Patent Description:
There are many audio/visual devices that are capable of reproducing audio signals and/or displaying visual images to a user. These devices are typically either mobile devices or stationary devices. Examples of mobile devices include portable music and video players, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and laptop computers. Examples of stationary devices include large screen televisions, home stereos, and desktop computers.

The content reproduced for the user on the audio/visual devices may originate from many sources. For example, the content may include media distributed via the air waves, cable, the Internet, digital video discs (DVDs), and compact discs (CDs). In addition, there are many ways for the user to store this content for future use.

Given the flexibility in utilizing and storing the content, there are challenges in managing the content in such a manner that allows the user to gain convenient access to the content.

Previously proposed arrangements are defined in <CIT>, <CIT>: "<NPL>.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. In the drawings,.

The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for automatically selecting a profile is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices.

References to "electronic device" includes a device such as a personal digital video recorder, digital audio player, gaming console, a set top box, a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, a specialized computer such as an electronic interface with an automobile, and the like.

References to "content" includes audio streams, images, video streams, photographs, graphical displays, text files, software applications, electronic messages, and the like.

References to locating a device or user can be accomplished by utilizing global positioning technology, motion detection sensors, WiFi signal strengths, heat detectors, voice recognition, sound detection, traditional switches within doors and windows, and the like. Further, transmitters that emit a signal may be embedded within the device or attached near the user to aid in tracking the location of the user or device.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices are configured to manage content across multiple devices. In one embodiment, the content and multiple devices are managed based on parameters such as the location of the user relative to other devices, the location of the device relative to other devices, the usage patterns, connectivity coverage areas, and/or device. In one embodiment, the content is displayed in a seamless fashion across multiple devices and across multiple device connections.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a client device, such as a personal digital video recorder, digital audio player, computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a camera device, a set top box, a gaming console), a user interface <NUM>, a network <NUM> (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet), and a server <NUM> (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server). In one embodiment, the network <NUM> can be implemented via wireless or wired solutions.

In one embodiment, one or more user interface <NUM> components are made integral with the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., keypad and video display screen input and output interfaces in the same housing as personal digital assistant electronics (e.g., as in a Clie® manufactured by Sony Corporation)). In other embodiments, one or more user interface <NUM> components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse and trackball, a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera) are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device <NUM>. The user utilizes interface <NUM> to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device <NUM>, server <NUM>, or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network <NUM>.

In accordance with the invention, embodiments for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices as described below are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device <NUM>, in server <NUM>, or by processors in electronic device <NUM> and in server <NUM> acting together. Server <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of electronic devices <NUM>, a server device <NUM>, and a network <NUM> connecting electronic devices <NUM> to server <NUM> and each electronic device <NUM> to each other. The plurality of electronic devices <NUM> are each configured to include a computer-readable medium <NUM>, such as random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> executes program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium <NUM>. A unique user operates each electronic device <NUM> via an interface <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

Server device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> coupled to a computer-readable medium <NUM>. In one embodiment, the server device <NUM> is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as database <NUM>.

In one instance, processors <NUM> and <NUM> are manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, California. In other instances, other microprocessors are used.

The plurality of client devices <NUM> and the server <NUM> include instructions for a customized application for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. In one embodiment, the plurality of computer-readable medium <NUM> and <NUM> contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality of client devices <NUM> and the server <NUM> are configured to receive and transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. Similarly, the network <NUM> is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application.

One or more user applications are stored in memories <NUM>, in memory <NUM>, or a single user application is stored in part in one memory <NUM> and in part in memory <NUM>. In one instance, a stored user application, regardless of storage location, is made customizable based on synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices as determined using embodiments described below.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a system <NUM> for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. The system <NUM> includes a content detection module <NUM>, a device detection module <NUM>, a storage module <NUM>, an interface module <NUM>, a control module <NUM>, a profile module <NUM>, a user detection module <NUM>, and a transition module <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the control module <NUM> communicates with the content detection module <NUM>, the device detection module <NUM>, the storage module <NUM>, the interface module <NUM>, the profile module <NUM>, the user detection module <NUM>, and the transition module <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the control module <NUM> coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the content detection module <NUM>, the device detection module <NUM>, the storage module <NUM>, the interface module <NUM>, the profile module <NUM>, the user detection module <NUM>, and the transition module <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the content detection module <NUM> detects content such as images, text, graphics, video, audio, and the like. In one embodiment, the content includes interactive content associated with a video game, a simulation, and the like. For example, the interactive content may include a location within a video game in progress, a list of players within a video game in progress, a level achieved within a video game in progress, a score of a video game in progress. In one embodiment, the content detection module <NUM> is configured to uniquely identify the content. In another embodiment, the content detection module <NUM> is also configured to bookmark a location within the content.

