Hello XDA community, I've been feeling very frustrated because of the GPS performance, well so I decided to make my own hack... if you can call it like that it is not perfect but I can tell you guys it works!!!!!! I'm going to show you with proof of my screenshots and pictures, I just follow the instruction of the first hardware fix that appears before the last year, and it doesn't works for me so I decided to add a couple of cooper strings into the soldering and make my own antennae, and now I'm very happy now even indoors I can get signal from the GPS sensor and locks at least 7 birds if you are insane enough to try this here are some pictures of my work.
Press in the Screenshot to go and see more pictures on my album.
There is a little problem since i did this, people that calls me says that i sound like Darth Vader so do it at your Own Risk.
afxiso said:
Hello XDA community, I've been feeling very frustrated because of the GPS performance, well so I decided to make my own hack... if you can call it like that it is not perfect but I can tell you guys it works!!!!!! I'm going to show you with proof of my screenshots and pictures, I just follow the instruction of the first hardware fix that appears before the last year, and it doesn't works for me so I decided to add a couple of cooper strings into the soldering and make my own antennae, and now I'm very happy now even indoors I can get signal from the GPS sensor and locks at least 7 birds if you are insane enough to try this here are some pictures of my work.
Press in the Screenshot to go and see more pictures on my album.
There is a little problem since i did this, people that calls me says that i sound like Darth Vader so do it at your Own Risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, nice input. I'll have to experiment. You basically just used an old copper wires from an old charger (looks like an old samsung charger) and just soldered it in? Hmm, interesting....
I'll have to try.
If you're that desperate for a strong GPS signal why not just buy a $30-40 Bluetooth GPS receiver?
Don't have to mangle your phone, you get accuracy to 1 foot, and it only takes three seconds to lock. Not to mention you save power on your phone by using a separate device.
I'm happy with mine and would never use an integrated receiver again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
cwoodworth said:
If you're that desperate for a strong GPS signal why not just buy a $30-40 Bluetooth GPS receiver?
Don't have to mangle your phone, you get accuracy to 1 foot, and it only takes three seconds to lock. Not to mention you save power on your phone by using a separate device.
I'm happy with mine and would never use an integrated receiver again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well doesn't Bluetooth takes power? Please appreciate someone's finding.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
cwoodworth said:
If you're that desperate for a strong GPS signal why not just buy a $30-40 Bluetooth GPS receiver?
Don't have to mangle your phone, you get accuracy to 1 foot, and it only takes three seconds to lock. Not to mention you save power on your phone by using a separate device.
I'm happy with mine and would never use an integrated receiver again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which bluetooth gps device are you using? Can you give me a link to purchase?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
wavestar92 said:
Which bluetooth gps device are you using? Can you give me a link to purchase?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search for "MKII Bluetooth" on eBay. $12-16 or more (depending on accessories that it comes with).
I have one that works great. It can take a minute to lock and can get to within 10 feet, but one it locks, it does not drift.
cwoodworth said:
If you're that desperate for a strong GPS signal why not just buy a $30-40 Bluetooth GPS receiver?
Don't have to mangle your phone, you get accuracy to 1 foot, and it only takes three seconds to lock. Not to mention you save power on your phone by using a separate device.
I'm happy with mine and would never use an integrated receiver again.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I dont like to carry stuff on my pocket, anyways sooner or later I will change my phone, buy an extra GPS receiver that later will be unusable that means another gadget in the desk cabinet.
afxiso said:
Hello XDA community, I've been feeling very frustrated because of the GPS performance, well so I decided to make my own hack... if you can call it like that it is not perfect but I can tell you guys it works!!!!!! I'm going to show you with proof of my screenshots and pictures, I just follow the instruction of the first hardware fix that appears before the last year, and it doesn't works for me so I decided to add a couple of cooper strings into the soldering and make my own antennae, and now I'm very happy now even indoors I can get signal from the GPS sensor and locks at least 7 birds if you are insane enough to try this here are some pictures of my work.
