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I have a 3g tablet that I'm using as my primary device. However, I'd like to make/receive calls using a smaller device that fits in my pocket. I could buy a bluetooth handset for around $50, but I'd rather use a spare android phone I have if possible.
I did some research, looks like there's no way to use the phone as a bluetooth headset. But...couldn't I use it via wifi? I'm thinking...enable the wifi hotspot on the tablet, so the phone connects to the tablet via wifi. Tablet receives a call. Somehow it magically forwards it via voip to the android phone. Ideally I could also make a call via the phone, though that's not necessary.
No, google voice won't work, as it's an Australian number.
And I do know about Tablet Talk. I need something for voice calls though, not texts.
It'll probably be suggested that I simply put the sim in the phone and use the hotspot featue on it to share with the tablet. Good idea, but the battery life on the phone is less than stellar. It might last an hour or two in that mode; the tablet can last all day.
Thanks for any help!
Why can't you put another SIM card in your phone and enable call forwarding from the SIM that you use in your tablet to that in your phone? But first check whther there is any call forwarding charges impossed by your carrier.
amith007 said:
Why can't you put another SIM card in your phone and enable call forwarding from the SIM that you use in your tablet to that in your phone? But first check whther there is any call forwarding charges impossed by your carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it costs to forward calls. I could just give two numbers out, but that'd be a hassle for those calling me.
josetann said:
Yup, it costs to forward calls. I could just give two numbers out, but that'd be a hassle for those calling me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. I see .. .. I am not sure whether there is an app which forwards voice call via VIOP.. another suggestion is put your primary SIM card (the one in tab now) in your phone and get a spare SIM card for your tab for data connection..
Cos SMS'es are not forwarded, and that is a not trully-carrier free solution.
amith007 said:
Hmm.. I see .. .. I am not sure whether there is an app which forwards voice call via VIOP.. another suggestion is put your primary SIM card (the one in tab now) in your phone and get a spare SIM card for your tab for data connection..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've thought of that too. What I'm aiming for is to have one primary device. I don't want to need to carry a tablet and a phone. So...tablet is primary, it handles all data and voice. Phone would serve same purpose as a bluetooth headset; if it's there, it could handle voice calls. If not, then calls still go through the tablet as usual.
I know the hardware is more than capable of doing this.
I may just end up getting one of those bluetooth headsets that act like a regular phone. Would (should?) double as a bluetooth audio receiver. Just hate spending more money when I already have something (spare android phone) that should do the job.
I have been searching and can't really find an answer. I have a note 4 on Sprint. I would like to get the AT&T gear s. I would activate it with the big blue more than likely. Will the call forwarding, etc still work? I believe it should because it is still connected just not on one account. I have the framily plan with sprint and don't want to switch.
I also forgot to mention that I will be buying the s from best buy because of reward credits and they only have the AT&T version listed.
dbraba01 said:
I have been searching and can't really find an answer. I have a note 4 on Sprint. I would like to get the AT&T gear s. I would activate it with the big blue more than likely. Will the call forwarding, etc still work? I believe it should because it is still connected just not on one account. I have the framily plan with sprint and don't want to switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should the watchphone has it's own number so call forwarding will work and you watch number would work. It's like google voice if you use that. So yes 2 numbers 1 watch. So bluetooth to accept Sprint stuff. Leave phone at home to accept AT&T stuff.
Ok thanks, that's what I was looking for. I'm not looking to switch sim cards yet and couldn't find out whether this is possible. If only bb would sell the sprint model for price matching purposes.
dbraba01 said:
Ok thanks, that's what I was looking for. I'm not looking to switch sim cards yet and couldn't find out whether this is possible. If only bb would sell the sprint model for price matching purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this means that you wont have your "phone" # forward to the ATT Gear S from your SPRINT #?
So this means you have to give out the ATT Gear S # out to be able to reach you when you leave your Phone at home?
rmont23 said:
So this means that you wont have your "phone" # forward to the ATT Gear S from your SPRINT #?
So this means you have to give out the ATT Gear S # out to be able to reach you when you leave your Phone at home?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He can forward his Sprint number to AT&T gear it has it's own number. He will receive calls from both numbers on watch when he is away from phone and when phone is bluetooth connected he will still recieve both numbers both text both everything.
his watch internet will come from his AT&T number when he's away. When he's by his phone he will use bluetooth/wifi
Uniquebarbee said:
He can forward his Sprint number to AT&T gear it has it's own number. He will receive calls from both numbers on watch when he is away from phone and when phone is bluetooth connected he will still recieve both numbers both text both everything.
his watch internet will come from his AT&T number when he's away. When he's by his phone he will use bluetooth/wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so when hes not connected with bluetooth he wont get text or emails from his sprint phone # but will receive calls from his sprint #?
Im sorry if it sounds the same i just want to make sure i get this right.
rmont23 said:
so when hes not connected with bluetooth he wont get text or emails from his sprint phone # but will receive calls from his sprint #?
Im sorry if it sounds the same i just want to make sure i get this right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes he can freely make calls on watch AT&T bluetooth he will recieve sprint info if he has wifi calling activated then use sprint things with wifi calling
@rmont23 do you have Sprint carrier?
