Universal methods and device for hand-held promotional opportunities

A system is described for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of auxiliary data by a hand-held device 12, such as a smart card, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), or mobile phone. Aiming light 24 and/or audio transducer 34 alert the user of hand-held device 12 that auxiliary data is being received. The auxiliary data is then utilized by hand-held device 12. The user receives benefits such as promotional opportunities resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data. Such opportunities are expressed on visual display 20, which may include a series of lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and/or 20d, or an LCD 44. The lights and LCD provide promotional opportunities which may be redeemable and conventional stores or via the Internet. Hand-held devices 12 are outfitted with a PCMCIA interface 70 or wireless Internet access to obtain such promotional activities on the Internet. Hand-held device 12 may have housing 14 in various shapes to promote various promotional opportunities. On front surface 16 of the hand-held device may have indication of a sponsor 17.