Patent ID: 8311517

Claim:
A system for handling phone services, comprising: a key fob that includes: a mobile phone network interface that is configured to communicate signals formatted according to a mobile phone network protocol between the key fob and a mobile phone network, and a personal area network interface that is separate from the mobile phone network interface and that is configured to connect to one or more personal area network devices, the personal area network interface also being configured to bridge the one or more personal area network devices to the mobile phone network, thereby enabling the one or more personal area network devices to communicate data over the mobile phone network, such that the key fob acts as a personal communications server for the one or more personal area network devices; and a key that is coupled to the key fob, the key being configured to connect the key fob to a computer system of an automobile when the key is inserted into an ignition switch of the automobile, thereby enabling the key fob to transmit signals via the key to the computer system of the automobile to provide the key fob access to one or more of an antenna, a speaker, or a microphone that is connected to the computer system of the automobile to provide mobile phone services to a user.