Press in the Screenshot to go and see more pictures on my album.
There is a little problem since i did this, people that calls me says that i sound like Darth Vader so do it at your Own Risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for your work!! I'll try is as well!
Sent from my Vibrantmtd using xda premium
A few things...
Since you mentioned it in one of your pictures, if you were to accidentally connect the antenna to the ground contacts around the screw holes, it will kill the signal because the GPS radio references the antenna level to the ground. It wouldn't blow up your phone or anything.
You're making a monopole antenna, and the simplest and most effective way to do that is with a quarter wave "whip" style antenna. This is what is built in to the back casing of the Vibrant, where the GPS antenna contact pushes in to. GPS L1 signal is 1575MHz, so its wavelength is 19cm, which would make a quarter wave antenna 4.75cm long. All you need is a single, straight run of 4.75cm of wire (even insulated in PVC is OK) connected to the GPS contact. No need for this bunny-ear stuff - GPS signal is circularly polarized.
Also... goddamn, that is a huge glob of solder. Pick up some solder flux next time and thank me later. LOL
Nice work .. creates curiosity to try it out.. when we have stepped out why not use a proper gps antenna..
so are there any gps sticker antenna of other phones that can be connected. I tried searching and found out apple iphone 3g/3gs gps antenna stickers are widely available. can it be used here. because I am worried about contacts link
And also how about using enameled copper wire to reduce shorts and make it a dipole.
crush said:
Well doesn't Bluetooth takes power? Please appreciate someone's finding.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the bluetooth radio on the Vibrant is very power efficient. With bluetooth enabled I see no difference than airplane mode. Bluetooth only eats battery when it's used with a wireless headset and actively being used for communication or listening to music. My GPS receiver gives me all day long battery and under 5 feet accuracy and I only paid $11 for mine at ebay. I'd rather pay a small $ and get better GPS accuracy, better battery and not sound like Darth Vader. Although sounding like Darth Vader would be cool lol...
P.S. I'm an Electronics tech so I like your findings and bravery with modifying your device, but the truth is buying a cheap GPS receiver is a much better alternative unless of course your supper poor. In which case you shouldn't have an expensive cell phone in the first place.
But awesome work none the less.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Related
So last week, I ordered a bluetooth OBDII scanner off of ebay for $35 in the states, or you can get it for $25 from Hong Kong and wait 3 weeks for shipping. Anywho, I installed all the CWM GPS fixes that Da_G has posted and they greatly improved my already decent GPS, took a 45 minute drive and only lost track 4 times.
I just received my bluetooth OBDII scanner and synced it up with my car and played with it with the Torque app and tinkered with the settings. While it was syncing, I noticed the satellite icon on the status bar had a lock, so I decided to take that same 45 minute drive, with navigation on, and it led me here turn by turn without dropping lock and with the accuracy within feet.
I'm still out driving around, but I will update this post more and take screenshots and post them when I get home later.
Screenshots. When I go back out tomorrow, I'll see if I can record a screencast as well.
Can I get a link for the scanner you bought please?
nevermind, i found them.....
Looks like an awesome tool..... I might just order this!
Please post a link...I need to get this
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=ob...scanner&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Any one of these will work, you just decide how much you want to pay
And just download Torque from the market. I recommend the full version, it is worth it.
hate to say it but I moved on to the streak and I get a lock instantly and it is spot on to 1 meter and works perfectly in any doors.
I am convinced the built in GPS is far superior to the Samsung engineering.
When I had my captivate I thought my GPS was great. Wow was I wrong.
Still running stock 2.2 on my streak with zero mods and it is easily twice as fast speed wise then my craptivate with phoenix/firefly
I wish there was a class action lawsuit against Samsung. They lost me totally from buying any of here products ever again.
