Method and apparatus using insertably-removable auxiliary devices to play games over a communications link

• US 20030211888A1
• Filed: 05/13/2002
• Published: 11/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: New Illuminations, LLC
• Original Assignee: Interactive Telegames LLC
• Inventors: Wolinsky, Scott
• Application Number:
  US10/143,970
• Publication Number:
  US 20030211888A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/41
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/21 characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72427 for supporting games or graphical animations

Abstract

A method and apparatus that identifies and safely couples an insertably-removable auxiliary device (IRAD) to a processor so that games can be played over a communications link without damaging the IRAD or the processor. An auxiliary connector, into which the IRAD is inserted, is not connected to the processor until after the identity of the IRAD is determined. The processor resides in a communications device, such as a wireless telephone, walkie-talkie, toy, or the like. Upon the activation of an auxiliary mode, a user is prompted to insert an IRAD into the auxiliary connector. An IRAD used to play a game can be an auxiliary keypad, an auxiliary processor, an auxiliary display, a supplemental program module that stores computer-readable code, an electronic board game, an auxiliary graphical user interface (GUI) (e.g., auxiliary steering wheel, auxiliary joystick, virtual reality viewer), or a headset including a microphone and speaker.

Claims

1. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game; and

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device contains information for playing the game,

wherein the processor processes game information utilized to play the game subsequent to an insertion of the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector and subsequent to an identification of the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to establish the communication link.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to dial a telephone number to establish the communication link.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a gateway circuit, wherein the gateway circuit is linked to the connector and to the processor, wherein the gateway circuit links the connector to the processor subsequent to the insertably removable auxiliary device being inserted into the connector and subsequent to the identification of the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an auxiliary device identification sensor, wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor is coupled to the connector and to the processor, and further wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor identifies the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

an auxiliary device identification sensor, wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor is coupled to the gateway circuit, and further wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor identifies the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises:

at least one first connector, wherein the at least one first connector facilitates a connection for obtaining game information; and

at least one second connector, wherein the at least one second connector facilitates a connection for obtaining game identification information.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an indicator, wherein the indicator indicates that the insertably removable auxiliary device is to be inserted into the connector, wherein the indicator is coupled to the processor.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the indicator provides at least one of a visual message and an audible message.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a keypad.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an auxiliary processor.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a display device for use in viewing information regarding the game.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a storage medium for storing computer-readable information, wherein the computer readable information contains game information.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an electronic game board.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a graphical user interface.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a headset, and further wherein the headset further comprises:

a microphone; and

a speaker.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game is tic-tac-toe.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game is checkers.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game is chess.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game is battleship.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector is capable of receiving an insertably removable auxiliary device.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

the insertably removable auxiliary device.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device comprises at least one of a joystick, a steering wheel, a virtual reality viewer, and a control device.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus automatically prompts the game player to insert a particular insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the apparatus receiving information over the communication link from a second apparatus which has identified an insertably removable auxiliary device being utilized in the second apparatus.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a display for displaying at least one of game information and information utilized for establishing the communication link.

57. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

27. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable device contains information for playing the game; and

an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device stores information for playing the game, and further wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is inserted into the connector,

wherein the processor processes game information utilized to play the game subsequent to an insertion of the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector and subsequent to an identification of the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the connector is mounted to a surface of the apparatus.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to establish the communication link.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to dial a telephone number to establish the communication link.

32. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a gateway circuit, wherein the gateway circuit is linked to the connector and to the processor, wherein the gateway circuit links the connector to the processor subsequent to the insertably removable auxiliary device being inserted into the connector and subsequent to the identification of the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

33. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

an auxiliary device identification sensor, wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor is coupled to the connector and to the processor, and further wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor identifies the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

an auxiliary device identification sensor, wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor is coupled to the gateway circuit, and further wherein the auxiliary device identification sensor identifies the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device.

35. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the connector further comprises:

at least one first connector, wherein the at least one first connector facilitates a connection for obtaining game information; and

at least one second connector, wherein the at least one second connector facilitates a connection for obtaining game identification information.

36. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

an indicator, wherein the indicator indicates that the insertably removable auxiliary device is to be inserted into the connector, wherein the indicator is coupled to the processor.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the indicator provides at least one of a visual message and an audible message.

38. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a keypad.

39. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an auxiliary processor.

40. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a display device for use in viewing information regarding the game.

41. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a storage medium for storing computer-readable information, wherein the computer readable information contains game information.

42. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an electronic game board.

43. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a graphical user interface.

44. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a headset, wherein the headset further comprises:

a microphone; and

a speaker.

45. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the game is tic-tac-toe.

46. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the game is checkers.

47. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the game is chess.

48. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the game is battleship.

49. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector is capable of receiving an insertably removable auxiliary device.

50. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

the insertably removable auxiliary device.

51. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device comprises at least one of a joystick, a steering wheel, a virtual reality viewer, and a control device.

52. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus automatically prompts the game player to insert a particular insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the apparatus receiving information over the communication link from a second apparatus which has identified an insertably removable auxiliary device being utilized in the second apparatus.

53. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a display for displaying at least one of game information and information utilized for establishing the communication link.

58. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

172. The method of claim 27, wherein the game player is a remotely located game player.

54. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device contains information for playing the game, and

a gateway circuit, wherein the gateway circuit couples the processor to the connector subsequent to an insertion of the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector and subsequent to an identification of a game stored in the insertably removable auxiliary device.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

59. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus; and

an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device contains information utilized to play the game, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is inserted into the connector, and further wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is coupled to the processor subsequent to being inserted into the connector and subsequent to the game information stored in the insertably removable auxiliary device being identified.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

62. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising:

a gateway circuit, wherein the gateway circuit couples the processor to the connector subsequent to the insertion of the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector and subsequent to the identification of the game stored in the insertably removable auxiliary device.

63. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device contains information for playing the game, and

an indicator device, wherein the indicator device is coupled to the processor, and further wherein the indicator device indicates to the game player that a particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device is to be inserted into the connector.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the apparatus receives information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device over the communication link.

65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein a first communication device transmits the information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device to the apparatus over the communication link.

67. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the indicator device provides at least one of a visual message and an audible message which includes the information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device.

66. The apparatus of 65, wherein the first communication device is a wireless telephone, and further wherein the apparatus is a second wireless telephone.

68. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to dial a telephone number to establish the communication link with the at least one other game player;

a connector; and

an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device contains information for playing the game,

wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is inserted into the connector subsequent to the telephone number being dialed and the communication link being established with the at least one other game player.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is a telephone.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is at least one of a processor, a display device, a supplemental program module which stores computer-readable information, an electronic game board, and a graphical user interface.

72. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising:

an indicator device, wherein the indicator device provides information for prompting the game player to insert the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the game player activating at least one of an auxiliary mode of the apparatus and a game playing mode of the apparatus.

73. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a connector; and

an indicator device, wherein the indicator device automatically provides information for prompting the game player to insert an insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the apparatus receiving information over the communication link from a second apparatus, wherein the second apparatus provides information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device which was identified as being utilized in the second apparatus.

74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the apparatus is a communication device

75. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a walkie-talkie, and a wireless toy.

76. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the second apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a walkie-talkie, and a wireless toy.

77. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game;

a connector;

a gateway circuit, wherein the gateway circuit couples the connector to the processor;

an insertably removable auxiliary device, wherein the insertably removable device contains information for playing the game, and further wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is insertable into the connector; and

an auxiliary device identification circuit, wherein the auxiliary device identification circuit is coupled to the connector, to the processor, and to the gateway circuit,

wherein the auxiliary device identification circuit is coupled to the insertably removable auxiliary device upon the insertably removable auxiliary device being inserted into the connector.

78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is coupled to the processor through the gateway circuit subsequent to a validation of an identity of the insertably removable auxiliary device by at least one of the processor and the auxiliary device identification circuit.

79. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus is a communication device.

80. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a wireless telephone and a wired telephone.

81. The appa ratus of claim 77, wherein the information contained in the insertably removable auxiliary device is utilized by the game player to play the game with the at least one other game player over the communication link.

82. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a memory device for storing information for playing the game; and

a connector, wherein the connector is coupled to the memory device, wherein the connector is capable of being mated with an auxiliary connector which is coupled to a game system circuit of a device utilized for playing the game.

83. The apparatus of claim 82, further comprising:

an identification circuit, wherein the apparatus is not utilized to play the game until after the game information stored on the apparatus is identified, information regarding the identified game is transmitted over the communication link to a second device utilized for playing the game, and a response to the transmission of the information regarding the identified game is received over the communication link.

84. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the device utilized for playing the game is at least one of a wireless telephone and a wired telephone.

85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the game system circuit is a component of at least one of a wireless telephone and a wired telephone.

86. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the game system circuit is a component of a wireless telephone.

87. The apparatus of claim 82, further comprising:

a supplemental program module for storing computer-readable information utilized to play the game.

171. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the communication link is established via an antenna of the device utilized for playing the game.

88. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to dial a telephone number;

a display device, wherein the display device displays the telephone number;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus; and

an insertably removable auxiliary display device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device is inserted into the connector, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device displays game information for viewing by the game player.

89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

90. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the connector is mounted on the surface of the apparatus.

91. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a display device, wherein the display device displays information not related to the game;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus; and

an insertably removable auxiliary display device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device is inserted into the connector, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device displays game information for viewing by the game player.

92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the connector is mounted on the surface of the apparatus.

94. An apparatus utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, comprising:

a first display device, wherein the first display device is a fixed display device;

a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus; and

an insertably removable auxiliary display device, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device is inserted into the connector, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device displays information not displayed on the first display device for viewing by the game player.

95. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the apparatus is a hand-held portable device.

96. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a wireless telephone and a wired telephone.

97. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the connector is mounted on the surface of the apparatus.

98. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the first display device displays telephone call information.

99. The apparatus of claim 94, further comprising:

a keypad, wherein the keypad is utilized to establish the communication link.

100. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary display device displays game information.

101. A method utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, wherein the game is played by utilizing an apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game, and a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device containing information for playing the game, wherein the method comprises:

inserting the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector;

identifying the game contained on the insertably removable auxiliary device; and

utilizing the game information stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device subsequent to the execution of the inserting step and the identifying step.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

103. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

establishing the communication link by utilizing a keypad of the apparatus.

104. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

establishing the communication link by utilizing a keypad of the apparatus to dial a telephone number.

105. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

linking the connector to the processor with a gateway circuit subsequent to the inserting step and the identifying step.

106. The method of claim 101, wherein the identifying step further comprises:

identifying the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device with an auxiliary device identification sensor coupled to the connector and to the processor.

107. The method of claim 105, wherein the identifying step further comprises:

identifying the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device with an auxiliary device identification sensor coupled to the gateway circuit.

108. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

providing a connection for obtaining game information; and

providing a connection for obtaining game identification information.

109. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

providing an indication that the insertably removable auxiliary device is to be inserted into the connector.

110. The method of claim 109, further comprising:

providing at least one of a visual message and an audible message.

111. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a keypad.

112. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an auxiliary processor.

113. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a display device for use in viewing information regarding the game.

114. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a storage medium for storing computer-readable information, wherein the computer-readable information contains game information.

115. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an electronic game board.

116. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a graphical user interface.

117. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a headset comprising a microphone and a speaker.

118. The method of claim 101, wherein the game is tic-tac-toe.

119. The method of claim 101, wherein the game is checkers.

120. The method of claim 101, wherein the game is chess.

121. The method of claim 101, wherein the game is battleship.

122. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

inserting a plurality of insertably removable auxiliary devices.

123. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device comprises at least one of a joystick, a steering wheel, a virtual reality viewer, and a control device.

124. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

automatically prompting the game player to insert a particular insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the apparatus receiving information over the communication link from a second apparatus which has identified an insertably removable auxiliary device identified as being utilized in the second apparatus.

125. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

displaying at least one of game information and information utilized for establishing the communication link on a display device.

126. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

establishing the communication link utilizing the apparatus;

indicating that the insertably removable auxiliary device should be inserted into the connector; and

coupling the connector to the processor subsequent to the inserting step and the identifying step.

129. The method of claim 101, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, and a hand-held portable device.

157. The method of claim 101, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

159. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

receiving information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device over the communication link.

161. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

transmitting information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device to the apparatus over the communication link from a first communication device.

163. The method of claim 101, wherein the first communication device is a wireless telephone, and further wherein the apparatus is a second wireless telephone.

165. The method of claim 161, further comprising:

providing at least one of a visual message and an audible message which includes the information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device.

