Just want to add to this old thread. I very rarely use headphones to answer my phones and don't really listen to alot of music. I am not very technically proficient so thought that if it had a jack that fit, they would work. WRONG! I found out my 50/50's were made for apple products and they won't work for my android phones. I was pretty disgusted about this cause I just bought 2 more pair on sale for $20.
Then I went on a research binge to see what will make them work with my Note i717. Found out they work with my Gnex pretty well- voice and mic, no buttons. But whatever I did, they were not reliable on my Note. I bought several adapters. The trrs from BHphoto online- says it will switch the poles- ???- that makes me crazy to understand the 4 poles and wires and where they go. Tried the meelec. Both of these did not work.
What did work was this-
3 5mm Female to 3 5mm Male TRRS 4 Pole Right Angle Gold Stereo Adapter | eBay
It's a right angle adapter- just a little plug-3.5mm Female to 3.5mm Male TRRS (4 Pole) Right Angle Gold Stereo Adapter- The mic works for calls, skype, etc, but you can't use the buttons to answer. The volume buttons don't work, but the headphones work great. This is the best fix and the adapter was only $6 shipped.
On my galaxy nexus 9520 the 50/50's work without an adapter and the button answers the phone. Volumes buttons don't work either.