System and method for playback of media content with audio spinner functionality

A method for playback of media content, including the use of audible notifications, comprising:

• displaying, at a media device having a user interface, a visual array of media options, wherein each media option is associated with one or more media content items that can be streamed to or played at the media device;
• while a selected point or region is moved within the visual array in response to user input, determining media content items associated with one or more media options proximate to the selected point or region, to be played;
• determine, when a particular media option is selected to be played, whether an actual or anticipated delay prior to playback of one or more associated media content items or samples associated therewith exceeds a maximum acceptable delay time;
• and
• if the actual or anticipated delay prior to playback is determined to exceed a maximum acceptable delay time, then play an audible notification while prebuffering the associated media content items or samples associated therewith.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, including instructions stored thereon which when read and executed by a computer or media device causes the computer or media device to perform the steps comprising:

• displaying, at a user interface, a visual array of media options, wherein each media option is associated with one or more media content items that can be streamed to or played on the media device;
• determining, while a selected point or region is moved within the visual array in response to user input, media content items associated with one or more media options proximate to the selected point or region, to be played;
• determine, when a particular media option is selected to be played, whether an actual or anticipated delay prior to playback of one or more associated media content items or samples associated therewith exceeds a maximum acceptable delay time;
• and
• if the actual or anticipated delay prior to playback is determined to exceed a maximum acceptable delay time, then play an audible notification while prebuffering the associated media content items or samples associated therewith.