Infotainment system - Bluetooth VERY slow to connect for phone calls

[SoftwareEngineerx]

My smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S10) is Bluetooth-paired with the infotainment system and works great for music playback. However, I'm having major issues with phone calls. Both when I get an incoming call and when I initiate an outgoing call, although the smartphone's "phone" app shows it is connected to the Telluride over Bluetooth (to clarify: connected for calls, i.e., HFP and not just A2DP), the Telluride's infotainment system seems to take a very long time (10-20 seconds!) to react and switch to hands-free call mode.
I've had a couple of other issues between Android Auto and Bluetooth, all related to phone calls. Something there just doesn't seem to be working well.
Any ideas from this forum will be well received.

 

[Tellthemride]

Have you tried reproducing the issue with another Android phone? Could be a software update needed on your particular phone/model?

 

[SoftwareEngineerx]

Have you tried reproducing the issue with another Android phone? Could be a software update needed on your particular phone/model?

I haven't, having a hard time finding one. I may be able to try with an iPhone. However, I doubt that the issue is with my phone. This same phone worked fine with my old Ford Edge until 3 weeks ago, and still works fine with other Bluetooth devices - multiple earphones and a couple of speakers, which use the exact same Bluetooth profiles (HFP and A2DP, as far as I know). As mentioned, the phone's phone app shows as "connected" to the car, and the Telluride simply seems to take its time to switch from the current mode to phone call mode.
If nobody else on this forum has experienced such a problem, which seems to be the case, I'm guessing the issue could be with a specific faulty system, and I will have to take it in for service. I truly hate having to do that for a completely new car, for which I paid $50K. Shame on Kia.

 

[Tellthemride]

Updating your UVO infotainment software is also an option (if you have EX/SX). Make sure you read through the thread and release notes to know what you are getting into though.

Main complaints are loss of widgets on main screen, too much purple, weird looking radio screen and loss of preset order customization. The preset one happened about three updates ago though, so it’s been that way for a while.

14.10 update (November 2020) now available

If you’re ready for some UI changes, the Nov 2020 map update is out today (for those with the 10.25” screen). update.kia.com It has the neon-style look (like the K5 and other recent Kias) and a new home Screen.

tellurideforum.org

______________________________

 

[SoftwareEngineerx]

Updating your UVO infotainment software is also an option (if you have EX/SX). Make sure you read through the thread and release notes to know what you are getting into though.

Main complaints are loss of widgets on main screen, too much purple, weird looking radio screen and loss of preset order customization. The preset one happened about three updates ago though, so it’s been that way for a while.

14.10 update (November 2020) now available

If you’re ready for some UI changes, the Nov 2020 map update is out today (for those with the 10.25” screen). update.kia.com It has the neon-style look (like the K5 and other recent Kias) and a new home Screen.

tellurideforum.org

Interesting, I'm surprised that the dealership won't update to the latest before releasing the vehicle to the customer. I'll definitely try that out before taking the car in, thanks a lot. I'll post an update later.

 

[SoftwareEngineerx]

Interesting, I'm surprised that the dealership won't update to the latest before releasing the vehicle to the customer. I'll definitely try that out before taking the car in, thanks a lot. I'll post an update later.

Looks like the firmware update solved the problem. Here are a few takeaways:
1. I am amazed that Kia doesn't have a policy requiring dealerships to update cars with the latest firmware before releasing them to buyers. Why? And again, why? Why would Kia risk disappointing customers or having them come in for service (which costs Kia money, in case that is missed on anyone)? I wonder if this is the same for other auto brands as well.
2. As I was warned, the update changed the looks of the display quite a bit, and I'm not sure I like all of it. The abundance of purple is certainly underwhelming. Some other updates are positive. Overall I am pleased.
3. This is the first time I've ever done this kind of car firmware update. It's nice to know that it is even possible, but we are in 2021 and I expect this to have been available as an OTA rather than requiring me to: (1) download the firmware to my PC, (2) transfer it to a USB drive (which I had to purchase, BTW... who uses those any more??), (3) plug the drive into my car and (4) wait >30 minutes for it to finish. Could this have to do with the size of the update? (It was 24GB!! Pretty amazing to know that it is so big. Has Kia ever heard of delta updates??)
4. The Kia update PC app "Navigation Updater", which is required for downloading the update, is a piece of junk. It did not recognize my Kia account and was quite quirky to use. Also I can't believe they made me install a PC app. How about download from the Kia website?? @kia, you need to do better.
5. This forum ROCKS! Saved me a lot of time & heartache. Special thanks to @Tellthemride.