Network based knowledgeable assistant

A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant to receive and manage incoming calls to a subscriber, said method comprising:

• receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller;
• in response to receiving the incoming call, establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the caller, said electronic assistant being in a foreground mode;
• establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber;
• over the second connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call;
• in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the second connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they may communicate with each other;
• upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to a background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller;
• and
• in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into said foreground mode,
• wherein the electronic assistant when in the background mode responds to a first set of commands including at least the summoning command and when in the foreground mode responds to a second set of commands, said second set of commands being larger in number than said first set of commands.