Moto Hint - Moto 360

Who is planning to get a Moto Hint? I am curious how the experience of having bot ha Moto 360 and the Moto Hint will be. I wonder if the two devices will compete for your words or if they will have a synergy making having both worthwhile. I do a lot of talking on the phone so a nice bluetooth headset really interests me.

the only thing i'm worried about with the hint is that it will really look like you're talking to yourself

Oh dang I actually haven't heard about these but I think they look like they'll be a pretty good product for those who use such devices. I would splurge but I don't think I would actually use it very often...

I was curious and found the Moto Hint last night at Best Buy. It fit great in the ear and was really comfortable. I could hear callers clearly. Issue is that callers could not hear me well. I was told that every few words were clear then there would be a gap of silence while I continued to speak. I tried with the Note 3 and iPhone 5 and both had the same results. I then covered the sensor making the Hint believe it was in my ear and spoke directly into the mic about an inch from my mouth. Callers heard everything I said clearly. It appears that the BT mic is too far from the mouth to pick up speech properly. I had high hopes for the Hint and am disapointed that it didn't operate as advertised. Will give it the benifit of the doubt and swap it out for another one before giving up.

Make sure the two microphones are aligned and pointed toward your mouth and not your eyes. You may have to consciously rotate the back of the unit upwards slightly when you put it in the ear so microphones line up such that they point to your mouth. Found this in user guide and it works great with this slight adjustment in ear.

where do you live? i cant seem to find the moto hint on bestbuys website. Looking at motorola website doesn't seem like they are on sale yet T^T i wanna try this headset out pretty bad lol
mistamista2000 said:
I was curious and found the Moto Hint last night at Best Buy. It fit great in the ear and was really comfortable. I could hear callers clearly. Issue is that callers could not hear me well. I was told that every few words were clear then there would be a gap of silence while I continued to speak. I tried with the Note 3 and iPhone 5 and both had the same results. I then covered the sensor making the Hint believe it was in my ear and spoke directly into the mic about an inch from my mouth. Callers heard everything I said clearly. It appears that the BT mic is too far from the mouth to pick up speech properly. I had high hopes for the Hint and am disapointed that it didn't operate as advertised. Will give it the benifit of the doubt and swap it out for another one before giving up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I also don't see it on the Best Buy website or Amazon. I found it at the Best Buy in Alexandria, VA. I decided to try another unit since the first was so bad. The Best Buy at the Pentagon City location had five in stock. This one is much better. Tried it last night and the person on the other end of the call could hear and understand everyword I said. Not so good this morning so I will follow gadgetg's instructions. I really like the look and feel of the Hint. Will try it for a few more days before I make the decision to keep it or not. My Plantronics Voyager Edge works great, but definitely not as attractive and discreet as the Hint.

Lucky! Keep us updated!
I Def like the way it looks! I would use it at work most considering i mostly use only one eat with my current setup
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

mistamista2000 said:
I also don't see it on the Best Buy website or Amazon. I found it at the Best Buy in Alexandria, VA. I decided to try another unit since the first was so bad. The Best Buy at the Pentagon City location had five in stock. This one is much better. Tried it last night and the person on the other end of the call could hear and understand everyword I said. Not so good this morning so I will follow gadgetg's instructions. I really like the look and feel of the Hint. Will try it for a few more days before I make the decision to keep it or not. My Plantronics Voyager Edge works great, but definitely not as attractive and discreet as the Hint.
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I live in the DC area. I'll have to check those places out. Hopefully they have some left in stock.

I just left a bestbuy in Jax FL and they didn't have them in the system yet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

I wonder if the hint is using sensors to detect jaw vibrations like this headset
http://www.amazon.com/Jawbone-II-Bluetooth-NoiseAssassin-Packaging/dp/B001AQYUWC

Got the Hint yesterday at my local best buy in Miami and I really want to like it but I'm still on the fence. Calls are nice and loud with no issues with being heard. My issue is with streaming audio and how quiet it is compared to the call volume. I have the call volume at the lowest setting it's so loud but the streaming has to be over 3/4's just to be able to hear it. It also sounds a but tinny but I imagine the tiny speaker is doing its best. I turned off the Moto voice always listening feature since I'm using it with a iphone 6+ and I imagine that will also help a bit with battery life. If anyone has any suggested settings to improve streaming volume or battery life please chime in. I got the best buy 2 year insurance for $20 so I can always trade this one in if they ever come out with a different hardware version later on.

My wife really wants the Gear S when it launches and thought the hint would be the perfect accessory for it. Just worried she will lose it!

Is hint can used for other phone has not motovoice? Any limition will be?

mmx6688 said:
Is hint can used for other phone has not motovoice? Any limition will be?
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Yes you can. I'm using it with an iPhone 6 plus and it works great. The only limitation is you can't use moto voice. I have to press the mdf to call Siri.

edlex said:
Yes you can. I'm using it with an iPhone 6 plus and it works great. The only limitation is you can't use moto voice. I have to press the mdf to call Siri.
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Thanks for info. I read some review say the stream sound like music is low and difficult to hear, how about yours? And any problem when talk, need to adjust you head or just feel free to talk in air?

mmx6688 said:
Thanks for info. I read some review say the stream sound like music is low and difficult to hear, how about yours? And any problem when talk, need to adjust you head or just feel free to talk in air?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call volume is very loud but audio streaming and music volume is much lower for some reason.

edlex said:
Call volume is very loud but audio streaming and music volume is much lower for some reason.
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Click to collapse
I see. Maybe need report back to moto.

