Problem:        How To Dial a Phone Number Using the LaunchURL Extension

Solution:        The LaunchURL extension, included with Satellite Forms 7.0 and also available by download for Satellite Forms 6.x, is designed to enable your application to open a website URL in the device's default web browser.  It can also be used to make phone-enabled devices dial a phone number, by using a special URL.

The special URL to dial a phone number is tel:nnn-nnn-nnnn where nnn-nnn-nnnn is the telephone number.

To dial a number, use the LaunchURL function from the LaunchURL extension to launch the tel: URL, like this:

       dim err, URL

       URL = "tel:1-800-555-1212"

       err = LaunchURL( URL )

On PalmOS Treo smartphones, a dial confirmation dialog will appear, with the phone number displayed and the button choices Dial, Message, Cancel.  If you tap Dial, your application is closed, the Phone app is launched, and the phone number will be dialed.  If you tap Message, your app will close, and the SMS Messaging app will be launched with the To: phone number filled in.  You can then type in the message and send it via SMS.  If you tap Cancel, the dial confirmation dialog is dismissed, and you remain in the Satellite Forms application.

On PocketPC Phone Edition devices, the Phone application will be launched and the phone number will be dialed.  Your Satellite Forms application will still be running in the background while the phone application is active.

Keywords:        phone, dial, URL, launch, telephone, call, message, LaunchURL

KB ID: 10072 

Updated: 2007-06-26

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