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Uconnect and Cell phone considerations to ponder

18K views 95 replies 17 participants last post by  finkbei 
#1 · (Edited)
This Thread is to make a place where issues of Uconnect and Cell phones can be separated from other Uconnect issues such as updates. There appears to be compatibility issues with some cell phones and as to what cell phones work well with the Uconnect system and general cell phone cost and related issues. I have listed but a few of the considerations that Uconnect users may want to consider with their cell phones Should I have any wrong info let me know and I will edit and correct.
The Uconnect compatibility wizard gives results that are incomplete and even list cell phones that are no longer available from certain carriers. The Wizard also list only Cell phones that are available with Data plans. The information is very hard to find and smaller carriers like Frontier Communications in the mountain states and new cell phone systems that are trying to compete with the monopolistic practices of major carriers are shut out of the pipe line. The Uconnect compatibility chart is 2 years out of date and they probably will not issue a new one until they have ironed out their firmware issues with gremlins.
Verizon charges an extra $40.00 per month per phone for Data plan phones such as the Apple I5, Apple S4, Samsung S4 and the Razr HD. Some of the aforementioned phones have WIFI connectivity that allows the user to connect to the internet through their home networks or through free Internet hotspots without using up their Data minutes. Also, for those who use their cell phones in areas that have poor cell coverage, the antenna strength is a factor. For those who have cell phone boosters the frequencies are important when changing possible carriers. As I recall ATT and Verizon use 800/1900 and Sprint uses another frequency
There are other considerations about choice of cell phone that should be considered as some may chose to use basic cell phones which will use only some of the features of the Uconnect. Cell phone charging through the Uconnect USB port may be somewhat slower than other charging systems.
There may be other considerations not mentioned so it would be helpful if both current cell phone users and those looking to change post their pro’s and Con’s about their systems.
Please post your Cell phone model and operating system, Uconnect Model and firmware number, compatibility pro’s and Con’s.
For Instance since my GC is on order, and I have not purchased the cell phones that I will upgrade to. I can show only what I’m considering. All 3 have multiple advanced features that exceed the features of the Apple I4 and the Samsung S3
For Me
With a 2 year plan:
Apple I5, O.S. EOS 6.1.0, cost $199, Activation $30, Carrier Verizon, Pro’s Wi-Fi, and Data functional, new aluminum back and not as fragile as Apple I4s, Con’s: Gorilla glass front still fragile and drop test report not as durable as the Samsung S4i ask system competes with Samsung S voice
Apple S4, O.S. EOS ?, Cost $99, Activation $30, Carrier Verizon Pro’s advanced features; Cons Fragile in drop test

Samsung S4, OS Android, cost $199 Carrier: Verizon, Uconnect 8.4AN, Pro’s: WIFI, functional compatibility Cons: Reported Bluetooth drop out and inability to transmit text messages, S Voice competes With Apple Siri

Motorola Razr HD cost $99, Carrier Verizon
HTC Droid Cost $99, Carrier Verizon


For Wife
Samsung Samsung Intensity® III, OS BREW, no Data plan, Cost $49.Carrier: Verizon : Uconnect 8.4 An, Pro’s Basic Cell, Low Cost, less expensive plan from Verizon, available a basic phone from Verizon ,: Con’s: cannot use all Uconnect features, No Data, May not be compatible with U Connect..
Since I live in a rural area, with limited cell coverage even with a booster amp, the Cell phone antenna strength is an important factor.
Concerning the new UCONNECT systems, they also have WIFI connectivity for a subscription cost. As I understand the system, it uses both public hotspots for connectivity and also it’s own hotspot with a transmission range of up to 150 ft from the vehicle.which if used may be redundant to a cell phone with WIFI connectivity and a waste of money but for Jeep owners in the boonies may be a godsend. This option cost $ and is available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Use the following link to access voice commands and other Uconnect topics. such as pairing your phone, system updates, Identification

https://rsur.extra.chrysler.com/rsur/Uconnect.do
http://www.driveuconnect.com/support/jeep/
 
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#58 ·
Thanks for your post, Glad to hear that you have found a workaround to use Siri. By using Pandora and Slacker is it advisable to have a unlimited data plan? How much time per day do you spend in your new ride?
BTY...It is ok for this thread to go hither and yon. :)
 
#60 ·
I wanted to report back my results on my ATT Note2 after further testing. As I stated before I am running a developer ROM Jedi that is a 4.1.2 touchwiz based ROM. I have not had any issues with the phone disconnecting during calls. The phonebook and text functions all seem to work as well. After further testing the music streaming on a longer drive, it did eventually drop out for a short period after playing for 10 mins or so. It did it a couple of times during the drive of 45 mins.