Why am I here? lurking for cool bits and pieces for my streak. Latest gem was Armani font.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
I already get ok gps from samsung. Not as well as my previous htc but for the price I will be giving this tool a try
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Regardless of fixing the GPS, the actual tool is still pretty useful for people that like to know what's going on with their car. All the features in the app are spot on - RPM, MPH, voltage, vacuum, MPG's, horsepower, torque - All the readings for me are dead accurate.
So for me, this app + the bluetooth scan tool were a great buy. The improved GPS was just a perk
vunuts said:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=ob...scanner&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Any one of these will work, you just decide how much you want to pay
And just download Torque from the market. I recommend the full version, it is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate , I will check that out!
Krad said:
hate to say it but I moved on to the streak and I get a lock instantly and it is spot on to 1 meter and works perfectly in any doors.
I am convinced the built in GPS is far superior to the Samsung engineering.
When I had my captivate I thought my GPS was great. Wow was I wrong.
Still running stock 2.2 on my streak with zero mods and it is easily twice as fast speed wise then my craptivate with phoenix/firefly
I wish there was a class action lawsuit against Samsung. They lost me totally from buying any of here products ever again.
Why am I here? lurking for cool bits and pieces for my streak. Latest gem was Armani font.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you....see ya!
So how would this improve the GPS?
Magic.
I would assume the same way a bluetooth gps dongle would work.
I understand how a bluetooth dongle would work but not how this would. Looking forward to seeing more results. Might be one anyways.
The bluetooth dongle is built strictly to be a booster to pick up gps signal, so when you pair with that, gps locks from the dongle, not the phone. The phone is not built strictly for gps, so it's got a ton of components interfering with the signal.
When the obd 2 scanner is plugged in, it is connected to every electrical component in the car, powers/grounds/signal wires, thus turning the car into a 2,000 pound gps receiver. So when you pair it through bluetooth, satellites aren't tracking a 5 inch phone, they're tracking the car instead.
Have some running around to do today. Will try to post more results later.
vunuts said:
The bluetooth dongle is built strictly to be a booster to pick up gps signal, so when you pair with that, gps locks from the dongle, not the phone. The phone is not built strictly for gps, so it's got a ton of components interfering with the signal.
When the obd 2 scanner is plugged in, it is connected to every electrical component in the car, powers/grounds/signal wires, thus turning the car into a 2,000 pound gps receiver. So when you pair it through bluetooth, satellites aren't tracking a 5 inch phone, they're tracking the car instead.
Have some running around to do today. Will try to post more results later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fail to see the technical side of that, the antenna off the gps chip will not get rewired via bluetooth through the ODB sensor and into the cars internal wiring.
Its possible that while paried using the gps is slightly better due to the fact that they are on the same chip, one would actually think it would get slightly worse though.
more likely its just chance that made it better that one time,
imo
mckooter said:
I fail to see the technical side of that, the antenna off the gps chip will not get rewired via bluetooth through the ODB sensor and into the cars internal wiring.
Its possible that while paried using the gps is slightly better due to the fact that they are on the same chip, one would actually think it would get slightly worse though.
more likely its just chance that made it better that one time,
imo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just taking a stab in the dark in my last response, I really have no clue.
The point of this thread was just to state that when I paired my obd scanner with my phone, in 3 different vehicles, driven to 3 different locations, I noticed a significant improvement as far as tracking was concerned.
Hey guys,
I'm seriously thinking about swiching to the Incredible S, but there are several things I'd like to find out.
How is the gps? I own a Galaxy S atm and the gps is the worst ever. I've never had any such problems with my HTC devices, therefor the switch.
The second question is a little tricky. I'm using Monster Beats By Dr. Dre Studio headphones and they come with a special cable for "iPhone and other music enabled phones". Well the guys at Samsung thought it was a good idea to change the standard wiring. So I have to use a standard cable without a microphone else it won't work. (Thanks Samsung! You're the best.)
How is the wiring in the Incredible S? Will I be able to use my headphones?
