and various culture. If the user enjoys a particular station, user may assign the station as a favorite station by selecting the favorite icon  134 . 
     The mapping services screen  106  ( FIG.  2   ) can use other GUIs (in addition to the broadcast tower GUIs  108 ) to represent artists, music events, and live talk shows that will pop up when a match is found for the artists&#39; music that is currently playing. That is, other GUIs than the broadcast tower GUIs will populate the mapping services screen  106  in response to either a user-initiated search  105 , which search would be initiated on screen  106 , or selected map layer  101  representing an upcoming event scheduled for the artist currently airing on the selected station, or artist birthplace. Upcoming music events, live shows, exclusive music, and music video releases can also be displayed as GUIs on the map  107 , and can be presented in real time as soon as uploaded to the central server  5  by a content provider  7 . Other GUIs and map styles can be selected and applied on mapping service screen  106  by choosing a map overlay preset  101 . 
     In addition to the radio stations in the selected geographic vicinity, upcoming events in the selected vicinity having video, music, or chat content will be displayed as row of image GUIs  133  on the “music in the area” screen  135  as shown in  FIG.  3   . This screen, as do all others, also displays a graphic  119  of the flag of the country of residence of the content provider, which in this case is the selected radio station with identifying name and logo  136  positioned at the top of the screen. 
     The station player screen  140  in  FIG.  4    shows image  144  that can dynamically change from the station logo image to the album art image when music recognition of the current playing song is identified. Based on the state of the image  144 , either the station details screen  192  ( FIG.  9   ) or the song album screen  151  ( FIG.  5   ) is displayed when selecting the image  144  as explained in more detail below. As can be seen in  FIG.  5   , the song album screen  151  presents the album art image  150  and all the tracks  152  on the album associated with the current track selected. The user may select any of the tracks  152  from the list, which will interrupt the currently playing song, and return the user to the broadcast when completed. Thus, the inventive application allows the user to explore and sample all the tracks from an album while the station plays a single song from the album. A star icon  141  allows user to add station to a preset list for quick retrieval when seeking for stations. 
     The station player screen  140  also includes the bottom row of GUI controls  115  to allow a user access to their profile, messages, home screen, and trending music. The microphone logo GUI  143  displayed on the bottom row  115  allows a user to access the mapping services ‘home’ screen  106 . Also, GUI  143  can change states based on the music stream activity and status as presented in  FIG.  23   . The microphone logo GUI  143  can transition from inactive state  330  to play button  331 . When the play button  331  is selected, the button transition to equalizer stop button  332 . When the stop button  332  is selected, the button transitions back to inactive state  330 . In the event the music stream is interrupted due to an error, the equalizer stop button  332  transition to the error report button  334 , which allows the user to report the station stream issue back to the central server  5 . In the event, that music stream is active but no audio, the stop button  333  is displayed without the equalizer. Other button states allow for haptic functions and menu popups allowing users to add the active song to favorite, follow artist, follow station, share, and set station preset. 
     The broadcasting services  50  component allows for 1-to-1 and 1-to-many communication between artists, radio hosts, users, and broadcasters allowing for live streaming of shows, events, or chats to be shared among and between content providers  7  and users as represented in public chat room screen  201  and  220  in  FIGS.  10  and  12   . The public chat room is available for each station selected in the manner described above where any users can publicly communicate with other users, or the station host as discussed above. In addition, a station hosts can broadcast a poll or questionnaire where participants (users) can select an answer, the answers tabulated to produce the poll results and presented back to the user. In addition, users in the chat can buy live shoutouts made by the DJ and advertisement space which is displayed in-line with the chat text; a payment gateway is used for collecting the payments and sharing with the host. 
     The broadcasting services component allows any user accessing the inventive platform to synchronize the music they are listening to with other users ‘friends’ or user groups in real-time.  FIG.  19    shows a capture of the music synchronization ‘Wadio Tune’ screen  290  of the application depicting the interface for facilitating user with real-time music streaming synchronization with other users. User can activate or deactivate streaming synchronization requests by selecting the toggle switch  291 ; when deactivated, user stops receiving ‘Wadio Tune’ requests and GUI  294  is set to inactive on the corresponding user in the result list  293 . The user search text input field GUI  292  allows searching of all registered users in the system and the results are presented in the user list  293  when text search match is found. User synchronization activity is presented with GUI  294 , when active the GUI turns red in color when inactive the GUI turns green to indicate user&#39;s music synchronization availability with other. When a synchronization session is initiated, the user requesting synchronization is presented with synching screen  300  in  FIG.  20    to indicate that the session request is started. The receiving user is presented with the sync request screen  310  in  FIG.  21    which allows the receiving user to accept or decline the music synchronization request. In the event the request is accepted, the home screen  106  in  FIG.  2    is presented allowing synced friends or any member of the user group to play a DJ role by listening to and playing music from various radio stations. This allows the “DJ” user to share and explore music content geographically and culturally together with ‘friends’ and all users within the active group. Music synchronization can be stopped or ended by any of the users in the session by selecting GUI  117  or  294  of  FIGS.  2  and  19   ; in which case sync ended screen  320  in  FIG.  22    is displayed and music streaming and synchronization is stopped. When user music synchronization is 1-to-1, synchronization ends for the session including both users. When music synchronization involves a group (1-to-many), synchronization ends only for the individual users who requested to end their synchronization while the remaining users continues uninterrupted. 
