Abstract: A portable communications device, e.g., a cell phone with a simplified user interface and easy to use keys is described. The user interface supports book type and circular type applications. Book interface type applications are applications in which a user is stopped from moving beyond the last page when a next page operation is selected. In circular applications a user is allowed to move from the last page of an application to the first page of the application by selecting a next page option. Regardless of the application type, in response to a displayed page a user, in some embodiments, is presented with at most 4 options. This allows navigation between applications, pages and selection of actions corresponding to pages to be supported using relatively few keys, e.g., 4 keys, thereby allowing the number of keys on the phone to be kept small and the key size large.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using text messages, e.g., SMS messages, to trigger a device update and/or to update a communications device, e.g., cell phone, are described. The cell phone can be updated/programmed from a remote device. The updating can use SMS messages to accomplish the update. An SMS message may include a command and, optionally, other update information in the message body. Received SMS messages are checked to determine if they include an update command. If an update command is present the command is performed after a security check is satisfied. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, a simplified user interface is supported in addition to SMS update features.

Abstract: A portable communications device, e.g., a cell phone with a simplified user interface and easy to use keys is described. For many input/selection opportunities the user is presented with at most 4 options. This allows navigation between applications, pages and selection of actions corresponding to pages to be supported using relatively few keys, e.g., 4 keys, thereby allowing the number of keys on the phone to be kept small and the key size large. Prompts are used to present most options with keys being lighted in some embodiments when the key corresponds to a valid input option and delighted when the key does not correspond to a valid input option. Presentation of a dial prompt may be limited to times when a call can be placed successfully. In various embodiments a cell phone is implemented with less than 10 keys in total but in other embodiments more keys are used.