Method and apparatus to dynamically enable and control communication link optimizations on a communication device

• US 9,083,811 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2012
• Issued: 07/14/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Sharma, Sandeep, Shuman, Mohammed Ataur R., Subbaramoo, Shobha
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Wesley
• Assistant Examiner(s): SANDIFORD, DEVAN A
• Application Number:
  US13/412,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20130231049A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,226 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41.2
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3209 Monitoring remote activity, e.g. over telephone lines or network connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/236 including keys on side or rear faces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724092 Interfacing with an external cover providing additional functionalities
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7246 by connection of exchangeable housing parts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/04 including near field communication means, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/10 Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-On-Call services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/45 for Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-to-Talk over cellular [PoC] services

Abstract

Embodiment methods and systems include external hardware that can be fitted to a wireless communication device to optimize group communications on the wireless devices. The wireless device may be coupled to an external case configured with a physical button that enables group communication such as push-to-talk and other push-to-experience capabilities. Optimizations for push-to-talk communication may be implemented in a push-to-talk mode in response to detecting connection to the external hardware. Signaling between the external case and the wireless device allows detection of the switch to (or from) push-to-talk mode when a user depresses (or releases) the hard key.

Claims

1. A method for enabling a communication link functionality on a wireless device, comprising:

detecting a connection between the wireless device and an external structure associated with the wireless device being positioned in the external structure, the external structure comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

activating the communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising deactivating the communication link functionality in response to detecting a disconnection of the wireless device from the external structure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the external structure is a case for the wireless device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the external structure is a holster configured to hold the wireless device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a key-press code from the external structure at the wireless device;

interpreting the key-press code received from the external structure as a push-to-talk activation event; and

activating a push-to-talk transmission in response to receiving the key-press code.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the key-press code from the external structure is received at the wireless device in response to a depressing of one or more of the physical buttons on the external structure.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein power is provided to the external structure from the wireless device via a connector port.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the external structure comprises a battery configured to provide power to the external structure.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the features set comprises one or more data presets associated with group communications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored in the external structure.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more data presets are transferred from the external structure to the wireless device.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an identifier from the external structure.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the identifier is a credential that authenticates the external structure to the wireless device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the identifier is received by a physical connection between the wireless device and the external structure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the physical connection is through a smartphone-specific connector port on the wireless device.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the identifier is received over a short distance communication from the external structure to the wireless device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the short distance communication is one of a Bluetooth®

signal and a near field communication.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises disabling a display screen of the wireless device when the wireless device receives a group communication.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises enabling a speaker on the external structure.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises activating a far field microphone on the external structure.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the features set comprises a plurality of features sets, wherein each of the plurality of features sets is related to one of optimizing group communications and setting a user presence state for incoming communications.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein:

the external structure includes a plurality of switches, wherein each of the switches is associated with one of the plurality of features sets;

the external structure is configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device, wherein each of the modes is associated with enabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of the plurality of features sets; and

the method further comprises implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of one of the plurality of switches.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes comprises an alert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts at the wireless device;

disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes comprises an offline mode, wherein the offline mode is associated with disabling all group communication capabilities.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a push-to-talk mode, wherein the push-to-talk mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving push-to-talk communications; and

enabling a capability for initiating push-to-talk communications.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a full activity mode, wherein the full activity mode comprises enabling all group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.

26. A wireless device, comprising:

a radio frequency data modem;

a memory; and

a processor coupled to the radio frequency data modem and to the memory, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

detecting a connection to an external structure that is configured to accept the wireless device, wherein the external structure comprises one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes;

activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

27. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a disconnection from the external structure; and

deactivating the communication link functionality in response to detecting the disconnection.

28. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that detecting a connection to the external structure that is configured to accept the wireless device comprises detecting a connection to a case for the wireless device.

29. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that detecting a connection to the external structure that is configured to accept the wireless device comprises detecting a connection to a holster that is configured to hold the wireless device.

30. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

receiving a key-press code from the external structure;

interpreting the key-press code received from the external structure as a push-to-talk activation event; and

activating a push-to-talk transmission in response to receiving the key-press code.

