Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling message delivery includes receiving a message from a user at a message server. A determination is made whether the message requires a user-specified delivery criterion to be met prior to delivery of the message. The message is sent to an intended recipient if the message does not require the user-specified delivery criterion. The message is held in a specified delivery buffer if the message does require that the user-specified delivery criterion be met. The message from the specified delivery buffer will be automatically sent on behalf of the user to the intended recipient responsive to the user-specified delivery criterion being met.

Abstract: A telephone answering system includes a receiver, a detector and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive a voice signal. The detector is adapted to detect voice activity on the signal. The transmitter is adapted to transmit an initial prompt. In the event that the detector detects a gap in the voice activity after the initial prompt, transmitter is configured to transmit a notice.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile station has a transceiver portion configured to communicate over an uplink and a downlink. A detector portion is configured to detect a radio frequency tag. An exemplary method of using a mobile station includes selectively conducting wireless communications over an uplink and a downlink. The mobile station is also selectively used to detect at least one radio frequency tag.