IssueTracker

I am not sure if it is really the same issue, as they manyly report on 4.1.x

I now bought Cyberon Voice Commander. When pressing the dial button on the headset I now get the choose of Google Voice Search and Cyber on. When choosing Google nothing else happens than the grey screen for less than a second and the shortly after this the message "please wait" on the headset. When choosing Cyberon it works like it is suspected.

In another German forum I was told that owners of the Galaxy Nexus do not have such problems with 4.2.1 ???

I really would love to use the Google Voice Search, as it hopefully would work better than Cyber on - but this may also be the problem of a general bad Bluetooth connection with the Nexus 4 (several other issues are open to this topic)...

I have this issue too. (also coming from Germany)
Is there any other workaround known yet?

I have the exact same issue as well, coming from France (US Nexus 4 with language set to french), and using (US) motorola roadster 2.

When using "bluetooth launch" app, I also get prompted to choose program to use. Unfortunately, this workaround does not work consistently.

Please correct in next version !

[Comment deleted]

Now with 4.2.2 it's one step further but now it hangs with a gray screen saying "initialization"...

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I have the same problem with nexus 4 on 4.2.2
Initialisation.... never ends
This feature worked very well with my old iphone...and I really need it when I'm driving. This is not a low problem, because it can cause a car crash,as to bypass this problem I'm obliged to have my phone on my knees
Please fix it
Thanks

Same issue here. Gray screen saying "initialization" using the MW600 call button.

Only in 4.2.2, it worked with 4.2.1!

I'm having the same issue with my Nexus 4 with Android 4.2.2 and language set to Spanish. I'm also using a different Bluetooth headset, a Parrot ck3000 evolution. The only difference is that I hear "espera por favor" (wait please in Spanish) and then I see the same loading gray screen, but that's all. This is pissing me off. I was hoping this to be fixed in 4.2.2...

This totally doesn't look like a duplicate of #38566

Same here. I have a Toyota with a built in Bluetooth head unit.

The phone connects fine to the Bluetooth, but when a call comes in, the voice commands to answer doesn't work.

The Bluetooth unit is fine (tested with another phone on Gingerbread), so it's to do with the voice command over Bluetooth not working.

Same issue, another variant of the OP.

Same problem here.

Long press on BT headset button.  Nexus 4 (4.2.2) stuck on "Initialisieren".

Same here .
Nexus4 (4.2.2) "Initialisation..." + sound "Veuillez patienter"(Please wait) in the BT device, then nothing ... I had wait 20min.

Motorola h560
Scala rider G4

both were working with my old iphone4.

Just to avoid any further double, please note issue 36949180 addresses this point and is much more active.
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=35737

The issue of OP (grey flashing screen) seem solved with 4.2.2

I would suggest to close this issue.

Nope, i wouldn't close it. The OP has exact the same problem. And this issue is all about nexus 4 users who had working Voice Diall with 4.2.1

The 35737 is quite old and i don't think that a fix for the sgs3 will help us here.

Cheers
crusi

Sorry but nothing has changed with 4.2.2
it still hangs with gray screen and saying "Initialisierung". Before with 4.2.1 it was just flashing the gray screen shortly and went back to home screen.
Yes it's true it seems that issue 36949180 is picking the same problem. I could not believe that such an issue is now pending since 4.1.1

Blame Google  

Although issue 36949180 is quite old it is even more active than this here. So in principle everyone should at least "star" that one also. If closing this here is reasonable i would wonder, as the problem hasn't been solved.

Well, technically, the first issue by OP (quick grey flash followed by instant crash to launcher) was somehow solved with 4.2.2 (or new version of Google Search, I don't remember).

The fact that we are then struck with another issue, as described in #35737, seems independent, and largely analyzed in there.

This topic remaining open is misdirecting for both users and developers and does not serve anyone.

Everyone with something related with "new" issue should post to #35737 for clarity.

@sylvian
In case that you really have the insight you might be right. For a simple user it seem to be still the same issue but sticking one step further. And the the problem of the headline still remains. As other users may find this issue via search before #35737 we should not close it as solved. But rather let it as it is with the hint to issue 36949180 and you may be right all new comments may better be given there.

