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

I know but if you want more info regarding CTIA on Z3 phones

[Rickard]

Sorry to hear that you have issues with the buttons on your headset.

If i understand you correctly, this headset works fine on the Z2 but not on Z3 or Z3 Compact (you've tested both?).

[roemsi]

@Rickard

Hi Rickard,

Yes, that was my observations. To be honest, I've only see it working with my own eyes on the LG G2 and Samsung S4. For the Z2 I gave it to my colleague to test it, and he writes me an mail that it works - maybe he was wrong, but he is working in a technical department, I think he has tested it well. 

I've also done some tests, you can see in an earlier post, where I was able to show, that the bose headset triggers the same function on the Z3c with vol up and the middle button.

And in the store I was able to test with other headsets from different vendors, and all show the same behaviour as the bose. 

[Rickard]

As far as i know, there should not be any difference here between Z2, Z3 and Z3 Compact so it sounds strange that it would work on Z2 but neither Z3 or Z3 Compact. I will forward this internally for investigation and more information.

As i understand it, the buttons works by putting a certain resistance between MIC and GND so it could perhaps be a case of tolerance.

[roemsi]

@Rickard

That's right, but as I written, for the Z2 I got only the reply from my colleague that it's working - I haven't seen it. So maybe he is wrong.

But its definitly working on Samsungs S4.

Yes, you're right - thats also what I've heard how it works. Technically you're right, that the phone maybe indicates both restistor values, for middle and vol up, as the same.

If this happen only on one headset type/brand, than it could be a incomptibility problem, but it seems to have problems with all three button headsets.

[idod]

I have just purchased the Bose QC20 and I am experiencing the same issue with my Z2.

According to Bose the following buttons perform the following functions:

+, Volume up. This works fine

Centre button, x1 Play/Pause/Answer/End.

                        x2 Skip.

                        This does not function as per direction.

-, Volume down. This works fine.

Currently the centre button functions as follows:

x1, Volume up, Ignore call

x2, Play/Pause/Answer

There is no functional skip or end call button.

[roemsi]

@Rickard

@idod

Thanks idod for the input. I wasn't sure about the Z2. But it seems it is a general problem with the sony phones. 😞

[Stuster]

I have just purchased the Bose QC20 and also have the same problem with my Xperia Z3, as described in the original post.

The middle button causes Volume Up on my phone. Pressing it twice in quick succession only causes the Volume to go up two levels.

This is extremely disappointing and most frustrating. I would be grateful for any suggestions or a workaround from Sony.

[Rickard · Accepted solution]

I've received more information about this issue and i'm afraid it's a compatibility issue.

The design of the Bose headset is Samsung specific design and this is also stated on their homepage. Usually VAD button of headset is designed to be connected to GND when it is pressed, but when VAD button of Galaxy S4 kitting headset is pressed, it still has some amount of impedance. We have a different treshold value in Z3, Z3c to support other fuctionalities of our multi button headsets. 

[roemsi]

Hi Rickard,

Thank you for the answer. But as I have written on this post before, this happens also to other 3 button headsets. If all headsets of other manufacturers are not working on sony, sony is working outside specifications. I can't belive that all are only design their headsets for samsung devices. 🙂

Maybe in Future Sony can implement something, where the phone detect, which kind of headset is connected (or switch manually in settings) to support other headsets too. 

By the way: I don't like the multi button solution. It never do this what I wan't. Thats the reason why I was lookin for a 3 button device.