Digital content distribution systems and methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention enable a user to acquire an item (e.g., a digital song, digital video, etc.) using one device (e.g., a portable device) and to easily move a copy of the acquired item from the one device to another device so that a user of the other device can play the item.

1 . A method for enabling a user having a portable device to acquire an item, comprising:
 (a) operating a server;   (b) enabling the user to connect the portable device to the server; and   (c) while the portable device is connected to the server, transmitting from the server to the portable device (1) a helper application and (2) a copy of an item requested by the user, wherein the portable device is configured to store the helper application and the copy of the requested item on a storage unit contained within or connected to the portable device, wherein   the helper application is configured to download a second helper application after the portable device connects to a computer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the helper application is configured to download the second helper application substantially in response to the user connecting the portable device to the computer and to a determination that the second helper application is not installed on the computer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second helper application is configured to store a copy of the item stored on the storage unit in a content library stored in a second storage unit that is contained within or connected to the computer. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the second helper application is configured to prompt the user to select at least one content player and then store the copy of the item in the content library. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second helper application is configured to silently store a copy of the item stored on the storage unit in a content library stored in a second storage unit that is contained within or connected to the computer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the second helper application is configured to silently store the copy of the item in the content library substantially in response to the user connecting the portable device to the computer and to a determination that no copy of the item is stored in the content library. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step (b) comprises providing a listening and viewing station (LVS) to which the user can directly connect the portable device, wherein the LVS is connected to the server. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the LVS is openly accessible to the public. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the LVS is located within a retail establishment. 
     
     
         10 . A method for enabling a user having a portable device to acquire an item, comprising:
 (a) operating a server;   (b) enabling the user to connect the portable device to the server; and   (c) while the portable device is connected to the server, transmitting from the server to the portable device (1) a helper application and (2) a copy of an item requested by the user, wherein the portable device is configured to store the helper application and the copy of the requested item on a first storage unit contained within or connected to the portable device, wherein   the helper application is configured such that, in response to the user connecting the portable device to a particular computer, the helper application automatically begins a process for storing a copy of the item stored on the first storage unit in a content library stored in a second storage unit, said second storage unit being contained within the computer or connected to the computer.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the process comprises prompting the user to select at least one content player. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the process comprises silently storing the copy of the item in the content library. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the process consists of silently storing the copy of the item in the content library. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step (b) comprises providing a listening and viewing station (LVS) to which the user can directly connect the portable device, wherein the LVS is connected to the server. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the LVS is openly accessible to the public. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the LVS is located within a retail establishment.