Same issue as yours. I´m still "waiting" ;-)

Samme Problem here on a stock Nexus4 on 4.2.2. After Pressing the button on my BT device, I get a "please wait" message from the phone in german ("bitte warten"), after that, the screen of the N4 switches to a grey initializing screen. For ever.

Same problem - doesn't work with two different headsets.

I have the brandnew Plantronics Voyager Legend and I have the same problem on the actual 4.2.2 Nexus and I had it before also. This is a bug and there is no discussion.

If you press the little microphone on your phones (Google) search bar the voice search does work. This is just half a way workaround - but it helps when I have no hands free. And this shows - that my headset can do it. It is the 4.x that causes the problem.

Same problem here. Nexus 4 4.2.2

Same problem, Nexus 4, 4.2.2. Plantronics ML18 Headset

same here
nexus4 and bone bluetooth headset....

The sad thing is that nobody from the Google or LG side even acknowledged this pathetic and silly bug....

The sad thing is that nobody from the Google or LG side even acknowledged this pathetic and silly bug....

Same problem here, I have a Nexus 4 on 4.2.2. and a Jawbone Era headset.
Stuck with the "Initializing"-Screen after pressing the button on the headset.

Same thing here : Nexus 4 4.2.2 and Nokia Luna bluetooth headset : Initializing + please wait for ever.

My Workaround is, that I click the microphone in the search bar and then talk which also brings up my contacts. But this is no solution. I think that there is a rights problem and not a technical issue. Michael

My bluetooth mic has started working and there's only one thing I've changed:

Settings -> Accessibility -> Text-to-speech output
Settings on "Google Text-to-speech Engine"
Language:
Was set to English (United States)
I've set it to English (United Kingdom).

Nothing else was changed, and now when I push the call button on my bluetooth mic I can tell it to "Call Joe Smith" and it actually will!

Could be a coincidence, but nothing else has been changed (nor software installed or removed).

This bug exists for the Galaxy Nexus also... I guess it is a Andorid problem...

Your workaround does not work for me... I tryed US-, GB-English and German...

same problem nexus 4 and Jabra Freeway; please wait (french : "Veuillez patienter") and "initialisation" on the screen of nexus 4.
D Grimon

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hi have the same problem with my headset so i have written a small app to avoiding the problem.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.itdevcrowd.voicecommand

same problem nexus 4 and Cardo Scala Rider G9; please wait (german : "Bitte warten") and "initialisation" on the screen of nexus 4.

The little piece of App from Posting #37 solved my problem. Now I cklick the talk button on my Plantronics and the Voice Command prompts. Maybe Google gets the guy to solve their problem :-)

Same here. The little app helped me out!

[Comment deleted]

1) unable to start the search if the phone is in standby
2) unpredictable search result of contact: the contact is sometimes found, sometimes not found, even though the voice recognition seems correct; but the soft #37 is not guilty : Google search seems to be guilty.
3) Finally, unreliable system: Call a contact by voice recognition via a Bluetooth device such as the Jabra Freeway is too uncertain to be useful.
.
1)  incapable de lancer la recherche si le téléphone est en veille
2) résultat imprévisible de la recherche de contact : le contact est parfois trouvé, parfois introuvable, alors même que la reconnaissance vocale semble correcte. Le soft de #37 n'est pas responsable, mais Google search est probablement en cause.
3) en final, système non fiable : L'appel d'un contact par reconnaissance vocale via un dispositif bluetooth tel que le freeway de jabra est trop aléatoire pour être utile.

The guy from post #37 solved it!!!

Just install his little program.

Thank you so much Itdevrowd!

same problem nexus 4 and Creative Headset CB2455; please wait (french : "Veuillez patienter") and "initialisation" on the screen of nexus 4.

Temporary using "voice command" (big thanks to the author)

(sorry if bad english, I'm french)

The app above does seem to improve things, however, I still have the problem whereby after a few minutes use, my headset refuses to accept a double-click to initiate voice commands. Single click to start / stop music still works. I have a budget headset, so I suspect that is the problem.

Problem still exists in 4.3.

