The Godfather

In other cars I've driven, for example a new M235i, you can press and hold a button on the steering wheel (I forgot which one, maybe it was the phone pickup or the voice command one), and it would activate siri on your phone, so you can then do whatever the hell you want (read out messages, text people etc), without having to reach for the phone's home button to do it.

So, the question is: can the W205 w/ multimedia package do it, and if so, how? thanks!

ManiacGT

I don't think this functionality is available on the w205. If I ever need siri on the move I just press the button on the phone.

richardamp

It's called Siri Eyes Free and unfortunately it is not available right now. Honestly, with all the talk about CarPlay I'd almost be happy just having this feature... Much more convenient than finding button on my phone while driving, especially when it's in the center console.

ManiacGT

On second thoughts... Put some tack on the steering wheel, affix the iPhone, open the car window, then flick the steering wheel left or right quickly... That should launch Siri from the steering wheel quite effectively.

l3it3r

I'm thinking about ordering a Bluetooth Siri Button from Amazon.

The Godfather

My 2007 Lexus GS350 can activate Siri from the steering wheel if I recall. This is stupid.

Thanks for letting me know about the button Chris! Just ordered the Satechi Bluetooth button from Amazon and should have it tomorrow. Having used Siri for dialing phones, texting and other functions, while having my phone tucked away for years, this sucks not to have it standard.

Razzyh

How does that work as presumably your mb will be connected to your phone and vice versa meaning you can't used this button for much?

l3it3r

You can connect more than one device via Bluetooth to an iPhone at a time. In my previous car, I had three devices connected to my iPhone at all times.

As for this button, it can be mounted anywhere and you press the button, Siri activates.

Simple

Razzyh

Ah excellent. Thanks.

Does anyone have a link to such button that I can purchase?

dnice-1

here you go...

mihaelb

Isn't there a voice activation for Siri? On Android, you can get it to be in listening mode and just say "OK Google" to launch the voice assistant...I'm sure that Apple has something like that too...

ManiacGT

Yes Apple has HEY SIRI but only when the phone is powered by a cable.

l3it3r

Yep. Hey Siri works really well, and if you want, you can even use the google app and use "ok google" too.. I have a Kenu mount currently for my iPhone 6 Plus, but I'm looking at getting a more substantial solution. The Saitech BT button might just 'fix' the issue unless I want to use Google Maps vs the on board navigation

cidtek

Since Android just got a plug I'll mention that Blackberry Assistant integrates in Comand's contact list so just use Comand voice to call Blackberry Assistant.

Razzyh

Thanks - just purchased this.

A word of warning. You can only pair with one device so it doesn't connect to multiple devices and pair with the closest match.

I've paired with my phone but pairing with my wife's phone deletes my pairing so have to pair again which then deleted my wife's pairing.

Solution is to have two buttons in the car. Not ideal really.

nnk

Just bought the http://satechi.net/ Bluetooth Home-button too; fed-up waiting for the Mercedes CarPlay update that may never come ..

Thx to this forum for suggesting it!

The Godfather

I ended up getting the Satechi button. It works well and keeps my phone paired to the MB BT. But it acts as a keyboard, so I lose keyboard if i try to use Spotlight on the phone.

dnice-1

Love to see pics of where you guys opted to mount it

Edo81

With Cortana it works also with Audio20: juast had to add Cortana as a contact and then launch it from the steering will as calling a simple contact. Very useful workaround!

nnk

Great option; unfortunately not available for Siri/Apple

nnk

Not mounted in my car, just laying in one of the cup holders for now ....

cidtek

It works the same with Blackberry's Assistant only you don't even have to create a contact as the phone does it for you. One tap on the steering wheel voice button -> call the Assistant -> wait for the greeting. Works with the phone in your pocket and no button on the phone pushing or connecting with cable required.

mb1bc

So, what happens if you are listening to music or talk radio when you press the Satechi button? I tried something like that before and it didn't work properly because Siri would almost always get confused due to hearing the last second of what was playing through the speakers and try to respond to that. You would have to repeat your request a second time to correct it.

instead of using the add-on Siri home button while the iPhone is being used for Bluetooth streaming, couldn't you press the mute button already on the steering wheel to stop other audio, then say "Hey Siri" and then press the steering wheel button a second time to unmute so you could hear Siri's response via Bluetooth streaming?

nnk

Don't need to press mute, or use 'hey siri': pressing the Satechi button reacts like accepting a voice call and plays the Siri sound, for you to start giving your input ...

Buy you can use "hey Siri" too if you shout ... (Since your iPhone will probably be in the center-console getting charged for "hey Siri" to work ..)

mb1bc

So, you never have a problem with Siri starting to listen for the command before your background audio has a chance to stop?