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VA4 - Intermittent BT headset issue (Sony)

Former Member over 4 years ago

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone has any solutions to this issue.

I recently purchased Sony WF-1000XM3 headset. The headset connects to my VA4 fine and no issues if I'm just playing music from the watch.

HOWEVER, once I turn on GPS activity the music will then become intermittent - about 1 second pause every 5 to 10 seconds. I have put the watch to my left hand which is where XM3 receiver is.

Now, if I put the watch RIGHT NEXT to my left earbud (basically touching) then the intermittency goes away. However the two devices had to be like within 5 cm. Again, it is only an issue when GPS activity is on. No issues with normal distance if I'm just playing music from the watch.

It is almost like the BT power from VA4 is reduced when GPS is on?

The problem is repeatable every time.

Have reset the watch and earbuds, did not fix the issue.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago

There does seem to be some reports of similar reproduced issues as per below:

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-5-plus-series/214634/bug-report-bluetooth-connection-to-headphones-drops-intermittently-during-an-activity

https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/vivoactive-4-series/239821/vivoactive-4-bluetooth-music-gps-intermittent-connection

Quote:

I've been using my vivoactive 4 for the past two months and have never gotten my Sony WF-1000XM3 Bluetooth Earbuds to work reliably with my watch. It pairs fine, and plays fine with stable connection while I am not in an activity, but as soon as I attempt to locate a GPS signal before the start of the activity, the music starts and stops repeatedly. Even when the signal is found, the reliability doesn't improve. Turning off the GPS Search instantly stops the intermittent music playback.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago

Yeah. I faced the same issue too. Only an issue right before and during my run when the watch is using GPS. After my run, no issue, no more skipping. I am on v4.9

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I have a theory - the watch does not have enough BT bandwidth to send sound to earbuds which are dual receivers (eg Sony WF 1000XM3).

I have TWS earbuds which only has one receiver (left or right side) and then internal communication between the two buds. No skipping issues with those earbuds.

0 NeuralMan over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I have found the same thing. Intermittent quality with True wireless earbuds. When there is only one receiving unit things work fine.