Abstract: A messaging system for providing content to a recipient from a content provider using a server and an identifier.

Abstract: A method and interface for providing media content to users across a network. The method includes the steps of presenting a media interface to the user that indicates the content provider for the media receiver and buffering adjacent content providers to allow the user to change providers without any delays. The selection of the content providers can be done in an initial set up step with user inputs, or automatically from the last settings on the interface of from defaults. The content provider information and locations are maintained in a registry with which the interface interacts if necessary. The interface includes a prompt for user inputs, the interface with the registry, a display for the user and a control that allows the user to select content providers.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable computing device in a first mode uses a rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and a computer network in response to user actions. The portable computing device is operated in a second mode using a non-rechargeable energy source while transferring data between the portable computing device and the computer network free from user actions. The portable computing device automatically changes from the first mode to the second mode in response to engaging the portable computing device with a stand supporting the portable computing device and providing the non-rechargeable source.

Abstract: A hand-held wireless telecommunications device is disclosed that is configured to send a preconfigured text message to a recipient through use of a global computer network. The wireless device includes a processor, a user input component, a display, memory and a communications module for communications with the global computer network. The wireless device includes a messaging module that connects the wireless device to the global computer network and enables the user to establish communications with a message web site. The method includes providing a user interface to select a recipient from an address list and selecting a message from a plurality of preconfigured messages. The messaging module receives the address list and the preconfigured messages from the message web site based on a user identification and displays the user interface on the display thereby enabling the user to select a recipient and a message from the preconfigured messages.

Abstract: A telephone answering device that includes a variable rate encoder.

Abstract: A messaging system for providing content to a recipient from a content provider using a server and an identifier.

Abstract: A portable digital communications system is provided that signals the communications recipient of a worsening wireless link with communication partners. In audio communication systems, static is introduced as the alert signal, along with the decoded data that was transmitted. Static gives the communications recipient a qualitative feeling of the wireless link status. In response to the static signal, communications recipients move their positions to improve the link. In a video communications system, static and/or “snow” are introduced as the alert signal to give the recipient a qualitative feeling of the wireless link status. The invention allows the warning signal to be mixed with the decoded data, mixed with simulated data generated to replace incorrectly decoded data, or presented without data. In addition, static is introduced in response to averaging schemes to more closely simulate the performance of static and/or “snow” in an analog receivers.

Abstract: A hand-held data acquisition device includes a display presenting at least one of an address book, a date book, a memo pad, a to-do list, a contact manager, an expense tracker, an e-mail client, and a project manager, at least one of which contains multiple data items. An input device is operatively connected to the device is suitable to receive voice data from the user. The data acquisition device stores the voice data and associates the voice data with at least one of the data items.