I think the LG VX-9800 is the only non-PDA phone from Verizon that will transfer phonebook contacts at this time. I don't know if this slipped past Verizon because typically they do not allow their devices to support this funtionality.
This link is to the Verizon Bluetooth support matrix, and may help determine what is possible for Camry/Verizon Bluetooth interoperability. I couldn't a Verizon phone that would seem to recognize the phonebook. Not sure if that's so important if there is voice recognition, but still bothers me for some reason. I apologize if this is common knowledge, or has already been posted.
Thank you. I didn't know of this resource and I still couldn't find it from the Verizon main directory without directly inputting the link. Looks like no Bluetooth phone verizon offers has phonebook transfer capability.
My new Cmary won't pair with my Motorola V551. After I answer the question asking for the phone name, it just says Pardon? DO I need to do something to my phone in order for the voice recognition to work?
That is interesting. So, you get to the part (during the pairing process) where the car says "push the talk switch and say a name for the phone". You push the talk switch and say a name. After it hears your name, it should play it back and say "push the talk switch and say Confirm". You push the talk switch and say 'confirm' and it should tell you the passkey, display the passkey, then say "Searching..." until you follow the process on the phone to connect to the handsfree system. The only point where it might say "Pardon" would be maybe when it is waiting for you to say "Confirm" after playing back your recorded name for the phone.
I got this e-mail reply from my Verizon inquiry about Camry compatible Bluetooth phones.
Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless website. We are happy to assist you regarding our Bluetooth devices.
Currently our Bluetooth devices are not compatible with your Toyota Camry for Phonebook Transfer. At this time, we are unable to advise you whether additional Bluetooth car kit functionality will be enabled on current handsets or which future Bluetooth enabled handsets are being considered by Verizon Wireless. We understand and apologize for any frustration regarding this but we are only able to provide information regarding products or services that we are currently offering. We are unable to disclose any unconfirmed information because it would be subject to change and could raise expectations that may not be met.
Our Bluetooth enabled handsets can support Bluetooth car kit functions such as the ones listed below.
Receive/Transmit Audio SEND/END call Rings Battery Meter Receive Signal Strength Indication Meter (RSSI) Roaming Status Caller ID Voice Recognition
Since the actual supported functions vary depending upon vehicle and Bluetooth car kit, we recommend that you visit the link below to see which functions are actually supported for your specific vehicle:
Thanks for checking with Verizon on this. I have the opportunity to switch carriers in a couple months and am considering it, only in part for this reason. The phonebook transfer feature sounds good to me, but am assuming I could just place calls using the voice recognition. I'm curious if those of you who are able to use this feature find it sufficiently helpful that it should become a deal-breaker for me. Thanks, Jim
I saw something at Radioshack a while back that used Bluetooth to wirelessly connect an iPod to other Bluetooth enabled devices. This would be great in the new Camry, given what I consider a terrible placement of the aux jack.
Since I know nothing of Bluetooth that I haven't read in this thread, would something like this allow for one to interface with the iPod using the car stereo controls?
Yes-- we got a little wireless transmitter for an iPod that works through an FM station. It works great both within the car and within about 15 feet of the car.
1) The FM modulator is to use if you do not have a AUX jack. It is much poorer quality, and is a last resort for those who do not have access to a better connection to their radio.
2) The bluetooth functionality of the stereo system is for mobile phone. It does not have functionality, that I am aware of, for connection and control of other electronics. If you used the Radio Shack adapter as a replacement for the stereo cable (aux jack cable) that would be useful if the location was not desirable.
Personally, I think it is good because I can close the door and hide my iPod when I am out of the car. What I don't like is the lack of ergonomic location for display and control. Until/unless an adapter comes out that will allow for control through my OEM NAV/Stereo system, I will be using this plugged into my AUX jack: link title
There is another kind of "FM modulator" that is hard wired to the car. It is not a wireless transmitter and is not subject to static and interference like the wireless units. It physically connects the the antenna port on the the car and takes over the radio when you flip the switch for it. Most people will be satisfied with the sound since it should sound at least as good or better than the clearest FM station you have ever heard in your car. It is sub-CD quality, but very clean sound. It is what people used to use to connect aftermarket CD changers in cars before factory installed CD changers became common several years ago. A good alternative for people who drive cars that do not have AUX input ports.