Thanks in advance,
DaanJordaan
Hi
You'll be pleased to know that both are as normal.
Sat Nat GPS wise is great, it gets a lock from cold start within 20 seconds, and seams to hold the signal well.
Headphones wise i've tried various pairs of standard, and a couple of bose and all work fine.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the quick reply.
Just thought of another question.
I really wan't to be able to put the phone down on the table, without it wobbling.
So is the backplate flat, or is the camera sticking out just a little bit? Couldn't make it out on a vid I saw on youtube. In the pictures it looks like it's flat though.
bob2k4 said:
Hi
You'll be pleased to know that both are as normal.
Sat Nat GPS wise is great, it gets a lock from cold start within 20 seconds, and seams to hold the signal well.
Headphones wise i've tried various pairs of standard, and a couple of bose and all work fine.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.
Sansung always garbage on the GPS.HTC did it best in all Android & WM drivers.
The wobbling is acceptable I'd say.. on my HD2 it was terrible..
DaanJordaan said:
Thanks for the quick reply.
Just thought of another question.
I really wan't to be able to put the phone down on the table, without it wobbling.
So is the backplate flat, or is the camera sticking out just a little bit? Couldn't make it out on a vid I saw on youtube. In the pictures it looks like it's flat though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was sitting at home thinking how cool it would be to use my Nexus 7 as a navigation unit / general multimedia device in my car. I already have a touch screen unit in my car from Pioneer, but it’s not that great. It’s very pixelated, it doesn’t have navigation and it’s a bit small. So I devised a plan on how to mount it in my car. But before building my final mounting bracket, I decided to give it a test run, to make sure that everything would work great. I have all the maps preloaded on the device, and I have it connected to my Galaxy S3 (rooted, custom ROM) for wifi tethering.
I just picked up some “Kwik Klips 3/8” 10mm” from my local hardware store, and cut them up and guess what – it mounted fantastic. Three clips hold it on the bottom, and at the top it is tucked under my stereo door cover to make it very sturdy. I went on a 30 mile trip today just to make sure everything is smooth – and it is. This weekend my parts are supposed to come in so I can have a concealed charging cable for it so it is not using battery.
My car is a 2010 Scion tC.
I’ve uploaded four pics here, but go to my dropbox to see the gallery.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qnzhlkzt0241dbj/-oRn12YgRC
Do you have the 3g version? How are you getting navigation to work?
bawlinmo said:
Do you have the 3g version? How are you getting navigation to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile WIFI hotspot?
bawlinmo said:
Do you have the 3g version? How are you getting navigation to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep my N7 tethered to my EVO during the day. That's how I use mine for navigation. I use the satellite layer also as I can't stand the 'cartoon' look.
Posted via my Amiga 3000, EVO 3D , or Nexus 7
phillip1953 said:
I keep my N7 tethered to my EVO during the day. That's how I use mine for navigation. I use the satellite layer also as I can't stand the 'cartoon' look.
Posted via my Amiga 3000, EVO 3D , or Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. That's what I figured. I tried to grab a N4 to do the same thing (in the process of rehabilitating from the apple cult), but couldn't get one, so I'm still using the iphone (no tether without paying extra).
Yes I am using my GS3 as a mobile WiFi hotspot for free (custom ROM).
I haven't tried the satellite view yet, I don't mind the cartoonish view too much. But overall using the N7 as a navi has been fantastic.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Awesome man.
Looks like it was made for the car.
Good to see a standard driver as well... seem to be few and far between these days!
Nice. Please upgrade your shift knob now.
