Voice dialing may cause me to go back to iPhone

[mwunder]

I am on my 8th day with the Nexus 4. I do like the phone and the customization features and the fact that there is usually an app for any absent features one may desire when switching from iOS to Android. However, I do now understand that, for the technically challenged, the iPhone may be an easier product to use. My brother in-law even admitted that to me.

There are minor issues when switching, yes I miss iMessage a bit and the inconsistency between apps and how they function (e.g. on a wired headset the mic button will pause/play music in the Pandora app but does nothing in the Rhapsody app). But I like the way apps interact, GMail app, and the ability to choose default apps (Apple maps is very poor but you can't change it from being the default). Home screen customization is also very nice.

I can go on and on about the good things on the phone but I have one major gripe that I don't know if I can live with and it isn't the lack of LTE (HSPA or whatever it is called is fine with me). It is the fact that I cannot voice dial with a wired headset when the phone is locked. I am a rep and have to travel a lot in my car. I used that feature A LOT on my iPhone and can't keep unlocking my phone to use the feature...I mean that is the whole point of hands free right? Why the heck this isn't a standard function is beyond me. Please note that I said a WIRED headset. It does work with a Bluetooth device, but I prefer wired headsets...call me strange. However, the Bluetooth headset ONLY gives you voice dialing functions. It does not give you the full functions that the speech recognition gives you when the phone is unlocked. I also miss the ability to have text messages read to me and the ability to reply via voice. Yes, I have to look into Google Play for those apps and will try them.

I called Google device support. I think the girl on the phone was 16 or something as she kept giggling and stumbling over her words (quality tech support right?). She put me on hold and verified that the N4 doesn't support this feature. She also didn't offer any alternative solutions like using a BT headset.

Anyways, other than telling me to get a BT headset (which I might if I decide to keep the phone) do any of you have some good solutions/suggestions?

Thanks

 

[ConTejas]

Call me crazy, and certainly unhelpful here, but isn't that a major security flaw of iOS? Perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but if my phone is locked I don't want myself or anyone to be able to access voice commands.

 

[mwunder]

I may be crazy then, but it is a nice feature if you are in your car a lot and prefer wired headset. I actually know a lot of people that don't even know there is voice dialing abilities...my wife being one. I'm just trying to reduce the fumbling with devices while driving issue. Bluetooth may be the only option for me here.

Thanks for your input and admitting it was unhelpful.

 

[benjdm]

If this is an issue in the car, could you just turn off the lock when you're in the car and turn it back on when you get out of the car? Especially if you have it on a car charger.

 

[Lanhoj]

Try "Headset Button Controller"--> https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...s/details?id=com.kober.headset&token=eMquTV22 enabling it's Sleep Mode setting.
Or try "MyProfiles"--> https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...id=com.fancy01.myprofiles.lite&token=95Fp0eVw

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[llamainmypocket]

You should just buy Google glass when it comes out at the end of the year. Voice dialing from your glasses.

 

[Jaysus]

If this is an issue in the car, could you just turn off the lock when you're in the car and turn it back on when you get out of the car? Especially if you have it on a car charger.

He could even pick up a couple NFC tags to do it for him

 

[mwunder]

@benjdm

Good suggestion, but how do you prevent your screen from sleeping because when it does, button still doesn't work via wired headset? Enable DayDream mode and button press does "wake up" phone and then have to long press for voice dialing.

 

[mwunder]

You should just buy Google glass when it comes out at the end of the year. Voice dialing from your glasses.

LOL! BT Headset would be way cheaper. Been following it though...very curious how it works for people, like me, who have to wear reading glasses. It's pretty cool...wish I could be one of those beta testers but they want exciting people, not everyday Joe's.

 

[mwunder]

He could even pick up a couple NFC tags to do it for him

Could you point me in the right direction on how to do this?

One thing that is obvious...both platforms have their own set of issues. Some with simple work arounds and some not. Seems iOS is more limited on what it will let developers work around though.

 

[gnr_2]

@benjdm

Good suggestion, but how do you prevent your screen from sleeping because when it does, button still doesn't work via wired headset? Enable DayDream mode and button press does "wake up" phone and then have to long press for voice dialing.

I think there is an option for your phone to stay awake while charging. Also don't have your power button set to lock the phone.

Interestingly I thought your gripe was going to be that the phone doesn't confirm who it's calling or give you choices with voice prompt. Maybe all that's better on the N4 compared to the GNex, but that's my big gripe. Or maybe you haven't made it that far since the phone has always been locked.

Sent from my totally awesome Sprint Galaxy Nexus, even if I don't know all its secrets yet.

 

[jbreakfield]

@benjdm

Good suggestion, but how do you prevent your screen from sleeping because when it does, button still doesn't work via wired headset? Enable DayDream mode and button press does "wake up" phone and then have to long press for voice dialing.

Check out the app Screebl to keep the screen awake...

 

[rob6raham]

Or if plugged in, no 3rd party solution needed, just open up the Developer Options (google how to make access if not already, Android Central posted something too) and tick "Stay Awake". Only stops it from sleeping while plugged in.

