Abstract: Adapters (10) for use with portable electronic communications devices (12) such as cellular phones, smart phones, and personal digital assistants can facilitate use of the devices (12) in half-duplex communications modes such as push to talk (PTT) and land portable radio (LMR). The adapters (10) can include a case (18) configured to receive the communications device (12), and a button or key (40) mounted on the case. The key (40) communicates with the communications device (12) when the communications device (12) is disposed in the case (18), and is operable to generate on a selective basis an input corresponding to a transmit command that causes the communications device (10) to transmit. The adapters (10) can also include a speaker module and a microphone that communicate with the communications device (10) via a connector (28) on the case (18), or wireless transceivers (41a, 41b).

Abstract: A method (600, 700) for providing situational awareness to a first individual using a first electronic device (102, 106, 108, 112). The method comprises generating a situational awareness display (400, 500) comprising a first image (404a, 404b, 404c, 504a, 504b, . . . , 504e) of a second individual using a second electronic device and information indicating a location of the second individual relative to the first individual. The situational awareness display is then displayed on the display screen of the first electronic device and/or the second electronic device. The situational awareness display can be generated and displayed prior to, concurrent with or subsequent to the start of a call. The image may be highlighted or otherwise marked to show when the second individual is speaking during the call. Additional images of individuals can be displayed within the situational awareness display if the call is a group call.

Abstract: Adapters (10) for use with portable electronic communications devices (12) such as cellular phones, smart phones, and personal digital assistants can facilitate use of the devices (12) in half-duplex communications modes such as push to talk (PTT) and land portable radio (LMR). The adapters (10) can include a case (18) configured to receive the communications device (12), and a button or key (40) mounted on the case. The key (40) communicates with the communications device (12) when the communications device (12) is disposed in the case (18), and is operable to generate on a selective basis an input corresponding to a transmit command that causes the communications device (10) to transmit. The adapters (10) can also include a speaker module and a microphone that communicate with the communications device (10) via a connector (28) on the case (18), or wireless transceivers (41a,41b).

Abstract: A method (600, 700) for providing situational awareness to a first individual using a first electronic device (102, 106, 108, 112). The method comprises generating a situational awareness display (400, 500) comprising a first image (404a, 404b, 404c, 504a, 504b, . . . , 504e) of a second individual using a second electronic device and information indicating a location of the second individual relative to the first individual. The situational awareness display is then displayed on the display screen of the first electronic device and/or the second electronic device. The situational awareness display can be generated and displayed prior to, concurrent with or subsequent to the start of a call. The image may be highlighted or otherwise marked to show when the second individual is speaking during the call. Additional images of individuals can be displayed within the situational awareness display if the call is a group call.