Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for providing an application catalog of served applications and data to wireless devices on a wireless network seeking to download the applications and/or data. The application catalog is displayable to a wireless device across the wireless network, and the application catalog lists at least a plurality of applications and/or data downloadable to wireless devices and the application catalog is optimized based upon predetermined criteria such that the preferred application and/or data to be downloaded by a wireless device is initially displayed to a wireless device attempting to access the application catalog.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing geographical location information among a set of wireless telecommunication devices, such as mobile telephones. A first wireless telecommunication device generates geographical location information of that wireless telecommunication device, either through a resident device such as a GPS device, or has another computer device on the network provide the geographic location information, and then shares the geographical location information through sending the location information to one or more servers for relay to a predesignated target set of wireless telecommunication devices. The server stores the identity of member devices of the target set and controls communication between the first wireless telecommunications device and the member devices of the target set. A second server can be used to modify the geographical information, such as providing a map showing the location of the first wireless telecommunication device and other member devices of the target set.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of accessing data items, including, for example, data items receivable over a broadcast network. One embodiment includes a method of accessing broadcast data items that includes receiving, on a mobile device over a broadcast wireless network, data identifying a plurality of data items available for reception by the mobile device. The method further includes transmitting, from the mobile device over a wireless network, a request for communication of at least one of the plurality of data items from a content delivery service to a repository device, detecting a connection of the mobile device with the repository device, and in response to said detecting, the mobile device receives at least a portion of the at least one data item from the repository device using the connection. Other embodiments include a mobile device, a repository device, and a content delivery service and related methods.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for personalizing access to broadcast content items. One embodiment includes a method comprising detecting physical proximity of a mobile device, receiving data from the mobile device identifying a user of the mobile device, identifying at least one local profile based on the data identifying the user, identifying at least one content item accessed by the user on the mobile device, updating the local profile based on the identified content item, and delivering content items to the user by reference to the user profile. Other embodiments include systems and apparatus configured to perform the method and related functions.

Abstract: Network-initiated uninstallation of programs on remote modules, such as wireless telephones, is performed over a wireless network to recall programs stored on the wireless telephone that are faulty or harmful to the wireless telephone, the wireless network, or a user of the wireless telephone. If one or more recall criteria are met for uninstallation of a targeted application program, a recall command source constructs a recall command. A program manager, using a database containing information about each program downloaded onto each wireless telephone in the network, identifies, for the recall command source, which wireless telephones carry the targeted application program. The recall command includes a unique application identification for the targeted application program and an instruction to the wireless telephone to uninstall the targeted application program. The recall command is broadcast over the wireless network to the wireless telephones.

Abstract: Network-initiated uninstallation of programs on remote modules, such as wireless telephones, is performed over a wireless network to recall programs stored on the wireless telephone that are faulty or harmful to the wireless telephone, the wireless network, or a user of the wireless telephone. If one or more recall criteria are met for uninstallation of a targeted application program, a recall command source constructs a recall command. A program manager, using a database containing information about each program downloaded onto each wireless telephone in the network, identifies, for the recall command source, which wireless telephones carry the targeted application program. The recall command includes a unique application identification for the targeted application program and an instruction to the wireless telephone to uninstall the targeted application program. The recall command is broadcast over the wireless network to the wireless telephones.

