A computer-implemented method for managing calls in a collaboration environment is provided. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a call into a collaboration session of the collaboration environment. The method also includes identifying, by the processor, a user from a plurality of users associated with the collaboration session, based on at least one of contextual information regarding the call and information regarding the plurality of users. The method further includes providing, by the processor, an interface on a device associated with the identified user, wherein the interface enables the identified user to instruct the device to handle the call within the collaboration session.

Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for allowing a user to switch between interfacing with a service through a network or through short message service (SMS). A chat service is executed through which a first user at a first computer can communicate directly with a second user at a second computer. A request is received from the first computer to enable the first user to interface with the chat service through a mobile device of the first user using SMS instead of through the network using the first computer. The chat service is configured to interface with the mobile device through SMS, including communicating chat information through SMS to the first user's mobile device, and communicating control information through SMS to the first user's mobile device such that the first user can control a full functionality of the chat service using SMS.

Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for allowing a user to switch between interfacing with a service through a network or through short message service (SMS). A chat service is executed through which a first user at a first computer can communicate directly with a second user at a second computer. A request is received from the first computer to enable the first user to interface with the chat service through a mobile device of the first user using SMS instead of through the network using the first computer. The chat service is configured to interface with the mobile device through SMS, including communicating chat information through SMS to the first user's mobile device, and communicating control information through SMS to the first user's mobile device such that the first user can control a full functionality of the chat service using SMS.

A holiday telephone system comprising: a smartphone; a holiday telephone in wireless communication with the smartphone; a holiday telephone app installed on the smartphone, where the app is configured to perform a method, the method comprising: creating a new message by inputting a message into the app via the smartphone; selecting an elf character to speak the message; scheduling the app to cause the holiday telephone to ring at predetermined date, and time; and playing the message as recited by the elf character when the telephone is answered. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a set of instructions stored thereon that when accessed by a processor enable the processor to perform a method of creating and scheduling a message to be delivered via a telephone, the method comprising: opening a messages page by default; determining whether the user selects to continue with messages; creating a new message if the user selects to continue with messages; determining whether the user selects to use most recently messaged child; choosing select elf, edit elf, or add new elf, if the user selects to use most recently messaged child; selecting an elf character, if the user chose select elf option; choosing enter message or quick message; entering message, if the user chose enter message option; choosing call now or schedule time for message; entering date and time for telephone message to be delivered to a telephone, if the user chose schedule time for message; displaying scheduled message; changing elf name, changing ringtone associated with elf, changing voice associated with elf, changing gender of elf, if the edit elf option was selected in the choosing select elf, edit elf, or add new elf query; returning to the selecting an elf character query; entering name of new elf; entering gender of new elf, selecting ringtone associated with new elf, selecting voice associated with new elf, if add new elf is selected at the choosing select elf, edit elf, or add new elf query.

The present disclosure relates to management of informational message communications including distribution and interaction with various types of messages including various types of data and interactive options. Data and tracking gathered with this method can provide innovative methods for businesses to evaluate consumer responsiveness as well as overall effectiveness of certain types of messages.

In one example, a mobile message device may create a message rule to establish a causal relationship between a messaging activity and a device activity or vice versa. A mobile message device may present a message rule user interface to the user to establish a message rule. The message rule user interface may receive from the user a message parameter describing at least one of a message format and a message content of a hypothetical mobile message received in a mobile messaging module. The message rule user interface may receive a response action directive describing a device action to be performed by the mobile message device in response to receiving an incoming mobile message matching the message parameter. The mobile message device may store a message target rule associating the message parameter with the response action directive. The mobile message device may receive the incoming mobile message matching the message parameter. The mobile message device may execute the device action in response to the incoming mobile message according to the response action directive.

A device with a display receives a first communication at the device while the device is in a locked state. In response to receiving the first communication at the device while the device is in the locked state, the device generates, for display in a respective user interface, a first notification for the first communication received at the device, wherein the first notification includes content in the first communication. While displaying the first notification in the respective user interface, the device receives information that indicates a sender of the first communication is preparing another communication. In response to receiving the information that indicates the sender of the first communication is preparing another communication, the device updates the displayed first notification in the respective user interface to concurrently display content in the first communication and a communication-preparation indicator that indicates preparation of another communication by the sender of the first communication.

A method for inputting a message on a terminal. The method is performed by a processing unit of the terminal and/or a processing unit of a server connected to the terminal and includes: identifying a primary language for the message; detecting the input of a part of the message in a secondary language, different from the primary language; and translating into the primary language the part inputted in the secondary language.