Abstract:
A system and method are provided that incorporate subjects or subject lines into instant messaging sessions or conversations on a mobile device. During an instant messaging session, the user is provided with an option to specify a subject for at least the current portion of the session or for the entire session. The subject is proposed to the other users in the session, who can accept, ignore or modify the subject at their end. Multiple subjects can be specified for a single conversation if desired, and the subjects can be displayed with the contact in a message list. The instant messaging sessions may then be searched using search tools that are typically used for search email and other data messages.
Abstract:
A processor-implemented method of operating a mobile communication device operable to execute one or more communication applications includes issuing a query for contact data over a communication network, creating a contact resolution object, receiving contact data responsive to the query over the communication network, the contact data comprising communication contact data for the one or more communication applications, associating the contact data received with the contact resolution object, and resolving the contact resolution object to select communication contact data.
Abstract:
A handheld electronic device, such as a GPS-enabled wireless communications device with an embedded camera, a GPS-enabled camera-phone or a GPS-enabled digital camera, determines whether ephemeris data needs to be obtained for geotagging digital photos taken with the device. By monitoring user activity with respect to the camera, such as activation of the camera, the device can begin pre-acquisition of a GPS position fix by obtaining needed ephemeris data before the photograph is actually taken. This GPS pre-acquisition improves the likelihood that a position fix (GPS lock) is achieved by the time the photo is taken (to enable immediate geotagging). Alternatively, the photo can be geotagged retroactively by appending the current location to the metadata tag associated with the digital photo. An optional acquisition status indicator can be displayed on a user interface of the device to indicate that a position fix is being obtained.
Abstract:
A method in a wireless communications device for transmitting current location information representing a current location of the wireless communications device. The method entails, from within a communication application executing on a processor of the wireless communications device, causing the wireless communications device to obtain the current location information representing the current location of the wireless communications device, including the current location information in a communication generated from within the communication application, and transmitting the communication that includes the current location information. The method optionally entails a further step of performing a reverse look-up of GPS coordinates representing the current location to determine address information for including in the communication. Location information, such as maps or URLs to maps can be sent directly from an e-mail application or instant messenger without having to separately launch a mapping application.
Abstract:
A method in one example that receives a portion of an email and determines whether to download a full instance of the email based on user controlled variables and operator controlled variables.
Abstract:
A method for selecting a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) for a wireless device, comprising: generating a first list of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one or more wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) accessible at a first geographic location and storing the first list in the wireless device; generating a second list of WLAN identifiers for a second group of one or more WLANs accessible at a second geographic location and storing the second list in the wireless device; selecting one of the first and second lists as an active list; and, scanning for WLANs identified by the active list to identify an available WLAN for the wireless device.
Abstract:
A method for selecting a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) for a wireless device, comprising: generating a first list of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one or more wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) accessible at a first geographic location and storing the first list in the wireless device; generating a second list of WLAN identifiers for a second group of one or more WLANs accessible at a second geographic location and storing the second list in the wireless device; selecting one of the first and second lists as an active list; and, scanning for WLANs identified by the active list to identify an available WLAN for the wireless device.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for use in transferring user data from a first (“source”) mobile communication device to a second (“target”) mobile communication device using a removable memory card are disclosed. The source and target devices may be possessed and/or owned by the same end user. The source device is initially enabled to maintain data synchronization with a host server over a wireless communication network via a first wireless transceiver for user data of an application program associated with the user account. To enable the target device for the communications associated with the user account, the source device is operative to establish a programming session with the target device via a second wireless transceiver. During the programming session, the source device causes user account data (e.g. at least one encryption/decryption key for the data-synchronized communications) for the user account to be transmitted to the target device via the second wireless transceiver. Preferably, the user account data is encrypted based on a passkey for the programming session. The user data associated with the application program may then be transferred from the source device to the target device via a removable memory card such as a secure digital (SD) card.
Abstract:
A mobile device is configured to maintain data synchronization with a host server over a wireless network for user data of a host application program associated with a user account. The user account is associated with user account data which includes an encryption/decryption key, and the user data is communicated over the wireless network in an encrypted format in accordance with the encryption/decryption key. For the data synchronization, the mobile device regularly causes the user data associated with the user account to be stored in memory in a decrypted format for use with the client application program of the mobile device. The mobile device further causes a copy of the user data to be stored in the removable memory card in the encrypted format, for use in securely transferring the user data to an alternate mobile device for use with a client application program of the alternate mobile device.
Abstract:
A method and handheld electronic device for detecting and providing notification of a device drop are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method for detecting and providing notification of a device drop on an electronic device, comprising: measuring acceleration using an accelerometer of the electronic device; monitoring for and detecting freefall events in accordance with the acceleration measurements; and issuing an alert when a freefall event is detected.