Copilot GPS works great without an internet connection.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Good show sir ! I also have a tc and will do this. What did you cut from the clips
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium
You might want to try Bluetooth internet sharing. Its honestly the most underrated feature of android >4.0. Sure, the range is 10-20ft, and the speed is limited to 2mbs, but in a car and for navigation apps neither of those matter. You save a lot of battery though and its easy to set up by just tapping a button on your tablet only.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
fatttire said:
You might want to try Bluetooth internet sharing. Its honestly the most underrated feature of android >4.0. Sure, the range is 10-20ft, and the speed is limited to 2mbs, but in a car and for navigation apps neither of those matter. You save a lot of battery though and its easy to set up by just tapping a button on your tablet only.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth internet sharing is definitely not the ultimate solution. Many apps won't work with it. Prime examples: Pandora and TuneIn Radio. Also, nothing will download from the Play Store (at least apps).
You'll save a lot of battery on the phone, sure. When I was trying out bluetooth tether my N7 got prettyy hot, and was fine with Wifi sharing. Perhaps it was simply an app causing that, but I don't think so.
I just removed the radio cover, and placed the N7 in the hole.
...and since I'm still a noob:
Code:
i46.tinypic.com/w6qxav.jpg
i49.tinypic.com/29du2cl.jpg
I'd do this, but I don't want to have my radio constantly in view at night. One of our cars was broken into and now I don't leave anything in view.
pistonrod said:
I just removed the radio cover, and placed the N7 in the hole.
...and since I'm still a noob:
Code:
i46.tinypic.com/w6qxav.jpg
i49.tinypic.com/29du2cl.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
geoldr said:
I'd do this, but I don't want to have my radio constantly in view at night. One of our cars was broken into and now I don't leave anything in view.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still rocking the stock head unit; no one wants that.
I thought about trimming the extra plastic off the cover (just enough to fit) and set it back in place when I parked the car.
Depends on the Bluetooth setup. If you are not using Bluetooth to stream the sound, uncheck it in the Pandora settings and Pandora works great.
I download apps all day long using Bluetooth for my data. I find it easier then dealing with a hotspot. Battery life is significantly better for me to.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
fatttire said:
You might want to try Bluetooth internet sharing. Its honestly the most underrated feature of android >4.0. Sure, the range is 10-20ft, and the speed is limited to 2mbs, but in a car and for navigation apps neither of those matter. You save a lot of battery though and its easy to set up by just tapping a button on your tablet only.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does BT support multiple simultaneous pairings? I usually have my phone tied to the car via BT. If it can do that and data share, that'd be awesome. Well, maybe. Not sure if it'd help, but it'd be nice to know.
Charger
Have you gotten the charging cable installed?
Rough
Did you have to rough up the dash or anything for them to stick at all?
aneisch said:
Have you gotten the charging cable installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aneisch said:
Did you have to rough up the dash or anything for them to stick at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were talking to me, yeah I did get the charging cable installed, and no I didn't have to rough it up at all. The tape that was with those clips was sufficient.
But now I took that all off. I just bought this iBolt windshield mount for my GS3. It's easier for me this way, because I don't have to setup tethering and charge two devices.
It was fun though while it lasted.
And it blocked my radio, so that got really annoying after a few days of not being able to switch XM channels.
Looking for a good BT headset. I don't use them much, but am moving to a place that prohibits holding my phone in the car. My primary criteria is good voice functionality. I'd like to be able to do as much as possible without touching the phone, and preferably without touching the earpiece. Call quality should be good, but doesn't have to be best in class or anything. Mono is fine. Keep in mind that I have a very full beard, so the headset can't depend on facial contact.
I've been poring over reviews and just can't make any sense of them, so I thought I'd ask. (Motorola CommandOne seems a decent buy)
Thanks!
drnihili said:
Looking for a good BT headset. I don't use them much, but am moving to a place that prohibits holding my phone in the car. My primary criteria is good voice functionality. I'd like to be able to do as much as possible without touching the phone, and preferably without touching the earpiece. Call quality should be good, but doesn't have to be best in class or anything. Mono is fine. Keep in mind that I have a very full beard, so the headset can't depend on facial contact.
