A communications method includes receiving, by user equipment (UE), a first message from a network side, where the first message is used to indicate to the UE to perform circuit switched fallback (CSFB) as a called party, where the first message includes first information, and where the first information is used to indicate an incoming call number. If it is determined that a preset condition is met, the communications method further includes sending a second message to the network side, where the second message is used to indicate that the CSFB is rejected, and where the preset condition includes at least one of the incoming call number is restricted or the UE is in a mode of automatically rejecting a CSFB incoming call.

Broadband communications devices and methods operate with at least two separate communication paths between the devices and the network, such as the Internet. The broadband devices and methods receive data concurrently over the communication paths or separately. The bandwidth is increased when the separate communication paths are combined. The broadband devices employ packetized data with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies combined with RF communications technologies.

The technology disclosed herein enables narration of occurrences in a telecommunications soft client operating in a GUI-less mode. In a particular embodiment, a method includes, in a user system, operating the telecommunications soft client in a first mode. In the first mode, the user system does not present a GUI to a user for the telecommunications soft client. A screen reader application is also executing on the user system. While in the first mode, the method includes audibly describing a first occurrence for the telecommunications soft client and receiving global user input into the telecommunications soft client. The screen reader application describes a second occurrence for a first application executing, and displaying an application window, on the user system.

Systems and methods for seamlessly providing carrier-independent VoIP calls initiated using an existing carrier-issued telephone number are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the existing carrier-issued telephone number to be called is received. Subsequently, a status regarding if the existing carrier-issued telephone number is a registered telephone number stored in a carrier-independent database is determined. If the existing carrier-issued telephone number comprises a registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, a call is established via peer-to-peer connection using an address associated with the registered telephone number. However, if the existing carrier-issued telephone number is not a registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the call is placed via a standard route.

An information processing apparatus capable of simultaneously executing a reproduction function of content data and a communication function with an external apparatus includes a reproduction section configured to execute the reproduction function, a communication control section configured to execute the communication function using a communication section, an operation input allocation section configured to allocate an operation input from a first operation section to the reproduction function or the communication function, an operation input acquisition section configured to acquire an operation input from a second operation section, and a display control section configured to cause a display section to display information relating to the reproduction function or information relating to the communication function.

Certain embodiments of the invention generally relate to lawful interception of communications for IP Multimedia System-based (IMS-based) voice over IP (VoIP). For example, some embodiments relate to interception of communications including interception for encrypted, transcoded media. A method may include identifying a network node that provides call content interception. The method may also include determining a codec type used at a location of the call content interception at the network node. The method may further include sending a matched codec of the codec type used at the location of the call content interception at the network node to a delivery function in the communications 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.

An apparatus including a server is disclosed for providing data-communications services to and configuring contact lists for a plurality of Internet-enabled devices. The apparatus includes a data server communicatively connected to the plurality of user-communications devices. In response to receiving a first data message, from a first device not included in the plurality of devices, that includes contact information and identifies one of the plurality of devices, the device management circuit adds a new contact having the contact information to the respective contact list of the identified one of the plurality of devices.

Methods and systems are provided for providing enhanced incoming call notifications for users who utilized a relay application designed for those with speech, visual, or hearing impairments or disabilities. An indication that a calling party is attempting to initiate an incoming call intended for a receiving party that utilizes a relay application that assists users having hearing, visual, or speech disabilities is received by an intermediate party. A chat session is established utilizing the relay application between the intermediate party and the calling party. Additionally, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) session is established that does not include a voice session. Upon the chat session being terminated from within the relay application, the VoIP session is terminated.

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.