Methods and apparatus for providing media from content providers using a network interface device

Abstract

A network bridge connects a host device, such as digital media player, cell phone or camera, to content sources over a network to permit the host device to transmit or receive digital media. The network bridge includes a network interface module that identifies at least one media source as well as digital media available on the network. A host device interface module receives, from the host device, file system requests in accordance with a protocol, such as a mass storage protocol. In response to the request, a host device protocol interface module on the network bridge translates the file system request to a request for digital media. The network interface module acquires digital media from the media source, and the host device interface module transfers the digital media to the host device in accordance with the interface protocol. The network bridge may connect to one or more services that provide content to the host device. For example, the services may be accessible over the Internet. In other embodiments, the network bridge implements protocols to add functionality to the host device.