I've been poring over reviews and just can't make any sense of them, so I thought I'd ask. (Motorola CommandOne seems a decent buy)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2226437
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019428
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2243179
chrischoi said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2226437
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019428
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2243179
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I had read Vectron's review but decided it seemed more music oriented than call oriented. I'll revisit that.
Edit: Ok, now I remember the problems. It's a beard thing. On me, the mic and controls will sit under my beard. That will make it difficult to use and will probably severely diminish call quality. Darn, looks like a good one, but not worth shaving for.
Didn't have a chance to review this one yet (next to impossible to get review samples), but I heard good things about it and control remote is far away to keep it from your beard http://www.amazon.com/In-Ear-Noise-...UTF8&qid=1366911775&sr=8-1&keywords=a.m.p+iso
drnihili said:
Thanks, I had read Vectron's review but decided it seemed more music oriented than call oriented. I'll revisit that.
Edit: Ok, now I remember the problems. It's a beard thing. On me, the mic and controls will sit under my beard. That will make it difficult to use and will probably severely diminish call quality. Darn, looks like a good one, but not worth shaving for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. Beard problems. I am jealous.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
vectron said:
Didn't have a chance to review this one yet (next to impossible to get review samples), but I heard good things about it and control remote is far away to keep it from your beard http://www.amazon.com/In-Ear-Noise-...UTF8&qid=1366911775&sr=8-1&keywords=a.m.p+iso
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder about mic placement on that. I *think* it's in the control unit and is meant to be clipped to your shirt. If so, that means the mic is going to be sitting down on my belly. Maybe too far away? I think I may need to stick with one of the mono units. Jawbone is out due to needing skin contact if I've understood their tech correctly.
chrischoi said:
Haha. Beard problems. I am jealous.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZZ Top!!!
After going through a bunch of headsets ( here in Hawaii, cell use while driving is illegal) I found it easier to spend $170 bucks to buy a Kenwood excelon deck with integrated bluetooth. It automatically activated when the car is started.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Everyone else can be jealous of the beard....I'm going to be jealous of you living in Hawaii!
Sent From My Ginormous Note 2
drnihili said:
Looking for a good BT headset. I don't use them much, but am moving to a place that prohibits holding my phone in the car. My primary criteria is good voice functionality. I'd like to be able to do as much as possible without touching the phone, and preferably without touching the earpiece. Call quality should be good, but doesn't have to be best in class or anything. Mono is fine. Keep in mind that I have a very full beard, so the headset can't depend on facial contact.
I've been poring over reviews and just can't make any sense of them, so I thought I'd ask. (Motorola CommandOne seems a decent buy)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gandalf?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
planetbeen said:
Everyone else can be jealous of the beard....I'm going to be jealous of you living in Hawaii!
Sent From My Ginormous Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has its ups and downs. No lte on T-Mobile yet.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Hello. Yesterday I have purchased a new black galaxy gear and after pairing with my note 3 and making all the necessary settings, I realized that when I raise the volume level up to the maximum (+6), I hear distortion from my calling mate.
I am referring to the sound during a phone conversation (coming from the gear's bracelet speakerphone) that seems to be quite low (only in a quite environment I can easily hear the other party) and If I raise the sound level -in my gear- during a call to the maximum , the voice of the other party is a little bit muffled.
Should I expect top notch quality from the speaker (like let's say note 3) or I shall compensate with what I get (small earpiece, poor volume level).
I appreciate any reports on that matter, to see if my device should be replaced...
Thank you in advance.
vatk said:
Hello. Yesterday I have purchased a new black galaxy gear and after pairing with my note 3 and making all the necessary settings, I realized that when I raise the volume level up to the maximum (+6), I hear distortion from my calling mate.
I am referring to the sound during a phone conversation (coming from the gear's bracelet speakerphone) that seems to be quite low (only in a quite environment I can easily hear the other party) and If I raise the sound level -in my gear- during a call to the maximum , the voice of the other party is a little bit muffled.
