WO2009023591A2

WO2009023591A2 - Systems and methods for navigating an information hierarchy

Info

Publication number: WO2009023591A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/072689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sasan Vossoughi; Gabriella Vacca; Sabrina Jetton; Ashley Brown; Mike Lemmon
Original assignee: Ziba Design, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-08-10
Filing date: 2008-08-08
Publication date: 2009-02-19
Also published as: WO2009023591A3

Abstract

A menu platform that facilitates user navigation though multiple levels of hierarchical information is presented on a display of an electronic device in response to user command. Menu platform may include a spoked-wheel configuration in which multiple mutually angularly spaced-apart spokes extend radially from a hub and terminate at a free end in different icons, some of which may be hidden from view. Each icon represents a main menu selection item that, when selected, provides a submenu of options, preferably in a spoked-wheel configuration. The user may rotate the icons about hub to select a desired icon. Menu platform may be used on a mobile device to interface with an online service providers, such as a social network or a media provider.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING AN INFORMATION HIERARCHY

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U. S. C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/955,262, filed August 10, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/016,228, filed December 21 , 2007, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

[0002] The field of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing and interfacing with online service providers.

Background Information

[0003] Social network services, such as MySpace® and Facebook®, have built online communities of users who may share common interests and backgrounds. Because a user generally needs only a valid e-mail address to join, social networks can quickly grow to include millions of users. For example, MySpace® includes more than 100 million registered users and Facebook® includes more than 70 million registered users. With such a large number of users accessing a single service, social networks provide a tremendous resource for targeted marketing. Thus, instead of charging a registration fee or a monthly fee, social network services generally rely on advertising revenue.

[0004] Traditionally, social network services have been web based. Thus, users generally access a social network service over a network, such as the Internet, using a web browser running on a personal computer and are notified of updates, such as a notice that another user has posted a comment on the user's profile, via email or instant messaging services. Similarly, mass media providers, such as HBO®, have extended their reach to their audience using web based services, such as offering community forums and email alerts relating to their programming. [0005] Some social network services and mass media providers also support access using mobile devices, such as cell phones. However, not all social network services and mass media providers have sufficient resources to support mobile device connectivity. In addition, the social network services and mass media providers that do support mobile device connectivity are limited to certain cellular carriers along with the carrier's selection of mobile devices, rely on communication protocols offering limited functionality to notify users of updates, such as short message service (SMS) text messaging, and offer a user interface with limited functionality.

[0006] Thus, the present applicants have recognized a need for improved systems and methods for accessing and interfacing with social network services, mass media providers, and enterprises.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method presents multilevel hierarchical information to an electronic device user to facilitate navigation by the user through multiple levels of the information by use of graphical menu item selection. This embodiment of the method comprises presenting on an electronic device screen pictorial subject matter in the form of a menu of user-selectable graphical information items associated with one navigational level, providing an information item presentation control, and, in response to user selection of one of the graphical information items at the one navigational level, navigating to a subsequent level of the hierarchical information and presenting a submenu of options including subject matter consistent with the overall content of the selected one of the graphical information items. The graphical information items include presented members of a set of presented and hidden graphical information items that are arranged for viewing on the device screen in spaced-apart relation along a defined path, and the information item presentation control is used to change which ones of the set of graphical information items are the presented members for viewing on the device screen.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a system for sharing online content with a mobile device user regardless of the user's particular mobile device comprises a communication services component for maintaining configuration information for a plurality of mobile device users, the configuration information defining an acceptable data format for transmitting online content to each user's mobile device based upon the user's particular mobile device, a content delivery component for transmitting, over the communications network, online content to a mobile device of at least one of the users based upon the mobile device and for receiving, over the communications network, data from the mobile device, and an advertising component for transmitting, over the communications network, a personalized advertisement to the mobile device.

[0009] As skilled persons will appreciate in view of the teachings herein, certain embodiments may be capable of achieving certain advantages, including by way of example and not limitation one or more of the following: (1) providing social networks, media providers, and enterprises with an affordable entrance into the mobile space; (2) providing users with mobile device access to social networks, media providers, and enterprises having the same or similar branded look and feel as personal computer access; (3) providing an enhanced mobile device user interface; (4) enabling a user to extend the user's digital identity to a mobile device; (5) allowing the users to interact with one another around a piece of content; (6) allowing a user to participate in online chats via a mobile device regardless of whether other users are connected via a mobile device or personal computer; (7) allowing a user to share the user's favorite blogs, music, videos, and photographs using a mobile device; (8) allowing a user to update the user's social network or media provider profile using a mobile device; (9) allowing a user to manage the user's buddy lists and invite friends to the user's social network, media provider, or enterprise using a mobile device; (10) providing a system that allows a social network, media provider, or enterprise to send updates to a user's mobile device; (11) providing a system to monitor, manage, and enforce rights on all media accessed through a mobile device; (12) providing a system to manage advertising campaigns; (13) providing a system to maintain and prepare comprehensive reports regarding user communication, content consumption, location metrics, and billing; (14) providing a system that restricts access to a user's mobile device; (15) providing a system to allow users to personalize the content and data received via the user's mobile device; and (16) providing a system to allow users to block or limit access of other social network users, media provider users, or enterprise employees to access the user's mobile profile data. These and other advantages of various embodiments will be apparent upon reading the following. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system that allows a mobility enabler to effect connectivity between a mobile device and either one or more of a social network, a media provider, and an enterprise. [0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of the mobility enabler of Figure 1.

[0012] Figures 3A and 3B are a diagrams illustrating various examples of a menu platform.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram of a mobile device, according to one embodiment. [0014] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing operational components of the mobile device of Figure 4.

[0015] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating one example of the rotation of menu icons about a hub.

[0016] Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of navigating from a main menu to a photograph submenu.

[0017] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of presenting a menu of graphical information items to a user to facilitate user navigation though multiple levels of hierarchical information, according to one embodiment. [0018] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a menu platform presenting a personalized alert to a user, according to one embodiment. [0019] Figure 9C is a diagram illustrating one example of a video sharing submenu.

[0020] Figures 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating buddy list submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figures 11 A and 11 B are diagrams illustrating chat submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams illustrating photograph submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figures 13A through 13H are diagrams illustrating search submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figures 14A through 14E are diagrams illustrating privacy submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figures 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating one example of the navigation from a main menu to a broadcast program submenu. [0026] Figures 16A through 16D are diagrams illustrating virtual viewing party submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating survey submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating shopping submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating character correspondence submenu features, according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating video clip submenu features, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0031] With reference to the above-listed drawings, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only. In light of the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that there may be equivalents to what is expressly or inherently taught herein. For example, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein and other embodiments are possible. It is not always practical to exhaustively catalog all possible embodiments and all possible variations of the described embodiments.

[0032] For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 90 that allows a mobility enabler 100 to effect connectivity between one or more portable electronic devices, such as mobile devices 105, and one or more online communities or service providers, such as social networks 110, mass media providers 115, and enterprise communities. Traditionally, a user accesses a social network 110 or online content of a media provider 115 over a communications network 120, such as the Internet, using a personal computer 125. Similarly, social networks 110, media providers 115, and enterprise communities send updates to a user, via email for example, over communications network 120 for access by the user via a personal computer 125. [0034] Mobility enabler 100 extends the reach of any social network 110, media provider 115, or an enterprise to any mobile device 105 via a communications network 130, such as a cellular network. To effect connectivity between a particular mobile device 105 and either one or both of a particular social network 110 and media provider 115, mobility enabler 100 formats data and transcodes content to a suitable format for delivery over communications network 130 and access by mobile device 105. Thus, mobility enabler 100 allows a user with a mobile device 105 to access virtually any social network 110 or media provider 115 regardless the user's particular mobile device and regardless of the user's carrier service (e.g., cellular carrier). Likewise, mobility enabler 100 allows any social network 110 or media provider 115 to offer mobile access to and send updates to their users without having to design their own mobile platform and without being limited to a particular carrier service with their associated range of mobile devices. Furthermore, mobility enabler 100 allows an enterprise employee to access secure data within an enterprise firewall and the enterprise to offer mobile access to and send updates to its employees without having to design its own mobile platform and without being limited to a particular carrier service with its associated range of mobile devices. [0035] One or more of mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, and media providers 115 can also interact with one or more marketers 140 via communications network 120. According to one embodiment, mobility enabler 100 manages advertising campaigns for social networks 110 and media providers 115. Thus, mobility enabler 100 allows social networks 110 and media providers 115 to deliver targeted advertising to mobile device users from marketers 140 thereby expanding the advertising revenue generation potential of social networks 110. [0036] One or more databases 135 may be coupled to mobility enabler 100 for storing data associated with one or more of the particular social networks 110, media providers 115, enterprises, marketers 140, and mobile devices 105. For example, configuration data and personalization parameters may be stored in a database 135 so that when a user tries to access a social network 110, medial provider 115, or an enterprise using a mobile device 105, mobility enabler 100 can transcode content and deliver content based upon the user's particular mobile device 105, the user's carrier service, the user's personalization parameters provided by social network 110, media provider 115, or the enterprise, and advertising content provided by marketers 140. Thus, mobility enabler 100 generates a mobile experience that is customized to the look and feel of the brand's online experience via a personal computer 125.