I posted this on the Motorola Forums, but those of you with a Hint or thinking of getting one may find it useful
A US friend recently bought me a 2nd gen Moto Hint on his visit to the UK and I've got to say that the microphone
performance is really erratic. I did loads of testing and searching on the internet in case the problems were:
a) Related to the Nexus 5 I was using
b) Related to a faulty unit
c) Related to me not using the correct "gel" or positioning it in my ear correctly.
After a LOT of digging and reading the few reviews out there, I found that in quite a high proportion of the reviews I did eventually find, people mentioned about how others heard them; that people speaking into the Hint came across as quite faint and distant - exactly the problems I was getting.
A bit more digging and testing later, and I managed to eliminate both a) & b) from the equation... using a really crude test
involving a Bluetooth recorder app, I uncovered the following (Hope this helps!):
Option1.
Believe it or not, I can get consistent clear audio recorded - and subsequently call quality where others can hear me
very clearly if I... Take the Hint out of my ear and BLOW HARD into the front mic before quickly putting it back on!! I know it sounds crazy, but every time I do this, the Hint's mic works flawlessly for me (I should add, there is no debris or or anything else blocking the hole to actually be cleared and my ears are clean )
And this trick works whatever the orientation of the Hint in your ear is.. it can be positioned so the mic is level with your eyes, pointing a bit further down towards your mouth, whatever... this to me, completely dispells any previous info about rotational position in your ear being critical to mic's pick up (no consumer device suitable for everyday use should be that sensitive to position IMHO)
FYI, an audio engineer friend of mine thinks the sudden burst of white noise caused by blowing into the mic, might re-set the noise cancelling audio sampling start up processes but without pulling the thing apart and reverse engineering its code, they're at a complete loss to comprehensively explain why this should work..
FYI 2, The same audio engineer friend thinks the noise cancelling algorithms are broken in some way which is the root cause of the mic pick up being so poor out of the box, and could be fixed with a software update. They've got an older Moto Elite Sliver with Mics positioned no closer to the mouth than the Hint and the mic audio quality in comparison is damned good without having to resort to tricks..
Option 2. A bit more fiddly but also do-able, is to hold your hand up around your ear "Secret Service Agent/FBI Agent" style. Don't actually touch the hint, just have a couple of fingers brushing against the top of your ear with your palm and wrist towards your mouth to help channel the audio from your mouth into the Hint's mic. YMMV and in someways, having to do this to get enough audio to the mic kinda defeats the purpose of having such a small Bluetooth earpiece - may as well hold your phone up to your ear instead!
Anyway, I hope my findings help someone who's had problems, might've left it in a drawer etc.

