Abstract: The technology described herein includes a method of receiving, by a phone, audio data from an application running on a computing system coupled to the phone; sending the audio data to an audio output device coupled with the phone; and detecting an incoming phone call to the phone and automatically handling the incoming phone call, based at least in part on one or more preferences of a user of the phone, while receiving the audio data from the application and sending the audio data to audio output device.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a method of receiving, by a phone, audio data from an application running on a computing system coupled to the phone; sending the audio data to an audio output device coupled with the phone; and detecting an incoming phone call to the phone and automatically handling the incoming phone call, based at least in part on one or more preferences of a user of the phone, while receiving the audio data from the application and sending the audio data to audio output device.

Abstract: A portable voice unit communications via a communication device is provided. A controller of the communication device establishes, using a transceiver, a wireless connection with a portable voice unit. The controller receives, via an input device, a selection of a given audio accessory from a plurality of audio accessories, the communication device acting as a communication hub between the portable voice unit and the plurality of audio accessories. The controller provides, between the portable voice unit and the wireless connection, a voice call. The controller connects, to the given audio accessory, the voice call.

Abstract: A portable voice unit communications via a communication device is provided. A controller of the communication device establishes, using a transceiver, a wireless connection with a portable voice unit. The controller receives, via an input device, a selection of a given audio accessory from a plurality of audio accessories, the communication device acting as a communication hub between the portable voice unit and the plurality of audio accessories. The controller provides, between the portable voice unit and the wireless connection, a voice call. The controller connects, to the given audio accessory, the voice call.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a conference call user interface and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the user interface provides a simple teleconferencing solution that allows a user to establish a conference as well as an individual conversation. Graphical representations, in the form of avatars, can be provided. A table surrounded by the avatars can be used to mimic a meeting room as though the parties were actually there. When phone icons on the chests of the avatars are actuated, a directory application to search for parties can be provided. A consult line, separate from the avatars, can also be provided. After connecting and associating the parties with an avatar, call handling actions can be displayed on or around each of the avatars.

Abstract: A call routing system, phone system, and mobile phone for routing calls based on a location of the mobile phone. By routing calls, mobile phone charges can be eliminated or reduced by directing calls to other phones near the mobile phone. In a typical embodiment, user configuration information for the system is setup before receiving calls. The user configuration information can define multiple zones with each zone associated with a routing number. During operation, the mobile phone can periodically update its location using a positioning system thereon. When a call is made to the mobile phone, the call can be routed to another number by the phone system when the mobile phone's location is within a defined zone. The zones can be specific to broad and can overlap each other. In one illustration, a first zone can be an office while a second zone can be a building.

Abstract: An interactive system include a software application and a telephone which function cooperatively to implement a multiplicity of user-invoked features. The telephone set is connected to a computer on which a telephony application program interface application is executed. The telephone set includes a plurality of user-definable function keys in addition to the standard keypad, handset, speaker phone and other standard components. The user-definable function keys are programmable via the computer to implement telephony features or to launch applications on the computer.

Abstract: An intelligent cordless telephone interface device for connection to a telephone line is means responsive to an incoming call on the telephone line to determine the identity of the caller. The device communicates with a cordless telephone to convey the identity of the caller to the user and is responsive to input from the user via the cordless telephone to handle the incoming call in the desired manner, for example to direct it to an answering machine, send an announcement to the caller or the like.