Bluetooth volume not independant between headset on Z3

[Moulip]

Hi there,

I have a small issue with my brand new Z3. I am using a Plantronics BackBeat Pro bluetooth headset along with my Z3 and when adjusting the volume on either the Z3 or the headset, the changes are simultaneous. I mean the volume adjustments are not independant. When I turn the dial on the headset I see the blue volume bar increasing or decreasing on the Z3. The headset does not work this way on other devices (HTC, Samsung ...) and the volumes are independant. I have tried 2 other Bluetooth headsets on the Z3 and volumes are also independant. The issue occurs when connecting the Z3 and the BB Pro.

Any ideas on what can be the cause ?

[Uliwooly]

Compatibility issues, contact plantornics regarding this.

http://www.plantronics.com/us/product/backbeat-pro#support

[Moulip]

Actually I have already contacted them, and what they answered me, was ridiculously stupid. I was told that it was 

perfectly normal.

According to them,I had to push the volume up to the max on the phone, and then the headset will take it from there so that I can setup the volume higher !!

I didn't try to "counter-explain", I knew in advance I wouldn't get a good answer. Maybe a compatibility issue indeed, but weird nevertheless.

[Uliwooly]

Sorry to hear that

[Rickard · Accepted solution]

This is actually how it's supposed to work with Android 4.4: http://developer.android.com/about/versions/kitkat.html#44-connectivity

The two headsets that gives you independant volume probably uses an older version of AVRCP and the phones that gives you independant volume with this headset probably uses an older version of Android (or may not be using Android standard bluetooth stack).

[Moulip]

Thanks a lot. I finally got my answer. For the other headsets you are right they use an older version of avrcp .

[Moulip]

But for other phones I tried on a Galaxy Note 4 and a HTC One M7 and both of them are on Android 4.4. I would be surprised that both of them use a different bluetooth stack.

I have to try on a Nexus. If your theory is good, the volume should behave the same than the Z3.

edit : Actually most android devices use a modified bluetooth stack !

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/10/31/kitkat-feature-spotlight-bluetooth-devices-can-now-control-s...