A hardwired FM modulator may well be a good solution for a lot of people, but it does cut way down on the dynamic range (highs and lows) of the sound and is a significant step down from true CD-quality sound. If I were going to the trouble of hardwiring an input, I would probably find an aftermarket solution to add a true AUX port if it were available for my car.
As I already said, I know it is not full CD quality and it is for people who do not have the choice to use an AUX input and who's only other alternative if a wireless FM transmiitter. Wireless FM transmitters can sound very bad and cut in and out depending in FM station interference in the area. The hard wired FM modulator is a simple installation compatible with almost any car and does not not sound bad at all. You are not missing much or anything if you are using it to play MP3s or XM radio through a standard base factory deck and speakers anyway. If you are a true audiophile looking for the absolute best possible fidelity, then you need to just replace the entire head unit and speakers in most cars. There are still many cars that do not have even aftermarket options for AUX inputs. I do not why anyone would be against this on a car that does not have an AUX input available? Of course, *IF* there is an AUX input, just use that instead.
I've been thinking about this device since yesterday. Originally, I thought it appeared to be a wireless unit, which seemed to be a no-brainer purchase for me. Upon further inspection that is clearly not the case. In the pics from the link you posted it looks to be wired through a crease in the dash. I can't seem to find a spot in the '07 Camry dash that would allow for such penetration without actually compromising the dash.
Do you have this device already? If so, how and where do you have it installed? Did you do it yourself? If you are simply planning on getting it, please tell me your thoughts.
I was going to get it, but I decided to have faith that someone will soon have an adapter to allow for control through the OEM NAV/Stereo controls. I am going to hold off for a little bit.
As for the dash wiring, there are many ways for wires to be run without compromising the dash with a hole. I would recommend talking with a professional (MECP certified) installer at your local stereo shop if you don't feel comfortable on your own.
This Camry Bluetooth system does not support streaming audio over the Bluetooth wireless connection. That technology (profile) is known as A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). The Camry handsfree system only support HFP (Hands Free Profile) and OPP (Object Push Profile - for phonebook transfer). There are aftermarket devices that allow you to connect Bluetooth receivers to your vehicle's AUX port and stream from bluetooth adapters connect to your iPod. These will allow for connections with less interference than an FM modulator, but still are not as good of a solution as connecting directly from your iPod to the vehicle's AUX port.
I tried to pair a Samsung a920 with Bob tonight and I got nothing :mad: :confuse: . Does anyone know if any Sprint phones with Bluetooth work with the Camrys? I got to the point where I put the given passkey from Bob into the phone but it kept searching on both and ended up not finding anything with Bob saying that pairing had FAILED. The other Sprint phone that is an option for me is the Samsung a900. Any help would be greatly appreciatiad (from both me and Bob!).
I need help. I want to know which bluetooth cell phone models will work in the new Camry and can transfer phone book. I have checked out letstalkfortoyota.com and this board but I have not found one yet.
I was able to pair my Sprint service Samsung a920 phone with Bob (my Camry) today. I was doing it wrong previously. I was letting the phone wait for the request from the car, but what worked was letting the phone search for the Hands Free system in the car, then using the passkey given by the car to pair them together. It worked and now I just have to figure out how to add names, numbers, and maybe the whole transfer of the phonebook thing I've read about (though even if I don't get that to work, I'm pretty jazzed). I was able to make and receive calls, though the system is very sensitive to how you say numbers. I love it.
Now my only concern with Bob is the transmission problem and whether or not Bob is afflicted. 1200 miles and no MAJOR problems so my fingers are crossed.