Related

Motorola s9 HD

So when are they set out to go on sale? I've seen them on different sites, but no release dates. Anybody know?
kareem9nba said:
So when are they set out to go on sale? I've seen them on different sites, but no release dates. Anybody know?
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I am anxiously awaiting this headset as well. I am debating between this and the Sony 980.
Go for the Sony ones. The Motorola ones are sometimes quite uncomfortable.
kareem9nba said:
So when are they set out to go on sale? I've seen them on different sites, but no release dates. Anybody know?
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Click to collapse
just get a new s9 from ebay for £19.00 (just bought one at that price!) and install SRS Wow HD which seems to be the only difference between the s9 and the s9 hd........
Background noise
I wonder if the HD version fixed the awful background noise issue whenever you called that S9 had
Kraize92 said:
Go for the Sony ones. The Motorola ones are sometimes quite uncomfortable.
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Click to collapse
I dunno, I've gotten kind of used to the unbearable ear pinching all 'round head throb. I'm sure the HD is much better. or not.
Actually, It's not too bad. I really do like the S9 better than a borg ear implant styles or the Jabra dog tag in spite of the fit.
Can anyone explain me the special features of Motorola HD version ?
waiting...
i'm hoping to test it out too..
currently i'm using plantronics 590A.. pretty awesome sound too. works well with my HTC Touch too.
malkeen said:
Can anyone explain me the special features of Motorola HD version ?
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Click to collapse
1. SRS WOW HD technology (better sound ."3D" sound).
2. Better sweat/water resistence.
3. New covered buttons (easier to use sweat should not affect them).
4. Improved noise isolation (better at makeing and receiving phone calls).
5. I think it has a longer run time (not 100% sure.
6. Improved BT reception (less interfearence).
7. New ear buds (better seal aginst background noise).
8. There NOT red (ok, not a big deal. Flash just isn't my style).
I ordered the S9 before I saw the S9-HD where out. Just ordered that too. So I'll have them both in a few days. We'll see how it goes.
Anyone with real life expierence with the S9-HD?
RojasTKD said:
1. SRS WOW HD technology (better sound ."3D" sound).
2. Better sweat/water resistence.
3. New covered buttons (easier to use sweat should not affect them).
4. Improved noise isolation (better at makeing and receiving phone calls).
5. I think it has a longer run time (not 100% sure.
6. Improved BT reception (less interfearence).
7. New ear buds (better seal aginst background noise).
8. There NOT red (ok, not a big deal. Flash just isn't my style).
I ordered the S9 before I saw the S9-HD where out. Just ordered that too. So I'll have them both in a few days. We'll see how it goes.
Anyone with real life expierence with the S9-HD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to report how the HD compared and if they're really better in voice calls. I have the original S9's and had to buy a separate BT headset just for voice calls as I couldn't take the complaints from other callers about them hearing everything in the background apart from my voice.
Wam7 said:
Be sure to report how the HD compared and if they're really better in voice calls. I have the original S9's and had to buy a separate BT headset just for voice calls as I couldn't take the complaints from other callers about them hearing everything in the background apart from my voice.
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Click to collapse
The S9-HD should arrive in a day or two. I'll let you know how call work out.
I just got in the S9's I ordered before I know the S9-HD's where out and ordered those too.
I have to say the call quality is better than I expected from the S9's. Not as good as my regular BT headset (jawbone 2), butso far they seem to work fin inside my house. Even when sitting in front of the computer with the TV tuner running at normal or a little above normal listening level. I'm sure our side it would not work quite as well, but have yet to even try. My Jawbone will stay my everyday BT headset. The S9 and S9-HD will be for music and workouts/running.
I'll compare with the S9-HD's as soon as I get my hands on them (tomorrow, if I'm lucky... If not by MOnday for sure).
Ok folks, so I've had my S9-HDs for a about 1.5 wks now. For a point of reference I had the old S9s for about 1.5 yrs (went thru 4 pairs due to sweat issue).
So S9-HDs, they come with a new ear insert, they have a rubber "ring" around them. They come with two sets of those (mine appear to be identical size, was thinking one would be bigger than the other) and the old S9 inserts.
I have resorted to the old standard S9 type inserts. The buttons on the S9-HD are elevated or "bubbled" I believe this was directly due to the sweat issue with the old S9s. I'm guessing the moisture created the old S9 buttons to short out where as with the elevated/bubbled buttons on the new S9-HDs the buttons are not as flush meaning the water/sweat won't ruin the connectivity within the buttons (just my assumption)
I honestly liked the sound better in my old S9s...not impressed with the SRS WOW. I end up turning it off half the time, almost too much bass with not enough mid range or treble.
Only ended up using the bluetooth call capabilities for about 1 min with the wife calling me while at the gym. I have had a couple hard workouts with a lot of sweat and no issues with the buttons.
Hope this helps a bit, if you have any direct questions let me know and Ill try to test and respond for you.
Is there more than one setting for the SRS WOW? Which is probably why I prefer to have the SRS installed on the device and I can adjust the sound etc.
Really interested in how good they are for voice, especially for people listening in environments with a fair bit of ambient noise.
I don't think anything can rival the Jawbone 2's but would be nice to know if this is now nearer to an all in one solution.
Wam7 said:
Is there more than one setting for the SRS WOW? Which is probably why I prefer to have the SRS installed on the device and I can adjust the sound etc.
Really interested in how good they are for voice, especially for people listening in environments with a fair bit of ambient noise.
I don't think anything can rival the Jawbone 2's but would be nice to know if this is now nearer to an all in one solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will test on more voice calls...I have these for working out and golfing (Driving range). I use my jawbone when I use voice, except when I get calls while using the S9s.
As for the SRS it is either on or off...no variation or inbetween setting. I'm using it with the HTC Fuze which unfortunately the graphic equalizer only works with wired headphones the settings don't work with the S9s.
Still no S9-HD's... They should arrive by Monday, I hope.
I did go for my first Run with the S9's (a short 1 mile, it's been several month scene I've dome any running). The worked just fine. A couple of drop outs but very minor. I was very happy with them, and my controls still work. It was also a cool night and a short run so I didn't sweat like usual (LOTS).
I do worry about the "sweat and controls" issue. Trying to think of somethink that might help safeguard against this. I've thought about applying a small amount of silicone around the edges of the controls. Or perhaps some kind of coating to make it more sweat/water resistant. we'll see, anybe I should just not use there for excersize and keep the S9-HD for that.
OK have had my S9-HD for about 2 weeks or so now. Here are a few thoughts:
Voice calls:
Seems a little better than the S9's, but I would not use it as my only BT headset. The do a little better with background noise, but it can still be an issue. You'll want a good BT headset for dedicated voice calls. I called my voice mail with the radio on and with the S9's the radio overwhelmed my voice making my voice incomprehensible. With the S9-HD the radio made it difficult to hear me, but you could make out mu voice and get what I was saying. So it seem to be a bit of an improvement. Oh and the S9-HD give you stereo audio in phone calls now witch is a nice bonus.
Music:
They sound good, but I like the audio from my S9 better. I Think it sounds more detailed. It a subtle difference and might just be me, but I lean toward the S9 as far as my preferred unit for music listening. They both sound very good with my Tilt, in fact It they sound better with my Tilt than the new Samsung P2 MP3 play I bought for these. I should of just stuck with my Tilt for music.
Buttons:
As mentioned the S9-Hd's new buttons are raised. Personally I don't like them as much as the older S9's buttons. With the S9 you could feel the "hump" and go up or down to get to the function you want. With the New three "hump" design you have to feel around to make see witch hump you on (center? top? bottom?) before you can get to the function you want.
Now the main reason for me gettin the HD's is for their improved sweat resistance (wtch may be one reason the the three hump design). Don't know it there actually better. So far no problems with either, but will use the new one for running and the old one for non-physical activities.
If you plan on getting sweaty while using these or want a little more usable call function the S9-HD are a good option, if not stick with the S9 and save some cash.
I almost forgot. I love using the the S9/S9-HD with my slingbox. It really mke it much more enjoyable. It also works with Skype, though you do have some cut outs but no more than normal.
My review
I purchased the S9-HD's and have been playing with them for about a week now. I am using them with an HTC Fuze. I find that they pair easily, and work very well with the integrated music player in TouchFlo3D. However, they don't work as well with Windows Media Player Mobile, often when I hit the pause button, it starts playing the TouchFlo3D player instead of pausing Media Player, like it's given precedence to that app in the system.
I have always had a problem with the type of headphones that are springy/stiff plastic which hold them clamped onto your head, as they make my ears sore and painful after about 20-30 mins. I find that these phones also do this to me.
I like them, the overall quality is nice, sound quality is decent for BT (although not great) and they stay in better than earbuds. However, even with the smallest rubber earbud covers on them, they make the inside of my ear hurt from the pressure, both the inward pressure from the whole unit pressing in on my head from each side, and also the outward pressure of the earbud inside my ear, pressing out on my inner ear.
I find that I can wear them reasonably comfortably for around 20-30 mins and then I have to take a break. I think I just have a small ear opening because when wearing earplugs (motorcycling) I always have to go with the small soft kind, the "standard" yellow cylinder ones are painful to me.
But, they stay on great, something I hate about earbuds which always fall out. I think I might try the "dog tag" Jabra's as a second set, and sell the other. I really want to get rid of all cords, but the S9's are not the 100% solution for me.
If the darn Fuze had a 3.5mm jack none of this would be an issue! The giant adapter dongle they include is simply not acceptable, it's literally the length again of the whole phone!
Why don't you buy a little adapter? Check amazon.
Kraize said:
Why don't you buy a little adapter? Check amazon.
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Thanks man, didn't really even think to look for some reason, and there's like 20 different ones out there. cheers
headphones
is the SRS-wow already on when the unit is powered on?
i can't tell any difference between the two settings so i'm assuming its on when i power up.
i've had mine for a week...LOVE IT! can't compare it to anything else though. i'm trying to figure out if i like the bigger earbuds compared to the smaller ones they gave. both are a bit annoying after wearing for more than an hour but i read somwhere that one of them give better sound....again, not sure about differences....not really an audiophile.

