Abstract: Electronic devices such as smartphones (100) or tablet computers are provided with an illuminated integrated speaker port insert and button (110) which allows audio energy to pass out of the speaker port (108), serves as control button for a function such as volume control or power, and is provided with single or multi-color illumination (212) so as to serve as a visual information indicator. The button (110) can serve in place of side mounted button while not requiring additional allocation of area on the devices front surface beyond what would be allocated for a speaker port and therefore not reduce the area available for a display screen (203). The button may be more readily located by touch due to its location and by sight due to the provision of illumination and owing to its use as a speaker port insert the purpose of the button may be intuitively grasped and later recalled by the user.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a device housing (102), a circuit assembly (306) carried by the device housing (102), an electronic component (318) carried by the device housing (102), and a shield (312) carried by the device housing (102). The shield (312) is adapted to impede electromagnetic emissions, and the shield (312) operatively electrically couples the circuit assembly (306) to the electronic component (318).

Abstract: Electronic devices such as smartphones (100) or tablet computers are provided with an illuminated integrated speaker port insert and button (110) which allows audio energy to pass out of the speaker port (108), serves as control button for a function such as volume control or power, and is provided with single or multi-color illumination (212) so as to serve as a visual information indicator. The button (110) can serve in place of side mounted button while not requiring additional allocation of area on the devices front surface beyond what would be allocated for a speaker port and therefore not reduce the area available for a display screen (203). The button may be more readily located by touch due to its location and by sight due to the provision of illumination and owing to its use as a speaker port insert the purpose of the button may be intuitively grasped and later recalled by the user.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a device housing (102), a circuit assembly (306) carried by the device housing (102), an electronic component (318) carried by the device housing (102), and a shield (312) carried by the device housing (102). The shield (312) is adapted to impede electromagnetic emissions, and the shield (312) operatively electrically couples the circuit assembly (306) to the electronic component (318).

Abstract: An improved multi-purpose kickstand assembly 100 has a modular kickstand mechanism 134 to securely support an electronic communications device 102 in a landscape mode and/or portrait mode. One or more sensors in the electronic communications device can detect the position of a kickstand-magnet 156 secured to the kickstand 136 to electronically determine the position of the kickstand. The kickstand can serve as a channel 170 for a speaker port 166 and/or speaker 168 and can enhance antennae performance for improved audio quality.

Abstract: An improved multi-purpose kickstand assembly 100 has a modular kickstand mechanism 134 to securely support an electronic communications device 102 in a landscape mode and/or portrait mode. One or more sensors in the electronic communications device can detect the position of a kickstand-magnet 156 secured to the kickstand 136 to electronically determine the position of the kickstand. The kickstand can serve as a channel 170 for a speaker port 166 and/or speaker 168 and can enhance antennae performance for improved audio quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controlling a media player in a portable communication device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of controls dedicated to controlling the media player. Each of the controls is configured in a manner that requires a unique user action for providing an input. In other words, the user action required for operating a control is different from a user action required for operating each of the other controls. The method further includes receiving a user input at each of the controls and controlling the media player based on the received user inputs. Each of the controls is operable to perform a specific function for managing media.

Abstract: A method and device for managing data in a cellular phone is disclosed. The method includes providing a cellular phone with a memory module configured to receive more than one removable storage medium simultaneously. At least two removable storage media are coupled to the memory module and data is managed between the two removable storage media using the memory module for use in connection with the cellular phone. The method and device can allow easy and fast management of data with a cellular phone using a memory module capable of simultaneously receiving and processing multiple removable storage media. A visual aid can be used, to allow a user to monitor the progress of the data management.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention concern a keypad (120). The keypad can include a membrane (143), at least one key with at least one flange 150 to overlap with at least one second flange of a second key (146), and at least one audio port opening (107) in the membrane for providing a passage of air from a transducer (101) positioned behind at least one key through the keypad to a main volume area (112). For example, the audio port opening can be in a region of the membrane between the keys, and the overlapping of the flanges obscures a view of at least one audio port opening.

Abstract: A multi-function key system for use with an electronic device can include at least one key (230) and an optical film (255) optically coupled to the key. The optical film (255) can include a first optical filter (260) corresponding to a first color of light and a second optical filter (265) corresponding to a second color of light. The multi-function key system further can include a first light source (275), disposed below the key, that emits the first color of light and a second light source (280), disposed below the key, that emits the second color of light. A controller (215) can selectively activate the first light source (275) or second light source (280) responsive to an event detected within the electronic device.

Abstract: A near field communication loop antenna (308) is mechanically coupled to the cover (300) of a cellular telephone. The antenna (308) is coupled on the inside of the cover (300) between a keypad (302) and the cover (300), whereby the antenna (308) surrounds the keys (314) and is sandwiched between the keypad assembly (302) and the cover (300). A near field communication antenna (406) is coupled to the outside surface of the cover (300) surrounding a display and sandwiched between a lens (400) and the phone cover (300). A near field communication antenna embedded in the phone cover material, whereby the antenna surrounds either the keys or the display, is disclosed as well.