[0037] Conceptually, one or more of mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, media providers 115, and marketers 140 may comprise an application program that accepts connections in order to service requests by sending back responses and may also comprise devices to run such applications. Accordingly, one or more of the mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, media providers 115, enterprises, and marketers 140 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphical user interface, input/output devices, internal/external storage, and either one or both of a wired and wireless communication network interface or adapter. [0038] According to one embodiment, communications network 120 comprises a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, along with the associated modems, internet service providers (ISPs), servers, gateways, switches, application protocol interfaces (APIs) that allow integration between mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, media providers 115, the enterprises, and marketers 140 and other associated components, and communications network 130 comprises a cellular network of base stations along with the associated network and switching subsystems, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), internet protocol (IP) packet transmitting networks (e.g., GPRS core networks), servers, gateways, switches, and other associated components. However, communications networks 120 and 130 may comprise similar or identical networks. Thus, either one or both of communications network 120 and communications network 130 may comprise any network that facilitates either one or both of wired and wireless communication between electrical devices over either one or both of short distances, such as a local area network (LAN), and nearly unlimited distances, such as the Internet. For example, communication networks 120 and 130 may comprise a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a short-range network (e.g., Ethernet and IEEE 802.11), a long- range network (e.g., VViMAXj, and wide-area cellular telephone networks (e.g., 2G, 3G, and beyond 3G cellular telecommunication networks).

[0039] Thus, using system 90 illustrated in Figure 1 , a user can access any social network 110, media provider 115, or their enterprise via the user's mobile device 105 or the user's personal computer 125 and can interact with other mobile device users and other personal computer users. Similarly, using system 90 illustrated in Figure 1 , social networks 110 and media providers 115 can send updates to a user's mobile device 105 or personal computer 125.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates additional details of mobility enabler 100, according to one embodiment. A mapping and personalization engine 200 is provided to gather and maintain user preferences and contextual information regarding the user's interaction with social networks 110, media providers 115, and enterprises. Mobility enabler 100 can use the user's preferences and contextual information to apply as a filter to content being provided by the social network 110, media provider 115, or the enterprise to deliver personalized content to the user's mobile device 105. Additionally, user preferences, contextual content consumption information, and location can be used by mobility enabler 100 to deliver targeted advertising to increase cost per 1000 impressions (CPM), cost per click (CPC), and cost per action (CPA) (e.g., user selection of the targeted advertisements). [0041] A security engine 205 is provided to help maintain the privacy of users. For example, security engine 205 can maintain for each user a list of users or groups of users that can view one or more of the user's online profile, mobile profile, status, status updates, and contact information. Security engine 205 can also be used by a user to block or restrict the ability of certain friends to view the user's cell phone numbers or current location.

[0042] A communication services engine 210 is provided to maintain acceptable data formats for various cellular carriers and mobile devices so that data can be sent to and viewed by any user based on the user's current carrier and mobile device. Communication services engine 210 allows mobility enabler 100 to connect with any cellular network gateway in order to send and receive data and content via SMS and multimedia messaging service (MMS) from the user's mobile device 105 to mobility enabler 100 servers. For example, the communication services engine 210 allows any user on any global cellular network to download mobility enabler 100's client application and be able to connect with any social network 110, medial provider 115, or enterprise and transfer data and content between the user's mobile device 105 and social network 110, medial provider 115, or the enterprise as if the user was online.

[0043] A content delivery engine 215 is provided to ensure that content is sent between each user and social network 110, media provider 115, and the enterprise in the proper format based the user's device specifications (model, make, and media provider) as well as the user's location and the cellular network's data transfer rate at the user's particular location. For example, mobile device 105, such as a Motorola Q smart phone, has its own specific make and model operating system (e.g., MS Windows for mobile), screen size and resolution, and media player. In addition, the configuration of mobile device 105 may be different from one cellular service provider (carrier) to another. When content is being sent to a specific device, the content delivery engine 215 dynamically determines the device's configuration and other specifics, and transcodes the content so it can be consumed by that particular device on a particular cellular service provider network. In addition, content delivery engine 215 can manage, monitor, and enforce media rights. For example, if a user pays for specific video content, the user may have the right to consume it. However, if the user shares the video content with another user of the mobility enabler 100 service, the content delivery engine 215 can detect the capabilities of the other user's mobile device 105 (e.g., whether or not the mobile device 105 can play a video) and whether the other user has rights to view the video. [0044] A commerce engine 220 is provided to manage mobile commerce. For example, if a user's mobile device receives an alert from mobility enabler 100 that a certain band will be performing at an event, the user can coordinate attendance particulars with the user's friends via the user's mobile device and can purchase tickets via commerce engine 220. Commerce engine 220 can also be used to purchase other items, such as ring tones, wall papers, and digital gifts offered by mobility enabler 100. On the back-end, commerce engine can be integrated with payment systems, such as PayPal®.

[0045] A reporting engine 225 is provided to maintain usage statistics, CPM, CTRs, and CTA data for each user so mobility enabler 100 can share revenues with partners, such as cellular carriers, advertising agencies, social networks 110, or media providers 115. Reporting engine 225 can also be used by mobility enabler 100 to measure key metrics for operating its business, such as financial data, usage data, and user content consumption statistics.

[0046] An advertising engine 230 is provided to deliver targeted in-application advertising to a user's mobile device 105. Mobility enabler 100 can provide data to advertising engine 230, such as the user's physical location, content being consumed by the user, and mobility enabler 100's client application screen being accessed by the user via the user's mobile device 105. The data provided by mobility enabler 100 can then be used as a filter to select relevant advertising from advertising engine 230 inventory and forward the advertising to the content delivery engine 215 to be merged with other content and delivered to the user's mobile device 105.

[0047] Data associated with any of engines 200 through 230 may be stored in one or more of databases 135.

[0048] Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating a menu platform 300, according to one embodiment. Menu platform 300 includes a navigation wheel menu 310 comprising presented graphical information items 311 through 315 and hidden graphical information items (not shown). Figure 3A shows five spokes terminating in a magnifying glass icon 311 , a wrench icon 312, a lock icon 313, a megaphone icon 314, and a filmstrip icon 315 representing, respectively, search, settings, security, broadcast, and video menu features or items. The user can rotate wheel menu 310 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to change which graphical information items are presented and hidden. According to one embodiment, the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., lock icon 313 in Figure 3A) is magnified relative to the other icons 311 , 312, 314, and 315 and highlighted. Enlarging and highlighting one of the icons relative to the other displayed icons allows the user to readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, instead of being arranged in a spoked- wheel configuration, the icons representing menu or submenu items may be arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal linear configuration (see, e.g., Figure 3B for a vertical configuration and Figures 10A and 10B for a horizontal configuration). In a manner similar to wheel menu 310, a selected icon may appear highlighted or enlarged to help the user select a desired menu feature or item and the user can change which graphical information items are presented and hidden. For example, Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating a menu platform 360 that includes a vertical menu 370 comprising presented graphical information items 371 through 375 and hidden graphical information items (not shown). Figure 3B shows a search item 371 , a settings item 372, a security item 373, a broadcast item 374, and a video menu item 375. According to one embodiment, one item is magnified or highlighted relative to the other items (e.g., security item 373 is magnified relative to the other items 371 , 372, 374, and 375). Enlarging one of the items relative to the other displayed items allows the user to easily read and see which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection, even if the menu platform is displayed on a device having a small screen.

[0050] Menu platforms 300 and 360 may also include a left soft key prompt 320 and a right soft key prompt 330. According to one embodiment, left soft key prompt 320 is configured to return to a main menu upon activation of a left soft key (e.g., left soft key 420 in Figure 4). Thus, the main menu is always one-click away. Right soft key prompt 330 may be configured to perform any of various functions upon activation of a right soft key (e.g., right soft key 430 in Figure 4). Right soft key prompt 330 may be re-configured at any time to perform another function. For example, when a user navigates to a buddy list submenu, right soft key prompt 330 may be configured to open a chat session upon activation of the right soft key. When in the chat session, right soft key prompt 330 may be re-configured to send a message input by the user upon activation of right soft key 430. [0051] According to one embodiment, menu platforms 300 and 360 include a news and branding section 340 configured to display or scroll data from a social network 110 or a media provider 115. For example, news and branding section 340 may include the social network's or media provider's logo and scroll updates, such as new features or upcoming events. In addition, menu platforms 300 and 360 may also include a marketing section 350 to display a sponsor's logo or advertisement from a marketer 140.

[0052] Although Figures 3A and 3B illustrate menu platforms 300 and 360 having menus 310 and 370 positioned on the left-hand side, left soft key prompt 320 positioned on lower left-hand side, right soft key prompt 330 positioned on lower right-hand side, news and branding section 340 spanning the top portion, and marketing section 350 positioned on right-hand side, menus 310 and 360, left soft key prompt 320, right soft key prompt 330, news and branding section 340, and marketing section 350 may be positioned in other locations and may have different relative sizes. In addition, menu platforms 300 and 360 may be customizable (e.g., via content delivery engine 215) based upon particular social network 110 or media provider 115 the user is accessing and the user's particular carrier service and mobile device 105.