Jawbone 2

So I just got a jawbone 2 headset the other day. I love it and the sound is great but the ear bud doesn't stay in so well and starts to hurt after about a hour or so of use. I found website that sells some but they are $60 for the earbud which is insane. I saw that some people were able to use a gel from another headset. Anyone know if there are some cheap gel pieces or a way to use another gel?
dont know what is your problem.
i also using Jawbone 2, it comes with 3 earbuds and 4 ears hook. try all the combination?
Well after some extended use it my ear starts to hurt. I was using a plantronics before with a gel ear piece and it was amazingly comfortable. I could wear it all day and not even notice it. I want to get a gel ear piece like that for the jawbone.
Jawbone2 eargels
I use the Jabra mini eargels with my jawbone 2. The snap in to place like they were designed for it. I had to superglue them onto the Jawbone 1.
The allow me to pop it in my ear without loops, it stays in securely, and slightly increases volume.
I wanted to buy Jawbone 2 but I really need your feedback about it as in my research though many websites I found nothing but confusingly Contradicted opinions about it. especially about its sound quality!!
What do you advice me should I go with it or a you have a better choice?
Your fair feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks in Advance
rimoun said:
I wanted to buy Jawbone 2 but I really need your feedback about it as in my research though many websites I found nothing but confusingly Contradicted opinions about it. especially about its sound quality!!
What do you advice me should I go with it or a you have a better choice?
Your fair feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I can jump in an answer your question, here's my two cents.
As an owner of the original Jawbone I was very much looking forward to the Jawbone 2. Upon buying the Jawbone 2 i started to notice that I wasn't as happy with it, and it seemed to not be as functional for a couple reasons.
1.) FIT: The earbuds and ear loops on the Jawbone 2 do not do as good of a job at holding the headset in contact with your cheek and ear. There have been many times where I was moving around and felt the headset swing away from my cheek and nearly fall off. If you were a previous Jawbone owner, the loops from the original Jawbone can be made to fit the Jawbone 2, and seem to improve things, but they detract from it's smaller size and profile.
2.) COMFORT: Although smaller, I too find that the Jawbone 2 is less comfortable to wear for prolonged periods than its predecessor. I can wear my original Jawbone for a whole day with nearly no discomfort, but can only wear the Jawbone 2 for a few hours before needing to give my ear a rest.
3.) AUDIO: I find that the Jawbone 2 is more likely to encounter crackling and garble than the original. The signal on the original seems a little stronger. My biggest complaint is that the audio and noise cancellation on the Jawbone 2 seems to be worse. The have been many times when using it (in situations where I have comfortably used my original Jawbone) that people will either tell me that they cannot hear me, or that they hear distracting whooshing noise, almost like the sound of waves on a beach, which is distracting and makes them enjoy listening to me over the headset less. When driving using the Original, I have had people on the other end be oblivious to the fact that I AM driving. Much less with the Jawbone 2. Maybe the new Noise Assassin is more aggressive than the Previous Noise Shield was, and causes the whooshing noise, maybe it doesn't work as well... Who knows.
To make sure that it wasn't buyer's remose kicking in or nostalgia tinting my memory of how well the original Jawbone functioned, I have gone back to the original, and after 2 weeks, I must say I am much happier with the original Jawbone than with the Jawbone 2.
Now, so that I am not completely slagging on the Jawbone 2, here's what I really like about it that I wish the Original could match:
-Jawbone 2 charges insanely quickly! From zero to full in about 45 mins. Compare that to the 3-4 hours to fully charge the original.
-Jawbone 2 has a much nicer look, and is alot less visually obtrusive
-Jawbone 2 has a great magnetic charging plug that really attaches nicely.
-Jawbone 2 has some great bluetooth functions that the original lacked like the ability to redial the last call. The controls are quite a bit more sensitive and overall I prefer that (except when trying to hold the headset tighter to my face so someone can hear me, only to accidentally hang up on them 'cause the buttons are sensitive)
Anyway, I hope this is helpful to someone. Either headset works well, but IMHO, I think the original Jawbone is better... For me at least.
Having gone through a couple of btooth devices I have to say that the jawbone 1 has the best noise cancellation and clarity. However, i am not in accordance with the gentleman who said that the jawbone was comfortable. I believe the Jawbone 1 is almost unwearable, It slips off my ear and never stays where it should. I also tried the Jabra gummy ear adapters but they detracted from the sound quality. I am eager to try the Jawbone 2 and will report my findings this week. Possibly tomorrow. But I still say that the Jawbone 1 is the most uncomfortable bt device I have used. If not for its superior sound quality and noise cancellation I would use my motorola.
Hmm .. Seems that Jawbone is not my first choice anymore
If I dont get the best audio quality out of it so no reason to pay USD 120 for it. Jabra JX10 II is only USD 80 and I think I has that noise reduction technology also...
I tried the CAB posted on my HTC diamond and it worked fine after a sof reset
Thank you
rimoun said:
Hmm .. Seems that Jawbone is not my first choice anymore
If I dont get the best audio quality out of it so no reason to pay USD 120 for it. Jabra JX10 II is only USD 80 and I think I has that noise reduction technology also...
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Everyone has different fit and desire for headset features. Why not buy one at a store with a liberal return policy and give it a shot? Worst you lose is a bit of time in the return line!
If I may help, I searched for a long time to find a BT headset to wear at work. I am a service manager, and I wear it all day long. Sometimes I'm in noisy areas with engines running, sometimes in a quiet office. The gel buds do a great job holding it in comfortably. I also carry my work phone and personal phone with me.
I finally found the Jabra BT530. Active noise cancellation... (I'm understandable while standing six feet from some very large compressors - amazing) Links to two phones simultaneously. Receives custom ringtones - in my case they are my own voice notes saying "Mark is calling" or other names. That way I don't have to look at the phone. When I get a call on either phone, it switches to that phone, unless already in a call.
Well worth the money, very comfortable, full of features. What more do you want? Ok, one drawback... it would not connect to a two or three year old phone, the Nokia 6102 or 6103. Maybe when connecting to two phones, it locks out the backwards compatibility, only working on BT2.0 spec. I don't know the specifics of why.

