Abstract: A voice-mail platform in which a voice message can be combined with a sound sample such that the combined message contains background noise to enhance the persuasiveness of the message. The voice message and the sound sample may be stored either together or separately and can be forwarded from an original recipient to a third party recipient with or without the sound sample. The voice message can be recorded while the user is listening to the selected sound sample. Further, a user can store a personal audio stationary to select sound samples which accompany voice messages.

Abstract: An incoming telephone call is held in a telephony network while a subscriber is notified that the call is waiting to be handled. A guide menu presenting call handling options is displayed on an entertainment center while a program played through the entertainment center is paused and recorded. The subscriber selects a desired call handling option using a remote control device and the call is handled in a manner corresponding to the selected call handling option.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates voice, text, pager or e-mail communication between first and second parties. The second party requests a token from the first party, wherein the token is associated with contact information, such as a telephone number, but does not reveal the telephone number. The first party, at their discretion, provides the token to the second party. The second party is then able to contact the first party by using the token but without knowing the contact information, such as the telephone number, of the first party.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for using the historical data of a user of an application, such as a voice application, to provide to a user a more effective user interface. The present invention can allow a system to automatically provide a user of a voice application with an application service based upon the user's prior activity in the application. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a user with an interface to access the voice application and to invoke one of a plurality of application services; selecting an application service for the user, without the user requesting the application service, as a function of information representative of the user's past access to the application; and providing the selected application service to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates voice, text, pager or e-mail communication between first and second parties. The second party requests a token from the first party, wherein the token is associated with contact information, such as a telephone number, but does not reveal the telephone number. The first party, at their discretion, provides the token to the second party. The second party is then able to contact the first party by using the token but without knowing the contact information, such as the telephone number, of the first party.

Abstract: An incoming telephone call is held in a telephony network while a subscriber is notified that the call is waiting to be handled. A guide menu presenting call handling options is displayed on an entertainment center while a program played through the entertainment center is paused and recorded. The subscriber selects a desired call handling option using a remote control device and the call is handled in a manner corresponding to the selected call handling option.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that includes a handheld wireless computer, such as a PDA, through which a user can select a voice message to be played to the user from an inventory of messages. The inventory is presented within a displayed page on the computer. The computer is also used to designated a telephone number of a telephone which is to be called and through which the message is to be played when the telephone is answered via a displayed page that includes a description of the selected message and includes a field for entering a telephone number. A message system retrieves the designated voice message, telephones the designated telephone and plays the message through the telephone when the telephone is answered.

Abstract: A system for managing a competitive activity between first and second competitors, each of whom has a multimode communication device. The first competitor is provided with a predetermined list of competitors, such as a friends list which has been stored in advance by the first competitor. The first competitor is requested to select at least one competitor from the predetermined competitor list as a second competitor via the first multimode communication device. A competitive activity is then arranged involving the first and second competitors via the first and second multimode communication devices. The competitive activity may be a parlor game, a gambling or wagering game, a debate or any other type of competitive activity. In addition, if one of the competitors receives a voice telephone call while their multimode communication device is in a data mode for conducting the competitive activity, the competitor is notified of the incoming voice telephone call.