Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: A wireless communication handset includes at least one processor and is configured to shutdown at least one of a display, display backlight and keypad backlight of the handset. A first timer is set when the display is turned on, and the first timer is started to time a display time-out period. If a keypad entry is made by a user during the timeout period, the first timer is reset. On the other hand, if a keypad entry is not made by the user before the time-out period expires, the display is shut off to conserve power. Likewise, a time-out period can be implemented to control automatic shut-off of other power-consuming features such as a display backlight and a keypad backlight. Features can be included to automatically re-enable shut-down features upon the occurrence of events such as the receipt of an incoming call, a keypad entry, or the opening of a flip panel on the handset.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more tiers of alternative rates or rate plans to wireless telephone subscribers utilizes one or more home regions, in which the subscriber can make and receive wireless calls at reduced service rates. The home regions are preferably defined within the wireless subscriber's local calling area and can be defined as a region in proximity with the subscriber's home, office, or other location. Additionally, a second tier of reduced rate services can be provided in another region referred to as the home-perimeter region. The home-perimeter region, in one embodiment, is a subset of the home region, and preferably covers an area somewhat equivalent to the area covered by the subscriber's conventional land line services. As such, the subscriber can make wireless calls in or near his or her home, office, or other location at rates competitive to those offered by land line service providers.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.