In addition to detecting the content, the content detection module <NUM> detects a current location of the content while being utilized in one embodiment. If the content is a video and the video is being viewed, then the current location of the video is dynamically detected as the most current point at which the video is being viewed. For example, if the video is being viewed and the most current time stamp of the video is at <NUM> hour, <NUM> minutes, and <NUM> seconds, this time stamp represents the current location of the content. Further, the current location dynamically changes as the content such as the video is being viewed.

In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> detects a presence of devices. In one embodiment, the devices include stationary devices such as video cassette recorders, DVD players, and televisions. In another embodiment, the devices also include portable devices such as laptop computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, portable music players, and portable video players.

In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> detects each device for status, stored content, content being utilized, specific user utilizing the device, and the like. In one embodiment, status of the device includes whether the device is on, off, playing content, and the like.

In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> also detects the location and movement of each device. In one embodiment, a global positioning system (GPS) is included within each device to track the location and movement of each device. In another embodiment, localized sensors are utilized to track the location and movement of each device.

In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> also detects the type of connection that is available to the device. For example, connection types include WiFi access, wired broadband access, satellite access, cellular access, text messaging access, and the like.

In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> also detects signals from each device. The signals may indicate the specific content playing on the device, the location of the device, a desire to switch devices, and the like.

In another embodiment, the signals from each device may also indicate a transition from playing a specific content on one device to playing the specific content on a different device. Further, the signals from each device may also indicate that the device currently playing the specific content is moving out of range of the current connection such as WiFi access.

In one embodiment, the storage module <NUM> stores a plurality of profiles wherein each profile is associated with various content and other data associated with the content. In one embodiment, the profile stores exemplary information as shown in a profile in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the storage module <NUM> is located within the server device <NUM>. In another embodiment, portions of the storage module <NUM> are located within the electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the interface module <NUM> detects the electronic device <NUM> as the electronic device <NUM> is connected to the network <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the interface module <NUM> detects input from the interface device <NUM> such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a still camera, a video camera, and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the interface module <NUM> provides output to the interface device <NUM> such as a display, speakers, external storage devices, an external network, and the like.

In one embodiment, the profile module <NUM> processes profile information related to the specific content. In one embodiment, exemplary profile information is shown within a record illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In one embodiment, each profile corresponds with a particular user. In another embodiment, each profile corresponds with a particular device.

In one embodiment, the user detection module <NUM> detects the identity of the user of the device. For example, a particular user may be associated with a particular device such that when the particular device is detected, the particular user is also detected. In another example, a particular user may utilize a log-in identification that uniquely identifies the particular user.

In one embodiment, the transition module <NUM> coordinates a transition associated with changing usage of content on a device, changing connectivity of a device, changing usage of a device, and/or changing a location of a user of a device. For example, content that is being played by the user can be paused, stopped, initiated, or repositioned. This change in usage of the content is noted by the transition module <NUM> for later use in one embodiment. In another example, the connectivity of the device may change due to movement of the device. In yet another example, the user may choose to change devices while still utilizing the same content prior to switching devices. In yet another example, the user may change locations that would lead to a change in the device being utilized while still utilizing the same content.

In one embodiment, initiation of the transition by the transition module <NUM> relies on the content detection module <NUM>, the device detection module <NUM>, and/or the user detection module <NUM>. Further, signals may be utilized to notify the transition module <NUM> of this transition.

The system <NUM> in <FIG> is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. Additional modules may be added to the system <NUM> without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified record <NUM> that corresponds to a profile that describes a user. In one embodiment, the record <NUM> is stored within the storage module <NUM> and utilized within the system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the record <NUM> includes a user identification field <NUM>, a device field <NUM>, a content field <NUM>, a usage pattern field <NUM>, and a location field <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the user identification field <NUM> identifies a user associated with the record <NUM>. In one example, a user's name is utilized as a label for the user identification field <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the device field <NUM> identifies device(s) associated with the record <NUM>. In one embodiment, the device(s) identified within the device field <NUM> represent device(s) that are available to be utilized by the user. In one embodiment, the device(s) identified within the device field <NUM> represent devices that are activated and currently available for use by the user. In another embodiment, the device(s) identified within the device field <NUM> represent devices that are associated with the user but may not currently be activated and available for use by the user.

