Hello everyone. We got 5 phones during the holidays from Microsoft retail store in LA. Right after we put our sim cards and start using our phones all of us realized that other party can't hear us clearly (as an example when I use my AT&T Tilt 2 other party can hear me way better). Looks like the microphone cuts all high-frequency sounds. Either it's a microphone problem (could be defected batch) or some other settings. We've already checked all possible settings with no success. Does anybody else having the same problem?
Other than that phone is really awesome!
OS version: 7.10.7720.68
Hardware version: 0002
Radio: 16.23.02.26_A_16.27.00.23U
Any suggestions?
Nobody else experiencing this problem?
Is it possible that something is wrong with this particular batch?
TITAN - Lousy Sound Quality - Other Party Can't Hear . . .
I also have most people I call tell me I sound all distorted, (Or occasionally worse.) When I have someone call from my phone to a land line, to me the receiving sound has a buzz, almost tinitus, frequency shifts, & sometimes pulsing of the signal. Don't know if this might be the microphone, transmission, or what, although it seems consistent to my Titan, Occurrs in many places . . .
I'm surprised that no one else (except you) seem bothered. I tried unchecking the signal boost / loudness check, but to no avail.
Any suggestions? How is the sound quality you others are getting? Hope it is just a bad unit that I can swap Friday, or else I'll go back to my HTC AT&T Tilt-2, (the titl-2 is a much inferior phone, but with decent sound.)
My gilfriend constantly complains that she cant hear me too well. I think its because the phone is pretty long and the mic is right on the bottom. She can hear me better when i put the bottom part closer to my mouth. Its quiet annoying. I dont think its call quality but just bad positioning of the mic by htc.
@artzznyzz Where did you buy your phone?
UPDATE on bad / inferior Titan Sound Recepton:
Following a suggestion, I un-set (TURNED OFF) my attentive phone 'flip for speaker' option, so as to NOT automaticially go to speaker only when turning phone over & setting it down for hand free use during a call. This seemed to help some. (But a drag as this was a very nice touch - Most of my usage is in office / for business)
Per 'Cubanaso', above, I am also being more attentive to not holding the phone at the top where the antena may be, and also holding it lower so as to speak nearer the microphone on the bottom edge of the phone. (Why the heck did HTC place the main voice microphone so far out of the line of normal user speach? Maybe an attempt to save $ & go with only one microphone for both normal handheld usage, and also for face down on the table hands free usage? It would seem better to have two good mics, and via software use one for main speach, and the other for noise cancelling input, depending upon orientation.)
(This specialized custom grip is a pain because of aviding so much 'verbotten' contact with the phone - Can't touch the top off/on switch, nor the camera button, nor cover the microphone, nor where the micro-USB charger is attached. Too many restrictions, until new habits are learned . . .)
Anyhow, some more minor improvement, but still inferior sound quality for the person being called (whether they are on their own other cell or landline.)
BALMADOR: I bought mine at the AT&T corporate store on Main St. in White Plains NY. The sales kid, and contract, both promised a 30 day return period.
I am surprised that, of the (presumably) thousands of Titans out there, there are so few complaints about sound quality. Maybe I / we just have the rare problem ? ? ?
Any other insight from HTC, Google, or other web sites, etc.??? (I already checked WPCentral.com, and nothing more there . . .)
There are a few other problems, although not as major as this:
- Some phone numbers within given contacts (entered in outlook 10/ exchange 10) do not display on the the Titan. Seems to be 'Car', and others . . .
- Want access to the file storage space to set up directory structure for downloaded files (like the windows subdirectory structure & access), rather than just dump them into a single place managed by the system, without any identifiers other than the file name.
- The sync & skydrive of files seems random &/or flakey - We do not have the time to debug this.
- The HTC / AT&T issue standard documentation is superficial. (Also there is no WIKI, or no easy to access WIKI yet on XDA Developers, or I can't find it . . . Suggestions ? ? ?)
- Finally, Office Mobile seems generally flakey. For example, - Seems impossible to read & edit any file formats prior to office 2010, - Very difficult in Excel to highlight and drag a several cells, - can't figure out how to copy & paste reliably, etc., etc. . . .
Summary - I want to like & keep the Titan (another unit) so I am still inclined to try an exchange, or return the phone. Does anyone else have any further suggetions? (Maybe wait & try the Lumina 800 some day - What system will that be on, Verizon or AT&T ? ? ?)
Thanks, Art
not a rare problem
I was constantly told that I sounded "muffled" or "like I was underwater".
....I took my phone to be replaced for a new device....I guess I'll see how it goes.
smokeyb111 said:
I was constantly told that I sounded "muffled" or "like I was underwater".
....I took my phone to be replaced for a new device....I guess I'll see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
smokeyb111, could you tell where did you buy your phone?
If you have already exchanged it, can you tell if your new phone doesn't have this problem?
smokeyb111 said:
I was constantly told that I sounded "muffled" or "like I was underwater".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here!
Actually, my phone's earpiece also sounds muffled
smokeyb111 said:
I was constantly told that I sounded "muffled" or "like I was underwater".
....I took my phone to be replaced for a new device....I guess I'll see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering this as well as my titan is muffled on caller's end on about half of the calls to an unacceptable level.
Please update us on the results of a swap
Update re Sound Issue - Exchanged Unit : - )
Total fustration, so yesterday I went back to the AT&T corporate store (where I had upgraded from the Titl-2 to the Titan) and traded the Titan in for a new unit.
The trade in transaction took an hour ++, because the staff, although very friendly, cooperative and sincere, had no experience with the Titan (and I have a lot on my phone.) The store did not have or was missing the bluetooth dongle needed for content transfer, etc, etc, etc . . . But we got it done, thanks to my Exchange for Outlook, and e-mail for a few business photos, etc.
Anyhow, after 24 hours, it seems to be night and day on the sound issue - Extremely good, (except in very noisy environments); very loud both ends, better / tolerable connections in a few fringe areas where I had trouble with old Titl-2, No complaints on early test calls, etc, etc. I'll update y'all after several more days of experience . . .
So, Status Quo:
- My Titan is a very good phone (only) and decent electronic rolodex, with pretty good mapping / traffic / gps.
But:
- Lots of nagging ??software?? issues, some mentioned in prior post above. These problems seem like quality control programming bugs which should not have gotten through, and should be easy to fix. (Hope so as I really like this phone for my heavy business use!) More to follow.
HELP:
- How about a WIKI page for the Titan P139100 to organize the list of defects needing improvement, and most important, to supplement the superficial HTC / AT&T documentation, user guides? (lots of these problems may be mere lack of information & training for us users . . .)
I've tried to set up the WIKI page, with no luck. Maybe one of you with more experience can either get it started, or private message me with a little guidance . . .