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example mobile device 105, such as an integrated mobile telephone and personal digital assistant (PDA) handset. Mobile device 105 includes a display 410 configured to present a menu to the user, such as menu platform 300 or 360. A left soft key 420 and right soft key 430 may be provided to perform the function indicated in left soft key prompt 320 and right soft key prompt 330, respectively. Mobile device 105 may also include either one or both of a depressible thumbwheel 440 and an input control 450 to change which graphical information items are presented and hidden and allow the user to select one of the graphical information items. According to one embodiment, input control 450 includes a selection button 451 , an up-arrow key 452, a down-arrow key 453, a left- arrow key 454, and a right-arrow key 455. While various inputs have been described with reference to Figure 4, mobile device 105 may include any number of input devices that allow the user to interact with the menu presented on display 410. For example, mobile device 105 may include a keyboard 460, such as a QWERTY keyboard, having one or more buttons 462 to allow for additional user input. [0054] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing operational components of mobile device 105, according to one embodiment. Mobile device 105 includes a processor 510, which may be any commercially available processor or other logic machine capable of executing instructions. Mobile device 105 presents data, menus, prompts, photographs, videos, and otherwise communicates with the user via one or more display devices 410, such as a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or other suitable micro display. A display controller 512 drives display device 410 and is coupled to a bus 520.

[0055] An image capture device 525 is communicatively coupled to processor 510 via bus 520. According to one embodiment, a zoom lens 526 is provided to focus light on image capture device 525. Zoom lens 526 may be coupled to processor 510 to control an amount of optical zoom. Image capture device 525 may comprise a wide range of image sensing devices for converting an optical image (or another wave in the electromagnetic spectrum) into an electrical signal. For example, image capture device 525 may comprise a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor or complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor operable over the visible spectrum. However, the image capture device may take another form and may be operable over other spectrums, such as the infrared spectrum. [0056] Mobile device 105 may include a standard input controller 530 to receive user input from left soft key 420, right soft key 430, thumbwheel 440, input control 450, keyboard 460, a pointing device (not shown), or other wired/wireless input devices. Other input devices may be included, such as a microphone, touchscreen, touchpad, and trackball. While the input devices may be integrated into mobile device 105 and coupled to processor 510 via input controller 530, input devices may also connect via other interfaces, such as a connector 532. Connector 532 may include one or more data interfaces, bus interfaces, wired or wireless network adapters, or modems for transmitting and receiving data. Accordingly, input controller 530 may include one or more of hardware, software, and firmware to implement one or more protocols, such as stacked protocols along with corresponding layers. Thus, connector 532 may function as one or more of a serial port (e.g., RS232), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and an IR interface. Input controller 530 may also support various wired, wireless, optical, and other communication standards. An audio controller 540 may also be provided for decoding audio data received from bus 520 and outputting audio signals to speaker 542 or other audio output device. Audio controller 540 may also be configured to receive and process audio data from a microphone or other audio input device. [0057] A network interface 550 may be provided to communicate with one or more of mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, media providers 115, computers 125, and other mobile devices 105. Network interface 550 may facilitate wired or wireless communication with other devices over a short distance (e.g., Bluetooth™) or nearly unlimited distances (e.g., the Internet). In the case of a wired connection, a data bus may be provided using any protocol, such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), and USB. A wireless connection may use low or high powered electromagnetic waves to transmit data using any wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth™, IEEE 802.11 b (or other WiFi standards), Infrared Data Association (IrDa), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Network interface 550 may also include telecommunication circuitry for establishing a connection to a base station and transmitting and receiving data via an antenna (not shown). [0058] Mobile device 105 may include a memory 560, which may be implemented using one or more standard memory devices. The memory devices may include, for instance, RAM 562, ROM 564, and EEPROM devices, and may also include magnetic or optical storage devices, such as hard disk drives, flash memory, CD- ROM drives, and DVD-ROM drives. Mobile device 105 may also include an interface 570 coupled to an internal hard disk drive 580. In addition, interface 570 may also be coupled to a magnetic floppy disk drive (not shown), an optical disk drive (not shown), or another drive and may be configured for external drive implementations, such as over a USB, IEEE 1194, or PCMCIA connection. Thus, memory 580 may be physically removable from mobile device 105 or data stored in memory 580 may be accessed using a wired or wireless connection. [0059] In one embodiment, any number of program modules are stored in the drives (e.g., drive 580) and ROM 564, including an operating system (OS) 590, one or more application programs 592 (e.g., instructions to implement menu platform 300), other program modules 594, and data 596. All or portions of the program modules may also be cached in RAM 562. Any suitable operating system 590 may be employed.

[0060] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the rotation of menu icons 601 through 606 of navigation wheel menu 310 about a hub 607. Wheel menu 310 includes both presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the presented graphical information items include a magnifying glass icon 601 , an envelope icon 602, a camera icon 603, two partly overlapping cloud bubbles icon 604, and two side-by- side face icons 605 representing, respectively, search, email, photograph, chat, and favorite friends menu features or items. According to one embodiment, the presented graphical information items are equally angularly spaced-apart from one another. The hidden graphical information items include other menu features or items, such as a filmstrip 606 representing a video menu. The icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., camera icon 603 in Figure 6A and bubble icon 604 in Figure 6B) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection. The number of menu items available on wheel menu 310 can be changed to accommodate the desired operational capability (e.g., additional or fewer icons may be presented). According to one embodiment, the number of hidden graphical information items is greater than the number of presented graphical information items to provide adequate spacing between adjacent displayed spokes for ease of user viewing.

[0061] The user can rotate menu icons 601 through 606 about hub 607 using input control 450 (e.g., up-arrow key 452 and down-arrow key 453) or thumbwheel 440, for example. Rotating menu icons 601 through 606 about hub 607 allows different menu items to be displayed. According to one embodiment, an audio signal is emitted from speaker 542 to provide audio feedback representing the rotation of the menu items. For example, an audio signal resembling the sound of a wheel turning may be played as the spokes of the wheel menu rotate to display different menu items.

[0062] Figure 6B shows wheel menu 310 after it has been rotated by one angular unit distance in the counterclockwise direction. As illustrated by Figure 6B₁ menu icons 602 through 605 (i.e., the envelope, camera, bubbles, and two-faces icons) have been rotated in the counterclockwise direction. Magnifying glass icon 601 has become a hidden graphical information item and is no longer displayed. Video clip icon 606, which was previously hidden, is now presented in the bottommost position. The sequence of icon positioning is user controllable. Thus, the user could substitute magnifying glass icon 601 for cloud bubble icon 604 and position magnifying glass icon 601 in the horizontal position in Figure 6B instead of cloud bubble icon 604.

[0063] Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of navigating from a main menu to a submenu. When the user presses selection button 451 of input control 450, mobile device 105 navigates to a submenu of options represented by the highlighted or the magnified icon in the horizontally disposed position. As shown in Figure 7A, camera icon 603 is magnified relative to the other icons. Thus, when the user presses selection button 451 , mobile device 105 navigates to photograph submenu 710 illustrated in Figure 7B. Photograph submenu 710 also comprises presented graphical information items, such as settings icon 711 , a take picture icon 712, an inbox icon 713, a history icon 714, and a my network album 715, and hidden graphical information items. As with menu 310, the user can rotate submenu 710 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about hub 716. Likewise, the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., inbox icon 713 in Figure 7B) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection. The user may also navigate to submenus in other ways, such as depressing thumbwheel 440 or tapping a touchscreen proximate the desired icon.

[0064] As previously described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the icons representing menu or submenu items may be arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal linear configuration (see, e.g., Figures 1OA and 10B). In a manner similar to wheel menu 310, a selected icon may appear highlighted or enlarged to help the user select a desired menu feature or item and the user can change which graphical information items are presented and hidden. Upon activation of input control 450 (or another input method), each icon may simultaneously move left, right, up, down, or diagonally in a linear path so that an icon may move into a preset selection position. Alternatively, the icons may remain stationary and the selection position may move left, right, up, down, or diagonally to highlight one of the icons upon activation of input control 450. The linear configuration may also include hidden menu items and a user-defined number of visible icons, in which activation of input control 450 may cause a hidden menu item to become a visible icon and a visible icon to become a hidden menu item.

[0065] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 of presenting a menu of graphical information items to a user to facilitate user navigation though multiple levels of hierarchical information, according to one embodiment. Initially, a user downloads or otherwise obtains an application operable to present menu 310 on display 410 of mobile device 105 upon execution by processor 510. For example, the user may download the application from social network 110, media provider 115, or mobility enabler 100. Next, the user installs the application directly on mobile device 105 or via a computer 125 coupled to mobile device 105. [0066] At step 805, a menu of graphical items associated with one navigation level is presented to the user. For example, wheel menu 310 may be presented on display 410 of mobile device 105. Menu 310 may be presented in response to user activity, or menu 310 may be presented in response to data sent by one or more of mobility enabler 100, social networks 110, and media providers 115. For example, the user can load menu 310 using right-arrow key 455 or another input device. By pressing right-arrow key 455, mobile device 105 presents menu 310 so that the spoked wheel's hub is located adjacent left-hand side margin of display 410. Thus, about one-half of an image of spoked wheel menu 310 is displayed. In a similar vein, pressing left-arrow key 454 causes wheel menu 310 to slide toward and hide behind left-hand side margin of display 410. Mobile device 105 may check for menu updates before, during, or after presenting menu 310 on display 410. For example, media provider 115 may send the user a backstage pass to an upcoming event or social network 110 may add additional functionality and send the user additional menu icons.

