Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing group status within a social network are provided. A representative system includes a mobile device operative to: designate a set of mobile devices, each of the mobile devices being operative to communicate with others of the mobile devices and being associated with a respective member of a group of members of a social network; automatically generate group status information corresponding to a current status of the group of members; and provide the group status information to the social network.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an application program for determining crowdedness of a desired location. The portable communication device executes the application program to communicate within a wireless communication system for requesting mobile critical mass information for at least one desired location. The mobile critical mass information for the at least one desired location is received and converted into a user-understandable format. The converted mobile critical mass information is displayed as crowdedness information on a display of the portable communication device. Portable communication device users can seek out or avoid crowds depending on their preference.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided including a housing, an antenna associated with the housing and a multi-mode matching circuit operatively associated with the antenna. The multi-mode matching circuit is configured to operate in a first mode when the housing of the portable electronic device is in a first configuration and in a second mode when the housing of the portable electronic device is in a second configuration. Related methods of operating portable electronic devices including multi-mode matching circuits are also discussed.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an application program for determining crowdedness of a desired location. The portable communication device executes the application program to communicate within a wireless communication system for requesting mobile critical mass information for at least one desired location. The mobile critical mass information for the at least one desired location is received and converted into a user-understandable format. The converted mobile critical mass information is displayed as crowdedness information on a display of the portable communication device. Portable communication device users can seek out or avoid crowds depending on their preference.

Abstract: A method is provided for dialing a telephone number from a communication device that includes an alphanumeric input device. The alphanumeric input device allows selection of a plurality of alphabetic characters and selection of a plurality of numeric characters. An alphabetic character that is selected among the plurality of alphabetic characters is sensed. The sensed alphabetic character is translated into a number. A numeric character, that is selected separately from the selection of the alphabetic character, is sensed. A telephone number that includes the translated number and the sensed numeric character is dialed.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided including a housing, an antenna associated with the housing and a multi-mode matching circuit operatively associated with the antenna. The multi-mode matching circuit is configured to operate in a first mode when the housing of the portable electronic device is in a first configuration and in a second mode when the housing of the portable electronic device is in a second configuration. Related methods of operating portable electronic devices including multi-mode matching circuits are also discussed.

Abstract: A method is provided for dialing a telephone number from a communication device that includes an alphanumeric input device. The alphanumeric input device allows selection of a plurality of alphabetic characters and selection of a plurality of numeric characters. An alphabetic character that is selected among the plurality of alphabetic characters is sensed. The sensed alphabetic character is translated into a number. A numeric character, that is selected separately from the selection of the alphabetic character, is sensed. A telephone number that includes the translated number and the sensed numeric character is dialed.

Abstract: A mobile terminal searches for known individuals and acquaintances who may be in the vicinity of the user. A database of individual names and associated search codes is stored in the mobile terminal. Individual names may also be associated with a group. The user selects one or more individuals from the database that the user desires to find. The mobile terminal searches for other compatible devices and exchanges search codes with any found devices. If the search code received from a found device matches a search code for a selected individual or group, the user is notified. The identity of the found party may also be provided to the user as part of the notification.

Abstract: A system and method of receiving specific information at a mobile terminal from a help server. The mobile terminal sends a request to the help server that includes at least one context sensitive datum. The help server receives the request and obtains a reply based on the context sensitive data. The reply is then sent to the mobile terminal where it is communicated to a user. In one embodiment, a help request may be sent from the mobile terminal as the user is in need of specific help in overcoming a problem.