A method for processing messages by a device of a Voice over IP (VoIP) network. The method includes, following receipt of a message initiating a VoIP call coming from a terminal: determining whether the message contains a public telephone identity allocated to a user by the VoIP network; if so, triggering setting-up the VoIP call with a recipient of the message; otherwise: setting up a VoIP channel between the terminal and a voice server hosted by the device; obtaining, by the server via this channel, an authentication code of a user of the terminal; if the authentication code is associated at VoIP network level with a public telephone identity allocated by the network to a user, providing to the terminal the public telephone identity and authentication data associated at VoIP network level with this identity for making VoIP calls and being authenticated to the VoIP network.

A distributed voice applications system includes a voice applications rendering agent and at least one voice applications agent that is configured to provide voice applications to an individual user. A management system may control and direct the voice applications rendering agent to create voice applications that are personalized for individual users based on user characteristics, information about the environment in which the voice applications will be performed, prior user interactions and other information. The voice applications agent and components of customized voice applications may be resident on a local user device which includes a voice browser and speech recognition capabilities. The local device, voice applications rendering agent and management system may be interconnected via a communications network.

Apparatus and methods concerning call routing are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a call alert message, indicative of the call answer options, is communicated from a data-communications server to the communication device, determined in response to receiving an incoming call for a communication device at the server. A selected option is received from the communication device. In response to the selected option indicating the first call answer option, the call is routed to the communication device as a call via a data network or in response to the selected option indicating the second call answer option, the call is routed to the communication device via a PSTN.

A system and method for delivering a message to a user makes use of a voice applications agent that is located, at least in part, on the user's local device, the voice applications agent being configured to perform a voice application in order to deliver the message to the user. The voice application comprises a set of instructions about how to interact with the user. Performing the voice application on the user's local device comprises the voice applications agent following the set of instructions that comprise the voice application in order to interact with the user.

An account registration method in a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) network cluster system includes: establishing communication with a DECT host through a DECT network cluster constructed in advance; receiving first account information allocated by the DECT host; initiating registration to a server according to the first account information, and obtaining a first registration result; sending the first registration result to the DECT host; if the first registration result is that the registration is successful, entering a first mode; if the first registration result is that the registration is not responded to, obtaining a second registration result fed back by the DECT host; if the second registration result is that the registration is successful, entering a second mode, where in the second mode, the DECT device sends SIP signaling to the DECT host so that the DECT host forwards the SIP signaling.

A phone appliance and method of use are provided where the phone appliance can be used to make VoIP communications calls. In a preferred embodiment, the phone appliance includes an RF connection for connecting to a computer or other computing device for facilitating the placement of the VoIP communications calls. The phone appliance further includes a display or portal for depicting advertisements provided by various advertisers. The advertisements provided can be used to defray all or part of the cost associated with making VoIP communications calls. The portal can also be used to communicate with businesses for ordering products, such as ordering a pizza, and to perform various services, such as purchasing stocks. In an exemplary system, the phone appliance is used to transmit to a control center information related to the user of the phone appliance, such as interests and buying habits, and queries for receiving additional information for various advertised products and services. The control center transmits the queries to the appropriate vendors for providing the user with additional information. Other functions and features are provided to the phone appliance, such as being able to download e-mail messages stored within or received by the computer.

A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising: a non-graphical actuator operable to be actuated by a user; an interface for connecting to the user terminal; and control logic for interfacing with the user terminal in order to control a communication client application running on the user terminal, and to thereby control a voice or video call that is conducted over a packet-based network from the user terminal using the communication client application. The control logic is configured such that the control of the call comprises performing a function in relation to the call in response to actuation of said hardware actuator by the user, and furthermore that the function of the actuation of the actuator is dependent on a current status of the call.

A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising: a first housing part and a second housing part flexibly coupled together, the peripheral configured to be operated in an open mode wherein the first housing part and the second housing part lie adjacent to each other such that the peripheral forms a stand for the user terminal and a closed mode wherein the first housing part and the second housing part lie facing each other; at least one sensor in the first housing part configured to determine whether the peripheral device is the open mode or the closed mode; at least one transducer directed in a first orientation suitable for operating in a closed mode; a further transducer directed in a further orientation suitable for operating in an open mode; and control logic for controlling the at least one transducer and the at least one further transducer based on the at least one sensor determining whether the peripheral device is the open mode or the closed mode.

A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising an interface for connecting to the user terminal; at least one of a light and/or a speaker; and control logic for interfacing with the user terminal in order to interact with a communication client application running on the user terminal, which enables a voice or video call service that is conducted over a packet-based network from the user terminal using the communication client application. The control logic is configured to receive a notification from said communication client application of an event or state in the voice or video call service, and to provide to a user an indication of the event or state by providing an output from the light and/or speaker; wherein this indication is provided while the user terminal is in a locked or sleep state.

A system is provided that includes a first network interface for a first network type and a second network interface for a second network type that is different from the first network type. The system also includes at least one processor configured to cause the system to perform operations. The operations may include obtaining, from the first network interface, audio from a communication session with a remote device established over the first network and obtaining an indication of a communication device available to participate in the communication session and direct audio obtained from the communication session to a remote transcription system. The operations may also include directing the audio to the second network interface for transmission to the communication device, obtaining transcript data from the remote transcription system based on the audio, and directing the transcript data to the second network interface for transmission to the communication device.