[0067] The graphical items presented to the user are changed at step 810. For example, user can rotate menu icons 601 through 606 of wheel menu 310 about hub 607 using input control 450 (e.g., up-arrow key 452 and down-arrow key 453) or thumbwheel 440 to change which menu icons are presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. At step 815, a user selection of one of the graphical items is received. For example, after the user has rotated wheel menu 310 such that a desired submenu represented by a magnified icon is in the horizontally disposed position, the user can press selection button 451 of input control 450. At step 820, a submenu of options is presented to the user based upon the received user selection. For example, after the user presses selection button 451 , mobile device 105 navigates to a submenu of options represented by the highlighted icon.

[0068] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating menu platform 300 presenting a personalized alert to a user, according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 9A, the user may receive an alert displayed in right soft key prompt 330 (or another location on display 410) to notify the user that a social network 110 or a media provider 115 or another friend on the mobility enabler 100 service has sent the user an update, such as a picture, video clip, or chat invitation from another user or updated information regarding an event, a marketplace, news, blog, or music. In addition, mobile device 105 may alter the user in another manner, such as playing a ring tone or vibrating upon receiving an alert. Of course, the alert may appear in other locations of the screen, such as being centered along the bottom of the screen between left soft key prompt 320 and right soft key prompt 330, and be controlled via selection button 451. If the alert appears in another location on the screen, right soft key prompt 330 may be used to perform another function. According to one embodiment, the user must acknowledge the alert (e.g., select the alert or close the alert) before returning to their previous activity.

[0069] Selection of the alert (e.g., activating right soft key 430), such as video clip icon 910 in right soft key prompt 330, provides the user with additional details regarding the update. For example, Figure 9B illustrates a multimedia alert 920 that presents additional details of the alert to the user after the user presses right soft key 430. Multimedia alert 920 may include a thumbnail of video clip 921 , a message section 922 containing comments from the user that sent the video clip, an additional information section 923 containing additional information about the video clip (e.g., a load time), and various options 924 that allow the user to view, share, or delete the picture or video clip, for example. The user can scroll through and select one of various options 924 using either one or both of thumbwheel 440 and input control 450.

[0070] By selecting share option 925, the user can send the video clip to other users. In addition, the user can navigate to a share submenu upon selection of a camera icon or a video clip icon from wheel menu 310 (or linear menu) so that the user can view, share, or delete, respectively, a picture or video clip. [0071] After selecting the share feature, a share submenu 930 (Figure 9C) is presented to the user on display 410. Share submenu 930 may include a representation of picture or video clip 931 (e.g., a frame or thumbnail of the picture or video clip), a user comment section 932, a rating input section 933, and graphical representations of the user's contacts 934 through 938. As shown in Figure 9C, picture or video clip 931 is positioned in the top left corner, the user comment section

932 is represented by the text box to the right of video clip 931 , rating input section

933 is represented by stars (in which the number of stars highlighted or colored indicates a rating given), and icons 934 through 938 are graphical representations identifying the user's contacts.

[0072] From share submenu 930, the user can enter comments in user comment section 932, rate the picture or video clip in rating input section 933, and select the contacts to whom the picture or video clip will be sent. Selected contacts may be magnified or highlighted relative to the other contacts to allow the user the easily see which contacts have been selected. For example, in Figure 9C, contact 934 (sarah) has been selected. The user may scroll to view other users by selecting left-arrow icon 940 or right-arrow icon 941. The user can send the picture or video clip together with any associated rating and comments to the selected contacts, by selecting the send icon displayed in right soft key prompt 330 (e.g., pressing by right soft key 430). The selected contacts may then receive the picture or video clip as an alert on the selected contacts' respective mobile devices 105 or computers 125. According to one embodiment, a user that sends or receives the picture or video clip, together with the ratings and comments, directly sends or receives the picture or video clip. In other words, the selected contacts do not have to select a hyperlink that routes the selected contact to information representing the sent picture or video clip.

[0073] Share submenu 930 may also include an identifier or tag section in which the user may enter a descriptive word or phrase to identify the picture or video clip for cataloguing purposes. Additionally, in the case of a video clip, a selection of the representation of video clip 931 may play the video clip while the screen continues to display the user's contacts 934 through 938 and the tag, rating input 933, and user comments sections 932.

[0074] As previously described, wheel menu 310 comprises presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. The graphical information items or main menu items may be sent to mobile device 105 by one or more of mobility enabler 100, a social network 110, and a media provider 115. In addition, the graphical information items may be stored in memory 560 or 580 of mobile device 105 and updated from time to time. The graphical information items may include (1) a favorite buddy item that allows the user to keep in touch with the user's online social network buddies, (2) an alert item that allows the user to receive alerts from a social network 110 or media provider 115, such as events, multimedia, and blogs, (3) a chat item that allows the user to chat with one or more of the user's contacts anonymously and simultaneously, (4) a photograph item that allows the user to take pictures, post pictures to the user's social network profile, and share photographs with the user's contacts and groups, (5) a search item that allows the user to search for multimedia, friends, and events, for example, and add criteria to the user's existing alert settings, (6) a privacy item that allows the user to set and synchronize the user's privacy settings with a social network 110 or media provider 115, (7) a video item that allows the user to receive videos and watch, rate, tag, and share videos with the user's contacts via the user's mobile device 105, (8) a menu personalization item that allows the user to personalize wheel menu 310 by inserting functions, removing functions, and changing the order of functions, for example, (9) an update item that allows the user to update the user's social network profile from the user's mobile device 105, (10) a blog item that allows the user to receive information from the user's favorite blogs and read, rate, and share the blogs with the user's contacts, (11) a gifts and points item that allows the user to accumulate points toward virtual gifts that can be shared with the user's contacts by participating in surveys or referring friends to surveys, for example, (12) a market place item that allows the user to receive classified alerts on services and goods that interest the user, and (13) one or both of a favorite social networks and media provider item that allows to select between multiple social networks 110 or media providers 115. While various graphical information items have been briefly described, other graphical information items may be provided.

[0075] Figures 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating features of a buddy list submenu 1000, according to one embodiment. After the user navigates to the buddy list submenu (e.g., the user rotates wheel menu 310 until two side-by-side face icons 605 terminate in the horizontally disposed position and presses selection button 451 of mobile device 105), buddy list submenu 1000 is presented to the user on display 410. Buddy list submenu 1000 includes graphical representations 1001 through 1005 identifying the user's contacts. Graphical representations 1001 through 1005 may include a picture of the contact along with the contact's user name. The user can scroll through the user's list of contacts by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right- arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional contacts by selecting left-arrow icon 1006 or right-arrow icon 1007. According to one embodiment, a status icon 1010 through 1014 is displayed proximate each contact representing the contact's connection status. For example, status icon 1010 includes a picture of a computer, so the user would know that contact 1001 (sarah) is connected using a computer 125. Because status icon 1011 includes an encircled X, the user would know that contact 1002 (marco) is not online. Because the status icons 1012 through 1014 include a picture of a cell phone, the user would know that the contacts 1003 through 1005 (stdo54, loveU, and mas89, respectively) are connected using a mobile device 105.

[0076] As the user scrolls over the various contacts, a summary profile 1020 of each user is displayed, such as the contact's groups, sex, location, rating, membership date, and last contact type and time. Summary profile 1020 being displayed correlates to the contact that is highlighted or magnified relative to the other contacts (e.g., contact 1002 representing marco in Figure 10A). The user can use up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to land on a lower menu list 1030. According to one embodiment, lower menu list 1030 includes a block feature 1031 , a details feature 1032, and a gift feature 1033. However, additional or fewer features may be included. After landing on lower menu list 1030, the user can scroll through the list using left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440). The user can select a feature that is highlighted or magnified relative to the other feature (e.g., gift feature 1033 is bolded in Figure 10A) by pressing selection button 451 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440). Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to perform a chat function upon activation of right soft key 430. Thus, while in buddy list submenu 1000 the user can navigate to a chat submenu or enter a chat session with the highlighted or magnified contact by pressing right soft key 430. [0077] Upon user selection of block feature 1031 , a message will be displayed asking the user whether the highlighted or magnified contact should be blocked from contacting the user in the future. Upon selecting details feature 1032, summary profile 1020 is replaced or supplemented with detailed profile information. The detailed profile information is determined by a combination of the information either one or both of social network 110 and media provider 115 has regarding the particular contact and the information that the contact has decided to share with others.

[0078] Upon selecting gift feature 1033, the user navigates to a gift submenu 1040 illustrated in Figure 10B. Gift submenu 1040 may include a gift box 1050, a text box 1060, an indication of the points the user has earned toward gifts (e.g., by participating in various surveys), and an option to purchase additional points from a store of social network 110 or media provider 115. Gift box 1050 displays graphical representations of gifts the user can redeem, such as a computer 1051 , a panda bear 1052, a flower 1053, a ball 1054, and a cupcake 1055. The user can scroll through the gifts in gift box 1050 by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional gifts, if any, by selecting left-arrow icon 1056 or right-arrow icon 1057. If the user wants to send a gift to a contact, the user can scroll through the gifts until the desired gift is highlighted or magnified relative to the other gift (e.g., panda bear 1052 is highlighted in Figure 10B). The user can optionally include a message to be sent with the gift by pressing up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) until the user lands on text box 1060. After entering a message (e.g., via keyboard 460) or selecting a message from a list of default messages, the user can send the message along with an embedded picture of the gift by pressing right soft key 430 (e.g., right soft key prompt 330 is configured to perform a send function upon activation of right soft key 430). As shown in Figure 10B, contact 1002 (marco) and panda bear icon 1052 are highlighted. Thus, the user can send a panda bear to marco along with a message entered into text box 1060 by pressing right soft key 430.

