Voice Control, headphone jack options?

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Level 1

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Voice Control, headphone jack options?

Hello,
This is kind of an odd one, but I understand what Apple is thinking.

So, like most people I have a tape deck to headphone jack adapter in my car. When ever I plug in my iPhone 3G S 32GB it automatically starts up the Voice Control. If you try to tell it to play something it doesn't recognize any sound.

I get what apple has done.
The new iPhone head phones are the ones that come with the new iPod shuffle (the ones with the button on it). So when you plug it in you just tell the iPhone to play the song you want to hear. This explains WHY it automaticly starts Voice Control AND the iPhone doesn't hear your voice.

So, my question is:
Is there a way to make it so when I plug in my tape deck car adappter it doesn't start up the Voice Control AND I would still be able to use the Voice Control option when the headphone jack is plugged in?

I can't find a Voice Control Settings menu...

DELL Inspiron 9300, iPhone OS 3.0, Windows XP Home Edition

Posted on Jun 21, 2009 5:38 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

cderalow

Level 2

290 points

Jun 21, 2009 5:54 PM in response to JoblessPunk1

I would think the phone should recognize if you have an appropriate set of headphones with the 4 contact points (aka 3 lines) that are required for it to have both audio and microphone.

when you plug in a standard set of iPod headphones (no mic), does it do the same? if not, it could be something particular to your adapter.

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Answer 2

JoblessPunk1 Author

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Jun 22, 2009 12:38 AM in response to cderalow

hello!
thank you for your reply, and I'm sorry I acted like a total n00b. I didn't actually test anything I just assumed....

So here's the break down.

New iPhone headphones with button:
- Does NOT activate Voice Control

Normal Generic headphones:
- Does NOT activate Voice Control
- CAN use the middle button to activate Voice Control and talk into the mic.

My Ancient Tape deck to headphone (Generic):
- Activates Voice Control when plugged in
- Does NOT pick up your voice if you try to talk into the iPhone

I know this is like dinosaur technology but it still works for me. I'm using a generic brand tape deck to headphone jack adapter that was used when CD players still existed. Do they make an iPhone/iPod touch version of the converter? would it be any different besides the packaging?

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Jun 22, 2009 3:23 AM in response to JoblessPunk1

My Ancient Tape deck to headphone (Generic):
- Activates Voice Control when plugged in
- Does NOT pick up your voice if you try to talk into the iPhone

I know this is like dinosaur technology but it still works for me. I'm using a generic brand tape deck to headphone jack adapter that was used when CD players still existed. Do they make an iPhone/iPod touch version of the converter? would it be any different besides the packaging?

This adapter should help
<http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4571>

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Answer 4

JoblessPunk1 Author

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Jun 22, 2009 10:16 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

thank you for a link to those, but the idea of not being able to use the Voice control option doesn't bother me. The problem I have with it is that every time I plug my iPhone in to listen to the music it starts up the Voice Control. I would like it if it doesn't do that.

Is there anyone else that is having this problem? and if you are not what brand converter are you using?

Thanks!

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Answer 5

Jun 23, 2009 7:06 PM in response to JoblessPunk1

i have the same problem! my car has an aux input.. i use the retractable belkin stereo cable... when i plug it in.. the voice control pops up.. the mic is deactivated! it doesn't happen all the time.. but alot.. when it doesnt happen.. the mic is fine.. etc... if i dont have my headset.. i use my car stereo as a speakphone and the phone mic to talk back to my party.. but when this happens.. i cant

i would suggest.. plug it in and out til it doesnt trigger the voice command.. til they fix the glitch.. i know it *****.. but hey! not alot of choices here.

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Answer 6

JoblessPunk1 Author

Level 1

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Jun 23, 2009 10:21 PM in response to milesahead57

few!
I bet there are not a lot of us out there that still have a tape deck but its good to hear other people are running into is problem.