Sprint HTC Arrive Speaker

Is there anyone that knows how to make the rear speaker LOUDER! on the Sprint HTC Arrive? When you turn the volume up, it's still not loud enough. I use SlingPlayer with it and have trouble hearing it on this phone. I did not have any problem hearing the SlingPlayer on my Sprint HTC Touch Pro2 at all. The volume goes up to 30. What is 30? Why not 100? Can you guy's PLEASE HELP with this issue.
While I don't have an answer to your question (my Arrive is just as loud as my TP2), the number 30 is just a number. All it means is that the full spectrum of the volume is divided into thirty increments. It doesn't mean that the phone is less loud. Putting 100 and having an increment at every one would take a long time to turn the volume all the way up or all the way down. I wouldn't let the 30 bother you.
Perhaps the way you're holding it or placing it is blocking the speaker? The three green spots on the back are where the speaker is, and covering it can actually significantly reduce the volume. Likewise, if you're setting it down, the surface makes a difference. Putting it on the couch muffles it, while putting it on a table actually helps.
Hope this helps.
@hopmedic: None of that matters. Not saying it's not true (most of it is), but the problem is the phone, not the way he's holding it or where he's putting it.
If you want a good speaker on your phone, don't buy an HTC phone. Buy a Samsung. All of HTC's phones have ****ty speakers. The HD7's speakers are crap too, as was the HD2's speakers (though marginally better since both are on the front of the phone).
There's really no reason to get an HTC WP7 device, TBQH. HTC is known for having good software/skinning, but you cannot do that on WP7. The only thing I'd say is worth it is for their YouTube App, but it's not worth getting their crappy hardware for. For a WP7 device, go with a Manufacturer who puts out decent hardware, and avoid HTC, IMO. HTC makes their money by churning out as many cheaply made phones as they can and putting them everywhere. Volume usurps quality for them (though they're always talking about how they want to make the highest quality phones, yet they still keep giving us phones with speakers that are useless for multi-media and speakerphone purposes, AFAIK).
Of course, for some of us there isn't much choice. It's HTC or go home for WP7. I wasn't about to order from Dell cause I like being able to go in the store when I have issues, so the HD7 was the only real choice for me.
HTC is great for Android due to HTC Sense being so superior to TouchWiz and Blue. For WP7, Samsung is the best choice. They have the best hardware with the best screens, cell radios/reception, and the best speaker/sound output (though they seem to try hard to miff up whatever they can when software is involved, even WP7). Samsung could have better cameras, but the lack of a Flash on so many of their phones just makes them useless to me for that purpose. I'm so often indoors and in inoptimally lighted areas (rinks, etc.) that having no flash is a becoming a dealbreaker on a smartphone these days.
N8ter said:
@hopmedic: None of that matters. Not saying it's not true (most of it is), but the problem is the phone, not the way he's holding it or where he's putting it.
If you want a good speaker on your phone, don't buy an HTC phone. Buy a Samsung. All of HTC's phones have ****ty speakers. The HD7's speakers are crap too, as was the HD2's speakers (though marginally better since both are on the front of the phone).
There's really no reason to get an HTC WP7 device, TBQH. HTC is known for having good software/skinning, but you cannot do that on WP7. The only thing I'd say is worth it is for their YouTube App, but it's not worth getting their crappy hardware for. For a WP7 device, go with a Manufacturer who puts out decent hardware, and avoid HTC, IMO. HTC makes their money by churning out as many cheaply made phones as they can and putting them everywhere. Volume usurps quality for them (though they're always talking about how they want to make the highest quality phones, yet they still keep giving us phones with speakers that are useless for multi-media and speakerphone purposes, AFAIK).
Of course, for some of us there isn't much choice. It's HTC or go home for WP7. I wasn't about to order from Dell cause I like being able to go in the store when I have issues, so the HD7 was the only real choice for me.
HTC is great for Android due to HTC Sense being so superior to TouchWiz and Blue. For WP7, Samsung is the best choice. They have the best hardware with the best screens, cell radios/reception, and the best speaker/sound output (though they seem to try hard to miff up whatever they can when software is involved, even WP7). Samsung could have better cameras, but the lack of a Flash on so many of their phones just makes them useless to me for that purpose. I'm so often indoors and in inoptimally lighted areas (rinks, etc.) that having no flash is a becoming a dealbreaker on a smartphone these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is simply false information. While I admit that HTC has been lazy with many of their Android phones, and perhaps even some of their Windows Phones, it simply isn't the case with the Arrive. As I will show in my side by side comparison later today is that the speaker is just as loud, and perhaps better than on my Samsung Focus device.
I watch SlingPlayer all the time. When I watched it on my Sprint HTC Touch Pro2, I had the phone propped up with the speaker at a 45% angle away from me. It is MUCH LOUDER on the HTC Touch Pro2 than on the HTC Arrive, with the phone in the exact same position. I did not have any tweak's installed at all to make the speaker any louder at all. I just wish that someone would come out with a tweak for making the rear speaker WAY LOUDER!
tiny17 said:
This is simply false information. While I admit that HTC has been lazy with many of their Android phones, and perhaps even some of their Windows Phones, it simply isn't the case with the Arrive. As I will show in my side by side comparison later today is that the speaker is just as loud, and perhaps better than on my Samsung Focus device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That probably has something to do with the fact that the WP7 phones use largely the same hardware with the same drivers.
My vibrant blows any WP7 device out of this world when it comes to sound volume, clarity, and quality.
HTC phones are **** for sound.
Sorry, that's just the way it is, and that's just the way it's always been.
