topic Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones in Z Series

Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:29:44 GMT

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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Uliwooly — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 17:24:49 GMT

@roemsi

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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 18:14:01 GMT

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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Uliwooly — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 18:16:56 GMT

@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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 08:12:43 GMT

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Uliwooly — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:47:47 GMT

@roemsi

Keep us updated

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:57:25 GMT

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/quietcomfort-20-acoustic-noise-cancelling-headphones-for-samsung-and-android-devices/

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:14:30 GMT

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).

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Uliwooly — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 05:03:01 GMT

@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?

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 05:35:00 GMT

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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Uliwooly — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:55:11 GMT

@roemsi

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

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Rickard — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:46:23 GMT

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?).

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 07:32:36 GMT

@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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Rickard — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:12:55 GMT

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 05:20:44 GMT

@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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

idod — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 03:39:45 GMT

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:18:11 GMT

@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. 😞

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Stuster — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 04:41:06 GMT

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

Rickard — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:54:37 GMT

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.

Re: Z3c and Bose QC20 Headphones

roemsi — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:07:27 GMT

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.