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 phone handset.
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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:
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.
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[1] by Korea Telecom, Home Manager,[2] by AT&T and Verizon Hub.[3] Bittel Hotel integration solution[4] by [[Bittel Electronics][5]] Others are expected to follow the trend.
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.