Abstract: A communications and entertainment device in which a cellular telephone is unfolded to form a headset which allows the user to wear the headset in a manner similar to conventional telephone headsets. The device includes an AM/FM radio receiver. The subsystems are prioritized such that one system is automatically interrupted based on higher priority activity. A display unit allows the user to display graphic information such as facsimile data or other graphic information such as that obtained from computer networks. A speaker phone function allows the user to hear audio output while the user has the device folded into the portable telephone configuration and hand-held. An integrated camera allows the device to be used for video phone telephone calls. An integral GPS receiver is built into the device to allow the location of the device to be automatically determined.

Abstract: A combined entertainment and communications system includes a passive communications subsystem such as an AM/FM radio receiver, an active communications subsystem such as a cellular telephone transmitter/receiver or a CB radio transmitter/receiver, and a shared I/O subsystem. The subsystems are integrated into a single portable package and are controlled by a control mechanism capable of automatically or semi-automatically switching control of the shared I/O subsystem between the active and passive communications subsystems. Size and weight of the device are reduced by sharing common input/output (I/O) and control components. Optional voice recognition equipment can be used to control the active or passive communications subsystems.