Location-based audio service
Embodiments of the present invention provide a location-based audio service. According to one embodiment, a request for a desired audio stream having an inactive segment is received from a user operating a mobile device. Furthermore, geographic data may be monitored while the audio stream is being rendered on the mobile device. The location-based audio service is configured to determine relevant location-based information based on the geographic data, and then transmit the relevant information to the mobile device during the inactive segment of the desired audio stream.
1. A method for providing information to a user operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
receiving a request for services from the user via the mobile device, wherein the services include a desired audio stream having at least one inactive segment;
transmitting the desired audio stream to the mobile device in response to receiving the request;
monitoring geographic data from the mobile device while the audio stream is being rendered on the mobile device;
determining relevant location-based information based on the geographic data from the mobile device; and
transmitting the relevant location-based information to the mobile device for playback during the at least one inactive segment.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
storing, in a database, subscriber information and preferences associated with the user.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of determining relevant location-based information is further based on the stored subscriber information and preferences of the user.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the relevant location-based information includes news, entertainment, or information from a social networking website associated with the user.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the desired audio stream includes one of a podcast audio or streaming digital music.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the desired audio stream includes a plurality of inactive segments.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
transmitting the relevant location-based information to the mobile device for playback at each inactive segment of the plurality of inactive segments of the desired audio stream.
8. A method for providing information to a user operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
receiving a request for services from the user via the obi le device, wherein the services include at least one desired audio stream;
transmitting the desired audio stream to the mobile device in response to said request;
monitoring geographic data from the mobile device while the audio stream is being rendered on the mobile device;
determining relevant location-based information based on the geographic data from the mobile device; and
sending, during playback of the desired audio stream, an audible notification to the user alerting the user to an availability of the relevant location-based information.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
storing subscriber information and preferences associated with the user.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of determining relevant location-based information is based on the stored subscriber information and preferences of the user.
11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the audio stream includes at least one inactive segment.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
transmitting the relevant location-based information to the mobile device for playback during the at least one inactive segment of the desired audio stream.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the relevant location-based information is only transmitted to the mobile device upon receipt of an indication of manual activation by the user responsive to the audible notification.
14. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
receiving a request for relevant location-based information from the user as a result of user interaction with the mobile device; and
transmitting the relevant location-based information to the mobile device for playback in response to the request from the user.
15. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
interrupting playback of the desired audio stream upon receiving request for location-based information;
transmitting relevant location-based information to the mobile device for playback in response to the request from the user; and
automatically resuming playback of the desired audio stream upon completion of the playback of the relevant location-based information on the mobile device.
16. A method for providing information to a user operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
receiving a request for services from the user via the mobile device, wherein the request for services includes travel information;
determining a stream of relevant content based on the travel information received from the user; and
transmitting the stream of relevant content to the mobile device for playback.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the travel information includes a current geographic location of the mobile device and destination data input by the user.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein determining a stream of relevant comprises:
calculating a travel path based on the current geographic location of the mobile device and destination data input by the user: and
determining relevant location-based information based on the calculated travel path.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
storing subscriber information and preferences associated with the user, and
wherein the step of determining relevant a stream of relevant content is further based on the stored subscriber information and preferences of the user.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein the relevant content includes an audio stream, news, entertainment, or information from a social networking website associated with the user.