31. The wireless device of claim 30, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that receiving the key-press code from the external structure comprises receiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein the signal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physical buttons on the external structure.

32. The wireless device of claim 26, further comprising a battery, wherein the battery provides power to the external structure via a connector port while the external structure is connected to the wireless device.

33. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the features set comprises one or more data presets associated with group communications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored in the external structure.

34. The wireless device of claim 33, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

receiving the one or more data presets from the external structure, wherein the one or more data presets are received through a physical connection with the external structure or a short distance communication from the external structure.

35. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising receiving an identifier from the external structure.

36. The wireless device of claim 35, wherein the identifier is a credential that authenticates the external structure to the wireless device.

37. The wireless device of claim 35, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises receiving the identifier through a physical connection with the external structure.

38. The wireless device of claim 37, wherein the wireless device further comprises a smartphone-specific connector port, and wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that receiving the identifier through the physical connection with the external structure comprises receiving the identifier through the smartphone-specific connector port.

39. The wireless device of claim 35, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises receiving the identifier over a short distance communication from the external structure.

40. The wireless device of claim 39, wherein the short distance communication is one of a Bluetooth®

signal and a near field communication.

41. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises disabling a display screen of the wireless device when the wireless device receives a group communication.

42. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises enabling a speaker on the external structure.

43. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises activating a far field microphone on the external structure.

44. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that determining the features set of the external structure comprises determining a plurality of features sets of the external structure, wherein each of the plurality of features sets relates to one of optimizing group communications and setting a user presence state for incoming communications.

45. The wireless device of claim 44, wherein:

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising implementing a plurality of modes provided by the external structure, wherein each of the modes is associated with enabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of the plurality of features sets; and

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of one of a plurality of switches on the external structure.

46. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modes comprises an alert-only mode, and wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the alert-only mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts;

disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

47. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modes comprises an offline mode, and wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the offline mode is associated with disabling all group communication capabilities.

48. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a push-to-talk mode, and wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the push-to-talk mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving push-to-talk communications; and

enabling a capability for initiating push-to-talk communications.

49. The wireless device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a full activity mode, and wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the full activity mode comprises enabling all group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.

50. A wireless communication device, comprising:

means for detecting a connection between the wireless communication device and an external structure associated with the wireless communication device being positioned in the external structure configured to accept the wireless communication device and comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

means for activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein the means for activating the communication link functionality further comprises;

means for determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

means for executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

means for enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

means for implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

means for enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

means for activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

means for disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

51. The wireless communication device of claim 50, further comprising:

means for detecting a disconnection from the external structure; and

means for deactivating the communication link functionality in response to detecting the disconnection.

52. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for detecting a connection to the external structure that is configured to accept the wireless communication device comprises means for detecting a connection to a case for the wireless communication device.

53. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for detecting a connection to the external structure that is configured to accept the wireless communication device comprises means for detecting a connection to a holster that is configured to hold the wireless communication device.

54. The wireless communication device of claim 50, further comprising:

means for receiving a key-press code from the external structure;

means for interpreting the key-press code received from the external structure as a push-to-talk activation event; and

means for activating a push-to-talk transmission in response to receiving the key-press code.

55. The wireless communication device of claim 54, wherein means for receiving the key-press code from the external structure comprises means for receiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein the signal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physical buttons on the external structure.

56. The wireless communication device of claim 50, further comprising means for providing power to the external structure while the external structure is connected to the wireless communication device.

57. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein the features set comprises one or more data presets associated with group communications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored in the external structure.

58. The wireless communication device of claim 57, further comprising:

means for receiving the one or more data presets from the external structure, wherein the one or more data presets are received through a physical connection with the external structure or a short distance communication from the external structure.

59. The wireless communication device of claim 50, further comprising means for receiving an identifier from the external structure.

60. The wireless communication device of claim 59, wherein the identifier is a credential that authenticates the external structure to the wireless communication device.

61. The wireless communication device of claim 59, wherein means for receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises means for receiving the identifier through a physical connection with the external structure.

62. The wireless communication device of claim 61, wherein means for receiving the identifier through the physical connection with the external structure comprises means for receiving the identifier through a smartphone-specific connector port.

