Media phone
The media phone represents a new category of broadband multimedia device that has the potential to become the 4th screen in the home, complementing the PC, TV, and mobile handset.
Features
Media phone combines the functionality of a VoIP phone and home networking controller with an expansive touch screen for web browsing, photo viewing and interacting with connected widgets.
Typically available features:
- Internet phone (IP-based voice and video calls)
- Internet browser
- Digital photo frame
- Organizer
- mp3 and wmv player
- FM and internet radio
- SMS/MMS device
- Built-in camera
- Widgets
The device can be controlled through the touchscreen with a finger or accompanying stylus and can have a SD card slot, USB and flash memory. It comes with a wireless handset for phone calls.
What is inside
- Application processor (Intel Atom, ARM, etc.)
- High level operating system (HLOS), widget based
- VoIP software for IP calls
Examples
The media phone can be used by wireline telecom operators for value-added IP services delivery. Several major carriers have introduced media phones, for example iriver Wave Home by Korea Telecom, Home Manager, by AT&T and Verizon Hub. Others are expected to follow the trend.
Video
Media phone is basically a replacement for a traditional home cordless telephone. All calls (voice only by Verizon Hub, AT&T Home Manager and voice&video by Korea Telecom Wave Home) are IP based. The call functionality is provided by embedded software – by a voice engine for voice-only calls and by a voice&video engine for video calls. The voice&video engine is required to compensate for the commonly known IP-related issues (delays, packet loss, jitter, congestion, etc.) and to make IP calls as reliable and convenient as conventional PSTN calls.
See also
- Cordless phone
- Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
- Minitel
- List of video telecommunication services and product brands
- SPIRIT DSP
- Voice over Internet Protocol