It's not false. I have two of the here and I've played with the Arrive in the Sprint store.
The sound quality is ****.
And that's embarassing seeing as how "Every WP7 device is a ZuneHD" (as per Ballmer).
Give me a Zune App for my Vibrant and I'll never look back.
N8ter said:
Sorry, that's just the way it is, and that's just the way it's always been.
It's not false. I have two of the here and I've played with the Arrive in the Sprint store.
The sound quality is ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, well I just did some side by side comparison between the HTC Arrive and Samsung Focus. Up to this point, I had not done this thorough of a side by side. Both me and a friend tested this. He honestly has no bias, as he is not into the whole smartphone thing. I have already admitted elsewhere that I would buy the Samsung over the HTC because I like the Samsung formfactor more, but clearly I have had time to form bias.
Either way, in an exact side by side (disabled sound enhancers on the HTC - which can make the volume quieter) and played some songs.
Results: The Focus is ever so slightly louder, but also sounds more stressed (worse quality as my friend described it). My friend quickly decided he liked the sound of the HTC better as it was clearer. My personal opinion is that yes the Focus did sound a little more stressed, and I think this is due to it being slightly more full on the lower sounds, where as the HTC lends its self more to the mids and highs. When I turn on SRS on the HTC, it fills out those lows better (even more than on the Focus), but is actually too much for the external speaker to handle at full volume, and resultantly becomes worse than the Focus.
My conclusion on this is that they must have a fairly similar speaker, and one is just handling sound slightly different than the other. You can max out the HTC speaker without getting stressed sound, where as it seems like the Samsung speaker is being pushed more, which then at full volume is simply too much for the speaker. The Samsung is louder, but the difference is negligible, as I honestly couldn't hear a difference, and when both devices are synced to play the same song (both turned to 25), I can't distinguish between he two devices. It is just one sound.
In the write up I plan as early today, I will go into the sound enhancer at greater depth.
But my point in this quick write up is that if the Samsung is the standard (which you used) then the HTC meets the standard with flying colors.
As a side note: The placement of the HTC speaker is somewhat problematic with how I hold the phone for gaming - in how I balance the handset in my hand. I find myself covering the speaker a little more often than I do on the Samsung. Both have poor placement for that. This is only specific to the some games I play, due to their onscreen buttons. On the HTC I am able to slide the keyboard out to solve the problem, and on the Samsung, there is usually enough play in the grippable area of the device that I can just move my hand into a different position.
To the OP: Check the sound enhancer and make sure those are all disabled.They are excellent for headphones, not so much for the speaker.
While I do agree to a limited extent about the quality of the sound from the Arrive or Touch Pro 2, my Arrive has a ridiculously loud speaker for what it is. I actually wish I could make it quieter than it is at its volume setting of 1.
The speaker is easy to block depending on how you hold it or how it is set on a certain surface, but for the most part it still is loud enough for most environments.
The one thing I really do not like is the lack of the 2nd mic like the TP2 had for Noise Cancellation. Without that 2nd mic people can't seam to hear me for crap compared to the old TP2 Speakerphone. Oh well, at least we got a flash again. lol
Great device otherwise.
IM0001 said:
I actually wish I could make it quieter than it is at its volume setting of 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, I'm glad someone else noticed that! I'm in a public setting and so I just want enough sound to know what is going on in my game, and I still feel volume 1 is a little loud.
IM0001 said:
While I do agree to a limited extent about the quality of the sound from the Arrive or Touch Pro 2, my Arrive has a ridiculously loud speaker for what it is. I actually wish I could make it quieter than it is at its volume setting of 1.
The speaker is easy to block depending on how you hold it or how it is set on a certain surface, but for the most part it still is loud enough for most environments.
The one thing I really do not like is the lack of the 2nd mic like the TP2 had for Noise Cancellation. Without that 2nd mic people can't seam to hear me for crap compared to the old TP2 Speakerphone. Oh well, at least we got a flash again. lol
Great device otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used the speakerphone yet, so didn't realize the issue on the second mic. Agreed on the speaker being quite loud enough - hold it to your cheek and you can feel the air moving. And yes, I would like to have a volume lower than 1.
tiny17 said:
To the OP: Check the sound enhancer and make sure those are all disabled.[/B]They are excellent for headphones, not so much for the speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound enhancer does not work without speakers. The only thing that does work is switching it to SRS and Dolby Surround (or nothing), and that has no impact on volume from what I've seen/heard. The EQ/etc. requires headsets, or the options are greyed out.
N8ter said:
Sound enhancer does not work without speakers. The only thing that does work is switching it to SRS and Dolby Surround (or nothing), and that has no impact on volume from what I've seen/heard. The EQ/etc. requires headsets, or the options are greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO the SRS on the handset speaker makes the frequencies too low and makes the speaker crackle when the volume is maxxed out.
I don't use SRS, and that wasn't my point. My point was that except for changing to Dolby or SRS there isn't anything you can do in Sound Enhancer without a headset, and the Headset-in settings do not apply to the external speakers.
The Sound Enhancer is not the root of the issue. And his phone is not broken.
This has nothing to do with the sound enhancer at all. There have been many complaints about the LOW sound on the Sprint HTC Arrive. If ANYONE can come up with a HACK, PATCH, or PROGRAM for the Sprint HTC Arrive to increase the Volume, PLEASE LET EVERYONE HERE KNOW ABOUT IT.