:(

Google should remember that Android is mostly used on smartphones and bluetooth headset is a basic companion of it !!
This functionnality is implemented by every single basic cell phone. That means that Android is below this base line... Too sad for the first mobile device OS.

Same Problem, version 4.3. Please fix it asap!

4.3 and the problem remains, this is pitifull. One of the feature of this version was to improve the bluetooth but this problem still exists. I regret my iphone.

Same here with Android 4.3 and my Plantronics Voyager Pro

same problem on nexus 4 4.3

Galaxy Nexus, android 4.3 same problem

Same problem here, with nexus 4 and jabra cruiser 2, phone still displays "initializing" screen with "please wait".
I formerly had an iphone and it worked fine. Pretty disappointing...

same problem on nexus 4 4.3 with Jabra Freeway

#37 Thank you!! It worked. Thank you very much.

#37: thx for your effort; your small app si partially solving the issue; doesn't work when phone is locked or stand by (display switched off to be clear...) apart from this it woks.

here is the solution
http://www.jameskrawczyk.co.uk/?p=67128

@60 : works quite well ! Thanks very much !

It's more then nothing, but it doesn't work for example with screen off.

How can I get out of this subscription. I am tuired of reading about this problems for the 60th time now!

Same on problem on Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 !!

use the apps of post #37 , working on nexus5

The coders at google are most likely kids. They have absolutely no frame of reference of why you would want to make a call. They themselves send SMS through one of those group chat programs.

They travel by public transit.

Same problem : Nexus 5 with Sony MW600, Jabra GO 6400, Jabra Journey. Wouhou, Google, it's time to wake up !!

I own a Galaxy Nexus but I had the same problem. The following worked for me:

- set system language to English
- reboot the phone
- try the voice dial with your bt-headset (keep the English commands in mind, you will need them later on)
- set system language back to your favourite language (in my case German)

Now the voice talks to you in your language but the commands are only accepted in English: call <name>, select <one, two, three>, cancel, OK...
I couldn't find a switch to change that. So there still seems to be an issue.

Hi,
Same issue with my Nexus 4 android 4.2, then 4.3.

I was looking for an answer since a long time but with the bad keywords.

Comment 60 link "solved" the issue for me.

But I don't understand why google don't fix this on its Nexus. Bluetooth is the better companion for voice search.

same problem on Nexus 4 (4.4.2) and ML18

Same problem on Nexus 4 on 4.4.2 !!! Grey screen, «initialisation» in french and «veuillez patienter»! Please Google fix this!!!

THANK YOU COMMENT #60!!!!!!!!!!! THERE IS THE SOLUTION!!!!!
http://www.jameskrawczyk.co.uk/?p=67128

This is not THE solution. It is just one solution and not the bug correction.

Same problem here...
stock HTC One mini (GERMAN!), stock Beats-WIRE-Headset.
Long press on headset button: "Initialisiere" and speech output "Bitte warten".
Nothing ever happens...
Google... try sniffing less, and working more.

Same problem here, with a stock Nexus 5 and a Parrot CK3100 Evolution car kit.

Sale as #75. I can't believe this issue isn't solve yet

This is a broken feature and it is prioritized as "Medium"?

It has legal implications in Germany since we are not allowed to lay hands on our phone while we are driving. So the missing voice dial is really a blocker in this case!

(Nexus 4 (German) + Plantronics M55)

Fully agree with fabian, and it is the same in France.
This is a blocker.

Is there someone who know how to rise this bug?

Issue https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=58479 seems to be closely related to this one or may even be a duplicate of this one.

same problem here.
with screen locked  pushing microphone button will result in a "initialization" grey screen.
If I do it with screen unlocked everything works fine.

Nexus 5 stock rom.

[Comment deleted]

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Same issue on Samsung galaxy S3 with Andorid 4.4.2 from omega AOKG 23 rom with motorcycle helmet bluetooth headphone with mic. Previously with 4.3 with omega samsung based rom it was all ok

Same issue on Sony Xperia Z1 with Andorid 4.4.2 (german) with JABRA TOUR, Smartphone is locked, speak button press results in Grey Screen with label "initialisieren"... :(

with the solution #37 on Nexus 4, I am able to give the commands but the response is not heared from the hands-free headset. Phone takes Commands when it is unlocked. Please fix this issue.

