Methods and apparatus for bypassing holds

A client device comprising:

• one or more processors, and
• memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method that includes:
• prior to initiating a voice communication session:
• identifying a phone number provided by a calling user at the client device;
• determining whether the identified phone number is associated with an entity known to place calling users on hold;
• generating a predicted hold time associated the entity known to place calling users on hold;
• in response to determining that the identified phone number is associated with the entity known to place calling users on hold:
• causing user interface output to be rendered by the client device indicating the predicted hold time associated with the entity known to place calling users on hold;
• initiating the voice communication session;
• subsequent to initiating the voice communication session:
• detecting that the voice communication session is in an on hold status;
• determining to send, from the client device, a response solicitation signal as input to an audio stream of the voice communication session;
• and
• in response to determining a response to the response solicitation signal indicates an actual end of the on hold status, causing further user interface output to be rendered, wherein the further user interface output is perceptible by the calling user, indicates an end of the hold status, and
• includes audio output, vibration output, and/or visual output.