Methods and apparatus for updating a communications device using sms messages

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.

1 - 2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A method of operating a portable communications device, the method comprising:
 updating device status information to indicate one of i) that the communications device is capable of completing a call or ii) not capable of completing a call;   providing a dial prompt when a telephone number is displayed and said status information indicates that the communications device is capable of completing a call; and   not providing a dial prompt when the telephone number is displayed and said status information indicates that the communication device is not capable of completing a telephone call.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 determining from signal status and status of a phone registration if said communications device is capable of completing a call.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein not providing a dial prompt includes not providing a dial prompt when the communications device can not complete a call due to inadequate signal strength between a base station and said communications device even though a phone number or phone book entry is being displayed. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said dial prompt is one of an audio of visual prompt. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said dial prompt is a dial tone. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein providing a dial prompt when a telephone number is displayed includes presenting the dial prompt when a user stops on a phone book entry for more than a second and a call can be placed. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a dial prompt is not provided when a user remains on a displayed telephone number for less than a second. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said dial prompt is a visual prompt. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said dial prompt includes a vibration. 
     
     
         12 . A portable communications device, the method comprising:
 a display; and   a processor, said processor being configured to:   update device status information to indicate one of i) that the communications device is capable of completing a call or ii) not capable of completing a call;   control the communications device to provide a dial prompt when a telephone number is displayed and said status information indicates that the communications device is capable of completing a call; and   control the communications device to not provide a dial prompt when the telephone number is displayed and said status information indicates that the communication device is not capable of completing a telephone call.