Should I expect top notch quality from the speaker (like let's say note 3) or I shall compensate with what I get (small earpiece, poor volume level).
I appreciate any reports on that matter, to see if my device should be replaced...
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was never built to have a GREAT speakerphone quality, It was meant mostly for the times you have your hands full, or the phone is somewhere else. It's a supplement to the phone's phone capability, not a replacement!
photonicgeek said:
It was never built to have a GREAT speakerphone quality, It was meant mostly for the times you have your hands full, or the phone is somewhere else. It's a supplement to the phone's phone capability, not a replacement!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I understand that, but I would like from other gear's owners to clarify if maximizing the sound level during a call produce a little cracking noise (especially if the other party has strong voice) at times or my gear has bad speaker and needs to be replaced.
Thank you!
Mine does the same thing when I raise it to 6. But I really don't use the watch in public because the sound quality doesn't work that well in well populated areas.
But I'll give you my opinion on what Samsung was trying to do with calling ability of the watch.
1. Chores around the house, you don't have to lug your phone around the house, leave it in a neutral room, and when you cooking, cleaning etc
2. In the office, let's say you in a meeting put your watch and phone on vibrate and you can just look at your wrist to see who is calling or if the text message is important.
3. Jobs that don't allow cell phones to be out. We'll now your phone is on your wrist, so unless your job bans wrist watches then you are good.
If you are trying to look cool in public then I'm gonna burst your bubble, you don't look cool using it with your wrist turned the other way all the way up to your ear, and then removing it and talking into it. You just look like a moron doing it.
So in conclusion the watch is good to have when you are busy or have both hands tied up when you are frying chicken.
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vatk said:
Yes I understand that, but I would like from other gear's owners to clarify if maximizing the sound level during a call produce a little cracking noise (especially if the other party has strong voice) at times or my gear has bad speaker and needs to be replaced.
Thank you!
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On mine no BUT this does not mean your situation is not real. One must take into account several matters when debating this subject. The first being ones carrier. Vodafone here is useless for the quality of their call reception. Other carriers differ also.
Expectations of the owner. I find the speaker in the bracelet acceptable considering what it is. This will be personal though. Hi-Fi it is not nor is it expected to be. Have you the chance of trying another gear to see if you have a problem device, that can also happen in all devices of this nature. I hope you manage to resolve this situation.
Rgeards.
Guys, thank you both for your answers.
So, any other owners that upon raising their gear's sound level to (+5, +6) distorts the other party's sound?
Sadly, I don't have access to an other gear (friend, demo unit in a mall etc) to test out his watch, so I heavily rely on your feedback to decide upon dealing with the fuss regarding exchanging or not.
5 is where I leave mine. 6 (and notice the controls turn RED for some reason haha) can introduce a little distortion.
I use the speakerphone in the following places - car, office, home (on the couch or walking around) and it is perfect. Any type of loud environment makes it very hard to hear and I'll just use my phone.
rvdangel630 said:
Mine does the same thing when I raise it to 6. But I really don't use the watch in public because the sound quality doesn't work that well in well populated areas.
But I'll give you my opinion on what Samsung was trying to do with calling ability of the watch.
1. Chores around the house, you don't have to lug your phone around the house, leave it in a neutral room, and when you cooking, cleaning etc
2. In the office, let's say you in a meeting put your watch and phone on vibrate and you can just look at your wrist to see who is calling or if the text message is important.
3. Jobs that don't allow cell phones to be out. We'll now your phone is on your wrist, so unless your job bans wrist watches then you are good.
If you are trying to look cool in public then I'm gonna burst your bubble, you don't look cool using it with your wrist turned the other way all the way up to your ear, and then removing it and talking into it. You just look like a moron doing it.
