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2013 Acura RDX

283 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 12:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? Acura RDX, SUV

Messages Page 22 of 29

#204 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [texan8899] by stickguy

Sep 01, 2012 (10:10 am)

Replying to: texan8899 (Sep 01, 2012 9:43 am)
I (well, my wife gets it) just picked up a base model last night. The salesguy did sync her iphone for us, and we practiced receiving a call. But, have not tried to really use it yet to make a call, so will have to play with that this weekend.
 
and our Garmin works just fine too.

#205 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [stickguy] by roadrunner56

Sep 02, 2012 (9:19 am)

Replying to: stickguy (Sep 01, 2012 10:10 am)
Well, we are still having the same issues with voice dialing on the 2013 RDX with Tech package. There doesn't seem to be any fix except to get an RDX without Tech. That is a sad state of affairs. And a big warning to anyone considering the Tech package. Don't do it -- unless you love gadgets more than convenience, and unless you don't mind being distracted for a while every time you make a call.
 
Save your money and your sanity and get a Garmin.

#207 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [roadrunner56] by clint1970

Sep 05, 2012 (6:14 am)

Replying to: roadrunner56 (Sep 02, 2012 9:19 am)
I've had the AWD with Tech package for about 2 weeks now. I have no problems with the voice dialing nor the navigation. It might not behave exactly how one wants or is "used to", but I don't think it's that big a deal. In general, making/receiving calls and controlling the navigation is decent enough, although maybe not perfect. I highly recommend the Tech package. BTW, we love all other aspects of the RDX so far as well. Lack of AC vents in the rear seat is our biggest complaint.

#208 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [clint1970] by 4mercoachrick

Sep 05, 2012 (7:00 am)

Replying to: clint1970 (Sep 05, 2012 6:14 am)
I'll agree about the voice activated system...I'm still learning it, but it does what I want so far. I'm a button-pusher anyway...just an old dog, I reckon. Our Scottie-girl will miss the rear seat ventilation, also. Haven't taken any long trips with her yet.
 
I will miss the 12v outlet in the cargo area...all the Volvos had that; but my biggest gripe so far is the horrible console compartment cover. While it's large enough and almost tall enough to be an arm rest, it opens about 60% and blocks my right arm from being able to reach in comfortably. The lid should be able to open to a full horizontal position, fully out of the way...and it could double as a tray or extra cup holders IF they wanted to copy one of the Volvo designs from a few years back.

#209 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [clint1970] by roadrunner56

Sep 05, 2012 (7:04 am)

Replying to: clint1970 (Sep 05, 2012 6:14 am)
clint1970, post #207.
 
Of course, everyone is entitled to his own opinion about the Tech package on the 2013 RDX, but two aspects of the current voice dialing seem to me to take this issue beyond the realm of just opinion. First, the greater number of steps in making voice-dialed calls means greater driver distraction and that's just a decrease in safety that can't be ignored. Not to mention that the greater number of steps also introduces more points of failure in the process, necessitating yet more steps and more distraction if any of the steps fails. Second, it's important to keep in mind that the new, more complicated voice-dialing on the 2013 RDX Tech package is a retrograde step. Acura has made voice dialing easier in the past, both on Tech packages and in the current 2013 RDX models without Tech. Now, we're going backwards! On a basic and important function in 2012, on $40,000 luxury car, where the Tech package alone costs about $4,000, going backwards is just unacceptable.
 
Again, you're entitled to your opinion, of course, and you may think the decrease is safety due to distraction is acceptable and that a backward step in voice dialing is not a big deal, but I hope you'll agree that these issues go far beyond the "gee, I wish the RDX came with white leather" kind of issue.

#210 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [roadrunner56] by twwilliam

Sep 05, 2012 (7:47 am)

Replying to: roadrunner56 (Sep 05, 2012 7:04 am)
I agree with you 100%. Add to that, the voice tag phonebook maxes out at 20 numbers compared to the previous 50 numbers. I have used factory OEM, after market hands free systems and more recently Bluetooth since the early 1990s. I don't recall any being as ridiculous and difficult to use as that in the 2013 RDX Tech. Except for some nit picking items, I would give the vehicle a 10 out of 10 rating. With the new Tech Bluetooth system I can only rate it as a 5. In this day in age communications for business is by far more important than changing radio stations and heater settings via voice recognition, and in that aspect the 2013 RDX Tech fails miserably.

#211 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [twwilliam] by roadrunner56

Sep 05, 2012 (7:57 am)

Replying to: twwilliam (Sep 05, 2012 7:47 am)
ttwilliam, post #210
 
LOL! It's true after all, misery loves company!
 
I have been really shocked at the muted response the bad voice dialing on the 2013 RDX with Tech has been getting. By now, I would have thought there would be an uprising of dissatisfied owners. Maybe this will come later as the new Tech package gets rolled out across Acura's 2013 product line. Let's buy some popcorn and watch the fireworks!

#212 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [roadrunner56] by stickguy

Sep 05, 2012 (8:03 am)

Replying to: roadrunner56 (Sep 05, 2012 7:57 am)
now I am curious to try out the voice dialing on our (5 day old) base model. We have phones synced, but no voice tags stored (at lest according to what the car tells me when I push that button). Will need some time with the owners manual this weekend.
 
this is our first integrated bluetooth, so auto dialing is new to us. So fear we have received calls, and made them out via the phone, and that works fine.
 
and not everyone trys to conduct business from the car, so it is not as big a deal for some as it is for others.

#213 of 283 Re: Awful Voice Dialing -- Anyone else? [stickguy] by 4mercoachrick

Sep 05, 2012 (9:36 am)

Replying to: stickguy (Sep 05, 2012 8:03 am)
I suppose it is a bit more frustrating to those who A) Live and work in their cars and 2) Those who have had superior communications systems in previous vehicles. Personally, I can't think of more than 20 numbers I need on 'speed dial'...certainly not 50 ! I reckon a client list might produce those kinds of numbers, but, again, I'm not conducting business in the RDX. Coming from a pretty screwball Volvo 'Tech' system in the XC60, I find most of the features of the RDX system satisfying. I still REALLY don't like the console cubby cover...not one bit!(Stupid little shelf ) . I'll agree that voice control of the HVAC is pretty silly.

Messages Page 22 of 29

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