I am wondering if this may be something specific to the 4.1.2 android devices. We have seen posts from people running 4.2 (non touchwiz based) that did not have any issues with the music streaming.
 
#61 ·
I wanted to report back my results on my ATT Note2 after further testing. As I stated before I am running a developer ROM Jedi that is a 4.1.2 touchwiz based ROM. I have not had any issues with the phone disconnecting during calls. The phonebook and text functions all seem to work as well. After further testing the music streaming on a longer drive, it did eventually drop out for a short period after playing for 10 mins or so. It did it a couple of times during the drive of 45 mins.

I am wondering if this may be something specific to the 4.1.2 android devices. We have seen posts from people running 4.2 (non touchwiz based) that did not have any issues with the music streaming.
I am 4.1.2 and I get the cutout but only during message recieve. It is something I had turned on in notifications because I have had it NOT do this when I change some settings (I think I had the phone in "Silent")
 
#65 ·
Thanks for the info. Somehow I missed this in the instructions? I see that Pandora is also available. Since the radio is connected to the Sirrus system and the local AM/FM.....what are you streaming through? Is that the Uconnect pay as U go, day, week, month hotspot plan? It is easy for a dummy to get confused:iws:
 
#68 · (Edited)
In investigating Cell Phone carriers searching for what phone and plan might work with my new ride when it arrives I contacted Straight Talk which is offering a plan for $45 per month for Unlimited Voice, Text, and Data (GSM). At first glance, this plan where one purchases a Iphone separately from the plan and there is no contract appeared interesting. But, I found out that their cell phone plan of Unlimited data does not allow teathering. This fact raises a major red flag as to compatibility with Uconnect.

Apparently, Verizon has changed it's data plan to allow WIFI without using their carrier bytes in response to a FCC ruling and a ATT lawsuit, by raising the cost of their 2gb plan and above by $30 per month.

Another consideration that I am pondering in selecting a cell phone that is truly compatible with Uconnect is the subject of security. Apple iphones apparently come through their app store where they are supposedly certified free from Trojans and virus infections whereas those customers using Android systems that have a more open architecture can install free uncertified apps and therefore need a mobile security package. Verizon provides security at an additional monthly fee through MacAfee and there are a number of others on the market such as Kaspersky mobile. Since aftermarket security software downloads daily, does this fact eat into the data allowance under the limited data plans of the major carriers (CDMA)? I asked Verizon and they say since the security comes from the internet with the Security software downloading it's signitures of virus and trojans and it's spam avoidance that unless a person has unlimited data plans that their data bytes will be affected.

This fact may be a consideration that one may want to consider in choosing a EOS device vs a Android device. Verizon does offer a security package at 1.99 per month for MacAfee Security however MacAfee/Norton seem to be rated on a lower scale than others.
 
#72 ·
Tethering refers to connecting one device to another to create a two way communication interface between the two that will allow one device to leverage the hardware of the other. It is usually done via bluetooth, wifi or a physical connection which is pretty much going to be usb.

Streaming is the sending of media via wifi or bluetooth (the stream) from one device which provides content to another which presents that content. Your phone can stream (provide) music to your car stereo via bluetooth which then plays (presents) the content. It can also simultaneously be tethered to your infotainment system via the very same bluetooth connection to provide two way communication between the two for the purpose of making hands free phone calls.
 
#73 · (Edited)
update. In looking at Iphones The Apple 5 says they are upgrading to EOS 7 this fall.
In looking at test of the Apple 5 Siri system vs the Samsung S4 s voice the test results appear on CNET that Siri was better in recognizing verbal commands than S voice. I can not vouch for the review bu thought the info might be important to those depending on voice recognition technology and UCONNECT. I sure hate it when I Say call home and the */-& voice recognition says call Bonnei! UGH I don't have any comparisons vs google voice
 
#74 ·
Not only is iOS 7 slated for this fall (already in beta testing in the field), so is a new iPhone; tentatively referred to as the "5S", but we will not know the official name until it's announced, likely in September.
 
#75 · (Edited)
According to the IOS 7 site it will be compatible with the 4s and 5 as well as some Ipads and IPODS.

It looks like the wars are heating up. The S4 has a bigger screen but needs something like Lcck out or Kaspersky mobile to protect it from malware Apps that can allow hackers and cyber criminals access.

