Methods and apparatus for gathering research data indicating exposure to media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first wireless receiver to receive a first modulated audio signal via a wireless data connection from a media device using a wireless communication protocol, the first modulated audio signal associated with the media, the first wireless receiver to output a baseband audio signal corresponding to the first modulated audio signal. The example apparatus includes a first wireless transmitter to modulate the baseband audio signal to form a second modulated audio signal, the first wireless transmitter to transmit the second modulated audio signal to wireless headphones using the wireless communication protocol. The example apparatus includes a monitoring device to receive the baseband audio signal, and to generate research data identifying the media, the media device including a second wireless transmitter to transmit the first modulated audio signal to the first wireless receiver, and the wireless headphones including a second wireless receiver to receive the second modulated audio signal from the first wireless transmitter.

An improved portable media device and methods for operating a media device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the portable media device can also function as a solid-state drive for data storage. The form factor of the portable media device can be hand-held or smaller, such that it is highly portable. The portable media device can use one or more status indicators. The portable media device can also include a peripheral bus connector, a rechargeable battery, and one or more input devices. According to another aspect, the portable media device has the capability to store media device status information in persistent memory before powering down. Thereafter, when the portable media device is again powered up, the stored media player status information can be retrieved and utilized. According to still another aspect, the portable media device can form and/or traverse a media asset playlist in an efficient manner.

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying that a first audio stream includes first, second, and third sources of audio. A computing system identifies that a second audio stream includes the first, second, and third sources of audio. The computing system determines that the first and second sources of audio are part of a first conversation. The computing system generates a third audio stream that combines the first source of audio from the first audio stream, the first source of audio from the second audio stream, the second source of audio from the first audio stream, and the second source of audio from the second audio stream, and diminishes the third source of audio from the first audio stream, and the third source of audio from the second audio stream.

Methods and apparatus to monitor a media presentation are disclosed. An example system includes a monitoring device to monitor a media presentation and generate research data identifying the media. A bridge device includes a housing dimensioned to receive the monitoring device, a receiver carried by the housing to receive a first audio signal via a wireless data connection from an audio source device using a wireless communication protocol, the first audio signal associated with the media. The bridge device includes an audio emitter to emit the audio signal for receipt by the monitoring device, and a transmitter to transmit the audio signal to an audio receiver device using the wireless communication protocol.

The present teachings generally include time-aligned additive recordings, e.g., for remote music production, dialog post-production, and the like. In this manner, the present teachings can provide a substantially real-time, collaborative experience between two or more remote users—e.g., producer and collaborator(s). Specifically, through the use of audio ‘watermarks’ (as discrete signals or embedded within data corresponding to first audio content such as recorded music or film/video audio) that can be sent to a collaborator, replicated in a time-aligned manner, and returned (as discreet signals or embedded within data corresponding to second audio content such as musical or dialog content), an additive multitrack audio recording can be created with precise time-alignment maintained during monitoring of the recording itself and in the resulting second audio, thus effectively emulating an in-person audio production session. The present teachings can also enable the development of supplemental services such as collaborator networks and/or marketplaces.

A device includes a memory configured to store a captured audio input signal and one or more processors configured to process the captured audio input signal to determine auditory context information within the captured audio input signal. The one or more processors are configured to determine an audio quality enhancement level to be applied to the captured audio input signal based on the determined auditory context information, and perform audio quality enhancement on the captured audio input signal based on the determined audio quality enhancement level, wherein the audio quality enhancement level is dynamically adjusted during the storing of the captured audio input signal according to the determined auditory context information.

The invention relates to an interactive backpack comprising a backpack body which in turn includes a figure of a character, the backpack also comprising: audio means for recording and reproducing sound; a movable part; mechanical means for moving the movable part; and control means comprising an actuator disposed in a position on the body of the backpack which is linked to the figure of the character, the actuator being configured to initiate sound recording and automatic reproduction of the recorded sound.

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying that a first audio stream includes first, second, and third sources of audio. A computing system identifies that a second audio stream includes the first, second, and third sources of audio. The computing system determines that the first and second sources of audio are part of a first conversation. The computing system generates a third audio stream that combines the first source of audio from the first audio stream, the first source of audio from the second audio stream, the second source of audio from the first audio stream, and the second source of audio from the second audio stream, and diminishes the third source of audio from the first audio stream, and the third source of audio from the second audio stream.

A wireless audio streaming system for swimmers and underwater applications uses directional transmission antennas, one or more reception antennas worn on a user, and a combination of radio frequency and near-field magnetic induction communication, for streaming audio to a swimmer, buffering the streamed audio, and allowing the user to play the audio on a wireless, waterproof headset.

A recording device comprises a first transmission unit, a switching and control unit, a sound quality sampling and encoding-decoding unit, a second transmission unit, a data access unit, a data writing unit, and a memory unit. A first digital audio source signal of an electronic device is transmitted from the first transmission unit to the switching and control unit. The sound quality sampling and encoding-decoding unit is electrically connected to the switching and control unit, receives and converts the aforementioned signal into a first digital audio signal and a first analog audio source signal. A second analog audio source signal of an audio receiving and transmitting device is converted into a second digital audio signal by the sound quality sampling and encoding-decoding unit. The data writing unit receives the first and second digital audio signals and writes the first and second digital audio signals into the memory unit.