In one embodiment, the content field <NUM> identifies content that is associated with the user corresponding with the record <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user owns the content. In another embodiment, the user has access to the content. In one embodiment, the content includes audio media, video media, and/or graphical media.

In one embodiment, the usage patterns field <NUM> stores different usage patterns associated with the user corresponding with the record <NUM>. In one embodiment, typical usage patterns include the specific content or type of content utilized during a particular time of day; the devices utilized; and the connection type of the devices (such as wired broadband, WiFi, cellular, and the like).

In one embodiment, the location field <NUM> stores location(s) visited by the user. In one embodiment, the location includes the user's place of work, home, transportation routes, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified record <NUM> that corresponds to a profile that describes a device. In one embodiment, the record <NUM> is stored within the storage module <NUM> and utilized within the system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the record <NUM> includes a device identification field <NUM>, a connection type field <NUM>, a content stored field <NUM>, and a location field <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the device identification field <NUM> identifies a device that is associated with the record <NUM>. In one example, a device's name is utilized as a label for the user identification field <NUM>. In another example, a device's serial number is utilized as a label for the user identification field <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connection type field <NUM> identifies a connection associated with the identified device. For example, if the identified device is a laptop computer with a WiFi connection and a wired Ethernet connection, then the connection type may indicate a broadband connection through WiFi and Ethernet. Further, the connection types may be limited via geography/location such that the WiFi connection may only be available in predetermined locations or when a WiFi connection is detected, in one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the content stored field <NUM> identifies content that is stored within the identified device. In one embodiment, the device locally stores the content. In another embodiment, the device has access to the content. In one embodiment, the content includes audio media, video media, and/or graphical media. In one embodiment, the content includes interactive content associated with a video game, a simulation, and the like. For example, the interactive content may include a location within a video game in progress, a list of players within a video game in progress, a level achieved within a video game in progress, a score of a video game in progress.

In one embodiment, the location field <NUM> stores location(s) detected by the identified device. In one embodiment, the location includes the user's place of work, home, transportation routes, and the like.

The flow diagrams as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> are one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. The blocks within the flow diagrams can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices.

The flow diagram in <FIG> illustrates transitioning content to different devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block <NUM>, a user is detected. In one embodiment, an exemplary profile as illustrated in <FIG> is detected. In one embodiment, the location of the user is also detected.

In Block <NUM>, content that is utilized by the detected user is also detected. In one embodiment, specific content such as a television show that is being viewed by the user is detected and identified. In another embodiment, the current location of the content being utilized is also identified. For example, the current location or time of the television show is identified and updated as the user watches the television show.

In one embodiment, content that is accessed by the user is limited based on the identity of the user. For example, if the user is determined to be a minor, then adult content is not available to this user.

In Block <NUM>, a device that is utilizing the content is identified. In another embodiment, multiple devices that are associated with the user are identified. In this case, devices that are not utilizing the content are also identified. In one embodiment, the locations of the devices are also detected.

In Block <NUM>, transition parameters are detected. In one embodiment, transition parameters include: the location of the user relative to the devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative to other devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative to a connection source, the location of the device utilizing the content relative to a predefined defined area, usage patterns, and/or a transition signal.

In one embodiment, as the user moves from an initial location to a target location, the user may move farther from an active device utilizing the content and towards an idle device where both the active and idle devices are associated with the user. This movement from the active device towards the idle device is an exemplary transition parameter and may lead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating the content on the idle device for the user. In one example, the active device is a television in a bedroom, and the idle device another television in the kitchen.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizing content moves from an initial location to a target location, the active device may move towards an idle device where both the active and idle devices are associated with the user. This movement of the active device towards the idle device is an exemplary transition parameter and may lead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating the content on the idle device for the user. In one example, the active device is a PDA that is playing a video clip, and the idle device a television capable of viewing the video clip.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizing content moves from an initial location to a target location, the active device may move away from a current connection source where the active is delivering content through the current connection source to the user. This movement of the active device away from the current connection source may lead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating the content on a device that is not connected to the current source connection to deliver the content to the user. In one example, the active device is a PDA that is playing a video clip that is streamed from a WiFi network as the current source connection. As the PDA moves out of range from the current source connection, the PDA is configured to continue playing the video clip without the current source connection.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizing content moves from an initial location to a target location, the active device may move towards the boundary of a predefined area where the active device is delivering content through a connection within the predefined area to the user. This movement of the active device towards the boundary of the predefined area may lead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating the content on a different device to deliver the content to the user.

