G1 software updates

[carken]

Hi, I'm brand new to the G1 and not much of a phone wizard, I'm afraid.
I'm just about to buy a G1 but have just found out that there's no voice activated dialling - necessary for my other half when driving handsfree.

My local T-mobile shop have informed me that there's a software release due out which will upgrade to this feature and also maybe a video function for the camera.

Does anyone know of this update or how to resolve this for me? If not, he'll have to find another phone which is a pity as he's very taken with the G1 in general. I've tried looking on the Android website but don't really know what to look for.

Like I said, I'm not a boffin but I have a fair understanding. Thanks.

[snoslicer8]

There is so Voice-Activated dialing. Hold down the green phone button, and speak your command. It's built into Android.

The software update that is forthcoming will supposedly add new features to the Voice system, meaning you'll be able to launch apps, etc. with the same function.

[carken]

Thanks for your quick reply. So does this mean to call a contact he just has to press green and say the name, like a voice tag, so to speak?

[snoslicer8]

Yes, but there is no "tagging" involved...meaning it doesn't match your current command against previously recorded tags. It analyzes each command when they're received. If the system gets confused (which it does, sometimes), it gives you a list of options that it thinks you meant...just tap one.

[carken]

So, in effect, we just press green and say the contacts' name and the phone will pick up on it and dial, hopefully with the right contact.

It all sounds good. Here's hoping it works. Is it built into the G1 straight out of the box or do I have to activate any thing first? Sorry to be a bit vague but like I said I'm completely new to it. You really look like you know your stuff!! Thanks.

[Rusty]

You hold down the green button not just press. Then a dialog comes up telling you to speak the contacts name. You would say something like John Smith on mobile or John Smith at home. It will pop-up a second prompt asking you to confirm then it dials.

[carken]

Is this available straight out of the box or do I have to activate it? If so, can you explain how please.

Thanks for your help, both of you.

[Rusty]

It works straight out of the box. Don't you have the phone to test it on? Just hold the green button down. The rest is pretty intuitive and explained on the screen.

Edit: UK Handsets do not have voice dial out of the box. Not sure if that gets updated in the new rc9 update.

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f41/uk-voice-dialling-6278/

[carken]

Yes, I've got the phone, boxed back up ready to be returned but now we'll open it up again and try it out.

I forgot to ask, can you use a bluetooth headset for making calls on it? Also would I be able to add tomtom to it?

[carken]

Thanks Rusty, I've just read about the UK handsets. Meanwhile, do I keep the phone and hope the update solves the problem or send it back and try another phone. Decisions, Decisions......

[snoslicer8]

You can use Bluetooth headsets with the G1 without a problem. I don't think voice-control works through headsets though, only through the phone's Mic.

Regarding the UK phone issue, there is always the option of flashing the US version of the software (JF-RC33). This doesn't come without risks though, so be careful.

Tom Tom isn't available on Android, but there is a subscription-based app available called Telenav (http://telenav.com/products/tn/devices/tmobile.html), however I can't seem to find if it works worldwide or if the maps are USA only right now.

[xyrcncp]

I forgot to ask, can you use a bluetooth headset for making calls on it? Also would I be able to add tomtom to it?
Yes. As always, you're told to check compatibility with the bluetooth device manufacturer, but from what I've seen, heard and read, the G1 is pretty compatible with a lot of BT devices.

[chuckb]

Yes, but there is no "tagging" involved...meaning it doesn't match your current command against previously recorded tags. It analyzes each command when they're received. If the system gets confused (which it does, sometimes), it gives you a list of options that it thinks you meant...just tap one.
This all sounds good and it is, but is not very helpful in a hands-free environment. My old phone (which I hated, but not for this) had voice tags for contacts so that when I activated voice dialing (through my BT headset, by the way), it would match and repeat back the one it thought was correct. It occasionally got it wrong, but mostly correct. If I did nothing, it would dial, or I could abort, sigh, and try again. With the current android VD, even on the very occasional times it narrows it down to one choice, I still have to look away from the road to click the name.

A combination would be awesome where specifically-tagged contacts would be searched first, repeated and dialed as above. If no match found, error signal and display possible choices as it does now.