The Samsung a920 currently has some bluetooth issues. You may notice some random ringing from the handsfree system if the phone goes into a roaming area. Also, if you ever decide to not answer an incoming call, you will get a friendly ringing reminder from the handsfree system every 5 minutes or so. Also, you may not get functioning caller ID depending on which version of software you have. I also believe that this phone will not transfer phonebook entries properly. I do not recommend any current Samsung phones for Sprint if you are considering them for bluetooth usage until some software updates are released.
I think this phone should work fine for basic handsfree usage. A typical issue with all Windows Mobile device is the phonebook transfer. It will also not display the signal strength properly on the handsfree display.
My Cingular Sony-Ericsson z520 pared on the first try...well, the first try after I opened the owner's manuals and actually read the instructions.
I have not attempted to transfer my phone book and really don't want to, but the voice dial works pretty good. It's more reponsive to a name than a number.
I also paired up a Cingular Sony-Ericsson Z520a today, and it works like a charm. I added a couple of numbers by voice and it works great. I use only a few numbers frequently so I can add them as I use them.
Within a few seconds of turning on the car the cell phone makes a sound indicating communication with the car's Bluetooth. As soon as I paired it I got a call and the phone rings through the car's stereo (startled me!) and it worked great.
To call you push the Talk button and say the number ("Call Home" or "Call Work") you want to call and it dials up. The ones I have talked to sounded clear on the system, and they said they heard a bit of an echo.
What will the cars of 10 years from now have? Technology is a wonderful thing.
I am hoping to track down a TCH very shortly, and getting the Bluetooth up and running is something I'm really looking forward to.
From reading ths thread it sounds like Cingular folks are getting the maximum functionality, followed by Verizon folks who get everything but address book transfer. Though I am unclear on what success others have had...
Got a new 2007 XLE. Tried to pair it with my Verizon Treo 650. When following the car's instructions for pairing, it searches and searches and searches, but cannot find the phone to pair with. When using the phone alone, it says it's paired up fine.
I just bought my TCH and paired up two Samsung a900 cell-phones (Sprint). The previous person was right--you have to program the phone to look for a signal and pait-up. I had to manually program each phone number but I will survive that hour of wasted time.
But now I am getting the "ghost" ringing. I finally had to shut off my phone. New phone, new car, sorta frustrating? Yeah.
Mine has worked like a charm from day 1. There have been posts on a Toyota enthusiast site about the VZW RAZR working fine. I use the bluetooth in my car more than any other feature...aside from the wonderful drivetrain
The 'Ghost' ringing is probably a bug with the Samsung phones. The ringing is probably associated with the phone going in and out of roaming areas. I think this might be fixed in the latest software release for this phone. I recommend you get an update. You might also see some issues with caller ID with this phone.
A little trick that might work... after the phone says it is completely paired, place a phonecall using the phones keypad. The call should be placed in handsfree mode. This should trick the treo into completing the pairing process. Lets hope we see a software fix that will make this a bit more intuitive.
I think the handsfree system in the Camry is very good, but a lot of the issues people are reporting are caused by poor bluetooth implementations by the phone manufacturers. As this technology progresses, I am sure a lot of the problems in the phones will be worked out (if they aren't already).
Comments
I moved your post to our more general Bluetooth discussion since this one is specifically for Camrys. Here's a link to it: raywinn1, "Bluetooth Technology" #326, 1 May 2006 6:55 pm.
Good luck - hope we can help.
http://dts.vzw.com/how_to_use/bluetooth_car_kit.html
Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless website. We are happy to assist you regarding our Bluetooth devices.
Currently our Bluetooth devices are not compatible with your Toyota Camry for Phonebook Transfer. At this time, we are unable to advise you whether additional Bluetooth car kit functionality will be enabled on current handsets or which future Bluetooth enabled handsets are being considered by Verizon Wireless. We understand and apologize for any frustration regarding this but we are only able to provide information regarding products or services that we are currently offering. We are unable to disclose any unconfirmed information because it would be subject to change and could raise expectations that may not be met.
Our Bluetooth enabled handsets can support Bluetooth car kit functions such as the ones listed below.
