Programmable VOIP/Analog Phone

Submitted 6 years ago

How about a desk phone (that could also function as a base station for DECT cordless handsets) that includes a Raspberry Pi (or some very similar popular Linux programmable tiny computer)... pre-programmed so that you only need to plug it into an analog phone line or UTP wired Ethernet (for VOIP) or USB from a PC (for Skype etc) and it works as easily as any normal phone, but in the hands of an expert or even a home enthusiast with Linux knowledge it can be programmed to do anything that can be imagined.

I would expect the hardware would include: 2 or 3 USB ports conveniently placed at the front and two at the back, which could take memory sticks for recording calls, USB WiFi adapters, even printers and sound cards or anything else; built-in WiFi and (perhaps optionally) DECT and bluetooth, analog phone/fax out, power adapter with (say) 2-hour battery backup capability, USB from computer, LCD display, noise-cancelling mic with good quality sound and comfort, business-quality look.

With little/know technical expertise it should be easy to use with an existing analog phone line, and/or with VOIP or Skype, with reasonable security (e.g. set up VOIP via a web page OR via a connected smartphone or HDMI/FGA screen and keyboard and/or mouse or using the phone's LCD and keypad. But with more knowledge allow any software to run, bridge WiFi and UTP, access addressbook database, change recorded messages based on day/date/whether somebody is logged into a nearby computer and so on. So it would be great for value-added resellers to install with customisation limited only by their imagination!