Mobile electronic device and audio server for coordinated playout of audio media content

A method by a mobile electronic device operating with other mobile electronic devices forming a group for coordinated playout of audio media content, the method comprising:

• determining a common time sync shared with the other mobile electronic devices;
• determining a timing of occurrence of a sound transient that is sensed by a microphone of the mobile electronic device relative to the common time sync;
• receiving timing reports from the other mobile electronic devices, wherein each of the timing reports indicates a timing of occurrence of the sound transient sensed by a microphone of a respect one of the other mobile electronic devices relative to the common time sync, wherein the sound transient sensed by the mobile electronic devices is generated at a preferred listening location that is separate from the mobile electronic device and the other mobile electronic devices;
• and
• coordinating timing of playout of audio media content by the group of mobile electronic devices responsive to comparison of the timing of occurrence of the sound transient sensed by the microphone of the mobile electronic device and the timing of occurrences indicated by the timing reports.

An audio server for coordinated playout of audio media content through a group of mobile electronic devices, the audio server comprising:

• a network interface circuit configured for communication with the mobile electronic devices;
• a processor operationally connected to the network interface circuit;
• and
• a memory storing program code that is executed by the processor to perform operations comprising:
• receiving timing reports from the mobile electronic devices, wherein each of the timing reports indicates a timing of occurrence of a sound transient sensed by a microphone of a respect one of the mobile electronic devices relative to a common time sync shared among the mobile electronic devices, wherein the sound transient sensed by the mobile electronic devices is generated at a preferred listening location that is separate from the mobile electronic device and the other mobile electronic devices;
• and
• controlling timing of playout of audio media content by the group of mobile electronic devices responsive to comparison of the timing of occurrences indicated by the timing reports.