Updated to 4.4.3 and still the same problem.  Weird that Google didn't solve this bug yet...

Same in 4.4.3, still the problem :(
I'm really sad... No workaround...
It's a pity

[Comment deleted]

Amazing, how can we change the priority of this bug ? By sharing this page on social networks ?

I think it's a technical rights and not a technical issue problem.

There is another issue around this problem, it seems identical:
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=35737

Same problem here: Moto G, Android 4.4.2!

Same problem, Nexus 4, Android 4.4.4

Same issue, Nexus 5, android 4.4.4

Same issue, Nexus 5, android 4.4.4

I've manged to bypass the issue. I removed data of Google Search application and Voice commands started working. But now I have another problem, it accepts commands only in English, while Voice search works greatly in other languages.

same problem.. nexus 4 android 4.4.4 and Jabra Talk headset bluetooth. News about fix?

same
moto g + jabra cruiser 2

This Problem seems to go trough Kitkat... With my Xperia Z1 i couldn't ever activate the Call Feature in my Nissan Qashqai J11 - i only get "initializing" and my Z1 is on 4.4.4.

I had as you this problem after a long waiting time
I choose a non free solution with KLets
Now my nexus4 do the job very well (in Français) and it looks like having a
support in many languages

regards Séb
​

+1 Me too!
I have this issue with a Nexus 4, 4.4.4 KTU84P and Plantronics PLT-M155, Plantonics C720, Plantronics PLT_M25-M29, HCB-405. Phone set in French, plantronics devices also set in French...

thanks a lot sebastien,
I discovered klets from your comment and it works perfectly on my nexus4
I'm really satisfied now
thanks again

Still doesn't work on Nexus 5 with the official Android 5.0 Lollipop : no voice recognition with the shipped headset and the screen locked, but an endless init message.

Also not working with a cable headset with mic for Nexus 4 on 4.4.4
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_4_Kopfhörer_mit_Kabel_und_Mikrofon?id=nexus_4_headset
Therefore this is not only a BT problem.

Still the same problem for me. Nexus 5 with the new OS 5.0...

Same Problem with Motorola moto G 2nd gen. (Kitkat 4.4.4) connected to Bluetooth car Entertainment System (Nissan Connect)

Same problem on 5.0... omg Google fix it, its like a car with 3 of 4 wheels.

what a shame

2 years of complaints and still no new from Google. Nexus 5 in 5.0.1, enabling voice commands from a Bluetooth device still impossible :-(

Same Problem with Motorola moto G 2nd gen. (Kitkat 4.4.4) and Parrot CK3100

My moms Nexus 4 has this issue. Thanks for #37 for the workaround.

On my Nexus 6 it simply doesn't want to take french language, stick to en-us, but that's another story.

Thing is Google should fix that Bluetooth/external divice voice command issue! That's a f#*king shame to see this 2 years old thread still open!

[Comment deleted]

No google speech capabilities with Plantronics M70 and new Sony Xperia Z3. Sad google!!!

Same problem here. Just tried with my new phone. (my 1st Android, coming from an iPhone)
Sony Z3 Compact, 4.4.4 Kit Kat with Plantronics Voyager 520 BT headset.
Just the "Bitte warten" (please wait) und "Initialisieren" (initialising). :(

Changed language to english, which works fine, but turning it back to german and the problem is there again.

I can confirm #114 solution on Nexus 6. If you switch phone language to "English US" it's working. "Deutsch" does result in "Initialisieren" on the screen and "Bitte warten" spoken. The headset is a Plantronics Voyager.

It's sade but it's like this since the release of the nexus4. Same for
french language, ...​

Use the "Voice Command" app by IT-DEV-CROWD.
It solves this issue with bluetooth headsets.
You just have to set the default action to it when asked.

[Comment deleted]

[Comment deleted]

With the "Voice Command" app it does work, but it kind of misses the thing I was looking for.

