Abstract: Techniques for use in a mobile device for obtaining location information with use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) involve receiving, through a user interface of the mobile device, a voice call request for establishing a voice call; and in response to receiving the voice call request: comparing a selected telephone number of the voice call request with one or more predetermined telephone numbers stored in memory of the mobile device; if the selected telephone number matches one of the predetermined telephone numbers stored in the memory: prior to initiating the voice call, performing a GPS fix with the GPS system for obtaining the location information of the mobile device; if the selected telephone number fails to match one of the predetermined telephone numbers stored in the memory: refraining from performing the GPS fix for obtaining the location information of the mobile device prior to establishing the voice call; and initiating the voice call from the mobile device via a wireless network.

Abstract: A device and method for placing the device in a locked state having an associated set of permitted tasks so as to permit the device owner to share the device with others but maintain security over aspects of the device. A task change request is evaluated to determine whether the requested task is permitted and, if so, the requested task is allowed; if not, then an authorization process is invoked to prompt the user to input authorization data. Upon verification of the authorization data, the device may be unlocked and the requested change implemented. The permitted tasks may designate specific applications, specific operations or functions within applications or at the operating system level, one or more currently open windows, and other levels of granularity.

Abstract: A spacer for use in a mobile device fills the space between a component assembly and a housing. The spacer includes a layer of compressible material for insertion between the component assembly and the housing. A plurality of compressible features are provided on a face of the layer. Upon insertion of the component assembly and assembly of the housing, the compressible features are compressed to fill a gap between the component assembly and the housing without over-compressing the main body of the spacer, allowing the body of the spacer to cushion any subsequent impact to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of accommodating legacy devices in which application memory is not able to operate fast enough to reliably receive data from a relay or other external device is disclosed. An application queue memory space is provided, either as a separate memory chip or as an area created and maintained by program code, to act as an intermediary between the slower application memory and the external device. This application queue memory space is preferably a transport stack.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is provided for use in a keyboard assembly of a mobile device having a plurality of keys in a key layout. The printed circuit board has a plurality of contacts, such as dome switches, arranged in a contact layout. The contact layout is such that it can be used with a plurality of different key layouts, each actuating different combinations of contacts. Some keys in a particular key layout are overlying at least two of the plurality of contacts, and such keys actuate only one of the underlying contacts. As such, a common printed circuit board can be used for a plurality of complementary mobile device designs having different key layouts, thereby allowing a manufacturer to realize cost efficiencies.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating access terminal paging. A first non common portion of first and second identities are ordered. Once ordered, the non common portions are included in an access terminal paging message. The ordering of the non common portions are determinative of conveyance of a first additional identity bit.

Abstract: A method for indicating a structure of control information for a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) is provided. The method comprises separating a multicast control channel (MCCH) of an MBMS transmission into a first portion and a second portion and arranging the separated MCCH into either a first structure wherein the first portion includes at least one pointer to a location of the second structure, or a second structure wherein the first portion directly includes the second portion. The method further includes including in a downlink transmission an indicator to indicate which of the first structure and the second structure is used.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a selectable feature on a display of an electronic device, detecting a touch on a touch-sensitive input device, wherein the touch is associated with the selectable feature, and displaying a preview of information from an application associated with the selectable feature.

Abstract: Methods are described for use in a mobile device such that when the mobile device is connected to a generic access network (GAN) cell, the mobile device receives information including characteristics pertaining to one or more neighbour cells in a network that are not GAN cells. The mobile device can then determine at least a list of candidate neighbour cells for handover from the GAN cell to a cell that is not a GAN cell as a function of the information. In some embodiments of the invention the network that is not a GAN is a UTRAN network and a candidate list of 3G cells are generated.

Abstract: An event entry is stored in a computing device, the event entry having a start time associated therewith. A plurality of alerts are provided at respective times prior to the start time, and one of a plurality of levels of notification to be associated with each of the plurality of alerts, wherein the plurality of levels are distinguishable from each other to enable the alerts to be escalated by changing the level associated with each subsequent alert. An initial alert is provided prior to the start time, the initial alert comprising a first level of notification and, upon detecting an increased urgency associated with the event entry subsequent to the initial alert, a next alert is provided prior to the start time, the next alert providing a second level of notification to thereby escalate the next alert with respect to the initial alert.

