Abstract: In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user.

Abstract: A voice portal and a method for operating a voice portal are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, voice a voice portal is connected to multiple telephones of various protocols by both a voice signal interface and a data signal interface. The voice portal is also connected to one or more telephony networks. The voice portal is capable of receiving requests for functions from the telephones; retrieving the requested functions from memory and sending the functions back to the telephone for execution. The functions supplied by the voice portal are programmable and customizable and control all functions of the telephones.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses for a console controller in a network device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a console controller, a display module and an input module in a network device so that a user can view, enter, or program network or network device settings at the network device. In another embodiment, the present invention can be programmed to include automated out-of-the-box initial setup procedures to guide a user in the setup, management and operation of a network devices such a DSL/Cable modems or routers, VoIP routers, wireless access points or gateways with or without remote or onsite technical support or update services.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods of distributing telephone identity associations among multiple telephone systems in a telephone network. In one embodiment, the present invention includes methods of distributing, receiving, redistributing and withdrawing telephone identity association data, telephone system association data and other data within in a network of telephone identity association processors. In another embodiment, the present invention includes automated, semi-automated and manual methods to initiate distribution of telephone identity association data.

Abstract: A web programmable telephone and a method for operating a web programmable telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voice module of a wireless household telephone is controlled by an internal web module that can retrieve and execute data operations from a remote portal or server thus adding data functionality to the conventional functions of a telephone. The programmable web module controls all functionality of the web programmable telephone so that every function of the telephone can be programmed and customized by a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a Voice Virtual Private Network (Voice VPN) and methods for providing access to remote peer users across same. In one embodiment, voice and communication services of one or more corporate network are provided to remote user terminals across a Voice VPN Gateway. The level and type of access to voice and communication services provided can be determined statically, dynamically, or adaptively based on user data or user habits or history.

Abstract: A web programmable telephone and a method for operating a web programmable telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voice module of a wireless household telephone is controlled by an internal web module that can retrieve and execute data operations from a remote portal or server thus adding data functionality to the conventional functions of a telephone. The programmable web module controls all functionality of the web programmable telephone so that every function of the telephone can be programmed and customized by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for switching a voice call from an Instant Messaging (IM) based voice network to a cellular voice network. A telephone adapted to switch a voice call from an Instant Messaging (IM) based voice network to a cellular voice network.

Abstract: A universal phone number service and method of providing a universal phone number service that allows a user to receive phone calls on any phone service with a single phone number. A telephone is disclosed that is associated with more than one phone number and a universal phone number, wherein any phone call placed to the universal phone number results in the call being completed to the telephone regardless of the service associated with the more than one phone number.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to collaboration systems having multiple terminals per user. The collaboration system may include first and second collaboration agents, where the first collaboration agent is operable to transmit over a telecommunications network a collaboration call invitation from a first user first terminal associated with the first collaboration agent to a second user first terminal associated with a second collaboration agent; to connect a first communication session if the second user first terminal accepts the collaboration call invitation; to transmit a collaboration call handle to at least the first user first terminal and a first user second terminal associated with the first collaboration agent; to transmit a collaboration command from the first user second terminal to a second user second terminal associated with the second collaboration agent; and to connect a second communication session between the first user second terminal and the second user second terminal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customizing a telephone are disclosed in which preferred communication services are conveniently accessible to a user, in which a telephone is tailored to the specific requirements of a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for refreshing a display of a telephone. A telephone apparatus includes a telephone having a display panel and function by which a user can access a plurality of communication services provided over a communication network. The function may represent a given set of conditions associated with a user, such as static and variable conditions. The function is typically associated with one or more commonly used communication services that would be used by a user under a given set of conditions. A method for automatically refreshing a screen on a display panel of a telephone based on a function change includes displaying on a telephone display a first screen based on a function, the display representing a commonly used communication service associated with the function, and selecting a function based on information.

Abstract: When a voice call is made between two users (Caller and Callee), both of which may have access to multiple voice communication services, the connection is made automatically by the communication equipment through a selectable communication service, based upon characteristics of connection. Those characteristics may include the services available to the users, the day of the week, the time of day, the availability of the Callee on a service, the geographic locations of the Caller and Callee, and Caller pre-established service preferences. Preferably, Caller preferences and associations of callees with unique destination identifiers are stored in a database created for the Caller and available to his communication equipment. An ultimate callee identifier selected for a particular call includes an indication of communication service, and connection an appropriate interface for that service is then provided automatically for the Caller.