Thanks
Arthur
Anyhow, after 24 hours, it seems to be night and day on the sound issue - Extremely good,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your feedback and it is encouraging to know that another handset might fix my issue (call quality) with the device. thanks! Think I might try to swap out for another unit when my local store gets more in
OTOH, I don't understand your transfer issues. Do you not have all of your photos and music synced with Zune? also do you have a live account where all of your contacts and calendar is saved?
I don't use Exchange server so maybe it's different but I walked into a store and swapped devices last week (Focus S) and stood there and reset (wiped out) my phone, typed my live account on the new device and walked out of there with all of my contacts calendars and email on the new phone instantly. plugged it into Zune when I got home and had photos and music back as well.
Went online to Windowsphone.com and clicked on all the apps I had previously installed and they too were put back on the phone
For everybody who having problem with the microphone.. I just spoke to HTC Hardware Department. They even not aware of this problem. Please call them and let them know. So at lease they will add this to the known issue list. Their phone # is: (866) 449-8358
For what it's worth, I just got my phone this past weekend. I've only had a few calls so far and no complaints from anyone. I have asked everyone I talked to if they could hear me okay and there was no problem.
I bought mine from a large retailer which hopefully means they go through a lot of Titans and I got a good one.
I did play a video from GoPro today and when I max'd the volume, it was distorted and had static. Haven't had the problem with other vid's so I am assuming it was the vid and not the speaker on the phone.
Decent phone. I was about to blow up when I realized that Outlook Sync was gone but after playing with it for a few hours, I was able to get the Windows Live connector to do it's thing for me. Not 100% happy but pretty close.
Same problem here
I have the same problem. I love the titan, but I have to fix this issue (or return the phone) for the sake of my relationship and work.
It seems as if the noise cancellation software is dumbing down the highs of my voice (it sounds like I am underwater). I haven't experience this problem when using Tango to video chat. I've also read that the problem doesn't exist while recording a video. Just a heads up, people have been posting about this issue in the wpcentral forums. I'm new to the forum, so I can't post links.
Here are the links to WPCentral forum:
http://forums.wpcentral.com/titan/184444.htm
http://forums.wpcentral.com/titan/184445.htm
I've also posted in this HTC forum:
http://community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/windows-phone/f/174/t/14751.aspx
Please put your comments as well. We need HTC's attention to this problem. Now we almost sure that it's not a mic problem (thanks to TANGO). Somehow dialer/phone software (noise cancellation or coding or any other filtering) and may be camera's part are not performing as needed on some units. And it should be fixed or patched.
Just a thought that might help with diagnosing the problem. I have a wired hands free headset (don't like any of the bluetooth devices from inexpensive to way over priced) and if you think it's the microphone or software for noise reduction is the problem, I bet you could try a wired headset and see it the trouble persists. If so, I would go get a replacement phone.
Just a thought.
Can someone who doesn't experiencing a "muffled" effect send me a private message with his phone # so we can make a couple test calls? That way we can really compare and make a better statement.
I've bought a titan for my wife, and had these same mic issues, she sounds muffled, recessed, underwater, got her a plantronics 975, and call quality went from bad, to terific.
Something is definately up with the mic/software on these things. I got the UK version from Clove.
I've since bought a second device for myself, and call quality is horrible, lots of chopping out, bad signal, bad reception. I was later told by my service provider, its a problem with their HSPA network, and the TITAN was not tested on it and may not be properly supported, i swithced off the 3g radio and sure enough all my problems went away, perfect call quality and reception, but no 4g? Sucks. They say they need to do patches on their network before the phone will work properly. But that seems to be a spereate issues, the mic stuff defiantely needs to be addressed. or we all use bluetooth!
matthewhypolite said:
I've since bought a second device for myself, and call quality is horrible, lots of chopping out, bad signal, bad reception. I was later told by my service provider, its a problem with their HSPA network, and the TITAN was not tested on it and may not be properly supported, i swithced off the 3g radio and sure enough all my problems went away, perfect call quality and reception, but no 4g? Sucks. They say they need to do patches on their network before the phone will work properly. But that seems to be a spereate issues, the mic stuff defiantely needs to be addressed. or we all use bluetooth!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I should factor in my location to the lack of problems with my phones audio quality. I live in the Dallas area, home of AT&T, and it's possible the network has been upgraded here and when I travel outside of this area, the quality will suffer as many of you have reported. This could be why some are not having troubles and others are.
Related
Hello,
well I think all of you know, that many reviews say, that the call quality of TG01 is pretty bad. They say, that the people that you call with the TG01, don't understand your voice very good etc.
Well it's not clear if it's a hardware or a software issue.
So today I made a test of the hardware. I installed the newest version of Skype mobile on the TG01 and called the Skype test Service. There I could leave a voicemessage and after that I was able to hear my voicemessage.
So I tried that and found that the quality of the microphone isn't very bad. Everything was very clear. No cracking or somethin like that.
So why is the quality in normal calls so bad? I think it could be a software problem. I would be very happy if it would be a software problem, because softwareproblems can be fixed
What do you guys think?
I would like you to try this method, too. I want to know if you make the same experiences with the microphone on skype that I have made.
Best regards,
Manuel
there is already a topic for this
there is more to it then the test you described accounts for like signal being 3g or 2g probably other variables but you test shows good results for software prob which can be proved by results of using srswow
useyourfist said:
there is already a topic for this
there is more to it then the test you described accounts for like signal being 3g or 2g probably other variables i belive there may be some incompatabilty with signals of the phone your calling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so many people are complaining about this.... but imho no ones actually quantified the problem...
some say it's barely able to function as a phone, others say the call qual is merely degraded...
some say no probs on 3g, others say 2g is best....
most people seem to agree its probably not hardware... the problems is retained on bluetooth... aparently...
some say it's orange... some say it's any 1800gsm network...
i think the majority of people who have unlocked thier phone & moved away from orange have experienced improved results... there's a few posts to this effect over on modaco.com & my own opinion is that my unlocked TG much prefers my work SIM to my orange one... roll on end of contract
trying to post on my tgo1 is annoying you got my post before i finished it lol stupud buttons i agree its got to be software or evil orange hopefully the rumored fix appears soon. i personaly have bad quality all the time so like you roll on end of contract 20months noooooooo
My TG01 ia unlocked and I use it on the o2 network, I had complaints from people i am calling about them not being able to hear me or dropping in and out so the problem is not specific to orange. It is better with a bluetooth headset but still not great.
I am waiting for this rumoured "audio fix" to appear from orange / toshiba or the newer 6.5.3 rom would be nice (wont hold my breath though).
i forgot to mention when i first got tg01 i had loads of problems, anyway went into store and they "tested" it and said it sounded fine i told them what i thought it sounded like trying to talk through two tin cans with a string,
manager at store said thats just what tg01s sound like htere is nothing that we can do, no refund as its classed as being in the design of the phone not an actual fault. i am going to start a down with orange group lol
if I ring someone from my orange sim, hang up swap to my tmuk sim and ring them back they tell its like i'm on a diff phone....
You sure you're not using a different phone?!
