Abstract: A keypad includes a plurality of keys that can be selectively coupled electrically with a printed circuit board to create electrical signals representative of a characters to be input to the portable wireless device. Each key further includes a plurality of contact points wherein each contact point can be separately electrically coupled with the printed circuit board to input a character associated with that contact point. The keypad can be switched between a singular mode in which all the contact points for a given key will refer to the same input character and a multiple mode in which each contact point for a given key will refer to a different input character. In addition, at least some of the contact points for each key can be programmed by the user to assign desired characters to specific contact points.

Abstract: A personal information management device includes a memory for storing a personal information management database containing contact information pertaining to personal contacts of the user. The contact information includes identification data identifying one or more personal contacts and biometric signatures of the contacts. A biometric sensor discreetly captures biometric data, such as an image or voiceprint, of a person encountered in business or social meetings for identification. A biometric processor compares the captured biometric data to the stored the biometric signatures in the contact database to identify the person, the person's characteristics, or personal information. Identification data for matching contacts is output to a display or other output device to assist or prompt the user's recollection of the person's identity or other information.

Abstract: A method of automatically answering a mobile phone. A mobile phone receives an incoming call and detects the calling party's phone number using a caller ID function. The mobile phone then determines if the calling party's phone number has been flagged as a phone number capable of causing the mobile phone to answer itself. If it is, the mobile phone automatically answers the call.

Abstract: Methods for controlling usage of a mobile terminal are provided. A usage specification including an identification of allowed numbers, an identification of restricted numbers, a usage time limitation, an expiration value and/or a specification of enabled services of the mobile terminal that are restricted is received. Usage of the mobile terminal is limited based on the received usage specification responsive to receipt of a valid authorization code. The authorization code and/or the usage specification may be received from a keypad and/or input screen of the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the authorization code and/or the usage specification are received from a remote user over a wireless communication connection.

Abstract: A combination mobile phone and digital camera in which the digital camera can be controlled through audio or voice control. The mobile phone includes at least one microphone to detect audible input. Detected audible input is converted to an electrical signal and sent to a processor. The processor has access to a storage medium that contains software that causes the processor to operate on the detected audible input. The processor compares the detected audible input to a database of camera commands to determine if the detected audible input matches one of the camera commands in the database. If there is a match, the processor executes a set of instructions associated with the camera command to carry out the desired function.