The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory or a storage device) for automatically stabilizing a volume of different audio streams/contents to predefined boundary levels which may be requested by a user. According to an embodiment, an automated volume control feature may allow a user to set the highest level of volume for any audio stream played on a user's device for automatically adjusting the incoming audio content volume of audio streams not to exceed at least the highest level of volume set as the maximum threshold volume.

An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including storing an active volume state variable in memory, where the active volume state variable corresponds to a current playback volume. The functions also include storing a volume limit state variable in memory, where the volume limit state variable corresponds to a playback volume limit of the playback device. The functions also include receiving, from a control device, a command to begin playback of media, and determining whether the control device is located in a second zone of the media playback system different from the first zone. Based on whether the control device is located in the second zone of the media playback system different from the first zone, the functions include selecting a startup playback volume to be one of the current playback volume or the playback volume limit, and then playing back media at the startup playback volume.

An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including storing an active volume state variable in memory, where the active volume state variable corresponds to a current playback volume. The functions also include storing a volume limit state variable in memory, where the volume limit state variable corresponds to a playback volume limit of the playback device. The functions also include receiving, from a control device, a command to begin playback of media, and determining whether the control device is located in a second zone of the media playback system different from the first zone. Based on whether the control device is located in the second zone of the media playback system different from the first zone, the functions include selecting a startup playback volume to be one of the current playback volume or the playback volume limit, and then playing back media at the startup playback volume.

Methods for inputting commands to portable computing devices are disclosed. One method includes detecting a sound, analyzing attenuation of the detected sound in a predetermined frequency, and inputting a command to a portable computing device based on analysis of the detected sound. Apparatus and computer program products implementing the methods are also disclosed.

Methods for inputting commands to portable computing devices are disclosed. One method includes detecting a sound, analyzing attenuation of the detected sound in a predetermined frequency, and inputting a command to a portable computing device based on analysis of the detected sound. Apparatus and computer program products implementing the methods are also disclosed.

An audio device includes an amplifier having a volume control circuit, a communication circuit configured to communicate with a host apparatus, a processor, and a memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the audio device to perform: setting a volume value in the volume control circuit; receiving, from the host apparatus through the communication circuit, an instruction value indicating a volume value to be set in the volume control circuit; comparing the received instruction value with a set value that is a volume value set in the volume control circuit; and sending an instruction signal based on a comparison result to the host apparatus through the communication circuit.

An audio device includes an amplifier having a volume control circuit, a communication circuit configured to communicate with a host apparatus, a processor, and a memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the audio device to perform: setting a volume value in the volume control circuit; receiving, from the host apparatus through the communication circuit, an instruction value indicating a volume value to be set in the volume control circuit; comparing the received instruction value with a set value that is a volume value set in the volume control circuit; and sending an instruction signal based on a comparison result to the host apparatus through the communication circuit.

Audio information of audio content being listened to by a user is received. An aspect of a listening environment of the user is identified. A volume preset, based on the audio information and the aspect of the listening environment, is determined to be available. A first volume of the audio content being listened to by the user is determined to be different from the volume preset. The first volume of the audio content is adjusted to a second volume.

Audio information of audio content being listened to by a user is received. An aspect of a listening environment of the user is identified. A volume preset, based on the audio information and the aspect of the listening environment, is determined to be available. A first volume of the audio content being listened to by the user is determined to be different from the volume preset. The first volume of the audio content is adjusted to a second volume.

Disclosed are a volume adjusting device and an adjusting method thereof for enabling an electronic device such as a TV to perform a volume adjustment operation among operations executable by the electronic device according to a prediction model stored through machine learning based on communication with surrounding devices in a 5G communication environment. According to the present disclosure, when information indicating adjustment of the volume of an electronic device by a user is generated, volume adjustment information may be learned, and the volume may be automatically adjusted to a volume preferred by the user on the basis of the learned information when the user views a video on the electronic device.