Abstract: Network-initiated uninstallation of programs on remote modules, such as wireless telephones, is performed over a wireless network to recall programs stored on the wireless telephone that are faulty or harmful to the wireless telephone, the wireless network, or a user of the wireless telephone. If one or more recall criteria are met for uninstallation of a targeted application program, a recall command source constructs a recall command. A program manager, using a database containing information about each program downloaded onto each wireless telephone in the network, identifies, for the recall command source, which wireless telephones carry the targeted application program. The recall command includes a unique application identification for the targeted application program and an instruction to the wireless telephone to uninstall the targeted application program. The recall command is broadcast over the wireless network to the wireless telephones.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for collecting end-user opinions of applications and data in a wireless communications network. The system identifies the end-user who has downloaded software applications and/or data to a wireless device and collects end-user opinion preferably through the transmission of a targeted questionnaire to the wireless device.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for personalizing access to broadcast content items. One embodiment includes a method comprising detecting physical proximity of a mobile device, receiving data from the mobile device identifying a user of the mobile device, identifying at least one local profile based on the data identifying the user, identifying at least one content item accessed by the user on the mobile device, updating the local profile based on the identified content item, and delivering content items to the user by reference to the user profile. Other embodiments include systems and apparatus configured to perform the method and related functions.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of accessing data items, including, for example, data items receivable over a broadcast network. One embodiment includes a method of accessing broadcast data items that includes receiving, on a mobile device over a broadcast wireless network, data identifying a plurality of data items available for reception by the mobile device. The method further includes transmitting, from the mobile device over a wireless network, a request for communication of at least one of the plurality of data items from a content delivery service to a repository device, detecting a connection of the mobile device with the repository device, and in response to said detecting, the mobile device receives at least a portion of the at least one data item from the repository device using the connection. Other embodiments include a mobile device, a repository device, and a content delivery service and related methods.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, computer-readable media and processors are provided that protect the distribution of media content. Media content is encrypted and the associated cryptographic mechanisms are stored and accessible either remotely at a networked database or internally within a data storage device memory. Access to the cryptographic mechanisms is granted by associating the cryptographic mechanisms with a data storage device identification and, optionally, a computing device identification.

Abstract: A method of providing access to data files within a wireless device is provided and includes detecting a selection of a first user interface component. The first user interface component can be linked to a private portion of the wireless device. Further, the method includes detecting a selection of a second user interface component. The second user interface component can be linked to a public portion of the wireless device. The wireless device includes a keypad and the first user interface component or the second user interface component can be selected using a press and hold keypress sequence on the keypad. When the first user interface component is selected, access is provided to the private portion of the wireless device. Conversely, when the second user interface component is selected, access is provided to the public portion of the wireless device.

Abstract: A method of processing a user interface component is provided and includes receiving one or more user interface components that can be communicated to a wireless device. A component risk level for each of the one or more user interface components is determined and assigned to each of the one or more user interface components. Each of the one or more user interface components can be digitally signed using an embedded risk code that indicates the assigned risk level. Further, the component risk level can be selected from a plurality of component risk levels. In a particular embodiment, the component risk level can be determined based on the type of the user interface component. Further, the component risk level can be determined based on a developer of the user interface component.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an ad hoc communications group in a push-to-talk (PTT) system. A user may create an ad hoc group for a PTT communications by selecting members from different sources in a wireless communications device. The user may select members from a caller identification list, a recent call list, or a contact list. The ad hoc communications group thus composed is sent to a server and the server will then set up a PTT communications among the members of this ad hoc group.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the deleting and reloading of software application components on a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or other computer platform. The wireless device has one or more resident executable software applications wherein each application has one or more application components and application-associated data, such as software licenses and user-specific data. The wireless device selectively deletes one or more application components of the resident software applications without loss of the application-associated data to clear resources on the wireless device, and selectively prompts a backup device coupled to a wireless network to transmit deleted application components that need to be reinstalled on the wireless device to execute the application.

Abstract: Estimation of user-specific length of time required to download application program over-the-air onto a remote module, such as a wireless device, is calculated based on data transfer rates for data files sent over network to wireless device preceding a requested download of application program. Data transfer rates are calculated while user of wireless device browses application programs for download and/or purchase. Wireless device utilizes data transfer rates and information representing size of selected application program to estimate length of time required to download application program onto the wireless device and displays estimate to user.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing geographical location information among a set of wireless telecommunication devices, such as mobile telephones. A first wireless telecommunication device generates geographical location information of that wireless telecommunication device, either through a resident device such as a GPS device, or has another computer device on the network provide the geographic location information, and then shares the geographical location information through sending the location information to one or more servers for relay to a predesignated target set of wireless telecommunication devices. The server stores the identity of member devices of the target set and controls communication between the first wireless telecommunications device and the member devices of the target set. A second server can be used to modify the geographical information, such as providing a map showing the location of the first wireless telecommunication device and other member devices of the target set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for billing for the usage of direct group communication services, such as push-to-talk services. A direct group communication service provider sets up an account for each direct communication service user whereby the user can establish a target group of wireless devices associated with his account. A billing server monitors the direct communication attempts of the wireless device of the user with the target group and bills the user based upon a predetermined criteria, such as number of wireless devices in the target group communicated with, use of a direct communication service, or duration of talk time.