I can't honestly see why that should make a difference, phone-side, as TMob and Orange operate on the same frequency band - I suppose it could be through the voice-compression systems used at the cells and downlinks though.
The way to test this, would be to try a test-call using both your Orange and TMobile SIMs in a different handset - see how it goes.
I've found the 'listening' quality of the TG01 pretty poor, I have to admit, but having spent years listening to, and diagnosing audio systems small and (very) large, what I'm hearing is definitely a limitation of the speaker / amplifier, rather than codec / software issue.
if I ring someone from my orange sim, hang up swap to my tmuk sim and ring them back they tell its like i'm on a diff phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This could point to an issue with one of the bands that the phone uses causing the problem like the 3g band. I have read other posts saying they dont have an issue when the phone is forced to GSM mode.
I have the problem both with the orange sim that came with the phone and also my contract o2 sim. This leads me to believe that the problem doesn't lie with the operator but with the actual phone itself. It could be hardware but most likely software as most people are saying.
Lets hope they release this blinking fix soon before i get rid of it and get an android phone. Had windows mobiles for the past 6 years and have put up with things not working because basically there wasn't an alternative that could match what the windows platform could. Now there is so unless something drastic happens on the windows mobile front there will be a lot people leaving and going to alternative platforms.
orange and tmobile are the same company as of a few months ago so i will avoid them both now. its such a shame tg01 has this problem i will have to find out what network the people that complain to me about how i sound are on (as some say i sound fine) as its an interesting therory about signals ect
Some news again:
-------------------
Dear Manuel
Thank you for contacting Toshiba Mobile Communications.
Toshiba currently negotiating with the network operators in order to release new software to resolve the audio issue. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything until this approval is been given.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again for further assistance and use the reference number found in the subject field for all enquiries.
Best Regards,
Toshiba Mobile Communications,
T: 008000 505 2006 - International free phone number
T: 0044 207 111 0990 - Please use this number if your country does not support the free phone number
E: [email protected]
------------------
But I think all of you know, that a software update is planed.
useyourfist said:
orange and tmobile are the same company as of a few months ago so i will avoid them both now. its such a shame tg01 has this problem i will have to find out what network the people that complain to me about how i sound are on (as some say i sound fine) as its an interesting therory about signals ect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think that TMUK & O-UK have combined thier resources yet...
youbrokeit said:
You sure you're not using a different phone?!
I can't honestly see why that should make a difference, phone-side, as TMob and Orange operate on the same frequency band - I suppose it could be through the voice-compression systems used at the cells and downlinks though.
The way to test this, would be to try a test-call using both your Orange and TMobile SIMs in a different handset - see how it goes.
I've found the 'listening' quality of the TG01 pretty poor, I have to admit, but having spent years listening to, and diagnosing audio systems small and (very) large, what I'm hearing is definitely a limitation of the speaker / amplifier, rather than codec / software issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as you say same frequenzy band - but completely different hardware at each end + different infatsructure....
a lot of this is probably location... Orange is terrible where i live at the best of times....
DunkDream said:
Some news again:
-------------------
Dear Manuel
Thank you for contacting Toshiba Mobile Communications.
Toshiba currently negotiating with the network operators in order to release new software to resolve the audio issue. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything until this approval is been given.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again for further assistance and use the reference number found in the subject field for all enquiries.
Best Regards,
Toshiba Mobile Communications,
T: 008000 505 2006 - International free phone number
T: 0044 207 111 0990 - Please use this number if your country does not support the free phone number
E: [email protected]
------------------
But I think all of you know, that a software update is planed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this (often posted) msg from Toshiba could amount to a number of things...
it could mean
we've developed a fix & are merely waiting for the carriers to agree distribution terms before we issue it
but it might mean
we dont care - go away. if the carriers start saying there's a problem & they're prepared to pay us development costs then we'll consider lifting a finger to find a fix, but we're a bit busy developing other products at the moment so if you don't like waiting, we suggest you get a iphone
or anything in between.... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it's worth noting that Japan doesn't use GSM, so they may not be that ofey with designing for it....
I still just want to clarify what exactly the problem is....
Like I said earlier
To many people are describing varying degrees of severity, against far to many variables
We’ve read them all... "this phone's shjt, its ok on 3g, its best on 2g, its orange, it's the 1800gsm band, its hardware, its software blah blah
To meaningfully get to the bottom of this we really need to pool resources, conduct some testing & arrive at what the precise problem is we're experiencing...
After all if everybody is correct about the problems their having... then all this serves to demonstrate is that TG01s are leaving the factory with a myriad of different problems, suggesting a woeful lack quality control....
...........which would be very unlikely from someone like Toshiba....
My own €0.02 ???
Orange is pathetic in my area.
I can only get 2g signal. On my Nokia 2600 I had to go into the garden to get any telephony at all.
My TG at least works in the house.
When I use the TG I can be heard fairly well - with the occasional ''can you repeat that mate, you broke up a bit' from the person on the other end of the line...
When I put in the T-Mobile SIM call quality is vastly improved....
....based on the above I THINK that
- The TG01 isn't a bad unit - perhaps just not as good as some of the other WM devices...
- The majority of MY call quality issues are caused by the orange signal in my area
.........................
Reading this forum RE the (apparently divine, can do no wrong) HTC HD2 didn't that arrive with dodgy call quality & the xda boffins had to make a selection of revised radios to get the quality people expected?
Cheers - sorry for the long one !!!
Adam
I still just want to clarify what exactly the problem is....
Like I said earlier
To many people are describing varying degrees of severity, against far to many variables
We’ve read them all... "this phone's shjt, its ok on 3g, its best on 2g, its orange, it's the 1800gsm band, its hardware, its software blah blah
To meaningfully get to the bottom of this we really need to pool resources, conduct some testing & arrive at what the precise problem is we're experiencing...
After all if everybody is correct about the problems their having... then all this serves to demonstrate is that TG01s are leaving the factory with a myriad of different problems, suggesting a woeful lack quality control....
...........which would be very unlikely from someone like Toshiba....
My own €0.02 ???
Orange is pathetic in my area.
I can only get 2g signal. On my Nokia 2600 I had to go into the garden to get any telephony at all.
My TG at least works in the house.
When I use the TG I can be heard fairly well - with the occasional ''can you repeat that mate, you broke up a bit' from the person on the other end of the line...
When I put in the T-Mobile SIM call quality is vastly improved....
....based on the above I THINK that
- The TG01 isn't a bad unit - perhaps just not as good as some of the other WM devices...
- The majority of MY call quality issues are caused by the orange signal in my area
.........................
Reading this forum RE the (apparently divine, can do no wrong) HTC HD2 didn't that arrive with dodgy call quality & the xda boffins had to make a selection of revised radios to get the quality people expected?
Cheers - sorry for the long one !!!
