New CamerAlert user - Good and bad feelings!

[jonnyprice]

Hey all

I just wanted to drop a quick line to say how much im loving the CamerAlert app.

Im a recent convert to Apple devices, and switched to an iPhone 4s from a BlackBerry 9780. Im really pleased with the apps that can be downloaded, and was expecially chuffed when I spotted that CamerAlert was now free, so I decided to giv it a try.

After a few teething problems, I decided that RTFM was the way forward. Once I'd read the manual I understood how to work the app and was very happy with it. I even managed to make my first submission using the app for a camera that the software seemed to know about, but it thought was facing the opposite direction (so no warning was given), and was really pleased with its ease of use.

I use a TomTom dedicated SatNav, and have the PGPSW database on there too, but I must admit it is a bit of a pain to connect it up to my PC and update it every time a new database is issued. The sooner TT allow OTA updates from other sources the better.

I think the best feature I've used so far is the fact that the database can be downloaded OTA, and as I'm on unlimited data allowance I can do this often with no worries. This is certainly a massive improvement upon having to remember where my USB cable has gone, and boot up my aging PC!!

The worst feature I've found so far is the sound. It would be really neat if the app developers could find a way to develop the software to use Bluetooth ONLY when it needs to speak. That way I can enjoy my music or radio programme at whatever volume I wish, and not have to worry about missing a camera. My built-in SatNav (which is horrendously out of date) has such a feature, but I suppose this is easy as it is connected to the car already. Perhaps PGPSW could develop their database for inbuilt satnavs like mine? But I think that CamerAlert using Bluetooth only when a camera is in range would be a better option.

My 4s' Siri uses Bluetooth in this way - I press for Siri and it connects to my hands free. Im no developer so I dont know how easy it is to create such a thing?

Overall Im hapy with it. It's much more convenient than the database for the TomTom device, and can be updated on the fly, which is probably it's best feature. Lets see what the future brings, but I think this app is going to go from strength to strength.

J

[MaFt]

Siri connecting to Handsfree is a different bluetooth protocol altogether. That uses the handsfree calling profile whereas sending audio (music, alerts etc) uses the A2DP profile.

As far as I'm aware though it DOES only use the A2DP profile when it has to give a sound. I think the issue could be your stereo - if your stereo detects BT audio does it automatically switch to that mode? or do you need to keep it on the BT audio input option?

One option could be to use the iPod app on the phone to play your music through the BT on the stereo the, when CamerAlert needs to talk, it can pause or lower the volume and give the alert through the stereo?

It's difficult to say though without knowing your exact set up - what music are you listening to? how is your phone connected tot he stereo etc etc

MaFt
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[jonnyprice]

Hey MaFt,

I've just been reading through other forums where the type of bluetooth is mentioned. I'm a techy by trade (Fixed telecoms & Data) so will read up and try and understand.

I've not tried to play music via bluetooth as yet, but will give it a whirl this evening.

In terms of the stereo - it automatically switches to the bluetooth when there is an active 'connection', so for example when I press the home button and Siri kicks in, the stereo will automatically cut to the bluetooth connection, however it sees Siri as an 'active call' so I suspect I may be unfortunate enough to have the type of stereo which won't support music. It would be interesting however to see what happens if I ask Siri to play music.

If I press the homoe button and talk to Siri (e.g. 'Remind me to take an umbrealla to work today at 0700'), but then cancel my request (e.g. Siri: 'Here's your reminder for 0700 today. It says 'Take a unicorn to the seaside today. Shall I create it?' Me: WTF? 'No. Cancel'. Siri: 'Ok. I won't remind you'.) The 'Active call' stays active, but there is no sound. I then have to press the microphone Icon to talk to Siri again.

I can press 'End Call' on the phone or the stereo to kill the connection.

I've posted on a forum dedicated for my car (http://www.x-trail-uk.co.uk) to see if any of them happen to know which type of BT the car uses.

I think I've still got a bluetooth headset that I used with my old phone, so that might be an option to explore.

[lbendlin]

We will also investigate what it takes to make CamerAlert pretend to be on a Bluetooth call.
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Lutz

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[jonnyprice]

Cool. Cheers for that!

Just to update you, I tried to play music, and it just killed the BT connection and played music via the iPhone's speakers.

[DennisN]

[lbendlin]

[DennisN]

I did say I couldn't believe myself.
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Dennis
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