Abstract: A method for assisted message generation on an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: receiving from an input device a request to compose an electronic message; identifying a message recipient associated with the electronic message; determining from a datastore a suggested message component for the electronic message in dependence on the identified message recipient; and displaying the suggested message components on a display screen of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shuffling a media file in a playlist. A first playlist order of a plurality of media files is created for displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to one of the plurality of media files. The plurality icons are arranged according to the first playlist order on the display. Upon receiving a request for a second playlist order a second playlist order is created. While displaying the plurality of icons in the first playlist order, movement of at least two icons on the display is shown between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the first playlist order and the second position corresponds to the second playlist order.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for identifying availability of services in a radio network of a radio communication system. A system information message is generated at the radio access network that identifies the service availability of the radio network, such as by indicating the communication services supported by the network. The system information message, once generated, is communicated upon a broadcast control channel, or other appropriate channel, and delivered to a mobile node. The mobile node detects the system information message and determines the availability of services of the radio network therefrom. Selection of whether to register with the network is made responsive to whether the network supports the communication service that the mobile node intends to initiate.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic key and certificate management is disclosed. In particular, a key store in a base computer contains both new and previously viewed cryptographic keys. In one embodiment, for each new key, if a corresponding certificate matches an existing certificate, the new certificate may be automatically downloaded to a mobile communications device without prompting a user.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, facilitates enterprise control of enterprise data at a personal-liable wireless device. A network-generated command, generated by a network command generator is sent to the wireless device. The command is detected at the wireless device, and the contents of the detected command are ascertained. The affected data is accessed, and disposition is made of the affected, enterprise data.

Abstract: An optical navigation subsystem may be used when obtaining a candidate fingerprint for a mobile communication device (e.g., for authentication purposes). To accommodate such use of the optical navigation subsystem, the optical navigation subsystem may be adapted to automatically adjust a processed image sensor window from a first set of window dimensions (e.g., suitable for optical navigation) to a second set of window dimensions (e.g., suitable for fingerprint capture). Alternatively, a single, static set of window dimension may be employed in conjunction with stitching algorithms, or other methods suitable for forming candidate fingerprint images by combining a plurality of images obtained using the static set of window dimension.

Abstract: A boot method an apparatus are described which reduce the likelihood of a security breach in a mobile device, preferably in a situation where a reset has been initiated. A predetermined security value, or password, is stored, for example in BootROM. A value of a security location within FLASH memory is read and the two values are compared. Polling of the serial port is selectively performed, depending on the result of such comparison. In a presently preferred embodiment, if the value in the security location matches the predetermined security value, then polling of the serial port is not performed. This reduces potential security breaches caused in conventional arrangements where code may be downloaded from the serial port and executed, which allows anyone to access and upload programs and data in the FLASH memory, including confidential and proprietary information.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information from a device under test (DUT) to a computer or person outside of a shielded testing chamber. The DUT can be, for example, a cellular device, that is being verified for cellular transmission or regulatory compliance. In addition to the cellular transmissions, the DUT can communicate information outside the shielded testing chamber via additional electromagnetic signals that are not sent via a cable, thereby obviating the need for a cable inside of the shielded testing chamber. The absence of a cable minimizes interference in the chamber because a cable can act as an antenna and interfere with the cellular transmissions being transmitted.

Abstract: A mobile device such as a wireless communication device includes a component to automatically switch between profiles defining user notification options for notifying of device events such as new data or voice communications, calendar or alarm events. Switching is automated upon the happening of a switching condition defined in response to time or location information or both. For example, a user may enable a profile which disables event notification for a particular duration or while the user is at a particular location. That profile may be expired and automatically switched to another profile to re-enable notification upon the expiry of the duration or change to the location.

Abstract: A dual-antenna diversity antenna system that operates within a low frequency band range is disclosed. Two antennas are folded separately onto a single three dimensional dielectric substrate in a meander pattern configuration. Each antenna has an independent feed port and ground pin. The two antennas are configured within a compact mobile terminal to produce high isolation and low correlation at resonating frequencies within the 700 Megahertz frequency band.