Voice Control and Speech - Issues and Questions

**angelus512** · 11-09-2013, 10:57 AM

Ok guys. I've returned to the forum after a while because I figure this question had been answered/solved by now. It was my recollection that it was the consensus of Australian Golf owners that the speaking/voice command symbol on the steering wheel beneath the call button was DISABLED for use in Australia.

Whereas in Europe you could press it and if you had Siri on your phone issue your phone voice commands that way. I am wondering
A) Is my recollection accurate?
B) Have any of us found a way to enable this as I imagine it can't be that difficult for an IT boffin.

C) I pressed it myself yesterday randomly and all it did was mute my speakers but thats it.

**Eaglehawk** · 11-09-2013, 11:22 AM

A) Yes.
B) No.
C) Yes.

**Ryan_R** · 13-09-2013, 08:38 AM

It could be enabled/disabled on the Mk6 using VCDS - maybe ask RossTech if they've sussed it out for the Mk7.

**b c** · 20-12-2013, 08:17 AM

Heard from Customer Care that Voice Activation is now available as an "Accessory" at the dealership, although just a software change/patch/upgrade. No idea how much they want. Will be takling to my dealer in the new year as it was advertised as a feature on my highline.

**DV52** · 20-12-2013, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by angelus512

Ok guys. I've returned to the forum after a while because I figure this question had been answered/solved by now. It was my recollection that it was the consensus of Australian Golf owners that the speaking/voice command symbol on the steering wheel beneath the call button was DISABLED for use in Australia.

Whereas in Europe you could press it and if you had Siri on your phone issue your phone voice commands that way. I am wondering
A) Is my recollection accurate?
B) Have any of us found a way to enable this as I imagine it can't be that difficult for an IT boffin.

C) I pressed it myself yesterday randomly and all it did was mute my speakers but thats it.

Angelus512: There are a few threads on this topic (which you should read). I assume that you bought a Golf Highline earlier in the year (as did I). I have had quite a few discussions with VW Aust. on this very matter (including other warranty issues). As I understand the facts, the April 2013 Brochure for the Golf advertised that the Highline series came standard with Voice Control (on page 36 - Specifications section). At the back of this brochure VW Aust. has their standard legal caveat which says that the specifications are subject to change. I believe that VW Aust. revised this brochure and that the May 2013 version has all reference to Voice Control deleted. This notwithstanding many of the earlier brochures were in circulation at dealerships when I bought my Golf in mid 2013 and I received no advise from the sales reps about the changed specification (I assume that this situation was the same for you)

Anyhow after many months of spirited discussion with the wise folk at VW Aust. (they call themselves "customer care representatives" albeit I think that this name might be a tad misleading) I was eventually informed that they would provide the fix at thier cost.

My car is at the dealership this morning to have the software patch fitted. Not sure if the fix will work - I'll know after I collect the car.
PS: I'm still in heated discussion with VV Aust about the other warranty matters (unintelligable Sat Nav voice prenunciation and abysmal FM reception) but I suspect that I will need to avail myself of Australia's consumer law instruments to solve these issues (alas). It's a real pity that such a good car has to be spoiled by VW Aust.'s deplorable after sales service.

**blutopless2** · 20-12-2013, 10:11 AM

any reason they deleted the option if it was already available on the MK6?

**Ryan_R** · 20-12-2013, 10:30 AM

Because people complained it didn't understand Aussie accents well enough

I find if I speak to it the way I expect its robotic voice would speak to me it works well enough to call people in my address book or enter an address for navigation. That may mean emphasising syllables or mispronouncing words/names.

**guile** · 20-12-2013, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan_R

Because people complained it didn't understand Aussie accents well enough

I find if I speak to it the way I expect its robotic voice would speak to me it works well enough to call people in my address book or enter an address for navigation. That may mean emphasising syllables or mispronouncing words/names.

so if i'm understanding you correctly you are saying that voice commands such as, "g'day mate, gi me shazza's phone number you flammin' galah" won't work?