System and method for placeshifting media playback

A method for enabling playback of a media file to be shifted between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, the method comprising, at the first electronic device:

• detecting an indication of a handoff operation to the first electronic device from the second electronic device, wherein the media file is being played at the second electronic device;
• and
• in response to detecting the indication, automatically, and without user intervention, carrying out steps that include:
• establishing a communication link with the second electronic device;
• causing the second electronic device to pause the playback of the media file and provide, to a web service to which both the first electronic device and the second electronic device are subscribed, (i) the media file, and (ii) playback information about the media file that indicates a point at which the playback of the media file was paused at the second electronic device;
• in response to providing a request to the web service for the media file, receiving, from the web service (i) the media file, and (ii) the playback information;
• loading, from among a plurality of applications available at the first electronic device, a specific application for playing back the media file based on a type of the media file;
• and
• causing the specific application to resume the playback of the media file in accordance with the playback information.