Adam
youbrokeit said:
I've found the 'listening' quality of the TG01 pretty poor, I have to admit, but having spent years listening to, and diagnosing audio systems small and (very) large, what I'm hearing is definitely a limitation of the speaker / amplifier, rather than codec / software issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to be thick - but are you saying you think the problem is caused by the physical speaker (microphone) or by the amplification method the phone uses to boost sound output?
if this is what you're saying, then what do you think the fix is? (a different speaker?)
forgive my ignorance but i thought the problem was still edvident when using a BT device, so doesn't this rule out hardware altogther?
Sorry if i'm being thick... !!!
cheers
My dad is getting problems with poor audio, he often gets people asking "what did you say", when he can hear them clearly. The signal in our house is usually 4/5 bars of 2G with occasional 3G coverage in places.
He's getting fed up with it so I hope there is a fix coming because otherwise it's a decent phone bar the poor battery life.
eddybrown said:
My dad is getting problems with poor audio, he often gets people asking "what did you say", when he can hear them clearly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may sound really strange (and it's based on something somebody said on another forum) but ...
The microphone on the TG01 is at the bottom left of the screen. Can you ask your father to ensure that he is talking directly into the microphone and see if it makes any difference?
This may sound really strange (and it's based on something somebody said on another forum) but ...
The microphone on the TG01 is at the bottom left of the screen. Can you ask your father to ensure that he is talking directly into the microphone and see if it makes any difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it has anything to do with the microphone as it happens with a bluetooth ear piece as well.
1.) Has anyone with the "Bluetooth Problem" rooted their phone and found that it fixed the BT issue.
2.) Did the first OTA cause the BT problem on the Amaze.
I bought my HTC Amaze in January 2012. I didn't have my access to my Plantronic headsets at the time. Before I was able to test the Bluetooth on my Amaze, the first OTA came out. I did the update and all was good. Then my headsets came in and I tried them all (3 total -Voyager Pro HD and Explorer.) The range with the Voyager and Explorer was about 1-2 Ft. I basically had to hold the handset next to the Bluetooth headset. The Explorer had a better reception, but both headsets were distorted with the sound of static and would drop connection with a mere turn of the head. After ICS I now get about 8-10 Ft. with lots of static at anything over 3 feet.
My HD2 running CyanogenMod 7 still gets 30 ft. line of sight. And 15-20 through doors and walls.... I guess I'm spoiled.
Thanks for any answers guys.
Nope. Mine works. I have a jawbone prime. No issues with connection.
Sent From My HTC Amaze 4G Via Someone's Room
Maybe there's an issue with your BT antenna? It could be something as similar to the wifi fix (where you add a small piece of aluminum foil to the back of your case where the antenna is).
I have spent alot of time on the T-mo forum in the last few months. For the most part there seems to be a BT issue with at least "some" of the phones. When I updated to ICS the BT did without question get better. Not great.. but marked improvement. The fact that ICS made it better, along with a few posters stating that their phones BT worked fine prior to the first OTA but went bad after the update, led me to believe that the problem may be software related ...ergo the first OTA. The other people that are having this problem also saw a difference when they too updated to ICS.
One update "allegedly" messed up BT on the phone (some anyway) and another made the BT problem better. Strange....
hasoon2000 and kered424 are you guys running stock ROMs? I haven't rooted a custom ROM up to this point because I wasn't sure if it would actually fix the problem. That is why I was seeking a confimation or denial that rooting the phone would fix the problem. My dilemma is returning the phone. I have not unlocked the phone...but I did do the "Leaked ICS." But that is off topic...
I've been running stock for the longest time, but recently switched to NRG's stock-look rom. I've never had an issue with bluetooth (gb, ics, or nrg). When I was running stock, I was rooted, but I doubt rooting will fix your problem.
kered424 said:
I've been running stock for the longest time, but recently switched to NRG's stock-look rom. I've never had an issue with bluetooth (gb, ics, or nrg). When I was running stock, I was rooted, but I doubt rooting will fix your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you reply kered424.
I guess what I am really looking for is someone that actually recognized they had the problem and notice a change when rooting a custom ROM onto the phone. I may not find that person here...most people here root without need. I'm all about rooting...I have an HD2 that I still root (my digitizer just went out.) I just do not want to go through the hassle of rooting only to find out that it was the hardware and not the software. I would not even post about this and root the phone...if it were not for the marked impovement when I updated to "Leaked ICS."
It leaves me going: "Hardware?..software?...hardware?...software?"
From your description, it sounds like hardware. Have you tried the aluminum foil trick? That's the only thing I can think of.
Solution to Amaze 4G Bluetooth Issues. Possibly.
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
You are right...I could not find anything showing a diagram or pic of where the antenna is/are located. Hopefully somone will provide you with something. Have tried emailing HTC and outright asking for a diagram?
BlackeyedBandit said:
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still Still No Adequate Solution to Amaze 4G Bluetooth Issues.
badgerdave said:
You are right...I could not find anything showing a diagram or pic of where the antenna is/are located. Hopefully somone will provide you with something. Have tried emailing HTC and outright asking for a diagram?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. I asked them for a service manual as I am a PC technician to let me figure it out but just like Toshiba laptops. Not a chance.
Update: Unfortunately my Bluetooth antenna mod/fix seems to only have solved the connectivity issue indoors as my headset still cuts out every few seconds outside and drops calls like crazy. I feel as though we've all been suckered by HTC as they will neither let us exchange for a smartphone that works properly or provide a solution to those of us who purchased this factory defective off the shelf phone.
I will still continue my efforts to find a way to enhance the antenna but I will probably never buy anything from HTC again seeing as how they've chosen to not deal with and dodge this widespread problem. T-mobile is no longer selling the Amaze that was the Sales person's response when I told them they were selling a defective product today at one of their stores, However, on the T-mobile website they are giving them away for free with new contracts. Those poor unfortunates that take them up on that offer who know no better.
I am going to demand a refund from either T-mobile or HTC but I doubt I will get one.
The salesman at T-mobile said "Nothing beats a wired headset." jerk!
Again I am sorry for jumping the gun but I was certain I had made a significant breakthrough in solving the Bluetooth problem on the Amaze.
BlackeyedBandit: I once read that the very first OTA is what messed up the Bluetooth on the Amaze. Unfortunately I am unable to comfirm this, or deny it. When I purchased my Amaze in Janaury 2012 my BT devices were being shipped to me. Before these devices got to me, my Amaze prompted me to do an update. I did it. When my BT devices arrived none of them had a range of more than 1-3 Ft. without static and/or terminated BT connection. When the ICS update came out the range increased to about 8-10 Ft.
I want to revert back the ROM that was first released to see if in fact it is better. But....I don't want to go through all those changes to find out it doesn't work any better. My phone is still completely stock...because I want to be able to return it soon. I love the phone and only want the BT to work in a manner that I have become accustomed to with HTC products. And to get the video stereo sound quality fixed too.
