Abstract: Apparatus and method to allow retrieval of voice messages deleted from the voice message memory of a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes a deleted voice message memory for storing voice messages deleted from the voice message memory. The deleted voice messages stored in the deleted voice message memory are retrievable by the user for review subject to rules for permanent deletion of the deleted voice messages (e.g., after a period of time, when the deleted voice message memory approaches capacity, periodically, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus and method to allow retrieval of voice messages deleted from the voice message memory of a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes a deleted voice message memory for storing voice messages deleted from the voice message memory. The deleted voice messages stored in the deleted voice message memory are retrievable by the user for review subject to rules for permanent deletion of the deleted voice messages (e.g., after a period of time, when the deleted voice message memory approaches capacity, periodically, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to allow retrieval of voice messages deleted from the voice message memory of a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes a deleted voice message memory for storing voice messages deleted from the voice message memory. The deleted voice messages stored in the deleted voice message memory are retrievable by the user for review subject to rules for permanent deletion of the deleted voice messages (e.g., after a period of time, when the deleted voice message memory approaches capacity, periodically, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus and method to allow retrieval of voice messages deleted from the voice message memory of a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes a deleted voice message memory for storing voice messages deleted from the voice message memory. The deleted voice messages stored in the deleted voice message memory are retrievable by the user for review subject to rules for permanent deletion of the deleted voice messages (e.g., after a period of time, when the deleted voice message memory approaches capacity, periodically, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to allow retrieval of voice messages deleted from the voice message memory of a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes a deleted voice message memory for storing voice messages deleted from the voice message memory. The deleted voice messages stored in the deleted voice message memory are retrievable by the user for review subject to rules for permanent deletion of the deleted voice messages (e.g., after a period of time, when the deleted voice message memory approaches capacity, periodically, etc.).

Abstract: An Audio Caller ID service is provided which permits the calling party to speak a real time audio message that can be received and played by the called party's Caller ID equipment while his telephone equipment remains in the “on-hook” state. A calling party which has Audio Caller ID (ACID) service would speak a short audio message before dialing the called party. That message is converted to digital form, optionally compressed, and transferred to the called party in a manner similar to conventional Caller ID information. The called party's Caller ID equipment operates in the conventional manner, except that the received Audio Caller ID signal is recognized as an audio signal. At the site of the called party, a decoder is provided to convert the digital signal to an analog audio signal, and this analog signal is provided to a speaker, which plays back the calling party's audio message.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for notifying an Internet user of an attempted incoming telephone call to the same telephone line used to interconnect the called-but-busy party with the Internet. The disclosed embodiment comprises an Internet communication module and a message recorder/IP formatter at an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is contacted, either directly by a calling party via a telephone call, or by the central office via a telephone call, and a desired called-but-busy party is identified (e.g., with a telephone number). The ISP provides a notification message to the called-but-busy user via the data communication link established for Internet use between the called-but-busy party and their servicing ISP. The notification message may be textual (e.g., an e-mail message) and/or audible (e.g., a “.wav” file attached to an e-mail message). Moreover, the notification message may be passive, requiring the called-but-busy party to actively receive the notification request, e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a remote control device includes a HELP feature which is driven by the activation of the button in question itself. In particular, if a multiple-use button is pressed quickly (i.e., for less than a given duration), or in another embodiment if held for a long time (i.e., for more than another given duration), then the HELP mode is triggered for that key. The help may be spoken and/or displayed from either the remote control device itself, or from the controlled device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring convenience feature data (e.g., speed dial numbers, etc.) from one telephone to another local telephone within the same home or small office. In particular, the telephone includes a memory located within a corded or cordless telephone configured for storing data, and a transfer module configured to transfer requested data between the memory and a target device in response to a transfer request. The corded telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the corded telephone and the target device. The cordless telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the cordless telephone and the target device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring convenience feature data (e.g., speed dial numbers, etc.) from one telephone to another local telephone within the same home or small office. In particular, the telephone includes a memory located within a corded or cordless telephone configured for storing data, and a transfer module configured to transfer requested data between the memory and a target device in response to a transfer request. The corded telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the corded telephone and the target device. The cordless telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the cordless telephone and the target device.