Multi-mode methods and devices utlizing battery power level for selection of the modes

A method in a battery-powered multimode wireless communication device that operates pursuant to a first active communication mode and to a second active communication mode, the method comprising:

• running, on the wireless communication device, a first function and a second function;
• determining whether a battery-power level has dropped to a predetermined threshold while operating pursuant to the first active communication mode;
• and
• if the battery-power level drops to the predetermined threshold while operating pursuant to the first active communication mode, then switching from operation of the wireless communication device in the first active communication mode to operation in the second active communication mode for the first function while continuing to operate in the first active communication mode for the second function.

A battery-powered multimode wireless communication device that operates pursuant to a first active communication mode and to a second active communication mode, the wireless communication device comprising:

• a processor that runs a first function and a second function;
• a battery-power level determination module coupled to a battery;
• and
• a switching module that, if the battery-power level drops to a predetermined threshold while operating pursuant to the first active communication mode, switches from operation of the wireless communication device in the first active communication mode to operation in the second active communication mode for the first function while continuing to operate in the first active communication mode for the second function.