Method and system for navigation using media transport controls

A method in a computer system, comprising:

• launching an application for navigating and accessing one type of media content;
• browsing the content using transport controls;
• playing a portion of the content using the transport controls;
• launching a second application for a different type of media content, wherein the second application comprises a voice mail-capable application, that includes at least one of a spreadsheet application and a word processing application, having annotations that use at least one member of a set containing visual, audible, and tactile content;
• browsing the different type of media content using the transport controls;
• and
• playing a portion of the different type of media content using the transport controls.

A method for accessing voice mail in a computer system, comprising:

• Selecting a voice mail message from a list of voice mail messages using transport controls that are independent of a voice mail application program such that the transport controls are operable to interface with at least one other media application other than a voice mail application;
• playing the voice mail message that was selected;
• recording a reply to the voice mail played;
• and
• sending the reply to the sender of the voice mail.

A general purpose computer system for navigating and accessing content, comprising:

• a plurality of applications, at least one of the applications handling a different type of media content than another application, and wherein at least one of the applications comprises a voice mail application;
• transport controls independent of the applications for inputting commands to navigate and access content of the applications;
• and
• an operating system having a component operably coupled to the transport controls and the applications, the component receiving the input commands from the transport controls and sending the input commands to the applications,
• wherein the voice mail application receives an input command corresponding to the transport controls for reviewing a recorded reply to a voice mail message.