Receive/Transmit Audio
SEND/END call
Rings
Battery Meter
Receive Signal Strength Indication Meter (RSSI)
Roaming Status
Caller ID
Voice Recognition
Since the actual supported functions vary depending upon vehicle and Bluetooth car kit, we recommend that you visit the link below to see which functions are actually supported for your specific vehicle:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/bluetoothchart
With navigation, the screen is much larger.
Since I know nothing of Bluetooth that I haven't read in this thread, would something like this allow for one to interface with the iPod using the car stereo controls?
1) The FM modulator is to use if you do not have a AUX jack. It is much poorer quality, and is a last resort for those who do not have access to a better connection to their radio.
2) The bluetooth functionality of the stereo system is for mobile phone. It does not have functionality, that I am aware of, for connection and control of other electronics. If you used the Radio Shack adapter as a replacement for the stereo cable (aux jack cable) that would be useful if the location was not desirable.
Personally, I think it is good because I can close the door and hide my iPod when I am out of the car. What I don't like is the lack of ergonomic location for display and control. Until/unless an adapter comes out that will allow for control through my OEM NAV/Stereo system, I will be using this plugged into my AUX jack:
link title
Most people will be satisfied with the sound since it should sound at least as good or better than the clearest FM station you have ever heard in your car. It is sub-CD quality, but very clean sound. It is what people used to use to connect aftermarket CD changers in cars before factory installed CD changers became common several years ago.
A good alternative for people who drive cars that do not have AUX input ports.
The hard wired FM modulator is a simple installation compatible with almost any car and does not not sound bad at all. You are not missing much or anything if you are using it to play MP3s or XM radio through a standard base factory deck and speakers anyway. If you are a true audiophile looking for the absolute best possible fidelity, then you need to just replace the entire head unit and speakers in most cars.
There are still many cars that do not have even aftermarket options for AUX inputs.
I do not why anyone would be against this on a car that does not have an AUX input available? Of course, *IF* there is an AUX input, just use that instead.
fso,
I've been thinking about this device since yesterday. Originally, I thought it appeared to be a wireless unit, which seemed to be a no-brainer purchase for me. Upon further inspection that is clearly not the case. In the pics from the link you posted it looks to be wired through a crease in the dash. I can't seem to find a spot in the '07 Camry dash that would allow for such penetration without actually compromising the dash.
Do you have this device already? If so, how and where do you have it installed? Did you do it yourself? If you are simply planning on getting it, please tell me your thoughts.
Thanks
As for the dash wiring, there are many ways for wires to be run without compromising the dash with a hole. I would recommend talking with a professional (MECP certified) installer at your local stereo shop if you don't feel comfortable on your own.
I tried to pair a Samsung a920 with Bob tonight and I got nothing :mad:
Thank you,
bobs_mama
Thanks
Now my only concern with Bob is the transmission problem and whether or not Bob is afflicted. 1200 miles and no MAJOR problems so my fingers are crossed.
bobs_mama
I have not attempted to transfer my phone book and really don't want to, but the voice dial works pretty good. It's more reponsive to a name than a number.
Within a few seconds of turning on the car the cell phone makes a sound indicating communication with the car's Bluetooth. As soon as I paired it I got a call and the phone rings through the car's stereo (startled me!) and it worked great.
To call you push the Talk button and say the number ("Call Home" or "Call Work") you want to call and it dials up. The ones I have talked to sounded clear on the system, and they said they heard a bit of an echo.
What will the cars of 10 years from now have? Technology is a wonderful thing.
I am hoping to track down a TCH very shortly, and getting the Bluetooth up and running is something I'm really looking forward to.
From reading ths thread it sounds like Cingular folks are getting the maximum functionality, followed by Verizon folks who get everything but address book transfer. Though I am unclear on what success others have had...
How do I get the car to find the phone?
But now I am getting the "ghost" ringing. I finally had to shut off my phone. New phone, new car, sorta frustrating? Yeah.
Oh yeah, and there's also the small issue of getting the car!