A mobile information processing device includes a transmitting unit and a providing unit. The transmitting unit transmits a print instruction to a light-receiving unit of an image output device via visible light communication. The providing unit suggests to a user an operation of projecting visible light onto the image output device when the print instruction is to be transmitted to the light-receiving unit via the visible light communication.

An image output device includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit transmits, via visible-light communication, information for identifying the image output device as a destination of second communication different from the visible-light communication. The receiving unit receives a print instruction from a mobile information processing device via the second communication in accordance with the information. The transmitting unit stops emission of light for the visible-light communication in response to receipt of the print instruction by the receiving unit.

An output device or controller supporting voice activated commands by using a portable electronic device is herein disclosed and enabled. The output device may be a television, a controller connectable to a television, a printer, a sound output device, or a projector. The portable electronic device for wirelessly managing or driving the output device may include a microphone to receive voice activated commands. The output device includes wireless circuitry to establish a direct wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.) with the portable electronic device, and subsequently, the output device, using the established direct wireless connection, is operable to: wirelessly receive first information from the portable electronic device; wirelessly send to the portable electronic device second information in response to receiving the first information; and wirelessly receive from the portable electronic device data related to voice activated commands from a user.

A wireless device that includes a wireless communication unit compatible with at least a protocol within IEEE 802.11 for establishing a wireless local area network is herein disclosed and enabled. To connect the wireless device to a wireless local area network, the wireless device may first establish a Bluetooth connection with a mobile information apparatus, such as smart phone or information pad. Subsequently, the wireless device receives a password or authentication information from the mobile information apparatus for accessing the wireless local area network. Thereafter, the wireless device is connected for receiving or transmitting digital content over the wireless local area network. Additionally, the wireless device may further be connected to the Internet for accessing a service operated over the Internet via the wireless local area network. The wireless device may further receive identification or authentication information automatically from the mobile information apparatus for accessing the service over Internet.

An output device, such as a television or an output controller, that includes a wired interface and a wireless interface for connecting to a local area network is herein disclosed and enabled. The wired interface includes an Ethernet connection, and the wireless interface includes a wireless communication unit that is compatible with at least one protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards for connecting to a wireless local area network. For added security, the output device may include a user interface to allow the user of the output device to enter a password or security code for accessing the wireless local area network. After connecting to the local area network, whether by wired connection or by wireless communication, the output device is subsequently configured for receiving digital content from a server over the Internet or for connecting to a mobile information apparatus that is within the same network.

Output devices supporting wireless device discovery are herein disclosed and enabled. To setup an output device for wireless connection, wireless device discovery is performed by a client of the output device to discover the output device. Upon being discovered, the output device may provide or transmit identification or information related to the output device to the client for establishing a wireless connection. Subsequently, the output device may receive, via the wireless connection, digital content from the client for output. Wireless device discovery operations may be based on one or more of a close proximity wireless communication, a Bluetooth wireless communication, or a direct wireless communication compatible with a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards. Security information, such as a password, biometrics, or a PIN, may be required for establishing the wireless connection. The output device may automatically obtain the security information from the client or may require, in part, user input.

Printers that support wireless printing or printing over air are herein disclosed and enabled. The printer includes a wireless communication unit that supports part of IEEE 802.11 wireless standards and a device discovery component to facilitate a client to discover the printer; wherein subsequent to being discovered by the client, the printer may wirelessly transmit at least part of an output device profile to the client that has discovered the printer, the output device profile includes information related to the printer. After the printer is selected or identified for service, the printer may receive from the client print data that is conformed based, at least partly, to the transmitted output device profile. A device specific driver may or may not be necessary for printing. The device discovery may be based on a close proximity wireless device communication, a direct wireless communication, or a local area network communication.