Google Nexus 5 Release and Price: Hearing Issues Complicate Launch
Google's Nexus 5 was released earlier this month, but some users say the phone has serious issues.
Hundreds of comments on Google's support page claim that the Nexus 5's audio quality is less than stellar, InformationWeek reports. Google's product forums are filled with complaints about how low the smartphone's microphone output is and how this problem is exacerbated with the use of most headsets. According to disappointed Nexus 5 owners, it is almost impossible to hear the person they are calling.
"A Google Nexus support rep posted to the forum that they have reproduced the issues and are working on a fix," InformationWeek reports. "Google's PR department has verified that the company is aware of the issue and that it will fixed in an upcoming software release. Given that KitKat hasn't yet shown up on the Nexus 7 and 10 tablets, the wait for a patch release might take a while."
Meanwhile, users have resorted to other methods in making their Nexus 5 as audible as they would like it to be.
"holding down the middle headset button apparently shorts the microphone and ground connectors; doing so while plugging into the Nexus 5 audio jack effectively connects the microphone to the proper input," InformationWeek saod. "Of course, you won't be able to pause music or end calls by using the headset, but at least you'll be heard. I verified this on numerous headsets, including some stock Apple earbuds, and it works."
Google's Nexus 5 was released with mostly positive reviews. It is priced at $349 for 16 GB of memory, quad-core, and a 5-inch, full-HD screen with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution.