One or more chat servers receives voice signals and pose (location and orientation) signals from devices such as VR headsets associated with respective chat participants. For each participant, the server renders a single stream representing the voices of the other participants, with the voice data in each stream being modified to account for the orientation of the head of the receiving participant. The server sends the streams to the participants for whom the streams are tailored. The voice information representing the chat of the other participants in a stream intended for a particular participant can also be modified to account for the distances between participants and orientations of speakers' heads relative to the particular participant for whom the stream is tailored.

A system that may be utilized for locking electronic communications is provided. The system can allow an electronic communication to be encrypted, locked, hidden, or otherwise made unviewable by the system to form a locked communication. The locked communication can be configured to require that a recipient play the game and satisfy an objective of the game before the electronic communication is “unlocked” or made viewable for the recipient. The locked communication can be sent to multiple recipients or groups and can provide opportunities for competitive or cooperative play. Promotions, coupons, incentives, and marketing materials may be sent as locked communications and require or incentivize engagement by recipients.

A computer-based system and method for responding to customer calls. The method includes automatically determining whether at least one incoming call meets existing customer criteria and further automatically determining a market segment of the at least one incoming call. The market segment may indicate whether a specific customer prefers: (i) no voice or face-to-face interaction with a representative; (ii) a face-to-face interaction with a representative; and/or (iii) a voice only interaction with a representative. The method further includes automatically routing the at least one incoming call based upon the determined market segment to one of: (1) an automated voice prompt; (2) a gaming system having two-way video capability; or (3) a person-to-person voice call system to facilitate answering incoming calls in a customer-friendly or customer preferred manner.

Responders and requesters can be assigned a score while waiting. Requesters and responders are matched via an auction type system, where requesters with the best requester scores are matched with requesters with the best responder scores. The requester scores can be boosted while the requester is waiting for a response if the requester performs certain actions. The requester score and responder score can increase over time. The requester score and responder score can also be based on other variables.

A system and method providing semi-private conversation using an area microphone between one local user in a group of local users and a remote user. The local and remote users may be in different physical environments, using devices coupled by a network. A conversational relationship is defined between a local user and a remote user. The local user's voice is isolated from other voices in the environment, and transmitted to the remote user. Directional output technology may be used to direct the local user's utterances to the remote user in the remote environment.

A computer-based system and method for responding to customer calls. The method includes automatically determining whether at least one incoming call meets existing customer criteria and further automatically determining a market segment of the at least one incoming call. The market segment may indicate whether a specific customer prefers: (i) no voice or face-to-face interaction with a representative; (ii) a face-to-face interaction with a representative; and/or (iii) a voice only interaction with a representative. The method further includes automatically routing the at least one incoming call based upon the determined market segment to one of: (1) an automated voice prompt; (2) a gaming system having two-way video capability; or (3) a person-to-person voice call system to facilitate answering incoming calls in a customer-friendly or customer preferred manner.

One or more chat servers receives voice signals and pose (location and orientation) signals from devices such as VR headsets associated with respective chat participants. For each participant, the server renders a single stream representing the voices of the other participants, with the voice data in each stream being modified to account for the orientation of the head of the receiving participant. The server sends the streams to the participants for whom the streams are tailored. The voice information representing the chat of the other participants in a stream intended for a particular participant can also be modified to account for the distances between participants and orientations of speakers' heads relative to the particular participant for whom the stream is tailored.

A computer-based system and method for responding to customer calls. The method includes automatically determining whether at least one incoming call meets existing customer criteria and further automatically determining a market segment of the at least one incoming call. The market segment may indicate whether a specific customer prefers: (i) no voice or face-to-face interaction with a representative; (ii) a face-to-face interaction with a representative; and/or (iii) a voice only interaction with a representative. The method further includes automatically routing the at least one incoming call based upon the determined market segment to one of: (1) an automated voice prompt; (2) a gaming system having two-way video capability; or (3) a person-to-person voice call system to facilitate answering incoming calls in a customer-friendly or customer preferred manner.

A computer-based system and method for responding to customer calls. The method includes automatically determining whether at least one incoming call meets existing customer criteria and further automatically determining a market segment of the at least one incoming call. The market segment may indicate whether a specific customer prefers: (i) no voice or face-to-face interaction with a representative; (ii) a face-to-face interaction with a representative; and/or (iii) a voice only interaction with a representative. The method further includes automatically routing the at least one incoming call based upon the determined market segment to one of: (1) an automated voice prompt; (2) a gaming system having two-way video capability; or (3) a person-to-person voice call system to facilitate answering incoming calls in a customer-friendly or customer preferred manner.