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monkeybagel

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jul 24, 2011
1,142
61
United States
I apologize in advance if this has been discussed before, but has anyone convinced WiFi Calling with supported carriers such as Verizon Wireless to work on a Mac Pro 5,1 2012 model? I am assuming that it needs an updated Bluetooth 4.0 module an the Continuity patch installed, but wasn't sure on what to order. Perhaps just a USB Bluetooth 4.0 dongle would work. Has anyone gotten this to work? I searched and didn't located anything on it, and I find it a very convenient feature.

Thank you.

EDIT: An internal solution would be nice to add 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 without the dongle, but I would be receptive of any options and experiences.

EDIT 2:Just ran across this thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...orking-on-mac-pro-2010-keep-updating.1748061/
 
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h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,656
8,584
Hong Kong
For just call redirect, you don't even need wifi (no BT 4.0 either). I can do that with just LAN connected (with no wifi card installed).

The functions that really need BT 4.0, wifi ac, or even CAT is handoff, not continuity.

My cMP has the wifi ac card now, but I used this continuity function way before I install the card. I am 100% sure it doesn't require wifi at all. But I couldn't remember which OS was, may be Yosemite. And I don't know if the same logic still applicable on current OS.
 

monkeybagel

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jul 24, 2011
1,142
61
United States
For just call redirect, you don't even need wifi (no BT 4.0 either). I can do that with just LAN connected (with no wifi card installed).

The functions that really need BT 4.0, wifi ac, or even CAT is handoff, not continuity.

My cMP has the wifi ac card now, but I used this continuity function way before I install the card. I am 100% sure it doesn't require wifi at all. But I couldn't remember which OS was, may be Yosemite. And I don't know if the same logic still applicable on current OS.
Thank you for the reply. Are you referring to when FaceTime gives the option to "Call (888) 555-1212 using iPhone" or to using the WiFi calling feature with supported carriers where the iPhone does not even need to be in the vicinity? All of my MacBooks use WiFi exclusively, with FaceTime Audio call quality, and the iPhone does not even appear to be in use. You can even pick up the iPhone and place another call with it while using the WiFi calling on the MacBook. The Mac Pro has the "call using iPhone" feature, but I think this has been around since 10.8 or 10.9 if I am not mistaken. Just making sure we are speaking of the same thing.

Thanks
 

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,656
8,584
Hong Kong
Thank you for the reply. Are you referring to when FaceTime gives the option to "Call (888) 555-1212 using iPhone" or to using the WiFi calling feature with supported carriers where the iPhone does not even need to be in the vicinity? All of my MacBooks use WiFi exclusively, with FaceTime Audio call quality, and the iPhone does not even appear to be in use. You can even pick up the iPhone and place another call with it while using the WiFi calling on the MacBook. The Mac Pro has the "call using iPhone" feature, but I think this has been around since 10.8 or 10.9 if I am not mistaken. Just making sure we are speaking of the same thing.

Thanks

I was referring to the function that require iPhone as the bridge.
 

monkeybagel

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jul 24, 2011
1,142
61
United States
I think it would probably work if the necessary Airport and Bluetooth cards were updated. It would be nice to have a nice, OEM internal solution rather than a USB dongle. When I attempt this I will report back what does/does not work.

Thanks!
 

Squuiid

macrumors 68000
Oct 31, 2006
1,877
1,713
That was one of the solutions I was actually looking at. I had emailed them to confirm it would accomplish what I wanted, but have not heard a response yet. I need to check my spam folder in case I missed it.
They're actually terrible at responding to any emails.
However, if you have a 2009/2010/2012 Mac Pro then this will work fine.
You would still need to use CAT to enable Apple Watch unlock however, but it does then work perfectly.
 
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