For the Cingular Blue question (ATT) check this thread out
http://blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2382 follow the advice and get HTML browser set up, you'll view color pictures, full HTML webpages etc.
As for the Autoanswer question, sorry can't help you there. My best guess it's a phone function, RIM would be the ones to talk to. Again not sure, someone else like Mark might shed some more light to the situation.