63. The wireless communication device of claim 59, wherein means for receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises means for receiving the identifier over a short distance communication from the external structure.

64. The wireless communication device of claim 63, wherein means for receiving the identifier over the short distance communication comprises means for receiving the identifier through one of a Bluetooth®

signal and a near field communication.

65. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises means for disabling a display screen of the wireless communication device when a group communication is received.

66. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises means for enabling a speaker on the external structure.

67. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises means for activating a far field microphone on the external structure.

68. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein means for determining the features set of the external structure comprises means for determining a plurality of features sets of the external structure, wherein each of the plurality of features sets relates to one of optimizing group communications and setting a user presence state for incoming communications.

69. The wireless communication device of claim 68, further comprising:

means for implementing a plurality of modes provided by the external structure, wherein each of the modes is associated with enabling on the wireless communication device a different subset of one of the plurality of features sets; and

means for implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of one of a plurality of switches on the external structure.

70. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein the plurality of modes comprises an alert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with:

means for enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts;

means for disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and

means for disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

71. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein the plurality of modes is an offline mode, wherein the offline mode is associated with means for disabling all group communication capabilities.

72. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein the plurality of modes is a push-to-talk mode, wherein the push-to-talk mode is associated with:

means for enabling a capability for receiving push-to-talk communications; and

means for enabling a capability for initiating push-to-talk communications.

73. The wireless communication device of claim 50, wherein the plurality of modes is a full activity mode, wherein the full activity mode is associated with means for enabling all group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.

74. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a wireless device processor to perform operations comprising:

detecting a connection between the wireless device and an external structure associated with the wireless device being positioned in the external structure comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

75. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a disconnection from the external structure; and

deactivating the communication link functionality in response to detecting the disconnection.

76. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that detecting a connection to the external structure comprises detecting a connection to a case for the wireless device.

77. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that detecting a connection to the external structure comprises detecting a connection to a holster that is configured to hold the wireless device.

78. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:

receiving a key-press code from the external structure;

interpreting the key-press code received from the external structure as a push-to-talk activation event; and

activating a push-to-talk transmission in response to receiving the key-press code.

79. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 78, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that receiving the key-press code from the external structure comprises receiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein the signal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physical buttons on the external structure.

80. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising providing power to the external structure via a connector port while the external structure is connected to the wireless device.

81. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the features set comprises one or more data presets associated with group communications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored in the external structure.

82. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 81, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:

receiving the one or more data presets from the external structure, wherein one or more the data presets are received through a physical connection with the external structure or a short distance communication from the external structure.

83. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising receiving an identifier from the external structure.

84. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 83, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the identifier is a credential that authenticates the external structure to the wireless device.

85. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 83, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises receiving the identifier through a physical connection with the external structure.

86. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 85, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising receiving the identifier through a smartphone-specific connector port.

87. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 83, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that receiving the identifier from the external structure comprises receiving the identifier over a short distance communication from the external structure.

88. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 87, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the short distance communication is one of a Bluetooth®

signal and a near field communication.

89. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises disabling a display screen of the wireless device when the wireless device receives a group communication.

90. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises enabling a speaker on the external structure.

91. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that enabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises activating a far field microphone on the external structure.

92. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that determining the features set of the external structure comprises determining a plurality of features sets of the external structure, wherein each of the plurality of features sets relates to one of optimizing group communications and setting a user presence state for incoming communications.

93. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 92, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:

implementing a plurality of modes provided by the external structure, wherein each of the modes is associated with enabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of the plurality of features sets; and

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of one of a plurality of switches on the external structure.

94. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the plurality of modes comprises an alert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts;

disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

95. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the plurality of modes comprises an offline mode, wherein the offline mode is associated with disabling all group communication capabilities.

96. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the plurality of modes comprises a push-to-talk mode, wherein the push-to-talk mode is associated with:

enabling a capability for receiving push-to-talk communications; and

enabling a capability for initiating push-to-talk communications.

97. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operations such that the plurality of modes comprises a full activity mode, wherein the full activity mode comprises enabling all group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.