This is my second HTC device. The first was the HD2. It was a nightmare with WinMo 6.5 on it. I returned that thing 5 times and never got one that worked right. I eventually...with the help of xda members and others, learned the art of rooting. Once I got that down and rooted Andriod onto it, I was in love. I thought that even with all it's faults, HTC made an awesome device. I just needed to figure out how to "tune it up."
So I believed that the Amaze would be super awesome and looked forward to getting it. I feel let down because BT is a must for me. I'm not sure I will buy another HTC product either. This is the second time I have been burned.
BlackeyedBandit said:
Me too. I asked them for a service manual as I am a PC technician to let me figure it out but just like Toshiba laptops. Not a chance.
Update: Unfortunately my Bluetooth antenna mod/fix seems to only have solved the connectivity issue indoors as my headset still cuts out every few seconds outside and drops calls like crazy. I feel as though we've all been suckered by HTC as they will neither let us exchange for a smartphone that works properly or provide a solution to those of us who purchased this factory defective off the shelf phone.
I will still continue my efforts to find a way to enhance the antenna but I will probably never buy anything from HTC again seeing as how they've chosen to not deal with and dodge this widespread problem. T-mobile is no longer selling the Amaze that was the Sales person's response when I told them they were selling a defective product today at one of their stores, However, on the T-mobile website they are giving them away for free with new contracts. Those poor unfortunates that take them up on that offer who know no better.
I am going to demand a refund from either T-mobile or HTC but I doubt I will get one.
The salesman at T-mobile said "Nothing beats a wired headset." jerk!
Again I am sorry for jumping the gun but I was certain I had made a significant breakthrough in solving the Bluetooth problem on the Amaze.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Piece of S was offered as a replacement to FIVE HTC Sensations, followed by a Samsung Galaxy S Blaze?, followed by THREE HTC Amazes...all in 11 months. WiFi doesn't work right. Bluetooth is practically useless on the Amaze, and worse when combined with WiFi. I've used it with three different high-end Bluetooth devices (Plantronics (best-I forget the name), Samsung's best, and the Motorola Sliver Elite. All work find with friends' phones when I've tried to troubleshoot. I've used several WiFi routers, access points, repeaters,etc...still the signals fluctuate, the sound warbles, and the calls get disconnected.
I have LITERALLY spent 49:25 hours on the phone with T-Mobile, and 16:30 hours on the phone with HTC. There has been no resolution. T-Mobile...offered...me...the option (get this...) to pay MORE money and get a different phone. I've spent countless hours on websites (I'm a software developer and systems integrator, so I know my way around) and was unable to get anything working. I've had to hold the phone...in my hand...about 1-2ft from my Bluetooth devices to get them to work at all.
The device is FULL of known issues. Bluetooth & WiFi being the only ones about which I care.
I've also gone back to the T-Mobile store twice (which dialing 611 or the 800-number tells you not to do...but after the HTC Sensation, and then the HTC Amaze issues, I had to choice but to go to the face-to-face supervisors and beg for help.) The first supervisor left T-Mobile and the second one "Jodi" was INCREDIBLY rude to me.
T-Mobile's 611/800-number "customer service" has three times not documented anything - and I was on the phone for 1:30 hours/each.
notperse said:
This Piece of S was offered as a replacement to FIVE HTC Sensations, followed by a Samsung Galaxy S Blaze?, followed by THREE HTC Amazes...all in 11 months. WiFi doesn't work right. Bluetooth is practically useless on the Amaze, and worse when combined with WiFi. I've used it with three different high-end Bluetooth devices (Plantronics (best-I forget the name), Samsung's best, and the Motorola Sliver Elite. All work find with friends' phones when I've tried to troubleshoot. I've used several WiFi routers, access points, repeaters,etc...still the signals fluctuate, the sound warbles, and the calls get disconnected.
I have LITERALLY spent 49:25 hours on the phone with T-Mobile, and 16:30 hours on the phone with HTC. There has been no resolution. T-Mobile...offered...me...the option (get this...) to pay MORE money and get a different phone. I've spent countless hours on websites (I'm a software developer and systems integrator, so I know my way around) and was unable to get anything working. I've had to hold the phone...in my hand...about 1-2ft from my Bluetooth devices to get them to work at all.
The device is FULL of known issues. Bluetooth & WiFi being the only ones about which I care.
I've also gone back to the T-Mobile store twice (which dialing 611 or the 800-number tells you not to do...but after the HTC Sensation, and then the HTC Amaze issues, I had to choice but to go to the face-to-face supervisors and beg for help.) The first supervisor left T-Mobile and the second one "Jodi" was INCREDIBLY rude to me.
T-Mobile's 611/800-number "customer service" has three times not documented anything - and I was on the phone for 1:30 hours/each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro I think you have been extremely unlucky with the amaze. Although it does have some issues (capacitative light bleed, camera flash bleed, lower battery life than one would like, and slow development) most of these have been overcome to a great extent. If you are using a case you will have WiFi issues and possibly Bluetooth (I had WiFi issues with cover on, no BT issues) but that's fixible with a silver cigarette foil (or gold as well Iguess) placed in the battery back cover right beside the camera hole in the cover.
BlackeyedBandit said:
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have the bluetooth connectivity issues. The only reference I could find to an "aluminum foil fix" was actually wifi antenna related. However, the thumbnail image is in this post by darll, 15th November 2011: (Wifi signal affected by phone case) in the Amaze 4g General forum.
BT MAC addresss
hasoon2000 said:
Nope. Mine works. I have a jawbone prime. No issues with connection.
Sent From My HTC Amaze 4G Via Someone's Room
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does the bluetooth get it's MAC address from? (the one under settings/ about/hardware info/ bluetooth address)
chevycowboyusa said:
Where does the bluetooth get it's MAC address from? (the one under settings/ about/hardware info/ bluetooth address)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is on the chip, but I'm not certain. It could also be programmed into the part of the phone firmware that is not touched when flashing.
I also want to report that I've had no issues with BT connectivity, and I have connected with about 8 headsets / handsfree over the past year.
My Amaze can get into a problem state with the BT, where the phone does not acknowledge a change in BT from off to on or vice versa. When this happens the phone starts to overheat, and I have to power completely down, and then power on again - at which point it will show the actual BT status. I've been on NRG almost from the start, so I don't know if this is a hardware issue or a ROM issue. I haven't had it happen in a while - I'm now more careful about turning on the BT (the problem seemed to happen when I was accidentally hitting the switch twice). Since I know how to avoid it, I haven't pursued any fixes.
Have you tried replacing the back cover? That seems like the most probable fix.
bluetooth
bluetooth problems?!
Hi, I have a rooted and s-off amaze with nightmare rom. everything is working but bluetooth. I can turn it on and switch to visibility but the problem is it can not find any devices and also it can not be found by others. I flashed some kernels but it did not work. please if u know a kernel that fixes bluetooth i can try it. thanks
BT
artur-x said:
bluetooth problems?!