If I hold the button on my headset and the phone is on, than it starts the google search, but for a voice command I have to click on the microphone button on the display.
While the phone is locked or in standby and I hold the headset button, I need to unlock the phone, the search is already loaded, but still need to push the microphone button.

Is there a way to change this?
This way it is kind of useless, since I want to start calls with voice command while driving, without the need of unlocking the phone or activating voice regocnition over the touchscreen, especially while I have the phone in my pocket.

I use the Voice Command app and I have no issue.
When I long press the button of any of my BT headsets, I get the OK Google environment.
I activated OK Google and made changes in Google's settings for voice recognition.
I even used Nova Launcher which makes it possible to activate OK Google on all the home screens with any language but now, OK Google works from any screen (not only home screens) without the Nova Launcher add-on for it (I have French as my default language).
And it takes input from my BT headset.
You have to configure everything accordingly in Google Settings (Search and Now/Voice)

Ok, it is working now on home screens and locked, but not in stanyby. :(
So I still need to get a least to the lock screen to start voice recognition with "OK Google".

With my iPhone I just needed to press the headset button long and the voice recognition started unlocked, locked and in standby.

OK Google CAN work in standby but this is not recommended.
On my side, when I long press the button of my headset while my OnePlus One is in standby, I usually get the OK Google environment directly...

I think that I allow everthing, but does wake over headset button or with "OK Google".
Sony Z3 Compact.
Also tried turning off stamina battery mode and disabled lockscreen. Doesn't work either.

Ok, I just tried something.
Till now I just tested with my headset at home. In the car I usually listen to music with a A2DP bluetooth receiver with handsfree function (Belkin AirCast).

So I connected my BT headset and palyed music. While music is playing I can start the voice recognition by long pressing my headset button. (sometimes microphone active directly, sometimes "OK Google" necessary)

Does somebody know if there is an option to stop/abort a call before dialing in case the phone detects/chooses a wrong contact? I know that it is possible on the screen, but can this be done by voice command or headset button? Or maybe confirm the contact before dialing? With the headset button I could only end a call after the phone is already ringing.

same issue, OnePlus One Android 4.4.4

Very similar issue: "Initialisation" never ends.
Devices:
- Jabra Freeway
- Wiko Ozzy - Android 4.2.2
So much time since this issue was raised...Unbelievable!!!

Dame issue.
All worked fine and since few days grey screen with my Bluetooth car kit and my headset  when i want call.

Samsung S3 LTE , KIT PARROT MKI9000 or 9200 , headset Plantronic beats.

I have the exact same issue and I was hoping for a solution since this problem started in 2013!

I have a Plantronics M55 and was hoping to use it with Google Now. Running everything on an Oneplus One with Android 4.4.4 and CyanogenOS 11.0-XNPH05Q.

When long pressing the headset button I hear "Please wait ..." ("Bitte warten ..."), the screen goes dark and the word "Initialize" (Initialisieren) appears on the screen. Then nothing happens until I do something against it.

Is there no solution to this what so ever?

I read that Google code site will no longer  be available in few months, and this issue has not been fixed yet... What is Google dev team waiting for? This really sucks especially given that my previous phone ( iPhone) perfectly managed to do such things.

Same problem here, with French language, on Nexus 4 with lollipop 5.01. Voice command never worked for any of my Bluetooth devices (car, headset, etc..) And get stuck on gray screen saying "Initialisation" and a voice prompt "Please wait".

That problem on Lollypop 5.1 by Nexus 4 with Russian locale. Motorolla headset HS820 voice command call causes an grey screen with message Initialization ("Инициализация")

Got the same issue

Samsung S6 (5.02) with a Sony Ericsson MW600 results in a endless 'initialiseren' (dutch).

helaas hetzelfde met Nexus 6.... sucks

Nexus 6 with Android 5.1.1 and a BMW 316 from 2015 - same issue

try it with this one, worked for me!

Same problem with my Nexus 4, lollipop 5.1.1, canadian-french and Pioneer AVH-X2700BHS.

