The present disclosure relates to signal processing. One claim recites a method comprising: receiving an imagery or audio file; utilizing a configured multi-purpose electronic processor, identifying perceptual features in the imagery or audio file; and based on the perceptual features or data representing the perceptual features automatically creating metadata for the imagery or audio file. The act of automatically creating metadata utilizes at least some data obtained from a process in a portable computing device, the process comprises communication with a device that is separate from an apparatus that is performing the method. Of course, other claims and are provided too.