Excore GX 2020---Still no headway with text-reading...really, Buick? Still no Bluetooth Android Auto? In 2021?

[BookishB]

I'm so aggravated. So I don't want to pay $15 a month, but then ... no texts. So I hotspot from my phone, but I only get a chime sound. I can't wait to dump this car because of connectivity issues. I love my older Encores, where his all worked GREAT w/o data plan and a freaking CORD?

I keep hoping MAYBE there will be a software upgrade that makes Android Auto bluetooth.

 

[MelsRegal]

Have you checked if your phone is compatible by going to the link below?
Have you contacted the support number in the link below?

Site Maintenance

 

[BookishB]

Yes, compatible phone.

"Hands Free Calling is not available in model year 2020 or newer vehicles. Requires active service and available minutes."

I did contact that number, a guy from Buick called me to tell me of this switch and encouraged me to buy the data package and plug in my phone.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Not sure what you are referring to, but there's definitely some confusion on what you are looking to obtain.

 

[BookishB]

I could get in my 2018 (or 2016) Buick Encore. It instantly recognized Spotify and would open it and connect to the podcast I was listening to. If a text came in, it was instantly read. I couldn't respond, but it was read. No, none of that unless I'm tethered to the car, via USB, tapping ANDROID AUTO on both my car screen and the cell phone screen, making my paid-for wireless charging pad obsolete because a plugged in phone can't make contact on the small space it needs to do so. So in 2021, if a text comes in, I need to pick up my phone and read it from the screen. RIDICULOUS and such a safety hazard. And if I do want it read aloud? $15 a month to Buick.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Still not clear on why a data plan is required to hear your phone read a text? Sorry to question it but when I can get turn by turn maps, music, calls and texts all running through my Bluetooth aux receiver in a 1995 Lesabre without OnStar I can't think why a data plan would be needed or even used.

Maybe post where this information on the data plan is needed for reading phone texts as I'm sure others would be interested in this problem and OnStar / GM reasons for doing it.

 

[BookishB]

That's like what I used to have with my 2016 and 2018 Encores. Then this change was made. I asked why my texts were no longer being read aloud, on the phone with Buick, and I was told it required a data plan.

 

[BookishB]

Lots of outrage about this, like this guy ...


First they give us wireless charging and then take away apps that worked wirelessly and make us use an app that needs to be plugged in to work. So to use my messaging (SMS) I need to plug my phone in, activate Android Auto (In my case) and then select the app from there.
Oh that is so much better then just having an app for it built in..

GM Infotainment Systems Ditch Text Messaging Feature

GM's built-in SMS reading and replying feature has been replaced outright by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

gmauthority.com

 

[DocBrown]

Are you saying you don't have a data plan on your phone?

 

[mitchflorida]

You may have to bite the bullet and plug your phone into the USB jack like everyone else. There is an adapter that will soon be available for $65 that will allow you to connect to Android Auto wirelesly.

AAWireless

 

[BookishB]

Yes to a data plan on my phone. The Encore GX 2020 requires MY BUICK data to make many features work. I'm not making this up. Not OnStar data. MYBUICK data..

Angered that I paid extra for a wireless charging pad that isn't useable when my phone is plugged in, as the phone has to be flat and it cannot be with the USB cord attached. main aggravation: my 2018 did this SEEMLESSLY and I expected the 2020 to be even BETTER. It's NOT.

If this isn't in a vehicle that affects you as a daily driver, maybe it's not a big deal. My hubby is a car guy, and it PISSES him off that I have to be tethered to a cord to get a text on my 40 minute commute every day. He has older vehicles that read texts alod with no issues, including our Porsche and our Camaro., I just want wireless texting back. Removing it? Asinine.

 

[DocBrown]

I just did a little digging. Android Auto can't use Bluetooth because of bandwidth requirements. Android Auto wireless is available and does work on the Encore GX, however it uses WiFi (by design, that's the way Google implemented it). Google assumed everyone has WiFI connectivity in their cars. That explains the need for the monthly plan through MyBuick.

You might consider looking for a different type of USB cord that has a connector that lets the phone sit flat, (although GM claims the one that came with the phone is the only one that will work). I've used this place for odd connector needs, as well as Amazon. Perhaps a 90° connector might work.
https://www.cyberguys.com/product-listings/?categoryid=1337

That said I agree that this is a step backward. I'd write a letter or email to GM/Buick customer service and explain what you told us. Enough complaints and they may very well bring back the Bluetooth connectivity, though that doesn't help you in the short term.

 

[MelsRegal]

What happens if you disable AA on the phone and car, connect phone to the car via BT.
Can you then see a text message received on your phone?

 

[BookishB]

No, I cannot..

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

If the $15 is what it cost to have it work the way you want it to, that's what it takes. As phones and there respective OS change more often than people change car's taking the safer route of USB connections is playing the long odds.

 

[BookishB]

It's $15 a month and still using the plug in USB. I fail to see how plugging something in and having a cord hanging around my dash is safer than wireless. Never mind.

 

[DocBrown]

It's $15 a month and still using the plug in USB. I fail to see how plugging something in and having a cord hanging around my dash is safer than wireless. Never mind.

Huh? What doesn't work with the USB? You should only need a data plan for a wireless Android Auto connection.

 

[mitchflorida]

-----

 

[cz9h3d]

This thread is totally mixing up terms and issues. Former GM infotainment engineer here. The GX has the newest Info 3.0 system.
#1) IMO, Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay) are superior to any built-in BT connected options or built-in apps. It will totally alert and read your texts (and allow you to respond via voice). It will play Spotify (allow you to select playlists, songs, etc.) AND by plugging in, your phone will be charging (faster than your mat). It gets and keeps the phone out of your hand and gives superior integration.
#2) WiFi: You do not need to subscribe to the $15 WiFi plan. This turns your car into a hotspot, allows your phone to use your car’s (AT&T) data instead of your phone providers. Or passengers/kids to connect to it. Another subscription most don’t need...because we already pay for it on our phones! Useful if you have a low data cap on your phone. My guess in what your dealer was suggesting - to use the Buick apps on the radio (or downloaded from the Buick App Store on the radio screen), the radio needs data. Hence, paying $15/month for the data plan gets you this. My opinion - Try Android Auto, so much better.
Suggestion: See if your dealer has a trained tech expert, and set up a 30 minute session. Explain what you used to do and desire, but be open to change - it will be better, give change a chance. Or buy an older Encore.
Another alternative - no reason why you can’t play the Spotify app on your phone and have it stream via BT to your car. Assume this was your prior method? Again, get the dealership tech guy to help. Texts over BT are still built-in to listen, just like your prior Encore, too.

For others in this thread...Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto: These use a WiFi connection between phone/car to get the required bandwidth. But totally different from how existing WiFi connections are used by a phone. Just know it’s wireless, sets up seamless, and doesn’t impact any other wireless connections.

 

[mitchflorida]

Her biggest complaint about the car is the four seconds it takes to plug the phone into USB. There are also several free text-reading apps in the App Store.