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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 The Uconnect compatibility chart is 2 years out of date and they probably will not issue a new one until they have ironed out their firmware issues with gremlins.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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#2 · (Edited)
You should select the mobile device and carrier that best suits your mobile communication needs. All of them will likely have some minor quirk or another with in-vehicle integration...it's the nature of the beast.

I'm an iPhone user on ATT. I'm on my 4th iPhone generation and will be upgrading in the fall to the next generation when it's released. I like iOS; have multiple iOS devices as well as MacOS devices. My corporate applications are best integrated with iOS. I've been with ATT since 1996 and have no reason to change. My corporate preferred carrier is also ATT. (My wife is also an iphone/iPad user and my teens use non-phone iOS devices) I've had very little issue with iOS in my JGC and integrate via BlueTooth, not the USB port.

That's what's best for me, but your needs and preferences may be different. It's very subjective...
 
#9 ·
Not to hijack the thread but most of my corporate clients have been moving away from IOS since Apple disconnected IMAP users from gmail during the IOS 6 update. It has also been problematic with Exchange recently.

Not saying all IOS devices are bad, I use an iPad as wireless scanner.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for your reply. That is the kind of info we need for this thread. In my case due to my rural location I must use either ATT or Verizon. For my regular home internet connection I had to leave ATT as their DSL service was inadequate. I note that Sprint is offering the I5 with a 2 year contract for $150 now. I can not use Sprint.

With your I4, do you have any Uconnect functions with gremlins?
 
#4 ·
This info copied from the Uconnect update thread:
Actually you are correct. As I am a roadwarrier (hence the need for Diesel) I always am throwing my phone on a shelf up high and setting up mobile hotspot. When I am camping I setup my cell booster kit so I can do the same and stay connected. One thing I can say about the RAZR (probably because of Motorola's experience) the cell radio in this thing is awesome. I can do entire calls on 1 bar and I get reception when other users on the same carrier have nothing.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Great idea making a new thread for this info. Verizon Samsung galaxy note 2 running Beams rom 18. Based on 4.1.2 seems to have helped a lot with Bluetooth disconnects. Will update if text messaging is fixed as well with reliability issues so far its been working haven't missed a text yet. From day one have always been able to send text messages through voice command. I was running beans 10 which is based on 4.1and bluetooth would disconnect constantly.
For the people that have android phones bluetooth problems usually are caused by the kernel. So if you're rooted try flashing different kernels
I use rdio streaming over bluetooth for music seems to work very well with uconnect

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
 
#6 ·
Thanks for your feedback. Could you give me some more info on your experience? How long have you been using your Note 2 with the Jeep, do you stream music through BT? What music player are you using?

Thanks!
I have been using the note2 with the jeep for a couple of months. I mainly just use the bluetooth calling. I did try the streaming and it seemed to work fine with the stock player. However, I have not tested it extensively. I ended up loading an SD card with music and use it primarily. I had not tested the texting until today but was able to send and listen to a text with the Jeep. I have been using the developer ROMS though since i got the phone. I initially used another one but the developer stopped updating it so i switched to Jedi a while back. I will try the streaming some more to make sure i don't get any skipping with it.

Edit: moved from the other uconnect thread to here.
 
#77 ·
I have been using the note2 with the jeep for a couple of months. I mainly just use the bluetooth calling. I did try the streaming and it seemed to work fine with the stock player. However, I have not tested it extensively. I ended up loading an SD card with music and use it primarily. I had not tested the texting until today but was able to send and listen to a text with the Jeep. I have been using the developer ROMS though since i got the phone. I initially used another one but the developer stopped updating it so i switched to Jedi a while back. I will try the streaming some more to make sure i don't get any skipping with it.

Edit: moved from the other uconnect thread to here.
I have a Galaxy Note II and have no problems with calls or streaming music, but the voice to text is not available. I see the "messaging" soft key on the screen, but it is not fully illuminated. How do I set this up for voice to text? I am not receiving incoming text messages either.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I have rec'd info that the Motorola Razr HD has a strong Antenna and not had a problem with connectivity with Uconnect. I do not know which carrier he is using.
the specs on this phone are published at Verizon but there is no info on Antenna strength on any of the phones. Does anyone know if the other phones listed have any features or improvements over this phone? It is less expensive than the Apple I5 or Samsung S4 and the same price as the Apple S4 and the Samsung S3. I note that the Android O.S. indicates it is using "ice cream sandwich" upgradable to (at a cost?) to "jelly bean"
I tried to get help at of Verion as my first cell phone from them was at least adequate so far as reception goes but my second "improved" phone was woefully inadequate with most calls dropped in my rural area. Verizon has no phones for testing and offers just a 14 day return with no refund of the $30 activation fee and a 15% restock fee which is no help at all. Since the Uconnect has a nice feature of voice commands it is important that it is not paired with an inadequate cell phone.
 