If you're driving, check out some of the solutions for driving suites. Some of these might offer you the experience you're after. I think Vlingo for one has a driving mode where its listening for you.

Apple products are fine if you dont use technology. But if you had the interest to buy a Nexus 4, you know where you belong

 

[KJ]

Could you point me in the right direction on how to do this?

One thing that is obvious...both platforms have their own set of issues. Some with simple work arounds and some not. Seems iOS is more limited on what it will let developers work around though.

Android phones are more customizable, but they rely on you to do some of the work. Where Apple may have the setting already created, with Android you need to Google "simple tasks with NFC tags" to figure it out yourself. That's part of the fun.

 

[6tr6tr]

Call me crazy, and certainly unhelpful here, but isn't that a major security flaw of iOS? Perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but if my phone is locked I don't want myself or anyone to be able to access voice commands.

no because only a headset that has already been paired could do that. So the phone would have been unlocked when they were paired.

 

[gnr_2]

no because only a headset that has already been paired could do that. So the phone would have been unlocked when they were paired.

It's a wired headset, ie plugged into the headphone jack.

Sent from my totally awesome Sprint Galaxy Nexus, even if I don't know all its secrets yet.

 

[Tall Mike 2145]

@mwunder:

This post sounds like a begging for understanding from the community, or for permission to use an iPhone instead of an Android-based phone. Hopefully you are better than the former, and you certainly do not require the latter.

I don't think most of us care what phone someone uses. Different tools serve different purposes. For example, I really like GarageBand because of the instructional videos and materials it has for instruments -- particularly the guitar, which I really want to start putting time and effort into, one of these days. I hate Apple, and have come to hate just about everything they stand for, particularly on the business practices side of things, and I feel even moreso about Microsoft. Nevertheless, I still am running Lion on my MBP, along with 7, not because I any longer really desire to run those OSs, but because having access to GarageBand or to Word/Excel/Powerpoint is practical and desirable.

In your case, you want access to Apple's implementation of hands-free dialing. I have no idea if such a thing exists, but you might look to see if someone has written an app that will detect you pushing a button on your wired handset and then pass that along to the appropriate voice app. Maybe no such app exists for Android, but the beauty of Android is that Google wouldn't block such an app from being developed.

Good luck to you in any case. I hope you can find a solution that works.

Mike

 

[mwunder]

Try "Headset Button Controller"--> https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...s/details?id=com.kober.headset&token=AGT0ya4B enabling it's Sleep Mode setting.
Or try "MyProfiles"--> https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...id=com.fancy01.myprofiles.lite&token=RZ9cxRdW

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

Missed this one...will check it out. Thanks.

 

[mwunder]

Android phones are more customizable, but they rely on you to do some of the work. Where Apple may have the setting already created, with Android you need to Google "simple tasks with NFC tags" to figure it out yourself. That's part of the fun.

Agreed...I like tinkering.

 

[mwunder]

@mwunder:

This post sounds like a begging for understanding from the community, or for permission to use an iPhone instead of an Android-based phone. Hopefully you are better than the former, and you certainly do not require the latter.

I don't think most of us care what phone someone uses. Different tools serve different purposes. For example, I really like GarageBand because of the instructional videos and materials it has for instruments -- particularly the guitar, which I really want to start putting time and effort into, one of these days. I hate Apple, and have come to hate just about everything they stand for, particularly on the business practices side of things, and I feel even moreso about Microsoft. Nevertheless, I still am running Lion on my MBP, along with 7, not because I any longer really desire to run those OSs, but because having access to GarageBand or to Word/Excel/Powerpoint is practical and desirable.

In your case, you want access to Apple's implementation of hands-free dialing. I have no idea if such a thing exists, but you might look to see if someone has written an app that will detect you pushing a button on your wired handset and then pass that along to the appropriate voice app. Maybe no such app exists for Android, but the beauty of Android is that Google wouldn't block such an app from being developed.

Good luck to you in any case. I hope you can find a solution that works.

Mike

Not begging or asking for permission. Have been using an iPhone since 3G so have experienced ability for no voice dial from the beginning. Just got spoiled with it since the iPhone 4 (I skipped 3GS) and more so since 4S and implementation of Siri. That being said, I am testing the Android waters with the pure N4 because I want to experience quick upgrades and no other skins on the experience. Not that some implementations of manufactured skins are bad, just wanted stock model. If I didn't understand the advantages and the tinkering that comes with Android and the N4 then I wouldn't of taken the plunge. I did my research and pretty much knew what I was getting into (no iMessage, setting up Google Voice for VM, etc). Except, I didn't even think about voice dialing. I posted this question after reading many other post that I felt never really had a good answer to the question. I have some more research to do and I thank all that offered input. One thing that I don't want to have happen is having this complicated way to get it to work in the car that I need to undo when I have it in my pocket.

I personally don't hate any company and appreciate well thought out products and software with the understanding nothing is perfect. Android has come a long way...iOS is kind of stagnant. In this instance, the easiest path is just to break down and use a BT headset, but I have to look at the other options people posted too. I just keep forgetting to charge those darn things and sound quality, both listening and speaking, leave much to be desired. Maybe they have gotten better.

Thanks again.