Cross-Device App Download via Automatic Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are not aware of or unable to easily download and execute companion apps on different devices within the same network, such as smartphones and TVs, limiting the potential for enhanced user experiences through convergence.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device queries a second device for a compatible app, prompts the user for permission to install or execute the app, and facilitates the download and execution of the companion app on the second device, even if they have different operating systems, using protocols like UPnP and Bon Jour for discovery and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually downloads and executes an app on a TV using a remote control, then the app can be installed on the TV, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the TV device, checking for compatible apps, and initiating the download process before the user explicitly requests it. The first device queries the second device to determine if a compatible app is already installed, and if not, automatically downloads it from an app marketplace, eliminating the need for manual remote control navigation through app stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the first device to autonomously complete the entire app installation process on the second device without requiring user intervention. The device automatically selects compatible apps, initiates downloads, and handles installation, making the system serve itself rather than requiring the user to manually guide each step through a remote control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices on a network are made to communicate and share information automatically, then convergence and user experience are enhanced, but device complexity and communication protocols increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by designing a multi-functional communication framework that handles multiple tasks through a single integrated protocol. The communication mechanism between devices not only discovers compatible apps but also automatically initiates downloads, manages installation, and coordinates execution across different device types and operating systems, reducing the need for separate specialized protocols for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The user experience of application downloading and usage between multiple devices in a network is enhanced. One instance of an app on a first device is able to identify and verify installation and/or execution of a companion app on a second device where the two devices may have entirely different platforms (e.g., smartphone operating system and TV platform). The experience for users who have devices on the same network converge in order to improve the user experience with respect to a particular app. In this manner, an enhanced and efficient means of providing an n-screen experience with the app is enabled; ways that provide synergy between devices on the same network.