Programmable remote unit for operating a communication device

A method of controlling a function of a communication device by a remote unit that is distanced from the communication device, the method comprising the steps of:

• identifying the remote unit through a wireless interface;
• receiving user input identifying a function;
• receiving a control signal entered from the remote unit;
• associating the function with the control signal;
• and
• thereafter, receiving the control signal from the remote unit and performing the function at the communication device.

A method of operating a communication device from a remote unit located a distance from the communication device, the method comprising the steps of:

• identifying the remote unit over a short range wireless interface;
• receiving a control signal from the remote unit;
• assigning a function performed at the communication device to the remote unit;
• assigning the control signal to the function;
• and
• thereafter, receiving the control signal from the remote unit and performing the function at the communication device.

A method of controlling a function of a communication device by a remote unit that is distanced from the communication device, the method comprising the steps of:

• identifying the remote unit over a short-range interface;
• displaying a plurality of functions that are performed by the communication device;
• receiving input identifying a selected function from the plurality of functions;
• receiving a control signal from the remote unit;
• associating the control signal with the selected function;
• and
• thereafter, receiving the control signal from the remote unit and performing the selected function.