#8 ·
Hey guys and gals. I had commented on a previous post that I am now using beans 18 on my Verizon note 2 after using stock rooted. In my 3 days with the car 2 texts have notified me on screen and through the speakers. That is probably out of 150 received. I started beans today and my short trip to starbucks and back the messages button was grayed out. Yes, the phone did ask if could upload the messages to uconnect. So not sure what the issue is. I was thinking of trying liquid smooth which is 4.2.2.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
 
#10 ·
I'm not sure of the current firmware (I don't keep track of that).
But here's my info for others to use.

Radio - UConnect 430N
Cell Phone - Samsung Galaxy S4 (Sprint) SPH-L720
Android Version 4.2.2

I have Bluetooth connection, phone book download, AND now it will read incoming SMS/text messages (apparently send also, but I haven't tried that yet). It takes a couple minutes after the text message arrives for the system to acknowledge it.

My previous cell phone was a Samsung Nexus S 4G. Bluetooth and phone book download worked fine, but the SMS/text message feature did not.
 
#57 ·
I'm not sure of the current firmware (I don't keep track of that).
But here's my info for others to use.

Radio - UConnect 430N
Cell Phone - Samsung Galaxy S4 (Sprint) SPH-L720
Android Version 4.2.2

I have Bluetooth connection, phone book download, AND now it will read incoming SMS/text messages (apparently send also, but I haven't tried that yet). It takes a couple minutes after the text message arrives for the system to acknowledge it.

My previous cell phone was a Samsung Nexus S 4G. Bluetooth and phone book download worked fine, but the SMS/text message feature did not.
Ack! This thread is all over the place :confused:. This post was the most informative to me.

Anyhow, my details are as follows:

2014 JGC Limited with 8A4 system (nav upgraded)
software version: 13.15.4

Phone: iPhone 5
software: 6.1.4
Carrier: AT&T

To get things to work, first I had to pair the phone with the unconnect, which is easy enough. Then to get the phonebook and texts to work I had to select the uconnect device tab under the Bluetooth menu and turn these two features on. The "show notifications" on/off toggle is what makes the texts work.

No problems streaming music, including using apps like Pandora or Slacker, No problem with the phonebook porting over, though some people's numbers show up twice for some reason? As fort he texts, the system will only receive texts with my iPhone. It does not send them, but as another posted in here, you can activate Siri from the phone itself and she comes on over the stereo, which seems to work OK. I do hope that with future iOS/Uconnect updates that the iPhone will be able to reply to texts via the Uconnect.

I would be interested to know if there are any phones out there that are fully compatible with ALL features to include free form text replies?
 
#11 ·
I use a Verizon Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD running jelly bean 4.1.2 and the wife has an iPhone 5 with the latest IOS 6.something.or another. Both of us only use them for Bluetooth phone function so I cannot comment about streaming music. But neither of us has had a problem with phone function or maintaining pairing. Neither of us has a lot of contacts in our phone either but the few we have seem to be there. They both work fine in our '14 Limited with the 8.4AN and in our '11 Laredo X with the 430N
 
#14 ·
I use a Verizon Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD running jelly bean 4.1.2 and the wife has an iPhone 5 with the latest IOS 6.something.or another. Both of us only use them for Bluetooth phone function so I cannot comment about streaming music. But neither of us has had a problem with phone function or maintaining pairing. Neither of us has a lot of contacts in our phone either but the few we have seem to be there. They both work fine in our '14 Limited with the 8.4AN and in our '11 Laredo X with the 430N
Thanks for your report, Since you are using the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD can you tell the forum if the phone has the S Voice system included? I note that Apple has the Siri voice recognition system and Samsung S4 is competing with the S4. When looking at the spec's on the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD and the Motorola Droid Razr HD, the S Voice system is not mentioned.
 