167. The method of claim 101, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is at least one of a processor, a display device, a supplemental program module which stores computer-readable information, an electronic game board, and a graphical user interface.

169. The method of claim 101, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a walkie-talkie, and a wireless toy.

127. A method utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, wherein the game is played by utilizing an apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game, and a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device containing information for playing the game, wherein the method comprises:

establishing the communication link by dialing a telephone number of the at least one other game player, wherein a keypad of the apparatus is utilized to dial the telephone number; and

inserting the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector of the apparatus.

128. A method utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, wherein the game is played by utilizing an apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game, and a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device containing information for playing the game, wherein the method comprises:

prompting the game player to insert the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the game player activating at least one of an auxiliary mode of the apparatus and a game playing mode of the apparatus; and

selectively coupling the insertably removable auxiliary device to the processor subsequent to the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device being electronically identified by the apparatus.

130. A method utilized by a game player to play a game with at least one other game player over a communication link, wherein the game is played by utilizing an apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor processes information for playing the game, and a connector, wherein the connector is mounted to the apparatus, and further wherein the connector receives an insertably removable auxiliary device containing information for playing the game, wherein the method comprises:

inserting the insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector;

identifying the game contained on the insertably removable auxiliary device;

processing the game information contained on the insertably removable auxiliary device;

utilizing the game information stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device subsequent to the execution of the inserting step and the identifying step; and

playing the game with the apparatus.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, and a hand-held portable device.

132. The method of claim 130, wherein the apparatus is a wireless telephone.

133. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

establishing the communication link by utilizing a keypad of the apparatus.

134. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

establishing the communication link by utilizing a keypad of the apparatus to dial a telephone number.

135. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

linking the connector to the processor with a gateway circuit subsequent to the inserting step and the identifying step.

136. The method of claim 130, wherein the identifying step further comprises:

identifying the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device with an auxiliary device identification sensor coupled to the connector and to the processor.

137. The method of claim 130, wherein the identifying step further comprises:

identifying the game stored on the insertably removable auxiliary device with an auxiliary device identification sensor coupled to the gateway circuit.

138. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

providing a connection for obtaining game information; and

providing a connection for obtaining game identification information.

139. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

providing an indication that the insertably removable auxiliary device is to be inserted into the connector.

140. The method of claim 139, further comprising:

providing at least one of a visual message and an audible message.

141. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a keypad.

142. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an auxiliary processor.

143. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a display device for use in viewing information regarding the game.

144. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a storage medium for storing computer-readable information, wherein the computer-readable information contains game information.

145. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is an electronic game board.

146. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a graphical user interface.

147. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is a headset comprising a microphone and a speaker.

148. The method of claim 130, wherein the game is tic-tac-toe.

149. The method of claim 130, wherein the game is checkers.

150. The method of claim 130, wherein the game is chess.

151. The method of claim 130, wherein the game is battleship.

152. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

inserting a plurality of insertably removable auxiliary devices.

153. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device comprises at least one of a joystick, a steering wheel, a virtual reality viewer, and a control device.

154. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

automatically prompting the game player to insert a particular insertably removable auxiliary device into the connector in response to the apparatus receiving information over the communication link from a second apparatus which has identified an insertably removable auxiliary device as being utilized in the second apparatus.

155. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

displaying at least one of game information and information utilized for establishing the communication link on a display device.

156. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

establishing the communication link utilizing the apparatus;

indicating that the insertably removable auxiliary device should be inserted into the connector; and

coupling the connector to the processor subsequent to the inserting step and the identifying step.

158. The method of claim 130, wherein the apparatus is connected to at least one of a set-top box, a television, and a video player/recorder.

160. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

receiving information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device over the communication link.

162. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

transmitting information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device to the apparatus over the communication link from a first communication device.

164. The method of claim 130, wherein the first communication device is a wireless telephone, and further wherein the apparatus is a second wireless telephone.

166. The method of claim 162, further comprising:

providing at least one of a visual message and an audible message which includes the information regarding the particular type of insertably removable auxiliary device.

168. The method of claim 130, wherein the insertably removable auxiliary device is at least one of a processor, a display device, a supplemental program module which stores computer-readable information, an electronic game board, and a graphical user interface.

170. The method of claim 130, wherein the apparatus is at least one of a telephone, a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a walkie-talkie, and a wireless toy.