So I've been searching the internet and I think I might have found the best work around. *Please Correct me if I'm wrong* but I believe with the 3.0 software you can now listen to your music via Bluetooth correct?
Well some ingenious company made a Bluetooth Cassette Tape Adapter:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/aad2/

I'm really intrigued with it and wondering if:
1 - Can you play Music via Bluetooth with the 3.0 software?
2 - Does anyone have is and does it work with the iPhone?

Thanks for your help!

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Answer 7

Jun 24, 2009 12:26 AM in response to JoblessPunk1

This one says it's compatible with iPhone 3G and 3GS. http://store.apple.com/us/product/TN549LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDAzOQ&mco=MjE1NTkyNA

However, before you order, it might be smart to ask Monster if it starts up the voice control: http://www.monstercable.com/service/

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Answer 8

Jun 24, 2009 7:48 AM in response to milesahead57

I hate to post a "me too" response, but I am having the same problem. I also use a cassette adapter to listen to my iPhone in the car. Every once in a while it seems to realize that it is a headphone rather than a headset device and the voice control still works. More annoyingly, if I get a call, I have to unplug the adapter in order to answer it. I did succeed at one point in answering a call, having the internal mic pick up my voice and having the caller's voice go through the car stereo.

I agree that this appears to be a problem with proper detection of the type of connector plugged into the iPhone. I was wondering if it might be related to the case I am using. I haven't tested this as it just occurred to me. It is possible the case is keeping the TRS connector from making proper contact. Anyone have any ideas? Maybe we'll have to wait for a software fix from Apple.

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Answer 9

Bdobs

Level 1

4 points

Jun 24, 2009 8:33 AM in response to JoblessPunk1

No solution here either but I am having the same problem. I don't use a cassette adapter, just an aux-in to my stereo. Everytime I plug it in, the voice control pops up and my microphone is disabled. I would prefer to continue to be able to use the iPhone's mic for voice control while listening to my music, although I guess that little microphone adapter wouldn't be the end of the world. Hopefully Apple can fix this so I dont have to spend another $20!

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Answer 10

Cibby

Level 1

31 points

Jun 24, 2009 10:52 PM in response to Bdobs

What I don't get is how it differentiates non-Apple, generic headphones from a regular mini mic cable. I use my iPhone with my AUX in when driving. I want to upgrade to the 3gs to have voice dialing when I drive. It doesn't seem like that will work, at least right now. When I went to the apple store and plug a pair of Bose speakers into the iPhone it did the same thing. I have to think it's a 'feature' that will be fixed later as I don't see the point of launching voice control when you can't use the mic.

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Answer 11

Jun 24, 2009 11:55 PM in response to Cibby

Normal headphones use a three-contact plug (Gnd, Left, Right). The Apple iPhone headset has an extra contact for the microphone. A car stereo Aux in, or powered speakers, use a three-contact plug, and have no microphone. When there is a plug in the iPhone's headset jack, the iPhone's earpiece and microphone are disabled. If you want a microphone while using three-contact plug, you can use a four-contact adapter with a microphone (and control button).
<http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4571>

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Answer 12

JoblessPunk1 Author

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Jun 25, 2009 12:01 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

@ Malcolm Rayfield
Err, I see what your saying, but that's not really the case (or maybe I miss read it).

If you look at my second post in this thread you will see that you can use the mic and home button if you use normal headphones. The only problem I and others are having is when you connect it to your Car with either a Tape Deck adapter or AUX in.

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Answer 13

Jun 26, 2009 9:54 AM in response to JoblessPunk1

I was having the same problem. What I found is that if you plug in one of the original iPhone adapters (which have the longer sleeve since the original iPhone has a recessed jack), then plug your cassette cable into the adapter, it avoids the problem 100% of the time.

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Answer 14

JoblessPunk1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 29, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Michael Eskin

I have also found a little work around,
If you start playing the song you want to hear then plug in the tape deck adapter it doesn't start up the voice control. I don't know if it turns off the mic.

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Answer 15

JoblessPunk1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 29, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Michael Eskin

I have also found a little work around,
If you start playing the song you want to hear then plug in the tape deck adapter it doesn't start up the voice control. I don't know if it turns off the mic.

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