Abstract: A device including a peripheral interface, user interface, processor and memory in communication with the processor, in which the memory stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the device to perform functions of detecting an occurrence of a native communication event via a first communication network while the device is in a sleep or locked state; based on the occurrence of the native communication event, generating, via the user interface, a first notification indicating the occurrence of the native communication event detecting an occurrence of a non-native communication event via a second communication network while the device in the sleep or locked state; and based on the occurrence of the non-native communication event, sending, to a peripheral device via the peripheral interface, a signal that causes the peripheral device to generate a second notification indicating the occurrence of the non-native communication event.

Abstract: A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising an interface for connecting to the user terminal; at least one of a light and/or a speaker; and control logic for interfacing with the user terminal in order to interact with a communication client application running on the user terminal, which enables a voice or video call service that is conducted over a packet-based network from the user terminal using the communication client application. The control logic is configured to receive a notification from said communication client application of an event or state in the voice or video call service, and to provide to a user an indication of the event or state by providing an output from the light and/or speaker; wherein this indication is provided while the user terminal is in a locked or sleep state.

Abstract: A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising: a non-graphical actuator operable to be actuated by a user; an interface for connecting to the user terminal; and control logic for interfacing with the user terminal in order to control a communication client application running on the user terminal, and to thereby control a voice or video call that is conducted over a packet-based network from the user terminal using the communication client application. The control logic is configured such that the control of the call comprises performing a function in relation to the call in response to actuation of said hardware actuator by the user, and furthermore that the function of the actuation of the actuator is dependent on a current status of the call.

Abstract: A peripheral device for use with a user terminal, the peripheral device comprising an interface for connecting to the user terminal; at least one of a light and/or a speaker; and control logic for interfacing with the user terminal in order to interact with a communication client application running on the user terminal, which enables a voice or video call service that is conducted over a packet-based network from the user terminal using the communication client application. The control logic is configured to receive a notification from said communication client application of an event or state in the voice or video call service, and to provide to a user an indication of the event or state by providing an output from the light and/or speaker; wherein this indication is provided while the user terminal is in a locked or sleep state.