#12 ·
There was a comment by Torifile on the other thread about the Apple I5 and the Samung I4 drop test that touts the I5 over the S4 Sammy and that according the test I was all wet. I have been known to get things backwards from time to time to get people talking (ala Rush L). Apple has made the I5 more durable with an aluminum back. I would not recommend any cell be abused. (I have my current cell in a leather case because I have dropped it a number of times) (fumblefingers) :)
The rub probably comes from earlier versions of the Apple I phones that were very expensive shattered fobbles of Gorilla glass and the latest versions are more durable
 
#13 ·
There was a comment by Torifile on the other thread about the Apple I5 and the Samung I4 drop test that touts the I5 over the S4 Sammy and that according the test I was all wet. I have been known to get things backwards from time to time to get people talking (ala Rush L). Apple has made the I5 more durable with an aluminum back. I would not recommend any cell be abused. (I have my current cell in a leather case because I have dropped it a number of times) (fumblefingers) :)
The rub probably comes from earlier versions of the Apple I phones that were very expensive shattered fobbles of Gorilla glass and the latest versions are more durable
They are all better but they still need cases. My RAZR HD has held up pretty good bit hey some of these devices are around $600.00 so who wouldn't take care of them right?

You can read my comment I posted (stupidly) in the UConnect update thread.
 
#21 · (Edited)
This forum is so good as one topic has lead to another and I am finding out things that I did not know existed. The Uconnect pairing problems and the outdated compatibility charts pointed for the need for information that would enable all of the Jeep enthusiast to experience the best results with their new equipment. I have tried to follow some of the links to terms that were previously unknown to me and now that I have heard them may be helpful to other Jeep forum newbee's. I just heard the terms Jailbreak, Rooting, and Bricked so not knowing I googled the terms and found:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/

http://www.howtojailbreakiphone5s.com/

These sites speak to the subject of how the cell phone carriers and manufacturers restrict the use of devices that customer purchase in order to maximize, and redirect their usage to increase profitability. I suspect that most of us simply buy something off the shelf and expect it to work and are never really told what may be the most beneficial to us. The functions of jailbreaking and Rooting seem to be very interesting and would welcome discussion.
 
#22 ·
This forum is so good as one topic has lead to another and I am finding out things that I did not know existed. The Uconnect pairing problems and the outdated compatibility charts pointed for the need for information that would enable all of the Jeep enthusiast to experience the best results with their new equipment. I have tried to follow some of the links to terms that were previously unknown to me and now that I have heard them may be helpful to other Jeep forum newbee's. I just heard the terms Jailbreak, Rooting, and Bricked so not knowing I googled the terms and found:
[Updated] Rooting Explained + Top 5 Benefits Of Rooting Your Android Phone

http://www.howtojailbreakiphone5s.com/

These sites speak to the subject of how the cell phone carriers and manufacturers restrict the use of devices that customer purchase in order to maximize, and redirect their usage to increase profitability. I suspect that most of us simply buy something off the shelf and expect it to work and are never really told what may be the most beneficial to us. The functions of jailbreaking and Rooting seem to be very interesting and would welcome discussion.
A lot of my partners in crime run rooted and jail broke devices. I tried with the iPhone 5 I have and got frustrated and gave up. I should likely try again. The free software is often better.
 
#24 ·
Willx were you on yo something regarding the protocol in regards to some of us not getting messages to work via uconnect?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
It is "MAP" it is more a cell phone issue that it is a UConnect issue

The cell phone software actually has some catching up to do here. It works OK with some carriers and not others which means the software tweaks of those carriers is not in line with the generally accepted norm for Message Access Protocol (MAP). It appears a number of the roots work better with this.
 
#28 ·
That is a huge bummer. Oh well.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
This is not to say that the next Android release won't deal with this. I found a lot of problems with ICS (ice cream sandwich).... ALL of which were very well addressed in Jelly Bean. I used to be fairly close with one of the Google founding 50 guys and they are super focused on what people actually end up doing with their phones. If they figure they can improve their product by incorporating better external support I would place money on it that will be addressed in future releases.

Just saying that you may not need to root your device if you are not comfortable with that....(normally I don't). Google will very likely address this soon.
 
#31 ·
Hahhaha. No, if only I had that kind of upstream influence.

Google will address message mapping in the near future. IOS 7 is a major change in IOS thinking.... Google always plays this game so expect some very cool things in the next 4 months. That is all I can say.
 
#33 · (Edited)
Since I am interested in Wireless WIFI and hate the data limitation this forum has led me into new areas. I found that on Android devices that have been rooted WIFI tethering is a possibility. Some how I thought that option was already available on new Apple I5, Is4 and Samsung S4 and Motrola RAZR HD
android-wifi-tether - Wireless Tether for Root Users - Google Project Hosting
Any data transfer incurred using wireless tethering will be deducted from the smartphone user's data allowance.
Wireless Tethering | eHow
c
Verizon sales told me I could use these cells with my home WIFI cable router without using data minutes. Is Verizon sales bamboozeling me?
 
