[DitkaFan]

I found the TSB info from searching the forums for the NAV/Bluetooth firmware update for model years 2005-2007. But I couldn't find anything about a firmware upgrade for the 08+ models. Does anything know if one exists? My new to me 08 has had major issues with not keeping stereo eq settings memories and have the driver personalizations not stay set (and yes I am using the same key, lol). Also I have heard that the VR really sucks, but it really sucks.. I have yet to have it understand one single word i have said....

I am going to have the dealer look at it thursday... currently here is my complaint list for my thursday morning appointment:

(1)Bulletin No.10287 (timing chain TSB) and
(2)Rough Idle (feels like the car is rocking left to right when in and first started cold in the morning) also if will often sound like the engine is going to die if I come out of a rolling idle and gently press on the gas,
(3)intermittent bluetooth connection problems and VR doesn't work

Hopefully they will be able to address my issues list At least I get a loner car for the day while they take care of this warranty work.

 

[ECha3]

I think the 2008's came with the upgrade. The procedure to check the firmware level is the same but I recall a post stating the code needed is different.

The only VR I use is 'Phone Dial Name' and the nametags. That works almost every time for me. It is possible to get it work better with a bunch of trial and success but given the primitive capabilities of this system, they should have designed it with some learning routines like the best of that generation's systems.

Do you have problems with static dishcharge... sparks when exiting the car? Nothing corrupts memories like static electricity.

 

[Neutrocuted]

I have found that the system is very picky about dialects and cadence. I learned this from a GM sales trainer when I was pushin' iron for 6 months at a Chevy store.

1. Be sure to enunicate clearly and almost no-gap between words.
2. Do Not talk to it slowly. Try different speeds of speach but speak clearly.
3. Backround noise will affect it also so practice with the car standing still with short commands like "Display-Nite-Mode" "Display-Day-Mode".

It's hard to teach how without actually hearing someone else doing it first so you'll have to experiment. Or... maybe it is, in fact, broken!

Hope this helps!

 

[ECha3]

That is all good advice. The best way to practice is in your driveway with the climate control off. But is really just a toy.

Never Yessss. Just say "Yes!" Clipped phases work. Foreign speaking members have posted better reviews than us US-speakers!

Bottom line, the VR is disfunctional.

 

[Neutrocuted]

You are right there! Since I have found how to communicate with VR I have also found that once you know where the buttons are it's quicker to use them instead of waiting for the tone, spewing the command, waiting for VR to repeat, verifying, then executing, with the radio system muted!

I'd imagine future systems with faster processors, the latest filtering technology and the capability to train the system with your own voice to recognize your voice pattern, they won't even need the start / stop / acc button any more! You'll be able to verbally say, if your within 10 ft of the door, "Unlock", "Unlock and open" and a few other neat tricks. Get in and put your foot on the brake and say "Start Engine" or "Git this motor runnin'" and it'll fire right up! NO BACK-TALK! No more fobs! Want to remote start... there's an app for that! (they're there now with the app's!)

But, alas, I don't think GM wants Cadillac to be the leader anymore. Buicks are the big sellers in China and what China wants, China will get. From what I hear the XTS is going to be on the Buick LaCross chassis, probably with a lot of gaudie chrome all over it. The new SRX is already on the chassis with the Chevrolet Equinox. And I guess the CST-V will end up being on the Buick regal chassis with a twin turbo 5 cylinder diesel.

Let's luv our present Caddies while we can!

 

[ECha3]

Most modern VR doesn't need training at all. Personnally, the technolgy won't mature until the system can be completely programmed and all messages customized.

Technologoically speaking, we are getting close to computers passing the 'Turning Test'. That's when the interaction with a VR system is indistinguishable from human interaction.

 

[ddalder]

There are different software revisions for the 2008 model year navigation but are not dealership upgradeable. I only know this from scanning the original data in my 2008 nav radio along with the brand new radio installed under warranty. Keep in mind, the radio part number changed as well so the difference in version may be strictly related to some hardware differences.

The VR in my new 2008 radio was just as terrible as the original. Since they installed a brand new radio, within the last month, I doubt there is newer software that will make the VR performance any better.

Having said this, I've since installed a 2010 model year navigation radio in my car and the VR is MUCH better. I still have a problem with "Windows Down", but most other commands work a lot better.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no upgrade for radios that are already 2008 model year or newer.

 

[ddalder]

There are different software revisions for the 2008 model year navigation but are not dealership upgradeable. I only know this from scanning the original data in my 2008 nav radio along with the brand new radio installed under warranty. Keep in mind, the radio part number changed as well so the difference in version may be strictly related to some hardware variations.

The VR in my new 2008 radio was just as terrible as the original. Since they installed a brand new radio, within the last month, I doubt there is newer software that will make the VR performance any better.

Having said this, I've since installed a 2010 model year navigation radio in my car and the VR is MUCH better. I still have a problem with "Windows Down", but most other commands work a lot better.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no upgrade for radios that are already 2008 model year or newer.