Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

[roemsi]

Hi,

I've bought Bose QC20 In-Ear noice cancelling Headphones. They are android compatible, but it seems sony have changed something, because the remote control buttons didn't work correctly.

+ increase the volume --> That's OK

- decrease the volume --> That's OK

But the Answer Call/Play Pause, skiptrack button --> increase the volume. Fail. What the **bleep** happens here? I've tried it with several other Phones from my colleagues (Sony z2, LG G2, Samsung Galaxy S4) all are working correct. Only the z3 and z3 compact seems to make this strange control.

Any suggestons? I don't wan't to use other headphones, because they bose are very very good. I travel a lot by plane, and the noise cancelling function is awesome. (Also better than the one from sony)

Regards,

Roemsi

[Uliwooly]

@roemsi

The Xperia Z3 has a 3.5 mm jack 5 pole, that might be the issue. 

[roemsi]

It's the same connector as on original Sony headsets.
And it is working on all other android phones, except z3 and z3compact.

[Uliwooly]

@roemsi

You could contact Sony directly 

http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/contactUs/

or contact bose and ask them if they are aware of any compatibility issues

[roemsi]

I've contect Sony and bose service with the same information. 

If I get some feedback I will post it here. Maybe it helps other people too.

[Uliwooly]

@roemsi

Keep us updated

[roemsi]

Hi,

Thats is what I got from sony:

	
Dear Sir or Madam,
Thank you for contacting Sony Xperia Support.
Please check if the headset is compatible with CTIA connections.
OMTP and CTIA are different standards used for wired headsets with a 3.5 mm connector. The difference is within the headset pin layout. The Microphone and Ground pin have switched positions. This means that the microphone will not work if an OMTP headset is connected to a phone that is designed for CTIA accessories.
Before 2012 Sony Mobile used the OMTP standard (then believed to be the most widely spread). From Xperia™ S we use the CTIA standard (used by, for example, iPhone® accessories).
Try these methods one after the other to determine if a headset with the wrong standard is used. Verify whether the problem was solved after each method, before trying the next one. 
Check your device if you receive a message saying that the headset is not supported.
If you are using the headset that came with your Xperia™ device, the issue is not OMTP/CTIA related. However, if your are using a headset from a different brand check the standard. 
If possible, try with another headset.
Note! If your headset supports the wrong standard, you can try to use an adapter. The adapter can be ordered via our Repair Centers.
Also Inform at Bose Support about the polarisation and compatibillity of this model Headset.
Please contact Sony Xperia Support again if we can assist you further. Feel free to visit our website: On www.sonymobile.com you will always get the latest news and interesting content.
Please send emails to the following adress: questions.at@support.sonymobile.com.
The Service Request ID provided in the subject of this message is exclusively for inquiries which are directly associated with this case. Please note that the request is closed automatically five days after you received our answer.

and thats from bose:

The full compatibility is only garatueed with choosen samsung phones.

Please try to use other apps.

For further information please call us.

THe Headset has the CITA Standard, I've returned this to sony.

Bose says "Foll compatibility only with samsung phones, but on their web page its a bit different. https://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/home-and-personal-audio/headphones/acoustic-noise-cancelling-headphones...

From the bose page:

The inline microphone and remote let you switch easily to calls and control of certain functions. Choose either the QC®20 Apple device model or the QC®20 Samsung and Android™ model to use with your respective device.

Edit:

Today I got a little time and do some research by my own.

There is a little program outside the web, which shows the signal codes of android buttons: https://github.com/chrisboyle/keytest/downloads

This shows me if I press the volume down button:
Keycode: 25

Keycode=KEYCAODE_VOLUME_DOWN

scanCode=258

volume up button:
Keycode: 24

Keycode=KEYCODE_VOLUME_UP

scanCode=257

Both are fine.

And on the middle button: 

Keycode: 24

Keycode=KEYCODE_VOLUME_UP

scanCode=257

Thats wrong.

Correct should be for the middle button (from the orignal Sony headset)

Keycode: 79

Keycode=KEYCODE_HEADSETHOOK

scanCode=226

I still can't say if this is a problem from sony or bose, but foor my feeling its more a problem of bose.

[roemsi]

Today I've returned the Bose QC20 to the store. 

The store staff was very friendly but he can't believe that it is related to Bose. So he bring 3 Button headsets from Sennheiser and JBL, which should be compatible with android.

Both have the same issue on the phone. We tested it also on a samsung and LG phone, and they work without a problem.

It's definitly a problem of the sony Z3 and Z3c. 

@Sony Support, if you read this, it is very nice that you tell me Sony phones are now using the CITA connection, but it seems there is some terrible **bleep** in, that only sony headsets are working. SO Sony is working against all standards. Great Work *slow clap*. Or you can provide a list of headsets which are certified to work with your Z3 series phones (except your own products). 

[Uliwooly]

@roemsi

Sony does use CTIA, but if the headphones have volume control might not work, as you know the Xperia Z3 use a 5 pin jack, but as always you can contact Sony directly.

http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/contactUs/

@Rickard could you comment on this?

[roemsi]

I've already contacted Sony an bose support. The answers are some posts above.