Hi, I have a rooted and s-off amaze with nightmare rom. everything is working but bluetooth. I can turn it on and switch to visibility but the problem is it can not find any devices and also it can not be found by others. I flashed some kernels but it did not work. please if u know a kernel that fixes bluetooth i can try it. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This have anything to do with it?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54112028&postcount=6
Hi...
I got a xperia z2 prototye. model 6503.
Everything is working fine, except the call quality. i can hear and understand very well, but the other person has echoes, and very bad sound..
When I use a heatset, there is no problem. and it is almost good, when I put the phone on the table, with speaker on. The problem is worst, when I hold the phone on my ear..
Is it a hard- or software related problem?
I´m now on 17.1.A.2.55
THX
Since others have not complained about this issue, it looks like a hardware issue. Maybe your microphone is faulty?
Take it to Sony and get it checked.
I did some voice recording, and it is brilliant.
Try turning off the noise cancellation feature during calls, and see if there's a difference.
Well it's a prototype so who knows...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
I have a very similar issue I posted about in my thread...
kuass said:
I did some voice recording, and it is brilliant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you read in my thread my voice recording is anything but brilliant......what did you use for your testing?
g4rvd4 said:
Try turning off the noise cancellation feature during calls, and see if there's a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I first became concerned when I recorded an outgoing message for the phone's default answering machine...As a test I download a voice recording app that let me turn off noise suppression/cancellation.
It brought it from unusable to usable, still not good. But I think your suggestion is a good one, I just don't see why a software tweak improves on something that seems more like a hardware problem. I say that because I can't find a single thing on the web aside from these two posts stating any concerns about it.
This is killing me...turning off noise cancellation only improves the quality in that particular app. Turning it off in the Call settings didn't change anything. I can't record an acceptable answering machine greeting no matter what I do.
EDIT- I also have unlocked my bootloader and thusly lost my DRM Keys... OP has a prototype Z2, perhaps something there?
Same problem here, and mine is not a proto
my nephew and my gf got Z2 too, and same problem...
we hear wel, they can't hear us clearly
Considering that the quality of sound that comes out of the speakers when we hear music, it sure is software problem! In Xperia Z was the same thing in its release!
non proto:
when I'm on earpiece, the caller will always be breaking up. I'll have to disconnect and return the call before everything's crispy again. though there are times they'll complain of not hearing me properly. turning off the "background noise" option seems to help but they'll tell me it's noisy as fuuu.
lol hoping for a software fix I guess.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
i have had a problem with people being able to hear me clearly ! if i let the phone even drift slightly away from my mouth people say they cant hear me or im breaking up ! ! i had a GS2 before this phone and never had a problem like this . this to me is a hell of a major flaw ... if you struggle to use a mobile phone as what it is designed to do .. then it aint worth a s**t ! i have to keep the phone pressed up against the side of my face all the time im using it ... i cant just wedge it under my chin like i used to do with the old phone. maybe if i root and install a custom ROM it would help this issue ???
strommy1966 said:
i have had a problem with people being able to hear me clearly ! if i let the phone even drift slightly away from my mouth people say they cant hear me or im breaking up ! ! i had a GS2 before this phone and never had a problem like this . this to me is a hell of a major flaw ... if you struggle to use a mobile phone as what it is designed to do .. then it aint worth a s**t ! i have to keep the phone pressed up against the side of my face all the time im using it ... i cant just wedge it under my chin like i used to do with the old phone. maybe if i root and install a custom ROM it would help this issue ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First time I've seen my problem described to the letter. It's especially bad when I hold the phone with my chin and no hands. I turned off noise cancelation under phone settings and people stopped complaining however a few people complained of an echo... Lose, lose. Btw, I'm rooted with a custom ROM and nothing has changed.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
jiggyb21 said:
First time I've seen my problem described to the letter. It's especially bad when I hold the phone with my chin and no hands. I turned off noise cancelation under phone settings and people stopped complaining however a few people complained of an echo... Lose, lose. Btw, I'm rooted with a custom ROM and nothing has changed.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh .. i thought rooting and a custom ROM would solve this problem ! i also have noise cancellation switched off .. but still if i let this phone drift even slightly away from my mouth , immediately people say im breaking up or they just cant hear me ? what the hell good is a damm phone that people cant hear you on ! i can hear them very clearly .. it must just be a crap microphone in the phone
strommy1966 said:
oh .. i thought rooting and a custom ROM would solve this problem ! i also have noise cancellation switched off .. but still if i let this phone drift even slightly away from my mouth , immediately people say im breaking up or they just cant hear me ? what the hell good is a damm phone that people cant hear you on ! i can hear them very clearly .. it must just be a crap microphone in the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worries me. I'm planning to buy the z2 but if people in the other end have issues hearing you then I might pass. It's a shame.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Free mobile app
There should be a speaker voice enhancement option in the call settings menu, not sure whether you've tried this or not but might be worth a shot
neotoky said:
This worries me. I'm planning to buy the z2 but if people in the other end have issues hearing you then I might pass. It's a shame.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wouldn't of bought this phone .. trouble is you don't get to test the call quality or anything like that before you buy the phone ! yes now its easy to read this forum about the problems people are having . so wish i had waited and read this forum before i ordered mine. think i will be buying something else in the near future, and try and sell this one
Maybe people should report this to Sony as I don't get any complaints from the receiving end so far. My only complaint is the sound quality of the voice in the earpiece is not rich. The voice lacks low frequency.
goodpenguin said:
Maybe people should report this to Sony as I don't get any complaints from the receiving end so far. My only complaint is the sound quality of the voice in the earpiece is not rich. The voice lacks low frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my handset I constantly have hissing noises during a call and voice breaking up intermittently, but not when I'm on speaker or headphones then it's all crystal clear.
Mine is 14W16 and I've already had it replaced but the problem is still there (replacement device also 14W16).
Does anyone else experience this?
I've already disabled/enabled microphone noise suppression and speaker voice enhancement, but to no effect.
EDIT: My third device (also 14W16) still has this problem, maybe a faulty batch or is it probably a software problem?
EDIT2: Seems to be a software related problem. I have flashed the new 17.1.1.A.0.402 rom and it's almost perfect now.
It seems like a recurring problem...
Hi Guys,
Here's my post on Xperia Care (3 threads dealing with this specific issue):
"I've had the exact same issues since my very first call. I am pretty sure it is a hardware issue and not software or use-related (my phone has never been in contact with water, the issue started in an "out-of-the-box" context and ALL the people I've had over the phone guessed that I changed for a new one just because they could not hear me as clearly as with my former HTC HD2 which I'm starting to deeply regret for this basic use of calling for a phone!).
Searching over the web and through this forum, you can find many people complaining about this problem and saying that a standard exchange did not solve it: would it be a batch problem?? For info, mine is a simlock-free purple model bought in Germany.
Another thing, using noise cancellation is even worse according to my callees so I guess I'll never use this feature, then... All details provided by you guys are described by my friends when I have them on the phone: hissing, hearing me in the distance (muffled sound), hearing their voice in echo (bad Z2 speaker=>mic interaction), vibration (resonance/vibration due to the phone design itself??), hearing like intermittent wind gusts and very very bad sound when I hold the phone between my cheek and shoulder...
