The present invention relates generally to obtaining metadata associated with images, audio and video. Once claim recites a method including: obtaining data corresponding to media content from a handheld device, the data representing picture elements of an image or video or representing audible portions of an audio signal; computing attributes of the data using a processor, said act of computing utilizes the processor to operate on the data; using computed attributes of the data to identify the media content or to identify metadata associated with the media content; obtaining metadata associated with the media content; and providing the metadata to the handheld device from a network resource. Other combinations and claims are provided as well.