     The analytical services component  90  captures and stores application usage activities from users and content providers  7  (users, radio stations, and artists) and stores the data on file storage  61  and database storage component  60 . User activities  82  includes but not limited to music likes, follows, live events or shows, music plays, location, music shares, subscription, new music releases, and sales. The analytical services component  90  uses the activity data to populate and dynamically generate the music content chart screen  160  in  FIG.  6   . The chart screen of  FIG.  6    provides popular and trending music, videos, live shows, stations, genres, and artists based on geography location for the country GUI  119  selected. 
     The social services component  80  provides profile management  81  and methods for each user to manage their user profile, including musical tastes, likes, followers, following, and settings for privacy, account, and notifications. Any user can register with the application by either visiting the home page associate with central server  5  or downloading the mobile app on Apple App Store or Google Play Store and providing the central server  5  with an email address, mobile number, and other identifying credentials as is known in the art. After application sign-in, user can manage their profile as depicted in screens  171 ,  151 , and  192  in  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  9   . A casual user ‘Fan’ profile screen  171  is shown in  FIG.  7    which displays the user avatar  170  and has a scrollable list  172  of user&#39;s music taste, radio station, genres, and videos the user likes, follows, or subscribed to. The screen  171  is presented when the user selects on a casual user GUI or avatar as represented as shown and described in reference to the other screens of the application software. An artist profile screen  180  is shown in  FIG.  8   ; this screen shows an artist avatar  181 , and a scrollable list  182  to reveal albums, tracks, related artists, new releases, music videos, and genres for that artist. A short biography or blurb of the artist is also presented  183 . Artist profile screen  180  can be accessed from any of the artists lists where the artist avatar is represented as shown and described in reference to the other screens of the application software. A station profile screen  192  is shown in  FIG.  9   , with the logo or other station identifier  190  displayed at the top. The station profile screen  192  is presented when the user selects on a station GUI or station avatar as represented as shown and described in reference to the other screens of the application software. The station profile screen  192  shows a scrollable list  193  with the albums, tracks, music videos, artists, and genres that are played on that radio station. Playback button  191 , when selected will interrupt the current broadcast to playback music from the active station stream. The chat box icon  194  allows the user to enter the station public chat room screen  201  and  220  ( FIGS.  10  and  12   ). Chat room screen  201  and  220  ( FIGS.  10  and  12   ) allows users to post comments publicly for everyone to see, including comments for the current music playing on the active station, with an artist image  200  presented top of screen  201 . A text entry box  202  allows users to enter their own comments. 
       FIG.  11    shows a screen  210  displayed when a station, artist, or host initiates a live audio/video call session with another user. The host  211  and instant caller  212  images are shown on the screen  210 , which is viewable by the caller and host. The user can decline or accept the incoming call by choosing between audio, video, or decline functionality presented in navigation bar  213 . Once the incoming call is accepted, the user device  21  starts streaming audio/video to the chat room screen  220  ( FIG.  12   ). All users in the chat room screen  220  can participate by commenting via the text entry box  202  on the bottom of the screen  220 . In addition, system notification  232  ( FIG.  13   ) is sent to the user when any of their subscribed station, artist, host, talk show, or event starts a live audio/video chat room session. User can join the live chat room screen  220  upon receiving the system notification. 
       FIG.  13    shows a capture of the user message summary screen  231  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user requests, messages, and notification communication of the system of the invention, which is presented by selecting on GUI  112 . The number of requests is presented at the top of the screen via icon  230 ; the user can scroll horizontally the request list  233  to view other requests. User private messages are presented on the message list  234 , which the user can scroll vertically to reveal other message communications between the user and other users or groups. To start a new message, the user can select the feather GUI  235 , in which case the start new message screen  280  ( FIG.  18   ) is presented. In addition, system notifications are presented when selecting GUI  232  ( FIG.  13   ). 
       FIG.  4    shows a capture of the user song comment screen  240  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user with song commenting functionality. User can comment on any selected song of the system of the invention. The screen  240  ( FIG.  14   ) is presented when any song comment GUI  153  ( FIGS.  4  and  5   ) is selected. 
       FIG.  15    shows a capture of the search screen  250  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user with a content search text input field GUI  251  which allows user to search for content provided by content providers  7 . Search results are presented as countries GUI  252  and various media types  253  such as cities, artist, station, music videos, music tracks, events, and talk shows. 
       FIG.  16    shows a capture of the filter screen  260  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user with various options for filtering content provided by content providers  7 . Selected filters which can include station categories, favorite station, live chat show, country, language, or genre is then applied to the content and presented on the mapping services screen  106  ( FIG.  2   ). 
       FIG.  17    shows a capture of the share screen  270  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating user with content sharing capabilities. The user search text input field GUI  271  allows user to search for other users registered in the system and a search result list  274  is presented when a match is found. User can select another user from the search result list  274  who they want to share the content  275  provided by content providers  7 . User can include a message with content sharing by entering text in input field GUI  272 . In addition, user can share content externally with another application on the user&#39;s device  20  by selecting the external share link GUI  273 . 
       FIG.  18    shows a capture of the start message screen  280  of the application depicting an interface for facilitating users with messaging capabilities. The user search text input field GUI  282  allows user to search for other users registered in the system and a search result list  284  is presented when a match is found. User can select another user from the search result list  284  to whom they want to start messaging. If the user is not yet registered in the system, user can select from their phone contacts stored in their device  20  by selecting phonebook GUI  281 . In addition, a scrollable list of frequent contacts  283  is presented on the top of the screen representing users that are contacted frequently and where user can select from frequent contacts to start messaging.