As if this would not be bad enough, now the camera application does not record sound anymore when filming (it used to be OK before updating to newer version through PC Companion). Instead of proper sound you hear constant hissing. After a lot of tests I've realised that it now uses the noise cancellation mic instead of the primary one. When running a mic test through Xperia diagnostics menu you can hear back that hissing and no sound at all. Doing the same test through the *#*#7378423#*#* menu gives a different result since I can hear the recording perfectly well (because it is using primary microphone)."
After rebooting my phone, the secondary mic is now working. This leaves me very puzzled now: would it be a software issue in he end??
I'm phoning French Xperia Car hotline tomorrow, keep you posted.
Cheers
Guillaume59000 said:
Hi Guys,
Here's my post on Xperia Care (3 threads dealing with this specific issue):
"I've had the exact same issues since my very first call. I am pretty sure it is a hardware issue and not software or use-related (my phone has never been in contact with water, the issue started in an "out-of-the-box" context and ALL the people I've had over the phone guessed that I changed for a new one just because they could not hear me as clearly as with my former HTC HD2 which I'm starting to deeply regret for this basic use of calling for a phone!).
Searching over the web and through this forum, you can find many people complaining about this problem and saying that a standard exchange did not solve it: would it be a batch problem?? For info, mine is a simlock-free purple model bought in Germany.
Another thing, using noise cancellation is even worse according to my callees so I guess I'll never use this feature, then... All details provided by you guys are described by my friends when I have them on the phone: hissing, hearing me in the distance (muffled sound), hearing their voice in echo (bad Z2 speaker=>mic interaction), vibration (resonance/vibration due to the phone design itself??), hearing like intermittent wind gusts and very very bad sound when I hold the phone between my cheek and shoulder...
As if this would not be bad enough, now the camera application does not record sound anymore when filming (it used to be OK before updating to newer version through PC Companion). Instead of proper sound you hear constant hissing. After a lot of tests I've realised that it now uses the noise cancellation mic instead of the primary one. When running a mic test through Xperia diagnostics menu you can hear back that hissing and no sound at all. Doing the same test through the *#*#7378423#*#* menu gives a different result since I can hear the recording perfectly well (because it is using primary microphone)."
After rebooting my phone, the secondary mic is now working. This leaves me very puzzled now: would it be a software issue in he end??
I'm phoning French Xperia Car hotline tomorrow, keep you posted.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update on this? I just got this phone for my fiancé and it seems that she's having the same issue. I can't hear well.
Must have something to do with positioning the mic and how far it is from the mouth. More than a design problem than a hardware one methinks.
SooSpecial said:
Any update on this? I just got this phone for my fiancé and it seems that she's having the same issue. I can't hear well.
Must have something to do with positioning the mic and how far it is from the mouth. More than a design problem than a hardware one methinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi SooSpecial,
Xperia Care had no explanation about this; they advised me to file a standard exchange procedure with the seller, which I did.
I'm now waiting for my new device, hoping I won't have the same problem anymore.
If not, I would ask for a refund and go for a G3 instead. That would be a pity because I really like the Z2.
I'd advise you to have your girlfriend's handset changed asap, otherwise you would have to go for a repair procedure w/ Sony, which may take approx. 1 month, leaving you without any replacement smartphone if it was a simlock-free one...
FYI, this problem has also been reported on Xperia Care Forum in 3 threads on Frandroid (french forum) and on some customer reviews on Amazon (as far as I know).
Good luck with that
EDIT: Read the other comments in this thread to see what I've tried and what hasn't worked. Thank you!
I love my Galaxy S5 so far, but currently it's sucking at being an actual phone. On the other end of the phone line, the people I've talked to have complained of the audio sort of cutting in and out like someone is interrupting me. This happens when I'm in quiet rooms alone, so I'm confused. At first I though it was the case on my phone (Supcase), but after replicating the problem for myself, that doesn't seem to be the case. So at this point I'm not really sure if my phone is possessed or if it's a hardware problem. For reference, I'm running XtreSoLite rom and I have a few Viper4Android audio things running. I'm not sure if that could be the problem. Anyway, if someone could help me solve this issue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!
jtc276 said:
I love my Galaxy S5 so far, but currently it's sucking at being an actual phone. On the other end of the phone line, the people I've talked to have complained of the audio sort of cutting in and out like someone is interrupting me. This happens when I'm in quiet rooms alone, so I'm confused. At first I though it was the case on my phone (Supcase), but after replicating the problem for myself, that doesn't seem to be the case. So at this point I'm not really sure if my phone is possessed or if it's a hardware problem. For reference, I'm running XtreSoLite rom and I have a few Viper4Android audio things running. I'm not sure if that could be the problem. Anyway, if someone could help me solve this issue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!
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It's certainly not normal. Not with stock firmware or custom ROMs like Phoenix. I have no idea if your custom ROM is a factor, bit it seems unlikely.
Possibly your problems are reflective of being in a location with a weak and tenuous signal strength. Generally speaking dropouts and feedback are data latency issues seen more with Voip and VoLTE calls. You don't have nearly enough information to do more than guess yet.. but I would make your audio app (Viper) to be the prime suspect.
See if you can exempt voice calls from Viper or temporarily uninstall it. Also find out if any background apps are using high CPU and in particular if any audio apps are set to high priority. Find out if you arwe using VoLTE. CPU (power saving) apps?
If you can't narrow it down, make a backup and then revert to 100% stock to rule out hardware issues. Then install apps one at a time, watching for the issue to return. You could also open a carrier support ticket to see if your account is misconfigured, using a low grade codec, etc.
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fffft said:
It's certainly not normal. Not with stock firmware or custom ROMs like Phoenix. I have no idea if your custom ROM is a factor, bit it seems unlikely.
Possibly your problems are reflective of being in a location with a weak and tenuous signal strength. Generally speaking dropouts and feedback are data latency issues seen more with Voip and VoLTE calls. You don't have nearly enough information to do more than guess yet.. but I would make your audio app (Viper) to be the prime suspect.
See if you can exempt voice calls from Viper or temporarily uninstall it. Also find out if any background apps are using high CPU and in particular if any audio apps are set to high priority. Find out if you arwe using VoLTE. CPU (power saving) apps?
If you can't narrow it down, make a backup and then revert to 100% stock to rule out hardware issues. Then install apps one at a time, watching for the issue to return. You could also open a carrier support ticket to see if your account is misconfigured, using a low grade codec, etc.
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Thank you for all of this! I'm having an unfortunate week because I'm actually away from home and have very limited internet access, so factory resetting my phone isn't currently an option. However, I did turn VoLTE off and I'll be wiping my cache because I read somewhere that might work. I'll also be watching my apps, but I'm not sure that's the problem. I generally have the same apps on all of the phones I use and this is the only phone people have said I sound bad on. And I don't think Viper is the culprit either because I've disabled it and nothing has changed. So hopefully turning off VoLTE works or simply wiping the cache does the trick. If not, I'll definitely do everything that you recommended because I want to avoid RMAing this device at all costs.
