A 8 Cell phone
#1
A 8 Cell phone
What a set up!
First you can only store 20 "voice activated" numbers and you can not program a "pause" so if you need to use typical voice mails; you have to use the physical phone.
Now that brings up the second issue- how do you use the V 60- its buried in the center console!
Issue # 3- How do you get call waiting?
When I called Motorola their response was "these issues will be addressed in 2005 model year; no software upgrades are expected".
What are we supposed to do with a $75,000 car that doesn't have basic cell phone use?
First you can only store 20 "voice activated" numbers and you can not program a "pause" so if you need to use typical voice mails; you have to use the physical phone.
Now that brings up the second issue- how do you use the V 60- its buried in the center console!
Issue # 3- How do you get call waiting?
When I called Motorola their response was "these issues will be addressed in 2005 model year; no software upgrades are expected".
What are we supposed to do with a $75,000 car that doesn't have basic cell phone use?
#2
Take a look at your OnStar options
I, too am extremely disappointed by the lack of a viable cell phone option in my new '04 A8L.
I already have a cell phone, but bought the v60 cradle thinking that I'd get a phone for in-car use, and emergency outbound calling.
When my salesman showed me how to work the cradle, using his own v60 phone, I was unimpressed by the demo. (Unfortunately, I already paid $300 for the cradle.) I also found out that if you buy the v60 from Amerivan Wireless as is suggested by Audi, it will cost over $400. This is for a phone that is at least (by Motorola standards), two generations old, and that Verizon would usually throw in for free with new service activation.
So, I took a look at the cell phone options built into the OnStar unit. If you push the hands free button on the steering wheel, you have a fully functional cell phone, with voice-activated dialing, ability to save frequently-called numbers by nametag, and perfect integration. You also can call OnStar and get the phone number of your car's unit, for receiving incoming calls, which are also hands-free. For true "portability" just set your existing cell phone to "call-forward" to your OnStar number whevever you don't pick up within a certain number of rings.
Cellular calling with OnStar is more expensive since you pre-pay minutes, but there are no roaming charges, and no monthly fees, so if you are a light or moderate cell user you'll probably save money. The OnStar cell phone is an analog (not digital) phone, but it is also a full 3 watts, as compared to the v60 at 0.6 watts, and you'll probably be able to use it in more places than your v60, especially with the car mounted antenna included in the OnStar "pod".
Another great feature of the OnStar cell phone is the "Virtual Advisor". Just say "Virtual Advisor" at the prompt and you'll be taken to a voice menu where you can retrieve news, weather, traffic reports in a truly local 5-20 mile radius that you select, and even eMail. Mind you, all of this is hands-free, using one button on your steering wheel and voice commands.
I can't figure out why anyone who already has a cell phone would be foolish enough to purchase a v60 for their A8L, especially since the OnStar cellular option can outperform the v60 anytime. Your Audi dealer should be more informative about OnStar, I had to find out about it myself. OnStar is free for the first year of A8L ownership, and 30 cellular minutes are included for free, too.
No, I don't work for OnStar, I am just a Gynecologist who loves his new A8L, probably knows too much about cellular technology, and who really loves the OnStar option, which may be the coolest option in this already gadget-loaded car.
Give it a try before you shell out $400, and at least a $20 per month calling plan fee for an already obsolete v60.
I already have a cell phone, but bought the v60 cradle thinking that I'd get a phone for in-car use, and emergency outbound calling.
When my salesman showed me how to work the cradle, using his own v60 phone, I was unimpressed by the demo. (Unfortunately, I already paid $300 for the cradle.) I also found out that if you buy the v60 from Amerivan Wireless as is suggested by Audi, it will cost over $400. This is for a phone that is at least (by Motorola standards), two generations old, and that Verizon would usually throw in for free with new service activation.
So, I took a look at the cell phone options built into the OnStar unit. If you push the hands free button on the steering wheel, you have a fully functional cell phone, with voice-activated dialing, ability to save frequently-called numbers by nametag, and perfect integration. You also can call OnStar and get the phone number of your car's unit, for receiving incoming calls, which are also hands-free. For true "portability" just set your existing cell phone to "call-forward" to your OnStar number whevever you don't pick up within a certain number of rings.
Cellular calling with OnStar is more expensive since you pre-pay minutes, but there are no roaming charges, and no monthly fees, so if you are a light or moderate cell user you'll probably save money. The OnStar cell phone is an analog (not digital) phone, but it is also a full 3 watts, as compared to the v60 at 0.6 watts, and you'll probably be able to use it in more places than your v60, especially with the car mounted antenna included in the OnStar "pod".
Another great feature of the OnStar cell phone is the "Virtual Advisor". Just say "Virtual Advisor" at the prompt and you'll be taken to a voice menu where you can retrieve news, weather, traffic reports in a truly local 5-20 mile radius that you select, and even eMail. Mind you, all of this is hands-free, using one button on your steering wheel and voice commands.
I can't figure out why anyone who already has a cell phone would be foolish enough to purchase a v60 for their A8L, especially since the OnStar cellular option can outperform the v60 anytime. Your Audi dealer should be more informative about OnStar, I had to find out about it myself. OnStar is free for the first year of A8L ownership, and 30 cellular minutes are included for free, too.
