Abstract: A communication construct used for sharing podcast information associated with a podcast can include a link sent to a remote device (103) while playing the podcast, appended metadata to the link, and a communication packet enabling a user to transfer the link and the appended metadata while the user is playing the podcast. The link can be a universal record locator (URL) to the podcast and the appended metadata can include constructs having start times or end times for the podcast, bookmarks for portions of the podcast, digital rights management information, display description, podcast category, or relevant images. The appended metadata can also include URLs for mobile blogging, a sender's weblog, a video blog, a social contact site, contact information from a sender, or a vCard record. The communication constructs enable podcatcher software in a user's computer or remote device to automatically download the podcast associated with the link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise in a speech signal. A handset or remote unit provides to users with a hearing deficiency, a first mode of operation where noise suppressant/speech enhancement algorithms are used during any auditory-related service. There is also provided, in a related mode of operation, speech filtering for reducing noise in a speech signal received through the microphone and outputting the filtered sound to the speaker. The handset includes a microphone for receiving an auditory sound, a receiver for receiving an auditory signal and a speech filter for suppressing noise in the auditory signal and sound. The speech filter also may be configured to shift the frequency and/or alter the intensity of the auditory signal and sound. The speaker is used for amplifying and outputting the enhanced speech component as an audible sound.

Abstract: A method for automatically entering a SIM's PIN in case of a reset or other condition includes the steps of storing (206) in RAM the PIN after it has been verified (204). Whenever a reset condition occurs, the PIN that is cached in RAM (106) is automatically presented to the SIM (214). In order to make sure that the PIN stored in RAM (106) in not corrupted during a reset condition, the inverse (208) or other coded form of the PIN is also stored in RAM (106) as an additional check of the correctness of the stored PIN.

Abstract: A mobile pointing device includes a portable communication device (10) having an optical sensor (40) integrated in the portable communication device, a display (12) on an opposing side of the optical sensor, and a processor (16). The processor can be programmed to operate the optical sensor as a camera in a first mode (74) and as a mobile pointing device in a second mode (80 or 82) for the portable communication device itself or for an external computing device (52).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise in a speech signal. A handset or remote unit provides to users with a hearing deficiency, a first mode of operation where noise suppressant/speech enhancement algorithms are used during any auditory-related service. There is also provided, in a related mode of operation, speech filtering for reducing noise in a speech signal received through the microphone and outputting the filtered sound to the speaker. The handset includes a microphone for receiving an auditory sound, a receiver for receiving an auditory signal and a speech filter for suppressing noise in the auditory signal and sound. The speech filter also may be configured to shift the frequency and/or alter the intensity of the auditory signal and sound. The speaker is used for amplifying and outputting the enhanced speech component as an audible sound.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (102) capable of performing non-standard communication modes, such as dispatch calling uses a subscriber identity module (SIM) (104). In order to allow the use of the non-standard, or extended features, the SIM has information for allowing use of the extended features stored therein (112). In order to determine if the SIM in the mobile communication device allows extended feature, the SIM must be checked upon initialization (202) of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device has, stored in a non-volatile memory, a directory name or address of a feature directory in the SIM (111), and a copy of a feature signature file (111). The mobile communication device first checks to see if the directory is present (206) having the name stored in the mobile communication device, or at the address provided in the mobile communication device.