Portable communications device

Abstract

Improvements enhance the use of portable communications devices such as cellular telephones. According to one embodiment, data storage capacity is added to the device, such that if a 'speed-dial' type operation is initiated, the device is operative to announce a pre-recorded message previously associated by the user with that key sequence, such as the number and/or person being dialed. Another feature enables the user to program a series of telephone numbers before in advance. In this way, the user is able to initiate the dialing of the numbers sequentially, without having to select or key in information for each call while driving. Yet another aspect of the invention offers the ability to interact with GPS ('Global Positioning Satellite') information. In some scenarios, it may be advantageous to be able to switch the communications link (say, between different carrier services, such as “Air-Touch Cellular” or “Sprint PCS”) as the communications device is moved to different locations. Alternatively, the ability to identify its own location enables the device to respond to inquiries from an external stimulus source, by which the location of the device is transmitted back to the external source.