No, I don't work for OnStar, I am just a Gynecologist who loves his new A8L, probably knows too much about cellular technology, and who really loves the OnStar option, which may be the coolest option in this already gadget-loaded car.
Give it a try before you shell out $400, and at least a $20 per month calling plan fee for an already obsolete v60.
#3
Re: Take a look at your OnStar options
I found a solution!
I removed the mount in the console and the wiring is identical to the '03. I mounted it on the passenger side and bought the holder for $145 and READY to go! It looks good and I can use Verizon!
The OnStar charges for calls made that are "busy" etc...........not a good plan @ all.
I removed the mount in the console and the wiring is identical to the '03. I mounted it on the passenger side and bought the holder for $145 and READY to go! It looks good and I can use Verizon!
The OnStar charges for calls made that are "busy" etc...........not a good plan @ all.
#4
Re: Take a look at your OnStar options
I'd love to see a picture of how the alternate mounting looks. I am a bit unclear about where your phone is mounted, and whether you were able to use the dealer supplied cradle. Also, does that v60 work with the steering wheel button, like the OnStar? A picture or explanation about how you did the work would be greatly appreciated.
FYI- you are incorrect about OnStar charges. Here is what their WebSite Says:
"Personal Calling charges begin when the white dot button is pushed to initiate a call and end when the white dot button is pushed to end the call. Subscribers will be charged for calls that ring unanswered or signal busy for ten seconds or more, after which subscribers will be charged for all air time, including the first minute, regardless of whether a connection is made. Airtime usage is calculated to the next full minute with a one-minute minimum."
If you let an outbound call ring unanswered for a long time, or listen to a busy signal for more than 10 seconds, you SHOULD be charged. The same rules apply with any conventional cellphone, too.
FYI- you are incorrect about OnStar charges. Here is what their WebSite Says:
"Personal Calling charges begin when the white dot button is pushed to initiate a call and end when the white dot button is pushed to end the call. Subscribers will be charged for calls that ring unanswered or signal busy for ten seconds or more, after which subscribers will be charged for all air time, including the first minute, regardless of whether a connection is made. Airtime usage is calculated to the next full minute with a one-minute minimum."
If you let an outbound call ring unanswered for a long time, or listen to a busy signal for more than 10 seconds, you SHOULD be charged. The same rules apply with any conventional cellphone, too.
#6
The point is that AoA shouldn't be selling an inferior phone solution...
like the V60. Look at the bad comments it has received from 04 A8L owners. Even if the OnStar phone function is superior in some areas (although it is limited -- no keypad dialing, no caller ID, and no phone book scrolling) AoA is offering the V60 to their customers as a telephone solution, and it has so many shortcomings that it is negatively impacting owners' impressions of their overall A8L experience. Would have been better for AoA to offer no phone option at all in my opinion -- not great as their competitors have figured out how to do the integration we all want -- but at least not the frustrating semi-solution that the V60 represents.
I only took the V60 because I got it free as part compensation for a goof made on the option list for my pre-ordered car. But if I had to pay for what I have now, I'd be steaming. As it stands, I'm just annoyed, and waiting patiently for a software upgrade that makes this most basic of luxury car features work properly.
By the way, AoA, I'd gladly pay for an upgrade that incorporated the features listed above and in my previous long post, plus BlueTooth and the ability to somehow make it easier to dial subsequent numbers (e.g., voicemail passwords, etc) without doing contortions to reach the keypad.
I only took the V60 because I got it free as part compensation for a goof made on the option list for my pre-ordered car. But if I had to pay for what I have now, I'd be steaming. As it stands, I'm just annoyed, and waiting patiently for a software upgrade that makes this most basic of luxury car features work properly.
By the way, AoA, I'd gladly pay for an upgrade that incorporated the features listed above and in my previous long post, plus BlueTooth and the ability to somehow make it easier to dial subsequent numbers (e.g., voicemail passwords, etc) without doing contortions to reach the keypad.
Trending Topics
#8
Re: I agree. AoA should be ashamed of this, and FIX it.
Sometimes I feel like we were a part of an "overstocked fire sale with no discount" when we got our V.60's...I love the voice activation that I have with the Verizon Plan, but as far as the keypad contorsions I must go through...at times it's plain dangerous. Either a phone or MMI upgrade is needed ASAP!
#9
Re: The point is that AoA shouldn't be selling an inferior phone solution...
Audi should offer the V60 that fits INTO the top of the armrest with a cover that slides across it while at the same time moving the armrests forward a bit. Audi, can you hear us?
greenie
04 A8L silver/sabre
greenie
04 A8L silver/sabre
#10
Re: A 8 Cell phone--Sound Quality?
Visiting from A6 world. I have a 2002 A6 with Onstar and the Motorola V.60 phone. The phone features work fine and you can raise it from the cradle at the top of the center console.
But.. the quality of the sound is poor. When I call people, they say I sound like I'm talking into a cheap speakerphone.
How is the sound quality on your V.60's?
By the way, I'm thinking of going for the new A8.
But.. the quality of the sound is poor. When I call people, they say I sound like I'm talking into a cheap speakerphone.
How is the sound quality on your V.60's?
By the way, I'm thinking of going for the new A8.