NEC has developed a smartphone software that automatically recommends the best path for a user's incoming calls based on the software's estimate of a smartphone's movement. The solution collects and analyzes data from a user's smartphone, which enables the software to estimate, for example, if the user is moving within a train, at a walking speed or stationary. The software then automatically recommends the most appropriate path for incoming calls, such as a standard ring, voice message or email, based on the results of sensor data analysis.

"In recent years, the spread of smartphones and mobile devices has made communication possible throughout a wide range of circumstances, including while at the workplace, at home and in transit. There are also an increasing number of communication methods for users to choose from, such as voicemail, email and SNS," said Keiko Matsunaga, Department Manager, 3rd Carrier Services Division, NEC Corporation. "A person's activity, whether they are driving, in a meeting or exercising, has a significant impact on the best way to take a call. NEC's new solution facilitates smoother, less intrusive communications by automatically recommending the most appropriate contact method."

This solution is scheduled to be commercially available by June 2012. NEC will introduce the technology at the Mobile World Congress 2012, the largest event of the mobile industry held in Barcelona, Spain, from February 27-March 1, 2012.