Abstract: A method of using a first communications device, such as a mobile telephone, together with at least one other communications device, such as a telephone, comprises the steps of playing back audio signals in the first communications device, transmitting the same audio signals to the other communications device, and playing back the audio signals in the other communications device. By transmitting the audio signals played back in the first communications device to the other device and playing them back there, shared audio listening is achieved and in this way the communications devices can be used also for the shared listening to e.g. music. Thus it is possible for two persons present at different locations to listen to the same audio signals simultaneously or at least almost simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electronic device uses a reading device and a specially formatted surface. The specially formatted surface includes a predefined address pattern and at least one field for use in performing a control function on the electronic device. By detecting a portion of the address pattern that is adjacent to the reading device, a position of the reading device can be determined. Furthermore, by repeatedly detecting portions of the address pattern, movement of the reading device relative to the address pattern can also be determined. When a detected position or movement is within a control field, a corresponding control function can be performed on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating functions on an electronic device includes using a sensor to detect a pattern on a specially formatted surface. The pattern can comprise an arrangement of dots, a particular symbol printed on the surface, or a specific pattern written with an electronic reading device. Using the detected pattern, a corresponding predefined function stored in a memory is identified and performed by a processor/controller. The electronic device can include an electronic reading device that includes the sensor and the processor/controller or can include a device that is separate from the sensor. Similarly, the function can be stored in the electronic reading device, in the electronic device that performs the function, or in an external server. The specially formatted surface preferably comprises a paper having preprinted areas associated with particular functions and/or applications executable on the electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user input to a device of any type uses an electronic reader. The device can be any type of physical object and includes an address pattern statically printed thereon or generated in the background of a display. By detecting a portion of the address pattern, the device can be identified and a particular location on the device can be determined. This information can be used to control or otherwise provide input to the device, such as when the device is an electronic device, or to initiate a function or store information relating to one or more detected positions of the electronic reader.

Abstract: A connecting device (5; 15; 31) for connecting an accessory device (7; 32) to a portable communications device (1) is equipped with means (11; 18; 37) for holding the accessory device in a position at a side of the portable communications device (1). When the accessory device is held in a position at a side of the portable communications device, the extension of the communications device in its longitudinal direction, and thus the risk of breakage, is avoided. It is no longer needed to store the accessory device separately. The connecting device may comprise an electrotextile having conductive fibres woven together with traditional non-conducting fibres. The electrotextile provides softness and at the same time the possibility of having electric connections in the material.

Abstract: An accessory device (8; 19) for use in connection with a mobile telephone (1) and connectable to at least one sound reproducing unit (13) comprises means for playing back audio files as audibly perceptible signals via the sound reproducing unit (13). It further comprises cable means (9) for connection to the mobile telephone (1), and a microphone (11). By using a cable between the accessory device and the mobile telephone the two devices can be placed separated from each other. This removes the risk of breaking the two devices from each other, and the accessory device can be designed independently of the design of a specific phone model. By further incorporating a microphone in the device there is no longer a need for having a microphone in the headset, and thus a normal standard headset without a built-in microphone can be used.

Abstract: A method of using a first communications device (2), such as a mobile telephone, together with at least one other communications device (27), such as a telephone, comprises the steps of playing back audio signals in the first communications device (2), transmitting the same audio signals to the other communications device (27), and playing back the audio signals in the other communications device (27). By transmitting the audio signals played back in the first communications device to the other device and playing them back there, shared audio listening is achieved and in this way the communications devices can be used also for the shared listening to e.g. music. Thus it is possible for two persons present at different locations to listen to the same audio signals simultaneously or at least almost simultaneously.