Patent ID: 8998720
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: A63F,H04L,H04M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a memory storing a communication client application; a control device allowing a user to control the output of signals from the video apparatus to the screen, thereby selecting a viewing activity, the control device configured to receive audio from the user and to communicate audio received from the user to the communication client application; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; and processing apparatus, coupled to the memory, network interface and video apparatus, and arranged to execute the communication client application; that when executed performs operations including: enabling the user to conduct bidirectional communications with other users via the packet-based network, the audio reception and communication capabilities of the control device to be utilized by the user in conducting the bidirectional communications, and outputting notifications to the user of incoming communication events received from other users over the packet-based network; deferring one or more of said notifications of incoming communication events received during said viewing activity, determining a delineation corresponding to a break in the viewing activity for insertion of said notifications that are deferred, and automatically outputting the one or more notifications to the user following said delineation; and automatically sending, prior to said delineation, automated messages to one or more originators of the one or more incoming communication events received during the viewing activity, the automated messages configured to indicate unavailability of the user to the one or more originators.