98. A communication system, comprising:

a wireless device; and

a removable external structure, the removable external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

wherein the removable external structure comprises;

a case structure configured to fit over the wireless device;

a physical button and a switch positioned on the case structure;

a first circuit coupled to the physical button; and

a second circuit configured to cause a connection with the wireless device, and

wherein the wireless device is configured to;

detect a connection with the removable external structure;

activate a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the removable external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the removable external structure;

implement one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the removable external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

99. An external structure for a wireless device, comprising:

an exterior portion configured to fit over the wireless device;

one or more physical buttons and a switch positioned on the exterior portion;

a circuit coupled to a physical button;

an interface configured to establish a connection with the wireless device, wherein the connection enables a communication functionality on the wireless device; and

a processor configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure

implementing one of a plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set, wherein the plurality of modes comprises a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with;

enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;

activating a speaker on the wireless device; and

disabling a capability for initiating group communications.

100. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the exterior portion comprises a case for the wireless device.

101. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the exterior portion comprises a holster configured to hold the wireless device.

102. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising communicating a key-press code to the wireless device.

103. The external structure of claim 99, wherein depression of the physical button activates the circuit, wherein the circuit is operable to communicate a key-press code to the wireless device via the interface.

104. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the interface is a connector port, and wherein the external structure receives power from the wireless device via the connector port when the wireless device is connected.

105. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the interface comprises a Bluetooth®

wireless transceiver.

106. The external structure of claim 99, further comprising a battery that is independent of a wireless device battery.

107. The external structure of claim 99, further comprising a memory configured to store at least one features set for the wireless device.

108. The external structure of claim 107, wherein the at least one features set comprises one or more data presets associated with group communications.

109. The external structure of claim 99, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising communicating an identifier to the wireless device.

110. The external structure of claim 109, wherein the identifier is communicated to the wireless device by via physical connection.

111. The external structure of claim 109, wherein the identifier is a credential that authenticates the external structure to the wireless device.

112. A method for enabling a communication link functionality on a wireless device, comprising:

detecting a connection between the wireless device and an external structure associated with the wireless device being positioned in the external structure, the external structure comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

activating the communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set;

determining whether an alert only group communication mode is enabled on the wireless device;

receiving a talk spurt when the alert only group communication mode is not enabled on the wireless device;

receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a group communication attempt when the alert only group communication mode is enabled on the wireless device; and

sending an incomplete call notification to a sender of the group communication attempt when it is determined that the wireless device is in the alert only group communication mode.

113. A wireless device, comprising:

a radio frequency data modem;

a memory; and

a processor coupled to the radio frequency data modem and to the memory, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

detecting a connection to an external structure that is configured to accept the wireless device, wherein the external structure comprises one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes;

activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set;

determining, based on the mode implemented, whether a capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled;

receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a group communication attempt when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled; and

sending an incomplete call notification to a sender of the group communication attempt when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled.

114. A wireless communication device, comprising:

means for detecting a connection between the wireless communication device and an external structure associated with the wireless communication device being positioned in the external structure configured to accept the wireless communication device and comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

means for activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein the means for activating the communication link functionality further comprises;

means for determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

means for executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

means for enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

means for implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set;

means for determining, based on the mode implemented, whether a capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled;

means for receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a group communication attempt when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled; and

means for sending an incomplete call notification to a sender of the group communication attempt when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled.

115. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a wireless device processor to perform operations comprising:

detecting a connection between the wireless device and an external structure associated with the wireless device being positioned in the external structure comprising one or more physical buttons and a switch, the external structure being configured to implement a plurality of modes in the wireless device;

activating a communication link functionality in response to detecting the connection, wherein activating the communication link functionality comprises;

determining a type and a features set of the external structure;

executing a group communications application on the wireless device; and

enabling one or more group communication capabilities that are supported by the external structure;

implementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of the switch on the external structure, each mode enabling a different subset of the features set;

determining, based on the mode implemented, whether a capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled;

receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a group communication attempt when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled; and

sending an incomplete call notification to a sender of the group communication attempt, when the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled.