Patent ID: 8787949

Claim:
A method for controlling a mobile communications device while located in a mobile vehicle, the method comprising: pairing the mobile communications device with a telematics unit operatively disposed in the mobile vehicle, the pairing being accomplished using short range wireless communication between the mobile communications device and the telematics unit; receiving an incoming text message at the mobile communications device while the mobile communications device is paired with the telematics unit; and upon receiving the incoming text message, implementing a text messaging management strategy via any of the telematics unit or the mobile communications device, wherein the text messaging management strategy is executable via an application that is resident on the mobile communications device, wherein the implementing of the text messaging management strategy includes: via the application, automatically making a copy of the incoming text message; transmitting the copy of the incoming text message to a facility other than a mobile communications server; via a processor at the facility that is operatively coupled to a computer-readable medium encoded with a software program, converting the copy of the incoming text message into a human audible format for audio playback to an intended recipient of the incoming text message; via a communications module operatively associated with the facility, initiating a voice call to the mobile communications device, the voice call including an inquiry as to whether or not the intended recipient of the incoming text message wants to listen to the text message; and any of i) transmitting the human audible format of the copy of the incoming text message to the mobile communications device if the intended recipient elects to listen to the text message in response to the inquiry or ii) ending the voice call if the intended recipient declines to listen to the text message in response to the inquiry, wherein the copy of the text message is stored in a user profile at a call center, and wherein the method further comprises flagging the copy of the text message as having been read when the human audible format of the copy of the incoming text message is transmitted to the mobile communications device.