Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a communication method for communication on a first communication device over a network. The method includes creating media and transmitting over the network the created media on the first communication device. The method also includes receiving over the network at the first communication device media associated with the transmitted media. Together, the associated transmitted and received media constitute a conversation between the first communication device and one or more participants sending the received media over the network. The method further includes storing on the first communication device the transmitted and received media associated with the conversation. In accordance with the method, a number of rendering options are provided, including a near real-time mode or a time-shifted mode. In the near real-time mode, the received media of the conversation is rendered as the media is received over the network. In the time-shifted mode, the media of the conversation is not rendered as the media is received over the network. The method further includes pausing the rendering of the media of the conversation in the near real-time mode and resuming the rendering of the media of the conversation after pausing the conversation. In alternative embodiments, the resumption of the rendering of the media in the near real-time mode after the pause may be either (i) immediate without first reviewing the media of the conversion received and stored while the conversation was paused; or (ii) after reviewing the stored media received during the pause.

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First Claim