Software and computer processor implemented system and method of providing customized automated responses to different types of incoming electronic messages from various contact sources, particularly useful for preventing distracted driving or distractions at a place of work or at a place of rest and relaxation. Here the invention's software, often in the form of an app, runs on a smartphone or other computerized device configured to automatically connect to various devices, such as automobile associated Bluetooth peripherals or WiFi access points/routers. When operating, the app causes active connections to automatically trigger auto response mode in response to incoming messages. Optionally, different automated responses to be assigned to different connected device identification codes or different incoming message originators. Various prioritization schemes, such as last active connection dominates, and various ways in which different contact specific automated responses may interact with various device specific automated responses, are also discussed.

An electronic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a sensor, a communicator configured to receive a wireless signal, a microphone configured to convert a sound to an electrical signal, and a processor configured to determine a movement of the electronic apparatus based on the signal, determine a location of the electronic apparatus based on a source of the wireless signal, and control a recording operation through the microphone based on the determined location of the electronic apparatus and the status of the electronic apparatus.

In accordance with one or more aspects, criteria including both a type of communication and a user signal are received. Additionally, a response to be stored as a pre-determined response is received. Both the criteria and the response are stored. When a communication satisfying the criteria (both the type of communication and the user signal) is subsequently received, the pre-determined response is sent to the device from which the communication is received.

A dynamic communication management system manages the exchange of phone-based communications between devices using dynamically determined routing data. The routing for the phone-based communications can be dynamically determined such that certain identifying information is provided to destination devices instead of the identifying information that would be provided without the services of the dynamic communication management system.

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to interactive voicemail tagging of messages and responses to provide improved navigation and tracking of information requested/contained in voicemail messages and responses. Users may tag portions of the recorded message/response to indicate presence of a request for information, an answer providing requested information, etc. and navigate to particular portions of the recorded message/response using the tags. Accordingly, in one embodiment a computer-implemented method for interactive voicemail message and response tagging and processing includes: receiving a prompt having associated therewith one or more prompt tags; receiving a response corresponding to the prompt, the response having associated therewith one or more response tags; and processing the response to determine either or both of a content of the response and a context of the response. Corresponding systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

In accordance with one or more aspects, criteria including both a type of communication and a user signal are received. Additionally, a response to be stored as a pre-determined response is received. Both the criteria and the response are stored. When a communication satisfying the criteria (both the type of communication and the user signal) is subsequently received, the pre-determined response is sent to the device from which the communication is received.

A communication system includes a call answering center; a first mobile phone that registers a call answering setting in the call answering center; a second mobile phone that makes a call to the first mobile phone and includes a display unit and an operation unit; and a telephone communication network that connects the first mobile phone, the second mobile phone, and the call answering center in a communicable manner. When a call is made and the call answering setting is performed, the call answering center composes a call answering message accompanied by a reply program having an advertisement image attached thereto in accordance with the call answering setting, and transmits the call answering message to the second mobile phone. Upon receiving the call answering message, the second mobile phone causes the display unit to display an image of the reply program having the advertisement image superimposed thereon.

Methods and apparatus for providing ubiquitous and configurable communications between users is provided. Ubiquity and other features are provided using a common identifier linking two or more users. In one embodiment, a common identifier is automatically provided when call forwarding is directed to a designated phone number. In another embodiment, a user can cause a common identifier to be created linking the user with a user of their choice by sending a text message to a designated address. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Various embodiments provide real-time translation of a voicemail into a readable format as the voicemail is being recorded. In some cases, a system server records the voicemail by first answering a call from an originating device that goes unanswered by a destination device. Upon answering the call, the system server translates the recording, while it is being recorded, into a readable format. Alternately or additionally, the system server forwards portions of the readable format to the destination device. In turn, as the destination device receives portion(s) of the real-time translation, it can display the associated content, and/or update what is displayed as new portions are received. At times, the destination device provides additional call control that interrupts the voicemail while it is being recorded at the system server, and redirects the call to the destination device if the originating device is still connected.

A method is provided for allocating a messaging mailbox located in a communications network to a user. The method performs the following actions in a messaging mailbox management device: receiving from a communication terminal, via the communications network, a request for a messaging mailbox, the request including user identification information, the identification information being different from a contact identifier of the user that can be reached on a communications network of a telecommunications operator to which the user subscribes; recording the received identification information in association with a messaging mailbox identifier; and sending a message in reply to the request, via the communications network, to the communication terminal. The message includes the messaging mailbox identifier.