Synchronization of digital content

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.

1 . A method comprising:
 receiving progress information from an originating device, the progress information representing a current reference point associated with presentation of content by the originating device; and   causing a portion of the progress information to be sent to a receiving device, wherein the portion is determined based on a capability of the receiving device to present the content.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 identifying an account associated with the originating device; and 
 identifying the receiving device based on the account. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 determining that the receiving device is to receive a synchronization notification; 
 causing the synchronization notification to be sent to the receiving device; and 
 receiving a request for progress information from the receiving device, wherein the request for progress information is responsive to the synchronization notification. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1  further comprising determining the portion of the progress information to send to the receiving device. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the portion of the progress information is determined based on one or more of a memory capacity of the receiving device, a synchronization configuration that specifies what progress information the receiving device can process, or a format for presenting the content on the receiving device. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein causing the portion of the progress information to be sent to the receiving device includes causing the portion of the progress information to be sent from a server device. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the receiving device is a first receiving device of a plurality of receiving devices, and wherein causing the portion of the progress information to be sent to the receiving device comprises causing the portion of the progress information to be sent from a second receiving device of the plurality of receiving devices. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 1  further comprising processing the progress information received from the originating device to generate adjusted progress information. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the adjusted progress information is generated by resolving a conflict between the progress information and previously received progress information. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the adjusted progress information is generated as a function of at least one of a time difference between presentations of the content and a determined retention of the presentation of the content. 
     
     
         11 . A system comprising:
 a first computing system comprising a processor and a memory for executing a first set of computer-executable instructions, the first set of computer-executable instructions implementing an interface component that is operative to:   receive progress information from an originating device, the progress information associated with a current reference point associated with presentation of content on the originating device; and   a second computing system comprising a processor and a memory for executing a second set of computer-executable instructions, the second set of computer-executable instructions implementing a data processing component that is operative to:   cause a subset of the progress information to be sent to a receiving device, wherein the subset is determined based on a capability of the receiving device to present the content.   
     
     
         12 . The system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the receiving device is associated with the originating device according to an identifiable account. 
     
     
         13 . The system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the receiving device maintains a representation of the content corresponding to the progress information. 
     
     
         14 . The system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the data processing component is further operative to:
 determine that the receiving device is to receive a synchronization notification;   cause the synchronization notification to be sent to the receiving device; and   receive at least one request for progress information from the receiving device, wherein the request for progress information is responsive to the synchronization notification being sent to the receiving device.   
     
     
         15 . The system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the data processing component is further operative to determine the subset of the progress information as a function of at least one of a characteristic of the receiving device or a characteristic of the content. 
     
     
         16 . The system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the interface component processes the progress information by at least one of resolving a conflict with previously received progress information or generating adjusted progress information. 
     
     
         17 . A system comprising:
 a first computing system comprising a processor and a memory for executing a first set of computer-executable instructions, the first set of computer-executable instructions implementing an interface component that is operative to:   receive progress information associated with a presentation of content; and   a second computing system comprising a processor and a memory for executing a second set of computer-executable instructions, the second set of computer-executable instructions implementing a data processing component that is operative to:   cause a subset of the progress information to be sent to a receiving device, wherein the subset is determined based on a capability of the receiving device to present the content.   
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the capability of the receiving device comprises at least one of a capability to present video content or a capability to present audio content. 
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the presentation of content includes at least one of video or audio content. 
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the progress information represents a current reference point of a plurality of reference points that define the presentation of the content.