In one embodiment, the usage pattern illustrates certain patterns associated with the user such as usage of specific content in particular locations or at particular times. Further, usage patterns may also illustrates patterns associated with usage of particular devices as well.

In one embodiment, the transition signal may be an explicit instruction from the user to begin a transition that indicates an upcoming change in location, device, content, and the like. A button, trigger, or other interface means can be utilized by the user to indicate the transition signal.

In Block <NUM>, a transition is detected. In one embodiment, a transition is detected based on the transition parameters described within the Block <NUM>. In one embodiment, a single transition parameter is utilized to determine a transition. In another embodiment, multiple transition parameters are utilized to determine a transition.

If a transition is not detected within the Block <NUM>, then the utilized content is detected within the Block <NUM>.

If a transition is detected within the Block <NUM>, then additional content is pre-loaded onto a target device in Block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the additional content is identified based on the utilized content. For example, if the utilized content is a video stream, then the additional content that is pre-loaded onto the target device is the remaining, unviewed portion of the video stream in one embodiment. In another example, if the utilized content is a video stream, then the entire video stream is pre-loaded onto the target device such that the entire video stream will be available to the target device.

In one embodiment, the target device is the same device that is utilizing the content within the Block <NUM>. In another embodiment, the target device is a different device from the device that is utilizing the content within the Block <NUM>.

In Block <NUM>, the pre-loaded content on the target device is synchronized based on the current location of the content being utilized within the Block <NUM>. For example, if the pre-loaded content within the target device includes ten minutes of audio stream and only five minutes of the audio stream has been utilized based on the Block <NUM>, then the audio stream on the target device is positioned to the five minute mark in one embodiment.

The flow diagram in <FIG> illustrates transitioning to different devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block <NUM>, content and an initial device that is utilized by the detected user is also detected. In one embodiment, specific content such as a television show that is being viewed by the user is detected and identified. In another embodiment, the current location of the content being utilized is also identified. For example, the current location or time of the television show is identified and updated as the user watches the television show. Further, the television device utilized to view the television show is also detected.

In Block <NUM>, devices associated with the user are identified. In this case, devices that are not utilizing the content are also identified. In one embodiment, the locations of the devices are also detected. In one embodiment, the devices identified with the user are demonstrated within the user profile.

In Block <NUM>, content is transmitted to the devices identified within Block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the content is identified based on the utilized content detected in Block <NUM>. For example, if the utilized content is a video stream, then the additional content that is transmitted to the detected devices is the remaining, unviewed portion of the video stream in one embodiment. In another example, if the utilized content is a video stream, then the entire video stream is transmitted to the detected devices such that the entire video stream will be available to the detected devices.

In Block <NUM>, a location of the detected user is tracked. In one embodiment, the location of the detected user tracked by sensors surrounding the detected user. For example, if the detected user is located within the user's home, multiple sensors located throughout the user's home may be utilized to track the location of the user. In another embodiment, a global positioning system may be utilized to track the location of the user. In yet another embodiment, the initial device (detected within the Block <NUM>) may be portable and may follow the user such that tracking the location of the utilized device will also track the location of the user.

In Block <NUM>, transition parameters are utilized. In one embodiment, transition parameters include: the location of the user relative to the devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative to other devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative to a predefined defined area.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizing content moves from an initial location to a target location, the active device may move towards the boundary of a predefined area where the active device is delivering content through a connection within the predefined area to the user. This movement of the active device towards the boundary of the predefined area may lead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating the content on a different device to deliver the content to the user. For example, the predefined area may include a room within the user's house.

In Block <NUM>, a transition is detected. In one embodiment, a transition is detected based on the transition parameters. In one embodiment, a single transition parameter is utilized to determine a transition. In another embodiment, multiple transition parameters are utilized to determine a transition.

