Abstract: Methods and apparatus for signal scanning and acquisition for multiple-air-interface devices are discussed. In particular, scanning of a location for signals from one or more local service providers is carried out, wherein scanning is operable to detect signals based on at least a first air interface and a second air interface, such as CDMA and UMTS, respectively. A list of local service providers detected from the scanning is assembled to allow a user to select a connection to at a local service provider from the list. Thus, a user is afforded the ability to see all service provider signals in the location, for all bands and air-interfaces supported by the modem on a user's multiple-air-interface device. The user may therefore acquire connection more easily without having any prior knowledge about the area or its service providers, and regardless of the type of air interface originating the local signals.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for using sensors such as one or more gyroscopes and/or accelerometers to sense input is provided. For example, one or more of such sensors may be use to provide virtual buttons at various areas on the housing of a mobile device, detect a force against the housing, or to detect relative movement of the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a user input based on movements of a mobile device. In a particular implementation, angular movement of the mobile device about at least one axis of a linear plane is detected. Linear movement of the mobile device along at least one axis of the linear plane is also detected. Finally, a user input is determined based on the detection of the angular movement and the detection of the linear movement.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: Information can be communicated by a temperature change of a communication device equipped with one or more temperature modifying elements. A processor configured by software determines when a temperature change should be generated and accomplishes such a change by controlling the application of power to the temperature modifying element(s). The temperature modifying elements may be electric resistance heating elements, thermoelectric elements, or other elements. Users perceive the temperature change produced by the temperature modifying element(s) when they touch the device. Depending on user settings, the temperature change may communicate specific information to the user. For example, a temperature change may convey information regarding the importance of an incoming telephone call, e-mail message or SMS message, or the importance of an impending calendar event. Using temperature as a communication medium allows the communication device to convey information to a user being notice by others.

Abstract: Methods are provided for effectively accessing and managing open applications on a mobile device. In response to an End key key-press event, an open application is terminated and another open application is promptly maximized. In an embodiment, another key may be pressed to access to an Applications Menu which indicates open applications. Open applications can be selected on the Applications Menu and selectively maximized or terminated. In an embodiment a key may be pressed to access an Open-Applications Menu which lists open applications. Open applications can be selected on the Open-Applications Menu and selectively maximized or terminated.

Abstract: Information can be communicated by a temperature change of a communication device equipped with one or more temperature modifying elements. A processor configured by software determines when a temperature change should be generated and accomplishes such a change by controlling the application of power to the temperature modifying element(s). The temperature modifying elements may be electric resistance heating elements, thermoelectric elements, or other elements. Users perceive the temperature change produced by the temperature modifying element(s) when they touch the device. Depending on user settings, the temperature change may communicate specific information to the user. For example, a temperature change may convey information regarding the importance of an incoming telephone call, e-mail message or SMS message, or the importance of an impending calendar event. Using temperature as a communication medium allows the communication device to convey information to a user being notice by others.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for signal scanning and acquisition for multiple-air-interface devices are discussed. In particular, scanning of a location for signals from one or more local service providers is carried out, wherein scanning is operable to detect signals based on at least a first air interface and a second air interface, such as CDMA and UMTS, respectively. A list of local service providers detected from the scanning is assembled to allow a user to select a connection to at a local service provider from the list. Thus, a user is afforded the ability to see all service provider signals in the location, for all bands and air-interfaces supported by the modem on a user's multiple-air-interface device. The user may therefore acquire connection more easily without having any prior knowledge about the area or its service providers, and regardless of the type of air interface originating the local signals.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a user input based on movements of a mobile device. In a particular implementation, angular movement of the mobile device about at least one axis of a linear plane is detected. Linear movement of the mobile device along at least one axis of the linear plane is also detected. Finally, a user input is determined based on the detection of the angular movement and the detection of the linear movement.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for using sensors such as one or more gyroscopes and/or accelerometers to sense input is provided. For example, one or more of such sensors may be use to provide virtual buttons at various areas on the housing of a mobile device, detect a force against the housing, or to detect relative movement of the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for effectively accessing and managing open applications on a mobile device. In response to an End key key-press event, an open application is terminated and another open application is promptly maximized. In an embodiment, another key may be pressed to access to an Applications Menu which indicates open applications. Open applications can be selected on the Applications Menu and selectively maximized or terminated. In an embodiment a key may be pressed to access an Open-Applications Menu which lists open applications. Open applications can be selected on the Open-Applications Menu and selectively maximized or terminated.

Abstract: Methods and devices enable customizing the manner in which data is entered for individual text fields of individual applications executing on a mobile device. Embodiments enable users to specify the language or the data entry method of the text entered in individual text fields which may vary from one text field to another. Alternative embodiments enable users to further customize the data entry method of individual text fields to control the text case of entered characters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating to a user in a glance whether a voice call session is active or not. The systems and methods utilizing graphical images shown on a user interface output display which exhibit motion to indicate that a voice call session is active. The systems and methods further use a static version of the graphical images shown on a user interface output display to indicate that a voice call session has ceased. The systems and methods further utilizing the graphical image shown on the user interface output display to indicate the duration of a ceased voice call session.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide an attention grabbing display when the function mapped to a soft key and the associated soft key label has changed. Animation is used to draw a user's attention to the soft key label change, thereby alerting the user to the changed function mapped to the soft keys.

Abstract: A cellular or wireless mobile device includes a one or more sensors and a processor configured with software to receive data from the one or more sensors, calendar data and device settings, compare sensor, calendar, device settings data, and an authorization level of a requesting user to avatar selection criteria, and select an avatar based upon the comparison. By correlating sensor data, calendar data and device settings to a user's current status, the avatar selection criteria enables a processor to automatically select an avatar that reflects the user's current status. Others then can be informed of the user's current status by accessing the user's avatar.

Abstract: A telecommunications device and/or service are provided that enable a user of a receiving device to associate a caller of an incoming call with a response that is appropriate for the caller. The incoming call includes call data that identifies the particular caller. When received, the recipient's device processes the incoming call and sends the associated appropriate response.