The x475's appeal, its makers say, is in the ease of making and getting voice calls.
City officials, and makers of patient records software, said they do not believe any state or large local government has tried such a thing.
And its makers say it can be used in practically any car.
But makers of telephone answering machines said they did not expect the service to cut into their market share.
With the program, a computer keyboard becomes a kind of mixing board, its makers say.
Some, no matter what the makers say, are better than others.
But the makers say that does not necessarily mean they pose a health risk.
The generic should be available within days, its maker said.
But makers of store brands say that they are every bit as good.
Generic makers say most of those companies have been responsive.