Patent ID: 9043482
Filing Date: 2015-05-26
Classification: G06F,H04L,H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A portable communication device that is plug connectable to an external USB interface of a first computing device, the first computer device being a distinct device from the portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising: a memory component that includes a memory area storing a phone calling software component; and one or more controllers having means for managing communication and means for accessing the memory area; wherein, while the portable communication device is plug connected to the external USB interface of the first computing device, the portable communication device is operable to: draw power from the first computing device via the external USB interface of the first computing device for operating the portable communication device, access at least part of the phone calling software component from the memory area, the accessing of at least part of the phone calling software component being facilitated, at least in part, by the one or more controllers, provide at least part of the accessed phone calling software component to a phone calling application running and executing on the first computing device, the providing of at least part of the accessed phone calling software component being facilitated, at least in part, by the one or more controllers, enable the phone calling software application running and executing at the first computing device to make phone calls with the phone calling software component provided by the portable communication device, and enable phone calls through the portable communication device; and wherein, upon disconnection of the portable communication device from the external USB interface of the first computing device, the portable communication device is further operable to connect the portable communication device to an Ethernet interface connection associated with a computing device, and upon connecting the portable communication device to the Ethernet interface connection, the portable communication device is further configured to enable phone calling service over the Ethernet interface connection; and wherein the portable communication device is in the form of a portable dongle that enables phone calling either when the portable communication device is connected to the external USB interface of the first computing device, or when the portable communication device is connected to the Ethernet interface connection.