firmware issue
I have experienced all of these problems above and here are a few tips/fixes and ideas. First with the headset controller on the ear buds, I noticed if you press harder it picks it up easier. If you get it down just right you can time it for going forward and backwards. Still not a real fix. Its definitely the phone because it works on my focus, iPhone, and mac. Also, I think it may be firmware related because the popping occurs between songs for the aux cable in the car only when audio isn't playing, so I would assume it had something to do with the firmware, not the hardware. It distinctly gets quieter when music plays, even if the music is silent (just knowing something is playing is enough for it to shut up). Also I noticed that when I plug in my phone for battery, it connects, disconnects and then reconnects. I noticed this with the vibration (should only be once, actually is 2-3 times). And when battery is low you notice because you plug in, it disconnects and you get a notice of critically low battery, and then it connects. I think this may be the firmware that all the ports seem to turn on and off whenever given any form of stimulus (data or power sent through them).