#34 ·
Since I am interested in Wireless WIFI and hate the data limitation this forum has led me into new areas. I found that on Android devices that have been rooted WIFI tethering is a possibility. Some how I thought that option was already available on new Apple I5, Is4 and Samsung S4 and Motrola RAZR HD
android-wifi-tether - Wireless Tether for Root Users - Google Project Hosting
I use my phone as a wireless hotspot for 3G or 4G access all the time.

If you guys see me post on the weekends I am often doing this in the wilderness via a Wilson Cell booster.
 
#41 ·
"Since you are using the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD can you tell the forum if the phone has the S Voice system included? "

No S Voice on the Razr Maxx HD. Some kind of Google voice command thing. I've done a couple of searches and dialed a few call with it but really don't use voice command much. Seemed to work okay for those things. About the only time I use voice command to dial is through UConnect when driving.
 
#47 · (Edited)
That is good to know. Let us know when U find out how to use it with Uconnect. Verizon apparently found that the Nexus Android phones were being rooted so dumped them a free widgets were being downloaded that got around their WIFI system that was programmed through their Menu and caused their user to be charged minutes and byts on their ltd data plans. I hope what you say about Verizon including a free hotspot is not just a come on which once their customers get hooked, they will up the price of their plans.:eek:
 
#52 · (Edited)
You guys opened up a new window. Paranoia! that w know that Big Brother is watching and Cyber criminals are lurking unsuspecting Dummies not only need know how to link their new ride to other useful devices like cell phones and antitheft devices but also the need for protecting the add on devices with a form of cyber security.

Most computer users have some form of internet security software on their computers as most new computers come from the store with some form of trial software that is pre installed. But how about Smart phones?


With the mention of Jailbreak and Rooting of operating system and the introduction of thousands of "free" apps, we need to know how to not only protect our cell phones with some type of mobile security but also what effect could be lurking from Trojans and Virus that some enterprising criminal could exploit.

The thought of Jailbreaking a Apple EOS and Rooting of the Android platforms makes me wonder about the need for Security software to protect the Operating systems.
So with My new Jeep equipped with my new cell phone will my wife be able to track me to some local bar or brothel? (joke).

I see that Verizon has a security package for Android systems that cost 1.99 per month and Kaspersky Mobile, Norton, and McAfee have protection products but the Apple EOS systems are not mentioned. I don't want to be an unsuspecting crappie that bites at just any dough ball (free APP) that some criminal uses for bait. The verizon Wireless security mentions Android devices only and it uses McAfee as their system which I personally to find to be lacking.

With the mobile carriers trying to maximize profits and our dependence in computer use and the effect of methods that software engineers are trying to use to improve their systems, It is a wonder that Uconnect can keep their systems operational.

Are we destined to be forced to hire a Guardiano as prosperous people do in Mexico to keep muggers from tracking us down or cyber crooks from inserting exploits?


As a teenager we would do pranks on others like taking the rotors out of the distributer. It scares me to think a Hacker could maybe lock me out or disable the vehicle in the back country. (How's that for paranoia?)
 
#53 ·
I don't disagree with your theory entirely... however Generally the professional virus business has turned away from retribution and is focused on profits.

It is part of the reason why MAC Viruses are still fairly rare. If you are going to write something that will make you money than you will not attack the smallest population (you now look at a certain cell plus Jeep owners)

To completely calm your fears though... the UConnect system is autonomous from the vehicle modules that control the vehicle functions. When the vehicle arrives from the factory the UConnect system is completely disabled and so are all of the fancy functions it does. The vehicle of course doesnt care so it starts and runs normally, the only items that are disabled are the radio, passive and keyless entry as well as advanced climate items like heated seats etc. So really all a hacker could do if they were to waste there time on this is make it so you can't listen to your radio or use your heated seats (HVAC still works in a general fashion so you won't freeze to death).

The vehicle functions need to be separate for good reason. It is why sometimes people are confusing a UConnect software update with a certain vehicle function when frankly all UConnect does is "talk" to the other modules in the car.

But interesting theory none the less.
 
#54 ·
My post was sort of a fun thing to do. I know there are at least 10 Mobile security software applications out there to purchase. Personally, I use Kaspersky IS on home computer and I note that KAS mobile only protects Android devices. Verizon provides McAfee for about $2.00 a month, but I don't like Mc. Most Antivirus software cautions that one must remove all traces of other AVP before installing their product and i am wondering if Verison in their tinkering with the OS causes problems. Since UCONNECT appears to work on Note 2 phones that have been rooted and appears to have problems with nonrooted phones, It leads me to confirm my theory that it is the cell carriers and not UCONNECT are causing the problems.

I hope we can compile enough information that will allow the Uconnect people to promptly publish an up to date compatiality chart and to make improvements to their wizzard.
 
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