[0079] Figures 11 A and 11 B are diagrams illustrating features of a chat submenu 1100, according to one embodiment. The user can navigate to chat submenu 1100 by rotating wheel menu 310 until cloud bubbles icon 604 terminates in the horizontally disposed position and pressing selection button 451 of mobile device 105. In addition, the user can navigate to chat submenu 1100 in other ways, such as by pressing right soft key 430 while in buddy list submenu 1000. Chat submenu 1100 includes graphical representations 1101 through 1105 identifying the user's contacts. Graphical representations 1101 through 1105 may include a picture of the contact along with the contact's user name. The user can scroll through the user's list of contacts by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional contacts by selecting left-arrow icon 1106 or right-arrow icon 1107. Status icons 1110 through 1114 can be displayed proximate each contact representing the contact's connection status.

[0080] As the user scrolls through the list of contacts, the user can select one or more contacts to invite to a chat session by pressing selection button 451 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440). Once selected by the user, the contacts appear highlighted or magnified relative to the other contacts (e.g., contacts 1101 and 1105 representing sarah and mas89 are highlighted in Figure 11A). Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to perform a chat function upon activation of right soft key 430. Thus, the user can open a chat session with the highlighted or magnified contacts by pressing right soft key 430.

[0081] Chat submenu 1100 may include an inbox section 1120 for displaying chat invitations or other messages that the user has received, such as when the user's mobile device 105 was powered down, or previously saved chat sessions. Inbox section 1120 may indicate how many invitations are in the user's inbox, along with an indication of the contact that sent the invitation, an indication of when the invitation was sent, and a subject line relating to the invitation. Thus, inbox section 1120 in Figure 11A shows that the user has received three invitations and that the first invitation was sent two hours ago from contact mass89, the second invitation was sent on August 1 , 2007 from the contact loveU, and the third invitation was sent on July 30, 2007 from the contact marco. The user can use down-arrow key 453 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to land on inbox section 1120 and press selection button 451 (or another input) to enter inbox section 1120. Once in inbox section 1120, the user can scroll through the invitations or messages in the inbox and seiect one or more invitations by pressing selection button 451 (or another input). Once selected by the user, the invitations appear highlighted or magnified relative to the other invitations.

[0082] In addition, the user can use down-arrow key 453 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to land on an inbox menu line 1130. According to one embodiment, inbox menu line 1130 includes a select all feature 1131 , a respond feature 1132, and a delete feature 1133. However, additional or fewer features may be included. After landing on inbox menu line 1130, the user can scroll through the list using left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440). The user can select a feature that is highlighted or magnified relative to the other feature by pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0083] Figure 11 B illustrates a chat session 1140, according to one embodiment. Chat session 1140 can be invoked in several ways, such as by user navigation from chat submenu 1100 (e.g., by pressing right soft key 430), user navigation from another submenu, such buddy list submenu 1000 (e.g., by pressing right soft key 430), or user navigation from a chat alert displayed in right soft key prompt 330 (e.g., activating right soft key 430). Chat session 1140 includes graphical representations 1141 through 1143 identifying those participating in the chat session, status icons 1151 through 1153 representing a connection status, and text boxes 1161 through 1163 representing text messages. Figure 11B illustrates the user, routeδδ, designated by graphical representation 1142 chatting with two contacts, sarah and mas89, designated respectively by graphical representations 1141 and 1143. The user can enter a new message into text box 1164 and send the new message to the other chat session participants by pressing right soft key 430 (e.g., right soft key prompt 330 is configured to send new messages to other participants of the chat session upon activation of right soft key 430). The user can also use up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to scroll through and view the various text boxes 1161 through 1163. By pressing left soft key 420, the user can end the chat session and return to the main menu (e.g., wheel menu 310).

[0084] Figure 12A is a diagram illustrating features of a photograph submenu 1200, according to one embodiment. The user can navigate to photograph submenu 1200 by rotating wheel menu 310 until camera icon 603 terminates in the horizontally disposed position and pressing selection button 451 of mobile device 105 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). In addition, the user can navigate to photograph submenu 1200 in other ways, such as by pressing right soft key 430 while in a particular submenu. Photograph submenu 1200 includes both presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. The presented graphical information items include a settings icon 1201 , a take picture icon 1202, an inbox icon 1203, a history icon 1204, and a my network album icon 1205 representing photograph specific features or items. The hidden graphical information items include other menu features or items, such as a device album icon representing a photographs stored on mobile device 105. Of course other presented and hidden graphical information items may be provided. As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate photograph submenu 1200 and the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., inbox icon 1203 in Figure 12A) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection (e.g., by pressing selection button 451 or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0085] Selecting take picture icon 1202 allows the user to capture an image using a camera embedded within mobile device 105. For example, after navigating to the take picture feature, mobile device 105 presents a sequence of images captured using image capture device 525 to the user via display 410. After pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440), mobile device 105 stores a captured image in memory 560 or 580 and presents a picture process submenu 1230, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 12C. By pressing left soft key 420, the user can return to the main menu (e.g., wheel menu 310). By pressing right soft key 430, the user can return to photograph submenu 1200.

[0086] The user can navigate to an inbox submenu 1210 by selecting inbox icon 1203 from photograph submenu 1200. Inbox submenu 1210 illustrated in Figure 12B includes thumbnail photographs 1211 through 1215 representing photographs sent by the user's contacts and a message box 1220, The user can scroll through the thumbnail photographs 1211 through 1215 by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional thumbnail photographs, if any, by selecting left-arrow icon 1216 or right- arrow icon 1217. As the user scrolls through the thumbnail photographs, a message, if any, relating to the highlighted or magnified thumbnail photograph is presented to the user in message box 1220. For example, the message from the contact, sarah, in message box 1220 relates to highlighted thumbnail photograph 1212. The user can delete the highlighted thumbnail photograph by pressing right soft key 430. The user can select the highlighted thumbnail photograph and navigate to picture process submenu 1230 by pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0087] By selecting my network album icon 1205 from photograph submenu 1200, the user can navigate to a my social network album submenu to view thumbnail photographs from one or more of social networks 110 or media providers 115. In a manner similar to inbox submenu 1210 illustrated in Figure 12B, my social network album submenu includes thumbnail photographs representing photographs or photo albums stored on one or more of social networks 110 or media providers 115. The user can scroll through the thumbnail photographs by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional thumbnail photographs, if any, by selecting a left-arrow icon or a right-arrow icon. As the user scrolls through the thumbnail photographs, information relating to the highlighted or magnified thumbnail photograph or album is presented to the user in a message box. The user can view (e.g., in a filmstrip like manner) all photographs from a highlighted photograph album by pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). By pressing right soft key 430, the user can return to photograph submenu 1200.

[0088] The user can navigate to a device album submenu by selecting a device album icon from photograph submenu 1200. The device album submenu includes thumbnail photographs representing photographs stored in memory 560 or 580 of mobile device 105. The thumbnail photographs may be presented to the user in a matrix like or filmstrip like manner. The user can scroll through the thumbnail photographs by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional thumbnail photographs, if any, by selecting a left-arrow icon or a right-arrow icon. Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to delete the highlighted thumbnail photograph after the user presses right soft key 430. The user can select the highlighted thumbnail photograph and navigate to picture process submenu 1230 by pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0089] Figure 12C is a diagram illustrating features of an example picture process submenu 1230. The user can navigate to picture process submenu 1230 by selecting a highlighted photograph from inbox submenu 1210, by selecting a highlighted thumbnail photograph from the device album submenu, or automatically after taking a picture. Picture process submenu 1230 includes both presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. The presented graphical information items include an options icon 1231 , a publish to my social network icon 1232, a publish to my profile icon 1233, a save icon 1234, and an erase icon 1235 representing picture processing specific features or items. The hidden graphical information items include other picture processing features or items, such as a share icon representing the ability to share one or more photographs with the user's contacts or a publish and share icon representing the ability to both publish and share one or more photographs. Of course other presented and hidden graphical information items may be provided. As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate picture process submenu 1230 and the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., the publish to my profile icon 1233 in Figure 12C) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection (e.g., by pressing selection button 451 or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0090] By selecting the share icon, the user can navigate to a photograph share submenu to send one or more photographs the user's contacts. According to one embodiment, the photograph share submenu is similar to gift submenu 1040 illustrated in Figure 10B, except that gift box 1050 is replaced with thumbnails of photographs that can be shared. To send a photograph to a contact, the user scrolls through the user's list of contacts until the desired contact is highlighted or magnified relative to the other contacts and presses selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). Next, the user navigates to the box containing the thumbnails of photographs that can be shared (e.g., by pressing down-arrow key 453), scrolls through the thumbnails until the desired thumbnail is highlighted or magnified relative to the other thumbnails, and presses selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). The user can send a set of photographs to multiple contacts by selecting additional contacts or thumbnails. The user can optionally include a message to be sent with the photograph by pressing up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) until the user lands on a text box. After entering a message (e.g., via keyboard 460) or selecting a message from a list of default messages, the user can send the message along with the photograph or set of photographs by pressing right soft key 430.

