Abstract: A communication terminal includes a first input device for receiving a voiced input, a second input device for receiving a user input command, and a processor for conducting communications through a communication network. The processor is connectable to a messaging system having a message memory. When a user inputs a create message signal at the second input device, the processor monitors the first input device for receipt of a user voiced message, and transmits the user voiced message to the messaging system for storage in the message memory. The message is accessible by the user from the messaging system using the communication terminal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables a telecommunications terminal user who is on hold during a call to determine which audio segments, such as musical compositions, are to be played, without some of the costs, disadvantages, and limitations of techniques in the prior art. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a controllable music-on-hold capability that allows the user to enter commands via the user's telecommunications terminal keypad. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a structure for storing computer files, referred to as an “audio segment box,” is established in a data-processing system. The audio segment box is similar to a “voice mail box” used in voice mail systems, except that the audio segment box is designated for audio segments that include musical compositions.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes a first input device for receiving a voiced input, a second input device for receiving a user input command, and a processor for conducting communications through a communication network. The processor is connectable to a messaging system having a message memory. When a user inputs a create message signal at the second input device, the processor monitors the first input device for receipt of a user voiced message, and transmits the user voiced message to the messaging system for storage in the message memory. The message is accessible by the user from the messaging system using the communication terminal.