Secretly Answer Calls in Meetings: 3 Cool Windows Mobile Apps

Meeting Etiquette: Handling Cell Phone Interruptions

The importance of refraining from answering a cell phone during a meeting cannot be overstated. It is generally considered highly unprofessional and disruptive.

Despite this, situations may arise where you anticipate a crucial call, potentially even one related to the discussion at hand. In such cases, it’s best to proactively inform attendees before the meeting begins and offer a preemptive apology.

The Impossibility of Discreetly Answering

Attempting to secretly answer a cell phone during a meeting is unlikely to succeed. Even a brief departure from the room to take a call will cause a momentary disruption.

Fortunately, automated solutions exist that allow you to manage incoming calls without interrupting the flow of the meeting or your own participation.

Automated Call Management Solutions

Several applications are available to assist with this process, specifically designed for Windows Mobile phones.

These apps can be configured to handle calls automatically, ensuring a seamless meeting experience.

• They can silence incoming calls.
• Some apps can send automated replies.
• Others can forward calls to voicemail.

Utilizing these tools demonstrates respect for your colleagues and maintains a professional atmosphere.

By preparing in advance and leveraging available technology, you can effectively manage potential call interruptions and remain fully engaged in the meeting.

XBLOCKR

XBLOCKR operates not as a fully automated system, but rather one that necessitates brief user interaction. Upon receiving an incoming call, users are presented with a selection of four distinct response options.

• Duck: This action terminates the call, potentially presenting the caller with a standard busy signal from their provider or routing them to your pre-configured voicemail.
• Duck & SMS: Beyond call termination, this option automatically sends a text message to the caller, indicating your unavailability ("Busy, call later").
• Drop: The call is briefly answered—for approximately one second—before being disconnected, simulating a potential network issue for the caller.
• Divert: Incoming calls are forwarded to a designated third-party number. Successful use of this feature depends on your service provider enabling the call conferencing functionality.

A more comprehensive iteration of XBLOCKR can be obtained via its official website. The version available for download through Freeware Pocket PC offers unlimited usage, whereas the XBLOCKR homepage provides only a trial version limited to 40 calls.

Mobile Secretary

Mobile Secretary is designed to manage your incoming calls discreetly, offering intervention only when desired. The application functions by allowing users to categorize their contacts into distinct groups.

Custom ringtones and text responses can then be assigned to each of these groups. This ensures that when a call is missed during an event like a meeting, the caller receives a pre-defined, personalized text message.

For instance, callers can be automatically informed to try again later, or be notified that a return call will be made at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, the application supports the forwarding of incoming text messages to an alternative phone number.

Comparison with iSecretary

A comparable application, iSecretary, was also evaluated. Its intended functionality mirrors that of Mobile Secretary, providing an automated answering machine with customizable voice messages tailored to specific contact groups.

However, testing revealed significant shortcomings. Callers consistently failed to receive the customized messages as configured. On a HTC Touch Pro device, the voice message was played locally on the phone instead of being transmitted to the caller, irrespective of the settings applied.

This issue rendered iSecretary ineffective in its primary purpose. The intended automated response system did not function as expected.

Call Firewall Functionality

The Call Firewall presents a wider array of functionalities compared to earlier solutions, though its configuration is somewhat more complex. It incorporates a comprehensive set of features designed to manage incoming and outgoing calls.

Available Features

• Complete call acceptance is possible.
• Calls can be restricted to those originating from a pre-defined contact list.
• All incoming calls can be declined.
• Only numbers specifically included on a whitelist are permitted to connect.
• Numbers present on a blacklist are automatically blocked.
• Call rejection can be applied based on number patterns, such as blocking all calls sharing a specific area code.
• Automated SMS replies can be configured.
• Outgoing call restrictions, known as call barring, can be implemented.
• Incoming calls can be automatically scheduled as appointments.

The system allows for granular control over call handling, adapting to diverse user needs.

Consider whether answering your mobile phone during a meeting is appropriate. If an urgent call isn't anticipated, silencing both the ringtone and vibration prior to entering the meeting is recommended, allowing you to focus and address calls later.

What strategies or applications do you employ to manage mobile phone calls while engaged in meetings?

Image Credit : mrceviz