It seems that a factory reset solved the problem. I still have no idea what the problem was, though, but I'm happy it seems to be gone.
So the problem has returned. I factory reset once again and it hasn't done the trick. Everyone is describing it as an echo and telling me they can hear themselves echoing when they speak, although it sounds fine on my end. I don't know what else to do. I have:
Factory reset
Taken the sim out and put it back in
Changed APNs
I don't know what else I can do. Really hoping I don't have to RMA this device. Does anyone know how Samsung is with RMAs?
Bump
Still having this problem. I hope there's someone out there who knows how to fix it.
you ain't alone mine was fine for a while then after the new update it came back i call t-mobile.they put in a open repair tickets as others around my town also complain.my signal is always -114 to -119.they have heard it it when i call them.i get the echo or it brakes up or call turns into noise and then calls drop and they have to call me back on house phone they claim it is a tower/signal issue.??
jtc276 said:
Still having this problem. I hope there's someone out there who knows how to fix it.
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i had this on my first two handsets it happened in the first 14 days so i had no trouble going into tmo store and exchanging it twice. people could not hear me and the echo was really bad. third s5 call quality super clear now.
been you had exchange the phone and new one working fine what software is it on NF6 or the new NG3 that would tell us a lot???before i downgrade back to the nf6
420soljah808 said:
i had this on my first two handsets it happened in the first 14 days so i had no trouble going into tmo store and exchanging it twice. people could not hear me and the echo was really bad. third s5 call quality super clear now.
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I had this same issue as well. I could hear people jsut fine, but when they tried to talk to me, be it over tmo network or through wifi calling, they heard bad echoes and noise. I even did as you did; factory reset and it sorta worked. When it happened again, I cleared caches (the official fix from tmo 611) and that worked for a couple hours. Eventually, they told me to take it back to the store and get a replacement.
I believe it's a hardware issue related to the mic; here's why:
When I'm in my car and on bluetooth people on other end hear me just fine and crystal clear. When I used a bluetooth headset, same thing. As soon as I disconnect from BT and go to just the normal mic, echo pops in.
One thing you can do is call 611 and use the voice prompts. It was so bad on my end that the voice prompts picked up itself (well the echoes from the voice prompts). If you do and the voice prompt system routs you even when you don't say anything (it routes your call because of the echoes) then you definitely have a bad handset.
I was rooted, custom recovery, knox tripped and mailed my phone in. Nothing happened. But they did charge me $20 for a return/replacement fee. The new phone I got works no problem.
Maybe some one can help me out here....recently purchased a Z2 and everything is running wonderfully on it, BUT I have struggled to get get good quality out of the earpiece. I can not pinpoint what the problem is, and my service provider and local Sony Centre refuse to help me out because the phone is imported. Almost every single call I have made has a terrible static, tinny sound. At times its better, other times I cannot even hear the other person on the other line. I have changed sim cards which didn't really help, tried other service provider sim cards which helped only a little. The strange thing is that when I run the diagnostics app on the phone, my ringtone playing through the earpiece is crystal clear and sounds really good. Also if I plug headphones in, the call quality improves immensely. I have read that the .314 firmware upgrade is supposed to enhance the call quality of the Z2 but I'm not sure if its addressing the specific issue I am having, also the firmware update is not available yet in my country. I don't want to send the phone back to Europe even though I have a warranty through the retailer that sold me the phone because who knows how long it will take for them to sort this out?! Has anyone experienced what I am experiencing? Do all Z2's have crappy, static, tinny call quality?
guitarhsredda15 said:
Maybe some one can help me out here....recently purchased a Z2 and everything is running wonderfully on it, BUT I have struggled to get get good quality out of the earpiece. I can not pinpoint what the problem is, and my service provider and local Sony Centre refuse to help me out because the phone is imported. Almost every single call I have made has a terrible static, tinny sound. At times its better, other times I cannot even hear the other person on the other line. I have changed sim cards which didn't really help, tried other service provider sim cards which helped only a little. The strange thing is that when I run the diagnostics app on the phone, my ringtone playing through the earpiece is crystal clear and sounds really good. Also if I plug headphones in, the call quality improves immensely. I have read that the .314 firmware upgrade is supposed to enhance the call quality of the Z2 but I'm not sure if its addressing the specific issue I am having, also the firmware update is not available yet in my country. I don't want to send the phone back to Europe even though I have a warranty through the retailer that sold me the phone because who knows how long it will take for them to sort this out?! Has anyone experienced what I am experiencing? Do all Z2's have crappy, static, tinny call quality?
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Hey there, sadly i experienced the same. I came from SGSIII, and the difference of call quaility is not compareable. I've heard and read that this is a Sony illness and there's been long time ago. Recently i flashed .314 ROM however that hasn't been released in my country either. I don't want to depress you but the quality hasn't changed at all. Tried every f....ing Sound Settings, but not a step forward.
I'm desperately waiting for the next release of firmware, maybe there'll be some improvement.
kirby76 said:
Hey there, sadly i experienced the same. I came from SGSIII, and the difference of call quaility is not compareable. I've heard and read that this is a Sony illness and there's been long time ago. Recently i flashed .314 ROM however that hasn't been released in my country either. I don't want to depress you but the quality hasn't changed at all. Tried every f....ing Sound Settings, but not a step forward.
I'm desperately waiting for the next release of firmware, maybe there'll be some improvement.
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Thanks for the feedback. Today I started using a different service provider and I must say that the calls have improved a lot. Will be testing more networks through out the week, but i think the call quality issues may be network related! The calls still have a fuzzy quality to them but not as bad.
guitarhsredda15 said:
Thanks for the feedback. Today I started using a different service provider and I must say that the calls have improved a lot. Will be testing more networks through oit the week, but i think the call quality issues may be network relqted! The calls still have a fuzzy quality to thwm but not as bad.
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Interesting. My provider(T-mobile) says they provides HD call quality. Honestly: i believe them. Ridiculous, the first Ericsson phone i had gave me better sound. I think it's all software related, c'mon Sony, don't ruin this great phone with this annoying incident.
kirby76 said:
Interesting. My provider(T-mobile) says they provides HD call quality. Honestly: i believe them. Ridiculous, the first Ericsson phone i had gave me better sound. I think it's all software related, c'mon Sony, don't ruin this great phone with this annoying incident.
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I must say its a really confusing issue. I am getting mixed results on the other sim so far, when the calls are good then they are GREAT! I have reverted back to my old sim and am now getting OK call quality, still fuzzy but bearable. It just confuses me that the diagnostics tests gives me a lovely rich sound out of the earpiece, but then an actual call is absolute rubbish! Maybe its an antennae issue???