I know that there are a LOT of BRILLIANT DEVELOPERS here that can come up with something to help us all with this problem.
N8ter said:
That probably has something to do with the fact that the WP7 phones use largely the same hardware with the same drivers.
My vibrant blows any WP7 device out of this world when it comes to sound volume, clarity, and quality.
HTC phones are **** for sound.
Sorry, that's just the way it is, and that's just the way it's always been.
It's not false. I have two of the here and I've played with the Arrive in the Sprint store.
The sound quality is ****.
And that's embarassing seeing as how "Every WP7 device is a ZuneHD" (as per Ballmer).
Give me a Zune App for my Vibrant and I'll never look back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ahh still passing off your bs opinions off as facts huh? To an untrained eye your fallacies and evidence laden (;-)) bs might actually seem true. Too bad I've compared my HD7 to a Vibrant side by side and found that the Vibrant has a deeper sound, but not more clarity (at reasonable volume). It doesn't sound much louder and still gets tinny and/or distorted at high volumes. You fail again kid. No smartphone I've ever seen has a much better sound system then the HD7. Some are noticeably better, but none blow it away as you said. You want awesome sound on a smartphone? My Blackberry kills any Android phone =)
My problem is not so much with the speaker but the headphone volume. I have some ripped TV shows that I watch on my phone but I can barely hear the dialogue in the show because the volume maxes out.
Is there any way to increase the volume on the file during Zune transfer or use another program to recode the file with a louder volume? I used to use smartmovie to convert my shows to a compressed .avi and was able to boost the volume by 150% but can't find that option in Zune.
I have downloaded World MP3and had used that to listen to music. With that program, the Rear Speaker works just fine. There is no problem with hearing anything when I use World MP3 to listen to songs. When I use HTC YouTube, or any Variant of YouTube, the same as everything else, Very Low Rear Speaker. As I had said before, I think that it is either Microsoft with the New OS, HTC with their software, or both. I hope that someone can figure this out and HELP! We want and expect that when we get a Good High End Phone, that there will not be any issues with it that could and would be a Deal Breaker. As per the VERY VERY POOR REAR SPEAKER. Actually, from what I9 had observed myself, it doesn't seem as if it's the Rear Speaker. The HTC hardware seems very solid, but the performance of it when used with Windows Phone 7, SUCKS ROYALLY !!!! The layout took a little to get used to. It's different than Windows Mobile 6.5, which is close to using a PC. I really hope that Microsoft and HTC get together with this issue. If it's this bad on this Reputable Manufactured Phone by HTC, what about the other Windows Phone 7 Phones by any and all other Manufacturers. I just hope that this is a small isolated issue, but I'm beginning to feel that it's a much bigger issue that not too many people are complaining about.
Microsoft and ALL of the Manufacturers of Windows Phone 7 phones should take a much better and closer look into this issue. Microsoft, you are spending Billions into Windows Phone 7 between R&D, Advertising, Distribution, & Support. You don't want an issue like this to make you loose ANY MARKET SHARE AT ALL! You need this to be a HUGE HIT. This could throw a wrench into your plans and cost you dearly. Get this issue fixed.
Fix this issue with the MANGO UPDATE. That gives you enough time to get it fixed.
gd761 said:
I watch SlingPlayer all the time. When I watched it on my Sprint HTC Touch Pro2, I had the phone propped up with the speaker at a 45% angle away from me. It is MUCH LOUDER on the HTC Touch Pro2 than on the HTC Arrive, with the phone in the exact same position. I did not have any tweak's installed at all to make the speaker any louder at all. I just wish that someone would come out with a tweak for making the rear speaker WAY LOUDER!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really think it has to do with coding. You can watch previews on flickr, fandango, and through imdb, and flickr and fandango are almost silent at max volume, but imdb (probably pulling previews from the same source) is much louder.
I have found using youtube, that I have to set the volume at 10-15, but with slingplayer, I use it at max volume and it is tolerable, but not as loud as it should be. You might just want to use some headphones.
Games are seriously loud and if they can play the videos that loud, then the other videos should be able to as well.
N8ter said:
That probably has something to do with the fact that the WP7 phones use largely the same hardware with the same drivers.
My vibrant blows any WP7 device out of this world when it comes to sound volume, clarity, and quality.
HTC phones are **** for sound.
Sorry, that's just the way it is, and that's just the way it's always been.
It's not false. I have two of the here and I've played with the Arrive in the Sprint store.
The sound quality is ****.
And that's embarassing seeing as how "Every WP7 device is a ZuneHD" (as per Ballmer).
Give me a Zune App for my Vibrant and I'll never look back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really??? The tp2 had the best speakers of any smartphone I have used for loudness and clarity. I can see the OP being disappointed coming from that phone to the arrive. I had the same adjustment when going from the tp2 to the hd2.
For someone who claimed to be the resident xda vibrant hater, you sure do love that device.
I'm beginning to think that you hate any device you currently use.
I can not wear any headphones while I'm working. I can keep the phone on my desk & watch my SlingBox, but under no circumstances can I use headphones. That would attract too much attention.
tiny17 said:
haha, I'm glad someone else noticed that! I'm in a public setting and so I just want enough sound to know what is going on in my game, and I still feel volume 1 is a little loud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a slightly different issue with my Arrive. The volume is too low only a certain times. When using earphones while watching video from netflix or any other application, when using the speaker phone.
when playing games the speaker is loud, almost too loud. the speaker phone and ringer are way too low. The alarm is too low.
All of these were very loud on my tp2.
Anyone have an answer for this?

