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 communication device (10) having a smart phonebook (14) and a method (50) of customizing device functionality using the smart phone book includes a transceiver (38 and 44), a memory (32) having at least one phonebook data entry called a PhoneLet 24 and at least one encapsulated data entry (29) associated with the phonebook data entry, and a processor (12) coupled to the transceiver. The processor can be programmed to dynamically customize at least one program running in the communication device and to dynamically customize data associated with the at least one program based on the calling up of the at least one phonebook data entry and based on the at least one encapsulated data entry. The smart phonebook can include a smart phonebook manager (16) and a plurality (20) of PhoneLets.

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.