Abstract: A method for managing the application mode on a mobile device is provided. Messages containing instructions to change the application mode of a mobile device may be inspected to ensure the message conforms to security policies. The message may be modified to request a confirmation that the application mode has been changed according the instructions in the message. The delivery of the message may be ensured by overriding normal message delivery polices by repeatedly notifying the mobile device that the message is ready for download. The mobile device may update the application mode according to the instructions and send a confirmation message to a designated address.

Abstract: A method for managing and tracking a permission status for an application on a mobile device is provided. The privacy policy on a mobile device may require users to grant permission for an application to access certain capabilities (e.g., GPS, personal information manager) on the mobile device. The user may be presented an interface on the mobile device that allows the user to grant an application permission to access the capability. When the user grants an application permission to access a capability a message is sent to a remote privacy manager that tracks the permission status of applications on the mobile device. The user may view the permission status of each application through the Internet. The user may also use the privacy manager to remotely change the permissions on the mobile device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided comprising a processor, a memory, a loading application stored in the memory that accesses loading criteria for a first, second, and third ID wherein the criteria comprise measures of relative importance applied to variables associated with each of the IDs and wherein the IDs comprise at least one of an application, a media file, and a widget. The system determines a current value of at least one variable wherein variables comprise at least one of day of the week, time of day, and geographic location of the device and additionally comprise a first, a second, and a third event status associated with the first, second, and third ID, respectively. The system applies the criteria to the current values of the variables to determine a composite loading factor for each of the IDs and loads one of the IDs based on the factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a sequence of location data points to a mapping device. A cellular mobile station uses GPS satellite signals to compute its varying location over time and outputs the location as data points in a sequence to the mapping device. If the mobile station loses satellite communication, it transitions the output sequence to a static state in which the location data points are a substantial repetition of the last location that the mobile station determined from satellite signals. Further, when the mobile station detects that it has entered into a new cellular coverage area, it obtains satellite assistance data from its cellular carrier network and uses the data to renew satellite communication. The mobile station may then transition the sequence back to a dynamic state, with location data points determined over time based on received satellite signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mobile device advertising. The system includes a mobile device, a content provider, and an advertisement provider. A plurality of location fix technologies is executed to determine a plurality of location fixes for the mobile device, and the plurality of location fixes is stored in the mobile device. A location request is received for the mobile device, the plurality of stored location fixes is retrieved from the mobile device, and the plurality of stored location fixes is sent to the content provider. The content provider receives the plurality of location fixes for the mobile device from the mobile device, forwards the plurality of location fixes to the advertisement provider, and transmits content to the mobile device. The advertisement provider selects an advertisement based on location fixes, and transmits the advertisement to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for reporting mobile subscriber location is disclosed. Upon receipt of a request to report the location of a given mobile subscriber, a server may identify the subscriber's “buddies” and then determine, for each buddy, whether the buddy is located in the same zone as the given subscriber. The zone may be, for example, a subnet of a network. Additionally, the server may determine whether a rule is set to block reporting of the given subscriber's location to the buddy. Provided that the buddy is located in the same zone as the given subscriber and provided that reporting is allowed, the server may then send a location-reporting message to the buddy, indicating the given subscriber's location, preferably in terms of proximity to the buddy. The server may further receive a reply from the buddy and then send a location-reporting reply message to the given subscriber, indicating the location of the buddy.

Abstract: A method for inferring location of a mobile device is provided. A radio frequency fingerprint is taken for a mobile device, wherein the radio frequency fingerprint includes cell tower data and cell sector data that includes a cell sector through which the mobile device is not communicating. Whether the radio frequency fingerprint matches a previous radio frequency fingerprint associated with a location fix is determined. A location fix technology is executed for the mobile device in response to a determination that the radio frequency fingerprint does not match the previous radio frequency fingerprint.

Abstract: In a communication system, a wireless communication device receives and processes a text message including a location request code and a communication code. In response to the location request code, the wireless communication device transfers a location query indicating the communication code. An authorization computer system receives the location query and processes the communication code to determine if the location request should be authorized. If the location request should be authorized, the authorization computer system transfers a location authorization. The wireless communication device processes the location authorization, and in response, transfers geographic location information using the communication code to control delivery of the geographic location information to a location receiving system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for finding a most convenient point of interest for a traveler traveling along a route to a destination. The method includes the steps of identifying the location of the traveler, receiving one or more traveler-specified convenience criteria (e.g., maximum distance or time off-route to arrive at the point of interest); receiving a traveler-specified type of point of interest (e.g., hotel, sporting goods store, ice cream parlor) indicating the type of point of interest the traveler wishes to go to while traveling to the destination; searching through a database containing points of interests and their locations for points of interest of the type specified by the traveler meeting the traveler-specified convenience criteria; and providing instructions to the traveler to travel to at least one of the points of interest identified in the searching step if the searching step resulted in finding at least one point of interest meeting the convenience criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for location based subject matter teleconferencing is disclosed. A user makes a request to join a teleconference based on the user's location and subject matter. A conference-call-setup-system (“CCSS”) receives the request. The CCSS determines the location of the user and identifies the teleconference that matches the request. Additionally, the CCSS may use the time of the request when identifying the teleconference that matches the request. The CCSS then arranges for a conference bridge to join the user to the teleconference. As a result, the user can communicate with other users in the same general location who want to discuss the same subject matter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mobile device advertising. The system includes a mobile device, a content provider, and an advertisement provider. A plurality of location fix technologies is executed to determine a plurality of location fixes for the mobile device, and the plurality of location fixes is stored in the mobile device. A location request is received for the mobile device, the plurality of stored location fixes is retrieved from the mobile device, and the plurality of stored location fixes is sent to the content provider. The content provider receives the plurality of location fixes for the mobile device from the mobile device, forwards the plurality of location fixes to the advertisement provider, and transmits content to the mobile device. The advertisement provider selects an advertisement based on location fixes, and transmits the advertisement to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering location information through a voice messaging system is provided. A mobile subscriber may be directed to a voice messaging system if a party is unavailable or chooses not to accept the call. The mobile subscriber may indicate to the voice messaging system that he would like to have his location information be made available to the party. The voice messaging system may contact a location system to obtain the location of the mobile subscriber based on the location of the mobile subscriber's terminal. The party may retrieve the mobile subscriber's location information from the voice messaging system.