[0091] The user can publish one or more photographs to a social network 110 or a media provider 115 by selecting publish to my profile icon 1233. If social network 110 or media provider 115 supports album functionality, the user can be given the option to create a new album or include the photograph or set of photographs in an existing album. After mobile device 105 transmits the photograph or set of photographs to social network 110 or media provider 115, the user receives a confirmation message indicating whether the upload was successful. After publishing the photograph to social network 110 or media provider 115, the user may be given the option to proceed to the photograph share submenu so that the user can send the photograph or set of photographs along with a message to one or more contacts. In addition, picture process submenu 1230 may include a publish and share icon that automatically publishes one or more photographs to social network 110 or media provider 115 and proceeds to the photograph share submenu. [0092] By selecting save icon 1234, the user can store a picture just taken or received in the user's inbox in the device album. By selecting erase icon 1235, the user can delete a selected photograph or set of photographs from mobile device 105.

[0093] Figure 13A is a diagram illustrating features of a search submenu 1300, according to one embodiment. The user can navigate to search submenu 1300 by rotating wheel menu 310 until magnifying glass icon 601 terminates in the horizontally disposed position and pressing selection button 451 of mobile device 105 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). In addition, the user can navigate to search submenu 1300 in other ways, such as by pressing right soft key 430 while in a particular submenu. Search submenu 1300 includes both presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. The presented graphical information items include a video icon 1301 , a music icon 1302, a buddies icon 1303, a group icon 1304, and an events icon 1305 representing search specific features or items. The hidden graphical information items include other search menu features or items, such as a photo icon representing a search for photographs and a blog icon representing a search for blogs. Of course other presented and hidden graphical information items may be provided. As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate search submenu 1300 and the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., buddies icon 1303 in Figure 13A) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection (e.g., by pressing selection button 451 or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[0094] Figure 13B illustrates features of an example video search submenu 1310. Video search submenu 1310 allows the user to search for videos by a particular user that posted the video, the rating of the video (e.g., four out of five stars), a date range, and the type of video, such as comedy, animation, commercial, music, sports, or other. The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of videos (e.g., video thumbnails) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a view feature that allows the user to view a highlighted video, a save feature that allows the user to save a highlighted video to the user's online profile, and a send feature that allows the user to send a highlighted video to the user's contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user and the user may have the option to update the user's video alert preferences.

[0095] Figure 13C illustrates features of an example music search submenu 1320. Music search submenu 1320 allows the user to search for music by a particular artist, song, genre, and rating (e.g., four out of five stars). The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the search results (e.g., an album cover) would appear instead of the user's contacts and the lower menu list 1030 may include a listen feature that allows the user to listen a highlighted song or album, a save feature that allows the user to save a highlighted song or album to the user's online profile, and a send feature that allows the user to send a highlighted song or album to the user's contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user and the user may have the option to update the user's music alert preferences.

[0096] Figure 13D illustrates features of an example photo search submenu 1330. Photo search submenu 1330 allows the user to search for photographs, pieces of art, or wallpaper by a date range, a rating (e.g., four out of five stars), a particular user that posted the photograph, art, or wallpaper, an certain tags. The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the search results (e.g., a thumbnail of the photograph, art, or wallpaper) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a view feature that allows the user to view a highlighted photograph, piece of art, or wallpaper, a save feature that allows the user to save a highlighted photograph, piece of art, or wallpaper to either one or both of the user's online profile and mobile device 105, and a send feature that allows the user to send a highlighted photograph, piece of art, or wallpaper to the user's contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user and the user may have the option to update the user's photograph alert preferences.

[0097] Figure 13E illustrates features of an example buddy search submenu 1340. Buddy search submenu 1340 allows the user to search for contacts by group, screen name, gender, country, and state/province. The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the search results (e.g., a thumbnail photograph of the potential contact) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a view feature that allows the user to view the profile of a highlighted potential contact and an invite feature that allows the user to invite the potential contact to the user's list of contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user.

[0098] Figure 13F illustrates features of an example group search submenu 1350. Group search submenu 1350 allows the user to search for groups to join by popularity, formation date, group category, language, name, and key word. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the search results (e.g., a thumbnail representing the group) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a join feature that allows the user to join a highlighted group or request to join a highlighted group. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user.

[0099] Figure 13G illustrates features of an example event search submenu 1360. Event search submenu 1360 allows the user to search for events by an event type, a date range, a country, a state/province, and a city. The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the search results (e.g., event thumbnails) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a view feature that allows the user to view additional details of a highlighted event, a save feature that allows the user to save a highlighted event to the user's online profile, and a send feature that allows the user to send a highlighted event to the user's contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user.

[00100] Figure 13H illustrates features of an example blog search submenu 1370. Blog search submenu 1370 allows the user to search for blogs by a particular category, author, title, rating (e.g., four out of five stars), a date range, and language. The user can also indicate that the search results should be displayed in order of popularity. The search results may be displayed in a format similar to that of buddy list submenu 1000 (Figure 10A), except that graphical representations of the blogs (e.g., blog thumbnails) would appear instead of the user's contacts and lower menu list 1030 may include a view feature that allows the user to view additional details of a highlighted blog, a save feature that allows the user to save a highlighted blog to the user's online profile, and a send feature that allows the user to send a highlighted biog to the user's contacts. In addition, a total number of search results found may be presented to the user.

[00101] As illustrated in Figures 13B through 13H, right soft key prompt 330 is configured to perform a search function upon activation of right soft key 430. Thus, while in any of the various search submenus (e.g., submenus 1310 through 1370), the user can execute a search by pressing right soft key 430. In a manner similar to buddy list submenu 1000, the user can scroll through the various graphical representations of the search results returned by the various search submenus by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional search results by selecting a left-arrow icon or a right-arrow icon. In addition, as the user scrolls over the various graphical representations of the search results, data associated therewith may be presented to the user. For example, data associated with a highlighted photograph, piece of art, wallpaper, video, song, group (e.g., group details), event (e.g., event details), and blog (e.g., the blog title and additional blog details) may be presented to the user. [00102] Figure 14A is a diagram illustrating features of a privacy submenu 1400, according to one embodiment. The user can navigate to privacy submenu 1400 by rotating wheel menu 310 until lock icon 313 terminates in the horizontally disposed position and pressing selection button 451 of mobile device 105 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440). In addition, the user can navigate to privacy submenu 1400 in other ways, such as by pressing right soft key 430 while in a particular submenu. Privacy submenu 1400 includes both presented graphical information items and hidden graphical information items. The presented graphical information items include a profile settings icon 1401 , a contact settings icon 1402, a block list icon 1403, a limited list icon 1404, and an other icon 1405 representing search privacy features or items. The hidden graphical information items include other privacy menu features or items. Of course other presented and hidden graphical information items may be provided. As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate privacy submenu 1400 and the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., block list icon 1403 in Figure 14A) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection (e.g., by pressing selection button 451 or another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[00103] Figure 14B illustrates features of an example profile settings submenu 1410 that allows the user to view and alter the user's profile settings on social networks 110 or media providers 115. Privacy settings submenu 1410 presents various attribute titles and attribute values to the user. For example, as illustrated in Figure 14B, the user's current profile settings allows only the user's friends to view the users online profile and status. In addition, any social network 110, any media provider 115, and all the user's friends can send the user updates (e.g., alerts) and post comments to the user's wall forum (e.g., comments or insights about the user). Scroll bar 1411 indicates that additional profile settings can be viewed using up- arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[00104] Figure 14C illustrates features of an example contact settings submenu 1420 that allows the user to view and alter the user's contact settings on social networks 110 or media providers 115. Contact settings submenu 1420 presents various attribute titles and attribute values to the user. For example, as illustrated in Figure 14C, the user's current contact settings allows only the user's friends to view the users real name and address, only the user to view the user's mobile phone number, and any social network 110, any media provider 115, and all the user's friends to view the user's websites. Scroll bar 1421 indicates that additional contact settings can be viewed using up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440).

[00105] The user can update any of the profile settings or contact settings from the user's mobile device 105 by navigating to the desired setting, pressing selection button 451 , pressing up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 until the desired setting is displayed, and pressing selection button 451 again. Of course, other inputs could be used, such as thumbwheel 440. Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to return to privacy menu 1400 upon activation of right soft key 430. [00106] Figure 14D illustrates features of an example block list submenu 1430 that allows the user to view and alter the user's block list on social networks 110 or media providers 115. Block list submenu 1430 includes graphical representations 1431 through 1435 identifying the user's current block list. The graphical representations 1431 through 1435 may include a picture of the blocked user along with the blocked user's screen name. The user can scroll through the user's block list by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional blocked users by selecting left-arrow icon 1436 or right-arrow icon 1437. As the user scrolls over the blocked users, a summary 1438 of each blocked user is displayed for a highlighted blocked user, such as the blocked user's screen name and the date the user was blocked. The user may also be presented with the option to unblock a user or block other users via block list submenu 1430. Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to return to privacy menu 1400 upon activation of right soft key 430. [00107] Figure 14E illustrates features of an example limited list submenu 1440 that allows the user to view and alter the user's limited list on social networks 110 or media providers 115. Limited list submenu 1440 includes graphical representations 1441 through 1445 identifying the user's current limited list. The graphical representations 1441 through 1445 may include a picture of the limited list user along with the limited list user's screen name. The user can scroll through the user's limited list by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional limited users by selecting left-arrow icon 1446 or right-arrow icon 1447. As the user scrolls over the limited users, a summary 1448 of each limited user is displayed for a highlighted limited user, such as the limited user's screen name and the date the user because a limited list member. Summary 1448 may also display the limited information about the user that the particular limited list member can view, such as the user's contact information, personal information, education information, work information, online status, other friends, posted items, groups, tagged photographs, and tagged videos. The user may also be presented with the option to remove the limited status from a particular user or add limited status to other users via limited list submenu 1440. Right soft key prompt 330 is configured to return to privacy menu 1400 upon activation of right soft key 430.

