Multi-model modes of one device

Abstract

A portable media player may provide multi-modes for a user. Each mode may define different features and content that are customized for a particular mode. Based a selected mode, the media player may provide access to only content, features, hardware, user interface elements, and the like that the user wishes to have access to when the mode is enabled. The media player may provide the user different experiences, looks, and feels for each mode.

1 . A method performed by a media player for providing multiple modes, the method comprising:
 receiving information specifying a device mode in a plurality of device modes;   determining information for configuring functionality of the media player based on the device mode;   determining content based on the device mode to be presented by the media player when the device mode is enabled; and   enabling the device mode.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein receiving information specifying the device mode comprises receiving a mode definition file. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein determining information for configuring functionality of the media player comprises:
 determining a set of applications specific to the device mode;   determining one or more accessory devices for the device mode; and   determining a specification for a graphical user interface for the device mode.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein determining the content comprises determining the content based on selection criteria defined by the device mode. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the selection criteria identifies a title, a lyric, an artist, an album, a concert, a writer, a producer, a studio, a theme, a genre, a category, a size, a beat, a time, or a date. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein determining the content further comprises generating a playlist of the determined content. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein enabling the device mode comprises:
 enabling access to the determined content; and   disabling access to other content.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein enabling the device mode comprises:
 enabling access to a first set of applications of the media player; and   disabling access to a second set of applications of the media player.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein enabling the device mode comprises:
 determining graphical user interface elements and an associated layout based on the device mode; and   displaying the graphical user interface elements according to the layout.   
   
   
       10 . A portable media device comprising:
 a display;   a storage device;   a media playback system; and   a processor configured to:
 receive information specifying a device mode associated with a user activity; 
 determine from the storage device content based on the device mode to be presented by the media playback system when the device mode is enabled; 
 determine information for configuring the display and the media playback system based on the device mode; and 
 configure to display and the media playback system to present the determined content from the storage device. 
   
   
   
       11 . The portable media device of  claim 10  wherein the processor is configured to determine the content in response to selection criteria defined by the device mode. 
   
   
       12 . The portable media device of  claim 10  wherein the processor is further configured to generate a playlist of the determine content. 
   
   
       13 . The portable media device of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a media library;   wherein the processor is further configured to enable access to the determine content and disable access to any remaining content in the media library.   
   
   
       14 . The portable media device of  claim 10  wherein the processor further is configured to configure the media playback system by enabling access to a first set of applications and disabling access to a second set of application. 
   
   
       15 . The portable media device of  claim 10  wherein the processor is further configured to configure the display by determining a layout of user interface elements and to generate a display of the user interface elements according to the layout. 
   
   
       16 . A computer-readable storage medium configured to store program code for a media playback device, the computer-readable storage medium comprising:
 code for receiving information specifying a device mode in a plurality of device modes;   code for determining information for configuring functionality of the media player based on the device mode;   code for determining content based on the device mode to be presented by the media player when the device mode is enabled; and   code for enabling the device mode.   
   
   
       17 . A portable media playback device comprising:
 a display configured to provide a graphical user interface allowing access to a media playback application;   a processor; and   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory configured to store program instructions operational with the processor to:
 receive location information; 
 determine a set of functionality associated with the media playback application based on a location identified by the location information; 
 modify presentation of the media playback application based on the location; 
 determine a subset of content from content local to the portable media device based on the location; and 
 enable access using the determined set of functionality to the subset of content using the modified presentation of the media playback application. 
   
   
   
       18 . The portable media playback device of  claim 17  wherein program instructions are operational with the processor to:
 determine the location information based on an accessory device coupled to the media playback device.   
   
   
       19 . The portable media playback device of  claim 18  wherein the accessory device comprises a GPS device. 
   
   
       20 . The portable media playback device of  claim 18  wherein the accessory device comprises a car audio accessory device. 
   
   
       21 . The portable media playback device of  claim 17  wherein program instructions are operational with the processor to:
 determine the location information based on usage of the content local to the portable media device.   
   
   
       22 . The portable media playback device of  claim 17  wherein program instructions are operational with the processor to:
 determine audio playback functionality or video playback functionality as the determined set of functionality.   
   
   
       23 . The portable media playback device of  claim 17  wherein program instructions are operational with the processor to:
 receive input indicating a switch to another set of functionality of the media playback application;   updating presentation of the media playback application based on the input;   determine a different subset of content from content local to the portable media device based on the input;   disable access to the subset of content; and   enable access using the another set of functionality to the different subset of content using the updated presentation of the media playback application.