Speaker issues/low quality

Greetings, sorry if this is redundant thread but I feel maybe this would get buried under the RL reviews. I have seen this behavior on 4 Pixel 2 XL's so far, one being mine, one being my friends and the two other's being from Verizon and Best Buy displays. Rather than explain here is a small video, excuse the mediocre quality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7FoxEZjgi0&feature=youtu.be . Not sure if it's a case of small poor quality speakers and the volume is set too loud and will be lowered in a future software update? I'm wondering if speakers are just trash in general and it's either put up with it or return it? Or the slight possibility of a bad batch of devices? Or just some freak luck to see 4 units exhibiting the same exact symptoms. Video and music playback do have the same issue at louder volumes, just not to that extent with using the speakerphone with voice calls. Has anyone else noticed this on their new devices? Thanks for your input.
Based on what i tried at verizon and comparing to my iphone 7+ its not good. Not that loud and lack of bass
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
My speakers sort of have a hum/buzz at higher volumes... Do yall's?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
nldxda said:
My speakers sort of have a hum/buzz at higher volumes... Do yall's?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's exactly what was going on to all four of the devices that I have listened to. My device, my friends device and two demo devices from Best Buy and the Verizon store. It seems to be most noticeable when making calls on speakerphone as was indicated in the video I posted. Music/videos it's still there but not as bad cause possibly the max volume isn't as loud vs a voice call. I'm guessing the speakers are too small and Google set the max volume way too high for what the speakers are capable of. Or could be something else I'm not aware of . Either way for $1k it's pretty sad.
Edit: Decided to get a replacement from Google. Hopefully the next unit isn't as bad.
Supposedly the corners of the screen are adhered to the rest of the phone using some kind of foam backers (look up the ifixit breakdown on this device). Because it's not a 'glue" and closer to a foam, this is apparently what is causing the perceived "buzzy" sound when the volume is too loud.
I will say I was watching videos on youtube last night while my phone was sitting on my dining room table, and it sounded crisp and clear even at 75% loudness. I did not notice any buzzing vibrations going through the display or the phone from the speakers.
Im curious if you hear more noise when pluged in for charging. This was issue when we had nexus 6 with stereo speaker.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
zetsumeikuro said:
Yes, that's exactly what was going on to all four of the devices that I have listened to. My device, my friends device and two demo devices from Best Buy and the Verizon store. It seems to be most noticeable when making calls on speakerphone as was indicated in the video I posted. Music/videos it's still there but not as bad cause possibly the max volume isn't as loud vs a voice call. I'm guessing the speakers are too small and Google set the max volume way too high for what the speakers are capable of. Or could be something else I'm not aware of . Either way for $1k it's pretty sad.
Edit: Decided to get a replacement from Google. Hopefully the next unit isn't as bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this on 3 different Pixel 2 XLs as well. Does your replacement have it?
Mine does this as well. I'm pretty sure every one of them does. I called Google support last night and of course the tech was either playing dumb or hadn't heard of this but I really can't see how they don't know this is an issue.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
I've noticed about 50% and higher and with high pitched tones on the bottom speaker of my pixel 2 xl gets like a weird vibration or rattle sound. Like something is loose or the speaker is rattling the screen.
I've been listening to mine with music full blast and no issues. Don't alter the sound with the equaliser and it's great. Bottom speaker is louder than the top, but no issues like these on mine.
I just got my 2nd RMA. All of the phones, including the original one, have exhibited the buzzing/vibration from the bottom firing speaker that you all speak of. There is a large thread that confirms this from pretty much everyone. It's very obvious at volume levels of about 80% or higher on my current device. I'm also starting to wonder if the earpiece is crappy too. I just made several rounds of calls and during each call, I could pick up a buzz during low pitched feedback from the other end.
Here is the other thread that covers this exactly. https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/speaker-rattle-distortion-t3699373
---------- Post added at 10:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
biffwitch said:
I've been listening to mine with music full blast and no issues. Don't alter the sound with the equaliser and it's great. Bottom speaker is louder than the top, but no issues like these on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not noticeable when playing music, especially if it's something that's fast paced. Instead, watch a YT video with dialogue, i.e. Linus Tech Tips, at full volume. You'll hear it then.
brnhrd said:
I noticed this on 3 different Pixel 2 XLs as well. Does your replacement have it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I'm still on my original XL 2 cause there was dirt/dead pixels on my 2nd device. After hearing people don't have the issue on the speakers (which I find hard to believe). I would like to see someone without the issue supposedly doing a speakerphone call above 40% volume to show there's no distortion. So I have my third one coming and I'm pretty sure I'll end up keeping my original. I have zero confidence that I'll get a better or equal screen (w/o dead pixels or black debris particles under the glass). Makes you really think that LG has piss poor QC since the glass is generally fused in OLED displays so you would imagine they would be producing in a sterile environment.
Got one in the mail today and it sounds way better on speakerphone calls. Still has a little of the distortion at 100% volume but it's very minuscule compared to before. Manufacture date of 11/21/17.

Question OnePlus Buds

Do you use OnePlus Buds wireless?
How they sound in music & Call ?
Do they worth the money? I ask because the price is obscene !
Thank you.
I bought the new pro's. They ARE overpriced and the touch controls are finicky however the audio sounds better than the Samsung buds+ and some Anker ones I had. The call quality is much better on the buds pro than others I've tried as well. The ANC works pretty well but I feel that the "transparency" mode isn't as strong as Samsung's "ambient" mode which I use at work a lot. It's nice that the software for them are built into OOS' BT area also. 1+ recently had them on sale for $119 ($30 off) already.
Hopefully they push out a new firmware soon to address some of the issues. Mainly the touch controls on the stems are "touch and go" (pun intended) and there are occasional issues with the buds not thinking they're fully inserted in your (or maybe just mine) ears so they turn ANC off. I'm also hoping Comply will make tips for them soon. I have some of their all purpose tips and then don't get the "insert your earbuds" for ANC error however the all purpose Comply tips don't fully fit in the case and eventually the lid tears them since they're a tad too big.
My left Samsung ear bud's volume had been decreasing to the point that it was almost dead so I needed a pair and decided to give 1+ a shot. They're good but not $150 good IMO. At that price point they have too much competition.
I got mine free with the purchase of my phone and I love them. I use them for music and watching video on my phone all the time, and they sound better than the others I used before. My mom liked them so much she bought a pair for herself (she has OP9). If you're a true audiophile I'm sure there are better choices, but for the average person who likes to enjoy music and movies, I can't complain at all. They also fit great for me (after switching tips) and stay in even when doing stuff outdoors or if I fall asleep with them.
Not sure about call quality because I don't really use my phone for talking. I only used them for a call once that I remember and it sounded fine on my end, but I didn't ask how I sounded to the other person.

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