If a transition is detected within the Block <NUM>, then a new device is initiated in Block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the new device is selected from the devices detected within the Block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the new device is selected based on the location of the user and/or the location of the initial device within the Block <NUM>.

In one embodiment, initiation of the new device also includes synchronized based on the current location of the utilized content being detected within the Block <NUM>. For example, if the utilized content (which is an audio stream) within the initial device is currently playing at the <NUM> second mark of the audio stream, then the audio stream on the new device is positioned at the <NUM> second mark in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, if the user is located far enough away from the initial device and the new device, both the initial device and the new device may pause the utilized content until the user returns within range of either the initial device or the new device.

In Block <NUM>, the initial device is terminated. In one embodiment, the initial device terminates playing the utilized content. In another embodiment, the initial device switches into a "sleep" mode that consumes less power. In yet another embodiment, the initial device switches into an "off" state that consumes almost no power.

In one example, a user has specific usage pattern stored within the user profile and utilizes the system <NUM> and described embodiments to perform the user's tasks. This example is merely shown to illustrates one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the user detection module <NUM> detects the user waking up in the morning at the user's house by detecting a light switch being turned on, a motion detector within the user's bedroom, an electronic toothbrush being used, and the like. Based on the location of the user, the stereo in the user's bathroom is activated and the news station provides the morning news to the user based on the user's usage patterns stored within the user's profile. Next, a motion detection sensor can detect the user moving into a different room within the user's house. In one embodiment, the device detection module <NUM> detects other devices that are near the user as the user moves through the house. In one embodiment, the content detection module <NUM> tracks the content utilized by the user (the morning news). Through the transition module <NUM>, the morning news is initiated on a different device such as a television device within the user's living room as the user moves into the living room. As the user moves out of the bathroom and into the living room, the stereo providing the morning news to the bathroom area is terminated. As the user prepares to leave his house in the morning, the system <NUM> begins another transition as a variety of news content is pre-loaded onto the user's portable audio player. In this example, the portable audio player is not equipped with a wireless connection, so the content is pre-loaded with news content for the user prior to disconnecting with the docking station at the user's house.

As the user leaves the house, the devices within the house are terminated in one embodiment. The user is able to continue receiving news content through the portable audio player as the user leaves the house. Although the news content on the portable audio player is no longer streaming in real-time after the user disconnects the portable audio player from the docking station, the pre-loaded content on the portable audio player may contain news content from a variety of sources.

In another embodiment, if the user was listening to a pre-recorded audio stream while in the user's house, the pre-loaded content transmitted to the portable audio player would be this pre-recorded audio stream. As the user leaves the house, the pre-recorded audio stream on the portable audio player would begin playing where the user left off prior to leaving the house.

In another embodiment, when the user returns to a location that allows the portable audio player to be connected via a WiFi connection or a wired connection, additional content is streamed to the portable audio player for recording for future use or utilized in real time by the user.

In another example, a user of a gaming console may be playing a game. During the game, the user may wish to disconnect the gaming console and physically bring the gaming console to a friend's house. In one embodiment, the location of the current game as paused by the user is stored and the gaming console is placed in a sleep or power off mode to conserve power. Once plugged back in at the user's destination (at the friend's house), then the gaming console is placed into an active mode and can resume the current game where the user stopped prior to moving the gaming console.

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
detecting (<NUM>) an active device utilizing content and reproducing the content for a user;
identifying (<NUM>) the content and a current location of the content, wherein the current location of the content corresponds to the location within the content of the portion of the content currently being reproduced by the active device;
detecting (<NUM>) one or more potential target devices that are associated with the user;
tracking (<NUM>) a location and movement of the user, the active device, and the one or more potential target devices;
utilizing (<NUM>) a transition parameter, wherein the transition parameter is based on the tracked location and movement of at least one of the user, the active device, or the one of the one or more potential target devices;
determining (<NUM>) whether a transition to the one of the one or more potential target devices should occur based on the transition parameter; and
transitioning (<NUM>) the content from the active device to the one of the one or more potential target devices by providing the current location of the content to the one of the one or more potential target devices, wherein the one of the one or more potential target devices begins utilizing the content based on the current location of the content received and reproducing the content at the current location of the content, in response to determining that a transition to the one of the one or more potential target devices should occur.