The new devices are evolving so fast it will difficult for Apps such as UCONNECT to keep up. I wish the gru's of cyber would adhere to the motto
"If it Ain't broke, Don't fix it"
 
#81 ·
The pondering is worthwhile, for sure. 'Tis a moving target, however. :D
 
#82 ·
From all the input of those experienced in the subject it appears that UCONNECT and iphone compatibility is not really an issue so far as mechanics go but there are individual carrier quirks that may cause unfamiliar problems with cell phone usage.
Even after reviewing a old compatibility chart from 2011 from UCONNECT the test listings show a wide range of partial compatibility to full compatibility.

Keeping the above in mind, I started to investigate differances between carrier services and viewing coverage maps. Since I live in a rural area surrounded by trees, I wanted to be sure that I would have cell coverage in home. I have noted that cell phone signal coverage has degraded which I attribute to the manufacturers reducing the cell phone antenna radiation scare of cancer that occured 7 or 8 years ago.

Because many of Jeep owners cherish being off roaders and like the back country, and UCONNECT is offering by the day, week, or month WIFI hotspot, I am assuming that UCONNECT has leased some kind of satalite connectivity. If my assumption is correct, does any one know the details of the signal and does it have the same problem of Searching for signal like my Directtv does every time it rains. I would hate to be in trouble 2 blocks away from Timbucktu, needing help, and waiting for a signal connection. ?????
 
#83 ·
UCONNECT uses the Sprint network, not sat services.

You are correct that you should choose your carrier based on "where" you typically will be using your phone most of the time for best signal and performance. (for data) There are other considerations, however. For example, the iPhone on ATT will work on a phone call simultaneously with Internet access. The same is not true on VZ. For me and the way I actually use my device, that simultaneous access gets used a lot. (And I've been an ATT Wireless customer since 1996, through the Cingular days and back to ATT when that happened. My corporate carrier is also ATT)

In my home, it doesn't matter what carrier is chosen...ALL of them require a microcell to have usable service in our home due to local terrain and building materials used in a circa 1750 house plus several additions over the years.
 
#86 · (Edited)
UCONNECT uses the Sprint network, not sat services.

You are correct that you should choose your carrier based on "where" you typically will be using your phone most of the time for best signal and performance. (for data) There are other considerations, however. For example, the iPhone on ATT will work on a phone call simultaneously with Internet access. The same is not true on VZ. For me and the way I actually use my device, that simultaneous access gets used a lot. (And I've been an ATT Wireless customer since 1996, through the Cingular days and back to ATT when that happened. My corporate carrier is also ATT)

In my home, it doesn't matter what carrier is chosen...ALL of them require a microcell to have usable service in our home due to local terrain and building materials used in a circa 1750 house plus several additions over the years.
Good point and very helpful about dual symo usage

That poses another dumb question if UCONNECT is using the Sprint network, the Sprint network has limited coverage and as I recall a couple of years ago, only Verizon had cell coverage in SOME areas of Yellowstone and Canyon Lands NP was blank. I note that Sprint in their normal plan's have roaming charges for their customers out of network which may be why the higher cost of UCONNECT WIFI services.

The purpose of this ponder is to determine if a Jeeper in the back country would want to depend upon their individual cell carrier (There are still some small carriers like Frontier) for access or if UCONNECT might have an agreement through Sprint to access ANY cell phone carrier through their roaming agreements???????????? If one get's into trouble, the back country isn't the place.
 
#87 ·
On your phone, change the audio selection to the phone speaker or a headset before turning off and exiting the vehicle. My 730N has a "transfer to phone" button, too...but I"m not familiar with the 8.4AN in that respect. Someone else will have to comment.
 
#91 ·
I see a few people here with iPhone 5 and IOS 6.1.4 that have been successful with getting the text messaging to work (at least receive, not send).

Anyone have luck with a iphone 4S running 6.1.3? I have notifications turned on in the phone, and I do get the messages button to go active (not greyed out) in uconnect, but my inbox is empty on uconnect and it did not do anything when I received a text. I don't have a lot of messages stored on the phone. Not sure if this is an verizon thing, the 4s, or something else....
 
#92 · (Edited)
This post has nothing to do with Iphone and Uconnect pairing but there was an interesting blurb on Fox Business News this AM that Russian Cell phone carriers are dropping the Apple Iphone from their list of connectable devices. I am not sure if this information has any significance (Maybe Big Brother has a difficult time hacking :D): Apparently they do not like 7.0.
I doubt if this information will have any effect on US carriers, but possibly raises some questions for our friends in Canada and Australia as I believe the UCONNECT phone stuff is USA ony.
Even though Verizon beat the estimate of .72 cents by a penny I note their stock is down over 1% in a up market.
 
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