Multi-factor application selection

A method for selecting an application to deliver content in a networked consumer environment ( 12 ) is based on multiple factors. Generally, application selection is based on factors associated with a desired content to be communicated and/or rendered, a desired location and certain capabilities and conditions of applications and consumer electronic (CE) devices in a network ( 18 ). In various embodiments, the method is based on any combination of equivalent content, content type, sink resource, content source, preference, and resource availability factors. In another aspect of the invention, a consumer environment for multi-factor application selection includes a network with various combination of sink resources ( 22 ), source resources ( 24 ), processing resources ( 26, 30 ), and external communication resources ( 28, 32 ). The network ( 18 ) may also include mobile devices ( 34 ).