[00108] Figure 15A illustrates one example of a wheel menu 1500 similar to wheel menu 310, but including a backstage pass icon 1501 representing media or entertainment applications relating to media providers 115, such as television broadcast programs. Media providers 115 may use the media and entertainment applications before, during, and after a program to help connect fans and increase interest in the program. According to one embodiment, the user may receive an invitation from a media provider to add backstage pass icon 1501 to their mobile device 105, such as through an alert or update notification. By accepting the backstage pass invitation, media provider 115 has the ability to send the user campaigns around individual programming. While the backstage pass may relate to television broadcast programs, the backstage pass may relate to other media or entertainment applications, such as programs offered by movie theaters or movie studios.

[00109] As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate menu icons 601 , 602, 604, 605, and 1501 about hub 607 using input control 450 (e.g., up-arrow key 452 and down-arrow key 453) or thumbwheel 440, for example. The icon terminating in the horizontally disposed position (e.g., backstage pass icon 1501 in Figure 15A) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which menu feature or item will be accessed upon user selection. After the user rotates wheel menu 1500 so that backstage pass icon 1501 terminates in the horizontally disposed position, the user can press selection button 451 (or another input) to navigate to a broadcast program submenu 1510 illustrated in Figure 15B. [00110] Broadcast program submenu 1510 also comprises presented graphical information items, such as individual television broadcast program icons 1511 through 1515 and hidden graphical information items (e.g., other program icons). As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate broadcast program submenu 1510 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about hub 1516. Likewise, the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., program #3 icon 1513 in Figure 15B) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which feature will be accessed upon user selection. After the user rotates broadcast program submenu 1510 so that a desired television broadcast program (e.g., program #3 icon 1513) terminates in the horizontally disposed position, the user can press selection button 451 (or another input) to navigate to a television broadcast program submenu 1600 (Figure 16A).

[00111} Program submenu 1600 also comprises presented graphical information items, such as a games icon 1601 , a shop icon 1602, a virtual viewing party 1603, a highlights icon 1604, and a survey icon 1605, and hidden graphical information items, such as a character correspondence icon. As with wheel menu 310, the user can rotate program submenu 1600 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about a hub 1606. Likewise, the icon that terminates in a horizontally disposed position (e.g., virtual viewing party icon 1603 in Figure 16A) is magnified relative to the other icons to help the user readily identify which feature will be accessed upon user selection. After the user rotates program submenu 1600 so that a desired feature (e.g., virtual viewing party icon 1603) terminates in the horizontally disposed position, the user can press selection button 451 (or another input) to navigate to a virtual viewing party submenu 1610 (Figure 16B) relating to television broadcast program #3. The icons representing menu or submenu items in wheel menu 1500, broadcast program submenu 1510, and program submenu 1600 may also be arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal linear configuration. [00112] Figure 16B illustrates features of an example virtual viewing party submenu 1610 that allows the user to invite the user's contacts to a virtual viewing party hosted by one of media providers 115. The virtual viewing party submenu 1610 includes graphical representations 1611 through 1614 identifying contacts in the user's contacts or buddies list. Graphical representations 1611 through 1614 may include a picture of the contact along with the contact's screen name and a status icon representing the contact's connection status. The user can scroll through the user's contact list by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional contacts by selecting left-arrow icon 1615 or right-arrow icon 1616. After selecting one or more highlighted or magnified contacts by pressing selection button 451 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440), the user can use up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to land on a message section 1620. For example, as shown in Figure 16B, the user has selected contacts 1612 (marco) and 1613 (stdo54). Message section 1620 may contain default text that invites the user's contacts to the particular television broadcast program (e.g., program #3) and notifying the contacts of the show time and date. The user may modify the default text or add additional text (e.g., via keyboard 460) to message section 1620 and press right soft key 430 to send the invitation(s) (e.g., right soft key prompt 330 is configured to send the invitations upon activation of right soft key 430). [00113] As illustrated by Figure 16C, the contact (e.g., contact 1612 (marco) and contact 1613 (stdo54)) may receive an alert displayed in right soft key prompt 330 (or another location on display 410) to notify the contact that a user has sent them an invitation to a virtual viewing party hosted by one of media providers 115. In addition, mobile device 105 may notify the user in another way, such as playing a ring tone or vibrating upon receiving an alert. Selection of the alert (e.g., activating right soft key 430), such as backstage pass icon 1631 in right soft key prompt 330, provides the contact with additional details regarding the update. For example, Figure 16C illustrates a virtual viewing party alert 1630 that presents additional details of the virtual viewing party to the user, such as the contacts screen name (e.g., stdo54), an indication that the user (e.g., route66) has invited the contact to watch a particular television broadcast program (e.g., program #3) on a particular date and at a particular time. Virtual viewing party alert 1630 may include a thumbnail relating to the program, a message from a character in the program, and various options that allow the contact to accept, decline, or share the invitation, for example.

[00114] Prior to the start of the broadcast program, a start of the program alert may be sent to the user and each contact who accepted the invitation. During broadcast of the program, a chat forum, for example, an instant messaging application shown in Figure 16D, is opened for the user and the contacts allowing them to discuss the broadcast program or other various topics. The chat forum may operate in a similar or identical manner as described with respect to Figure 11 B. [00115] The games submenu item (e.g., represented by games icon 1601) and survey submenu item (e.g., represented by survey icon 1605) provide broadcast program interactive experiences for the user. For example, upon selection of games icon 1601 , the user can participate in a game relevant to the broadcast program. Selection of survey icon 1605 allows the user to participate in surveys by providing feedback related to various aspects of a broadcast program before, during, and after the broadcast of the program. Figure 17 depicts an example survey submenu 1700 that includes graphical representations 1701 through 1705 (e.g., pictures of the characters) identifying program characters. The user can scroll through the characters by pressing left-arrow key 454 and right-arrow key 455 (or using another input, such as thumbwheel 440) and can view additional characters by selecting a left-arrow icon or a right-arrow icon (not shown).

[00116] The user can vote for the user's favorite character by scrolling to a desired character (e.g., highlighted character 1702) and pressing right soft key 430 (e.g., right soft key prompt 330 is configured to send the user's vote to a media provider 115 upon activation of right soft key 430). After voting, a current vote tabulation 1710 can be received from a media provider 115 and presented to the user on display 410. The user can select a link 1720 to view additional details relating to the program. By participating in games and surveys, the user may be awarded points that can be applied toward the purchase price of program-related merchandise. In addition, the games and surveys may help media provider 115 generate additional interest in its television broadcast programs.

[00117] After selecting shop icon 1602 (Figure 16A), mobile device 105 presents a shop submenu 1800 on display 410 that allows the user to view and purchase various program related merchandise, as illustrated by Figure 18. As previously discussed, the points earned by participating in games and surveys may be used to purchase or to discount the purchase price of the program related merchandise. The user may have different point amounts associated with each broadcast program, in which the points associated with a particular broadcast program are to be exclusively applied toward merchandise of that broadcast program. Alternatively, point amounts associated with different broadcast programs may be combined and applied toward merchandise of any of the different broadcast programs. Shop submenu 1800 presents various merchandise to the user and may also notify the user of their point balance. The user can use up-arrow key 452 or down-arrow key 453 (or another input, such as thumbwheel 440) to scroll through various merchandise and can view additional details of a highlighted merchandise, such as a photograph of the merchandise and the cost of the merchandise, by pressing selection button 451. The user can add merchandise to the user's cart by pressing right soft key 430. Adding merchandise to the user's cart allows the user to later purchase the merchandise at the actual media provider or social network website (e.g., via the user's PC). In addition, the user can tag items of interest so that the user can return and view tagged items or so that the user's contacts can purchase the tagged items for the user.

[00118] The broadcast program may also include a character correspondence submenu 1900 in which the user can communicate with various characters of the broadcast program. Figure 19 illustrates one example of character correspondence submenu 1900 in the form of a VIP chat invitation alert. Thus, the user could enter character correspondence submenu 1900 from program submenu 1600 or in a manner similar to an alert described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. Character correspondence submenu 1900 may include a photograph of the character, additional details of chat session (e.g., chat with a character before a season finale), and a time and date of the chat session. The user can respond to the invite by selecting a link 1901 or by pressing right soft key 430 to enter an option menu. During the chat session, the user can send questions to one or more of the characters and view live communication between one or more of the characters and other users. Thus, the chat forum may operate in a similar or identical manner as described with respect to Figure 11 B.

