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View Full Version : The Best Nike Accessory - The Garmin Nuvi 360


jcostanza4
27-12-2007, 11:36 PM
I decided to write this post after testing for two weeks to make sure my excitement has held up to the initial expectations and to see if any woes present itself. So far I stand by my initial comment; this is the best Windows Mobile accessory I have found to date. I originally bought this device as a GPS for my car and thought the bluetooth capability would be an added bonus. The handsfree capability of this device is by far the most impressive use of bluetooth I have seen. I have only tested this on the HTC Touch Dual 20 Key (Nike), compatibility and functionality may vary for other devices. So far no real problems; it connects, it works as stated and quite well too.

Highlighted capbilites in order of importance/functionality:
(see screen shots for examples)

Handsfree Bluetooth carkit
Phonebook retrieval with Spell/Search Function
(dynamicaly uses phone address book not programed GPS contacts)
On Screen Dailer/Phone Pad.
Incoming Call Notification (image shows number but also displays name)
Call History (From phone, not GPS)
Phone Status (Signal/Battery)
Loud Speaker
Great Mic w/External Mic hookup
Voice Comand/Dail CompatibleGeneral use description - Use images below for reference:

Device connects within 6-20 seconds after initial GPS bootup(about 20 seconds)
When calls come in there is an easy to use screen with Answer or Ignore option.
To make calls goto the main screen, press phone icon and select either phonebook where you can spell name and it will narrow down, or you can voice dail or use your call records or look up Point of interest and select dail from the results.
Call options let you pull up the dailer, mute the phone or transfer audio back to the phone while you are in a call. You can navigate while in a call, press the red call status button in the map mode to to see the status or end a call quickly.I have so much more to tell you about but I will leave with this and for anybody to ask questions.

Like everything in the world there are always flaws or downsides. Here are a few (not necisarily flaws but fixes that would have made it better)

I listed voice dail last because the use is great but the audio feedback/voice prompt is quiet and I felt was least usefull in comparison to the other features. (using MS Voice Command 1.6) Voice recognition works great with the Nike but it requres a few key presses to initiate through the on screen buttons.
This GPS can send and receive text messages and read incoming aloud but this feature is not compatible with this phone. Maybe we could fix this another time friends!
Slow Device Bootup (20 secs), but fast paring most times after bootup. I have this device permanetly mounted and the slow boot doesnt bother me ever; its rare when I get a call before I can even pull out of the garage but If I do it will connect within seconds.Thats all for now but if your interested this device retailed for about 600usd, I got mine on clearance for about 350usd.

Have a good one
jcostanza4

jcostanza4
27-12-2007, 11:52 PM
Images to demonstrate: POI Dailing, Voice Dail Screen, Call History Options, a Side Profile, the error message you get when you try to access the Text Message Feature, and in call options.

jcostanza4
10-03-2008, 06:14 PM
I am posting this as a warning and fix for anyone who may have problems with a Garmin Nuvi that may have bluetooth issues.

I updated the Blueooth Firmware with the Garmin update utility to 4.40 and my bluetooth did not function at all. It would pair up but never would function as a handsfree device; it would also disconnect and reconnect constantly.

I contacted Nuvi to find out how to roll back the Bluetooth firmware only allowing me to keep the GPS function up to date. Here are the instructions and also the firmware version that works best for my Nuvi 360.

This firmware is designed for the Nuvi 360 and I am posting this as a curtousy to others to save time by contacting Garmin and going through the hoops. Flash on your own risk, I am not responsible for these instructions or the file attached below. For other Nuvi owners you may need to contact Garmin to get a different bluetooth firmware file.

Don't forget to unzip the file first.

Here are the Instructions:

1. Connect device to computer and delete the original file (My Computer>Garmin (drive)>Garmin (folder)>Remote SW (folder)>(specific Bluetooth file).gcd
2. Disconnect the unit from the computer, allow to boot up, turn the unit off then back on again.
3. Reconnect to computer and paste new file in same above folder.
4. Disconnect the unit from the computer, allow to boot up.
5. From Menu screen tap on the View map icon.
6. Tap on Speed indicator in lower left hand corner of screen.
7. Press and hold on round speed indicator until screen changes (approx 10 seconds)
8. Tap on the Next button until you see the tab Updt PR (wide screen nuvi), Updt P (on zūmo and c5xx) or Updt (on small screen nüvi ) and press this tab.
9. Confirm “Do you really want to update the bluetooth firmware?”
10. Allow unit to boot up and confirm software change to older version.

roguewave24
24-03-2008, 03:13 AM
Thanks for the posting on this. This seems to have helped with my Bluetooth disconnects with my Blackberry Pearl connecting to my Nuvi 360. I wish Garmin would come out with a firmware update to address this issue.

jcostanza4
24-03-2008, 01:24 PM
I spent a great deal of time reflashing my phone and repairing. Didnt realize it was the Nuvi.

I have had a few quirks since my last post. Mainly my issues are with SPB Mobile Shell 2.0 and how it seems to prevent my Niki from pairing. I have tried disabling the start screen on wake up but it does not help. I am trying to figure it out and when I do, I'll keep this section updated with my finds.

Thanks
jcostanza4

jcostanza4
28-03-2008, 05:33 PM
So I posted about the firmware updating and rollback procedure. Well it seams that the Garmin Nuvi likes to automatically download the latest bluetooth firmware from the GPS siganal and update itself with no option to cancel.

Luckily my bluetooth seems to still operate and has not yet failed me like the 4.40 version did. I do not know which version it updated to but I will keep this post updated with all my finds.

Thanks -
Jcostanza4