[Skeeter44]

I have a 335 with Bluetooth (no nav). I think Bluetooth is great option but the usefulness of those buttons on the steering wheel seem limited to me.

My phone button just redials the last number or if I get the phone directory up I still have to choose an option by reaching over with my right hand to choose an option.

The voice activation doesn't seem to be very good at recognizing my commands - "call home" or "dial number" - about 50% of the time it gets the numbers wrong.

I would like to hear from others how useful they think these functions are or even how they use these features.

thanks.

[Roowah]

Originally Posted by Skeeter44

I have a 335 with Bluetooth (no nav). I think Bluetooth is great option but the usefulness of those buttons on the steering wheel seem limited to me.

My phone button just redials the last number or if I get the phone directory up I still have to choose an option by reaching over with my right hand to choose an option.

The voice activation doesn't seem to be very good at recognizing my commands - "call home" or "dial number" - about 50% of the time it gets the numbers wrong.

I would like to hear from others how useful they think these functions are or even how they use these features.

thanks.

I have the same setup as you. Bluetooth - no nav. For the most part, it works pretty accurately. It did take time to program the system to attach a certain voice pattern (i.e. "Name Dial" > "Home") to a specific telephone number. Unlike systems with nav, ours doesn't "read" our phone's address book when dialing. Occasionally, the "Dial Number" command gets some of my spoken numbers confused, but I've learned to make sure that I speak clear enough and loud enough for it to recognize them.

You're right, the phone button will redial the last number or if held call up the phone book. You have to push the talk button to say a command. It's the button right above the phone.

As for the usefulness, I use it regularly every day and find it extremely valuable. It makes life a lot easier when making or receiving calls. If I had a wish, it would be that there would be a more reliable call waiting function so I can toggle between 2 phone calls or turn it into a conference call.

[gatorgrad]

If you hold down the phone button for a few seconds it brings up the phone menu on the radio display.

[Deveray]

I have the same setup too. I find it very valuable and when you practice speaking clearly it does reliably recognize what you want.

[Tommy420]

I have bluetooth + nav...the only thing the phone button does for me is redial the last number I dialied...it's more or less useless.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by Tommy420

I have bluetooth + nav...the only thing the phone button does for me is redial the last number I dialied...it's more or less useless.

Whatever you do, don't read the manual or these posts or anything. Ignorance is bliss.

[GAM3OVR85]

I have Bluetooth in my car, its bullshit, can't recognize shit.

[MTV]

probably your phone^^

[Tommy420]

Originally Posted by raleedy

Whatever you do, don't read the manual or these posts or anything. Ignorance is bliss.

Umm...i read the manual, so if you're implying that I'm being ignorant, then you're wrong. The only thing I can get my phone button to do using bluetooth is to redial the last number my phone called. That's it. I can't program it to bring up my phonebook, that's why I have the diamond button programmed to do that. The OP was asking about the phone button, and that's my opinion.

[Supramano]

I have bluetooth with no nav and my phonebook comes up. Maybe its the type of phone you use. I also noticed if you program a number in the cars speed dial it will call that number....i deleted it out of there for that to stop...i dunno how i accidently programmed a number to be in there.

[Scobar]

Originally Posted by gatorgrad

If you hold down the phone button for a few seconds it brings up the phone menu on the radio display.

+1
Then press down on the arrow buttons to go through the phone book.

Also the voice activation is pretty much useless so I don't use it. Much easier to go through the phone book (and thats a pain in the ass with all the numbers I have.) I just pull my phone out and dial it manually if I need to make a call.