Cannot believe that this thread exist since 2013 without solution!!

hi, guys
difficult to believe but true...
here some alternatives:
-the "lg watch R" is able to send some SMS or email, after "Ok google +
command"
-"trigger" (app) initialy for RFID command, but it could program some
icon(ex: Wave + Music)
-in one of my previous post I mentionned an no free app could help, not
perfect, but do the job (In french in my experience)
My 2 cts

same issue here with a Sony Xperia Z2. Android 5.1.1. Language is German. Doesn't matter if I use a bluetooth headset or a wired headset.

Same issue here with Nexus 4, plain Android 5.1.1, German.

Same issue here, Sony Xperia Z1 android 5.1.1 starting grey screen and initializing. What does it mean???

Stll is an issue with Marshmallow, Android 6.0 , incredible isn't it ?

It is impossible to trigger voice commands from a bluetooth device (tried from my pionneer car audio and my Plantronics headset)

I just get that initializing screen and a please wait women voice ...

Don't know if the title can be edited but it is an Android OS issue, not device specific.

Still occurs on Nexus 5X, Android 6.0. This is incredible, how such an important issue couldn't be resolved since version 4.2...

Maybe we need to create aother issue, without Nexus 4 in title? Perhaps then someone will notice it.

Nexus 6, Android 6. Same problem: Stucks at screen "initializing...".

Still an issue on the Sony Z5 as well. Tried with different language settings and all I get is a black screen with initializing on it. Using a Parrot hands free kit.

Nexus 6, Android 6.0.1. Same problem: Stuck at screen "initializing...".

Language is German.

mi Xiaomi Piston 3 wired headset.

On Lollipop 5.1.1 same thing with wired headset. Stuck on initializing same was with previous kitkat 4.4.x on my oneplus one with original wired headset.
It's ridicolous that Google develops voice command for "Google NOW" and people can't use it without touching the screen.
SOLVE THIS the ticket is ASSIGNED from 2013 :O

LG G4, Android 6!!! Same ridiculous problem: With wired headset the first try show "initializing...", once again it works. With Bluetooth Car Kit it is always "initializing...".
3.rd party solutions like voice command does not work.
Fix it please.

I also got this on brand new Plantronics Voyager Edge! And google nexus 5 LG :-((( please fix it google! :(((((((

Google fix this!! Same issue for me with a samsung Galaxy S6!!

Same for me! I've had this bug since for years! Now I have a stock Nexus 5 with the latest Marshmallow and the bug is still here.
I'm using a stereo Bluetooth headset, LGHBS 730.

Setting language to English: it works
Setting language to German: it does NOT work!

can't be that hard to fix!

3 years this issue is open!  It's little issues like this that drive people to iPhone.  I love Android but running into stuff like this is very annoying.  This should just work!

+1 here - cmon please? since so much time now?

Same problem with "Initialising" with Android 6.0 and Xperia Z5 Compact

Same story here, Asus Zenphone 2 ze551ml....inizializing screen and nothing else after pressing my bluetooth headset button....shame on you Google devs, after three years...

Again...still not working for Nexus 5 with German language settings.

Same here with Z1 compact and Lollipop 5.1.1, Italian versio

Turning phone in english it works; basically there's another menu in Google now settings: "headset". Such entry disappear when you turn in other language. I've used a logger and noticed that Google invokes a different service using italian and english so the problem is the Google app I guess.

I've sent a feedback using the app. Please all of you do the same so maybe Big G will care about not-US people sooner or later.

Anyway my workaround:
 - this app helps to reassing Google now voice search to the bluetooth media button
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vibaroo.btnow

 - this app keeps the display off (English version of google now do it automatically) if the phone is in the pocket (really important if your phone is in your pocket while riding a bike or scooter as me)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plexnor.gravityscreenofffree

 - Since the app above is annoying when I'm not on my bike, I use "Automate" to turn the sensor off when Bluetooth is not working.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.llamalab.automate

Known Issue: after a couple of voice command, the workaround doesn't work no more because somehow BT GNOW launches more Google apps and the microphone get stuck somehow. After some command you have to close all instances of Google App.

Thank you for your feedback.  We assure you that we are doing our best to address all issues reported. For now, we will be closing the issue as won't fix obsolete. If this issue currently still exists, we request that you log a new issue along with the bug report here https://goo.gl/TbMiIO and reference this bug for context.