[00119] After selecting highlights icon 1604 (Figure 16A), mobile device 105 presents a highlights submenu 2000 on display 410 that allows the user to view video clips of a broadcast program or view an entire episode of a broadcast program. As shown in Figure 20, highlights submenu 2000 may include a thumbnail or frame of video 2001 and a short description of clip 2002. The user can play a video clip by pressing right soft key 430 (or another input) and can scroll through additional video clips by selecting a left-arrow icon 2003 or a right-arrow icon 2004. The video segments may be from a previous episode of the broadcast program or previews of an upcoming episode. After viewing one or more of the video segments, the user may be invited to watch an upcoming episode of the broadcast program. [00120] The methods and systems described herein may be implemented in or by any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. Accordingly, as used herein, a component, module, or engine may comprise one or more of hardware, software, and firmware (e.g., self-contained hardware or software components that interact with a larger system). A software module, component, or engine may include any type of computer instruction or computer executable code located within a memory device or transmitted as electronic signals over a system bus or wired or wireless network. A software module, component, or engine may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., that performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types. [00121] In certain embodiments, a particular software module, component, or engine may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations of a memory device, which together implement the described functionality of the module. Indeed, a module may comprise a single instruction or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Some embodiments may be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by a remote processing device linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software modules may be located in either one or both of local and remote memory storage devices. In addition, data being tied or rendered together in a database record may be resident in the same memory device, or across several memory devices, and may be linked together in fields of a record in a database across a network.

[00122] Embodiments may include various steps, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by processor 510 or another processor. Alternatively, the steps may be performed by hardware components that include specific logic for performing the steps or by a combination of one or more of hardware, software, and firmware. A result or output from any step, such as a confirmation that the step has or has not been completed or an output value from the step, may be stored, displayed, printed, and transmitted over a wired or wireless network. For example, a photograph may be stored, displayed, or transmitted over a network.

[00123] Embodiments may be provided as a computer program product including a machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions (in compressed or uncompressed form) that may be used to program a computer (or other electronic device) to perform processes or methods described herein. The machine-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Further, embodiments may also be provided as a computer program product including a machine-readable signal (in compressed or uncompressed form). Examples of machine-readable signals, whether modulated using a carrier or not, include, but are not limited to, signals that a computer system or machine hosting or running a computer program can be configured to access, including signals downloaded through the Internet or other networks. For example, distribution of software may be via CD-ROM or via Internet download.

[00124] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined only by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A method of presenting multilevel hierarchical information to an electronic device user to facilitate navigation by the user through multiple levels of the information by use of graphical menu item selection, comprising: presenting on an electronic device screen pictorial subject matter in the form of a menu of user-selectable graphical information items associated with one navigational level, the graphical information items including presented members of a set of presented and hidden graphical information items and arranged for viewing on the device screen in spaced-apart relation along a defined path; in response to user input from an information item presentation control, changing which ones of the set of graphical information items are the presented members for viewing on the device screen; and in response to user selection of one of the graphical information items at the one navigational level, navigating to a subsequent level of the hierarchical information and presenting a submenu of options including subject matter consistent with the overall content of the selected one of the graphical information items.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: in response to the user performing a scan process using the information item presentation control, presenting the graphical information items one item at a time in an enlarged view so that the user can discern and thereby indicate which of the presented members is to be selected,

3. The method of claim 2, in which the scan process includes generating an audio signal to notify the user of a change in which one of the presented members is to be selected.

4. The method of claim 1 , in which the user selection includes a user- prompted indication of which of the presented members of the graphical information items is to be selected, the user indication producing an enlarged view of an indicated one of the presented members of graphical information items so that the indicated graphical information item is discernible on the device screen.

5. The method of claim 1 , in which the device screen includes a side boundary, the presented members of the graphical information items appear on the device screen in a spoked-wheel configuration including a hub from which extend multiple spokes terminating in the graphical information items that are mutually spaced apart to generally describe a circumferential segment of the wheel menu, and the hub is selectively positioned adjacent to the side boundary so that the circumferential segment presented is less than the entire circumference of the wheel menu.

6. The method of claim 5, in which at least one of the submenu of options appears on the device screen in a spoked-wheel configuration.

7. The method of claim 1 , in which each of the user-selectable graphical information items includes pictorial subject matter consistent with a metaphor representative of the subject matter.

8. The method of claim 1 , in which the user-selectable graphical information items represent broadcast program information.

9. The method of claim 8, in which at least one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a program feedback information item that provides an interactive experience related to a broadcast program for the user, the method further comprising: in response to user selection of the program feedback information item, presenting information that requests user feedback information related to the broadcast program; and receiving the user feedback information.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing a point-based reward system in which merchandising points or discounts are awarded to the user based upon the content of the user feedback information.

11. The method of claim 10, in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a merchandising item, the selection of which presents broadcast program-related merchandise products available for purchase with, at least in part, the merchandising points or discounts awarded to the user.

12. The method of claim 8, in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a group viewing and discussion item that provides a group viewing and discussion experience of a broadcast program for the user, the method further comprising: presenting a group of user contacts in which the user can selectively indicate which contacts of the group of user contacts are to be invited to simultaneously view and discuss the broadcast program; alerting the user and the selected contacts of the start of the broadcast program; and during broadcast of the broadcast program, providing a discussion forum in which the user and the selected contacts can communicate with eachother.

13. The method of claim 8, in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a broadcast program highlight item, the selection of which presents highlight audio-video information related to a broadcast program.

14. The method of claim 8, in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a character correspondence item that allows the user to communicate with characters of a broadcast program.

15. The method of claim 1 , in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a multimedia item that includes a share option to share a multimedia clip with contacts of the user, the method further comprising: in response to user selection of the share option, presenting simultaneously on the device screen: a pictorial representation of the multimedia clip; a user comment section in which the user can input comments related to the multimedia clip; a multimedia identifier section in which the user can input identifying description of the multimedia clip; a rating input section in which the user can input a rating of the multimedia clip according to a predetermined scale; and graphical representations of the contacts of the user in which the selection of the graphical representations associated with a group of contacts identifies the contacts in the group as share contacts to receive the multimedia clip; and in response to a share request by the user, sharing the multimedia clip, the comments, the identifying description, and the rating with the group of contacts selected as the share contacts.

16. The method of claim 15, in which in response to user selection of the pictorial representation, the multimedia clip is played while simultaneously presenting the user comment section, the multimedia identifier section, the rating input section, and the graphical representations of the contacts.

17. The method of claim 15, in which the sharing includes a direct send of the multimedia clip, the comments, the identifying description, and the rating to the share contacts such that the share contacts can view the multimedia clip, the comments, the identifying description, and the rating without being routed through selection of a hyperlink.

18. The method of claim 1 , in which one of the user-selectable graphical information items is a picture item that includes a share option to share a picture with contacts of the user, the method further comprising: in response to user selection of the share option, presenting simultaneously on the electronic device screen: a representation of the picture; a user comment section in which the user can input comments related to the picture; a picture identifier section in which the user can input identifying description of the picture; a rating input section in which the user can input a rating of the picture according to a predetermined scale; and graphical representations of the contacts of the user in which the selection of the graphical representations associated with a group of contacts identifies the contacts in the group as share contacts to receive the picture; and in response to a share request by the user, sharing the picture, the comments, the identifying description, and the rating with the group of contacts selected as the share contacts.

19. The method of claim 1 , in which the electronic device screen and the information item presentation control are incorporated into a mobile device.

20. The method of claim 1 , in which the menu of user-selectable graphical information items is received by the electronic device over a communications network; the user input from the information item presentation control is transmitted over the communications network; the presented members of the set of graphical information items is received by the electronic device over the communications network; the user selection of one of the graphical information items is transmitted over the communications network; and the submenu of options is received by the electronic device over the communications network.

21. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: presenting on the electronic device screen a soft key prompt configured to present a menu of user-selectable graphical information items associated with the one navigation level in place of the submenu of options in response to user input.

22. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: presenting on the electronic device screen a reconfigurable soft key prompt configured to perform a particular function in response to user input, the particular function defined by the submenu of options.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting on the electronic device screen a news and branding section configured to present data to the user from an online service provider, the presented data transmitted over a communications network.

24. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: presenting on the electronic device screen a marketing section configured to present targeted advertising to the user, the presented advertising transmitted over a communications network.

25. A machine-readable medium on which are stored computer program instructions for performing the method of presenting multilevel hierarchical information to the electronic device user to facilitate navigation by the user through multiple levels of the information by use of graphical menu item selection according to claim 1.

26. A system for sharing online content with a mobile device user regardless of the user's particular mobile device, comprising: a communication services component for maintaining configuration information for a plurality of mobile device users, the configuration information defining an acceptable data format for transmitting online content to each user's mobile device based upon the user's particular mobile device; a content delivery component for transmitting, over the communications network, online content to a mobile device of at least one of the users based upon the mobile device and for receiving, over the communications network, data from the mobile device; and an advertising component for transmitting, over the communications network, a personalized advertisement to the mobile device.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising a personalization component for gathering and maintaining preferences for the plurality of mobile device users based upon each user's interaction with an online service provider.

28. The system of claim 26, in which the communications network comprises a cellular network.

29. The system of claim 26, in which the online content at least partially comprises a personalized alert.

30. The system of claim 26, in which the online content at least partially comprises a photograph.

31. The system of claim 26, in which the online content at least partially comprises a multimedia clip.

32. The system of claim 26, in which the online content at least partially comprises broadcast program information.

33. The system of claim 26, in which the mobile device is configured to present at least a portion of the online content on a mobile device screen in a spoked-wheel configuration in which multiple mutually angularly spaced-apart spokes extend radially from a hub and terminate at a free end in different icons representing menu selection items that, when selected, provide a submenu of options, at least some of the different icons hidden from view until the user rotates the icons about the hub.