So in conclusion the watch is good to have when you are busy or have both hands tied up when you are frying chicken.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Very good point. Not too long ago, I am bike riding with my Note 3 in my back pack.. A call comes in from my son. I answer it on the Gear, and I have hearing problems and I minus my hearing aids. However, I was able to answer the call, have a short 2 to 3 min conversation. Make call pretty well. Sure, I didn't expect the quality of sound from my Note 3, but even with my hard of hearing, I was able to hear, they heard me, calls were recieved and made, without me stopping, digging down and bring my phone out of the back pack..
The Gear is a suppliment. However, if the OP is a little skeptical, I think he should return it for another one. That doesn't cost anything but a little time and gas money, and will give the OP peice of mind that his Gear is normal..
I returned one, and I later found out that the problem was USER ERROR, but I have piece of mind.
rvdangel630 said:
Mine does the same thing when I raise it to 6. But I really don't use the watch in public because the sound quality doesn't work that well in well populated areas.
But I'll give you my opinion on what Samsung was trying to do with calling ability of the watch.
1. Chores around the house, you don't have to lug your phone around the house, leave it in a neutral room, and when you cooking, cleaning etc
2. In the office, let's say you in a meeting put your watch and phone on vibrate and you can just look at your wrist to see who is calling or if the text message is important.
3. Jobs that don't allow cell phones to be out. We'll now your phone is on your wrist, so unless your job bans wrist watches then you are good.
If you are trying to look cool in public then I'm gonna burst your bubble, you don't look cool using it with your wrist turned the other way all the way up to your ear, and then removing it and talking into it. You just look like a moron doing it.
So in conclusion the watch is good to have when you are busy or have both hands tied up when you are frying chicken.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
2. does not work so well. when someone calls me, it takes even up to 8 seconds before the calling number is changed to a currently assigned name in my contacts. this is unacceptable! i want to glance at the watch and decide what next, i don't want to wait for such a long time before i can see the name.. this is clearly because contacts are not stored on device at all, everytime you request contact list, it's being streamed to you. terrible solution samsung.
3. this will not work in all places. if using phone is forbidden it does not mean you can use/make calls from tablet or smartwatch..
So guys, what your opinion?
Could this gadget be used in speaker mode in the car and in quite places without having to put it in your ear?
Thank you.
vatk said:
So guys, what your opinion?
Could this gadget be used in speaker mode in the car and in quite places without having to put it in your ear?
Thank you.
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its the best hands free kit I have ever had works great in car or outdoors or if your in the middle of working with tools in hand(no puns please lol)
Press thx if i help you
Somewhere quiet its ok i didn't try it yet in the car so can't tell you how it sounds...
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4
OP gots potatoes in his ears. I was talking with mine downtown at 5. 6 is to loud for the speaker think you will f it up.
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chuko303 said:
OP gots potatoes in his ears. I was talking with mine downtown at 5. 6 is to loud for the speaker think you will f it up.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Haha, no potatoes here...
Today I am planning to return and ask for a replacement. +5, +6 is practically unacceptable (too much distortion). Comparing gear's and note 3's speakerphone mode is like comparing apple and orange, a totally different experience.
Should it be like this...?
Considering the gear has a smaller speaker not optimized for music, therfore it isn't that loud. Sometimes I can't almost hear the people I talk on the phone too at work. I will put my hand over my ear. Like if I was using an invisible phone love the gear!
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
chuko303 said:
Considering the gear has a smaller speaker not optimized for music, therfore it isn't that loud. Sometimes I can't almost hear the people I talk on the phone too at work. I will put my hand over my ear. Like if I was using an invisible phone love the gear!
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Yeah, I love it too. Till now, I have changed 5 gears (different colours) to find the one that suits me best. Black is my favourite one finally...
But the speaker is for sure not loud and clear enough. My note 3 has better speakerphone quality during calls...
vatk said:
Yeah, I love it too. Till now, I have changed 5 gears (different colours) to find the one that suits me best. Black is my favourite one finally...
But the speaker is for sure not loud and clear enough. My note 3 has better speakerphone quality during calls...
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Of course bud, I got the jet black too. The best color.
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