To me it is the same thing as forwarding you cell to your home phone. The emails will come from my account no matter what service i have. If i understand this right, it should work the same I'll just have two different bills.
dbraba01 said:
To me it is the same thing as forwarding you cell to your home phone. The emails will come from my account no matter what service i have. If i understand this right, it should work the same I'll just have two different bills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS everyone will have 2 bills some one carrier in this case 2 carriers users preference. Yes think of watchphone as a home phone on the go when needed
Uniquebarbee said:
yes he can freely make calls on watch AT&T bluetooth he will recieve sprint info if he has wifi calling activated then use sprint things with wifi calling
@rmont23 do you have Sprint carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have sprint.
this is why i ask these question:
From Sprint website: must be on and connected to Sprint’s data network for SMS/MMS and third party app notifications to be routed from Sprint smartphone to Gear S when Bluetooth connection is unavailable.
rmont23 said:
yes i have sprint.
this is why i ask these question:
From Sprint website: must be on and connected to Sprint’s data network for SMS/MMS and third party app notifications to be routed from Sprint smartphone to Gear S when Bluetooth connection is unavailable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Sprint watchphone will use the GS phone number when you are not connected to bluetooth i.e it will eat you data your 1,000 text/calls 100MB data per month unless you are on family share then your calls/text will be unlimited and you share data when you are away from phone but you have to have 20GB family share or higher for that
Ok,
So i have successfully paired iphone 6 with Gear S. I have one sim in iphone and another sim in Gear S. Here is the problem.
All calls on my iphone number are shown on Gear S fine.
However, calls on my Gear S number dop not show up on iphone. The only option on Gear S is to transfer to an "Headset" even though the iphone is paired.
Can some one suggest, if a call on the gear S number can be transferred to the phone?
thanks
A Lot of reviews but no comments. Maybe I need to simplify it..
Can gear S transfer calls to paired phone when call is dialed on a sim thats in the gear S.
I know it can be used to listen to calls dialed on the sim in the paired phone. but what about alternative route.
Basically can the iphone or android act as a bluetooth receiver from the gear S.
Duh. i think i further complicated it...
yahya.hamid said:
A Lot of reviews but no comments. Maybe I need to simplify it..
Can gear S transfer calls to paired phone when call is dialed on a sim thats in the gear S.
I know it can be used to listen to calls dialed on the sim in the paired phone. but what about alternative route.
Basically can the iphone or android act as a bluetooth receiver from the gear S.
Duh. i think i further complicated it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one can really support you here unless they have an iPhone. This device is not made to work with non Android phones. We all are using Android phones.
As for handing off mid-call, probably not. Just conference in your phone if the call is initiated on the Gear S.
yahya.hamid said:
Ok,
So i have successfully paired iphone 6 with Gear S. I have one sim in iphone and another sim in Gear S. Here is the problem.
All calls on my iphone number are shown on Gear S fine.
However, calls on my Gear S number dop not show up on iphone. The only option on Gear S is to transfer to an "Headset" even though the iphone is paired.
Can some one suggest, if a call on the gear S number can be transferred to the phone?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can enable conditional forwarding on the watch sim.. Just look up call forwarding for the carrier that the watch is on, and dial that short code on the Gear with your iPhone number as the forwarding number. Then when someone calls your watch & you don't answer it'll forward to your iPhone instead of going to the voicemail provided by your gear's carrier
yahya.hamid said:
A Lot of reviews but no comments. Maybe I need to simplify it..
Can gear S transfer calls to paired phone when call is dialed on a sim thats in the gear S.
I know it can be used to listen to calls dialed on the sim in the paired phone. but what about alternative route.
Basically can the iphone or android act as a bluetooth receiver from the gear S.
Duh. i think i further complicated it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the answer is no.
@yahya.hamid - I would be curious to ask how the integration works for you between the iPhone and the Gear S. As you posted, it does not work going back the other way, but that is not an issue for me. The concerns that have kept me from buying this is that I currently have both an iPhone 6 Plus and a Note 4, but I prefer the iPhone, as I work in a marginal coverage area and the iPhone has far better reception (plus battery life). If the Gear S can accept calls from the iPhone and display basic notifications, this gets around one of my concerns. The other is still the heart rate accuracy, although Ninjamom seems happy with it. If the heart rate accuracy is OK and I can accept calls coming into my iPhone from the Gear S, I will buy it now! I am not concerned if the Gear S can send calls the other way, as I would only ever have calls going to that sim if my phone was at home (for example, when out running).
Roastman said:
@yahya.hamid - I would be curious to ask how the integration works for you between the iPhone and the Gear S. As you posted, it does not work going back the other way, but that is not an issue for me. The concerns that have kept me from buying this is that I currently have both an iPhone 6 Plus and a Note 4, but I prefer the iPhone, as I work in a marginal coverage area and the iPhone has far better reception (plus battery life). If the Gear S can accept calls from the iPhone and display basic notifications, this gets around one of my concerns. The other is still the heart rate accuracy, although Ninjamom seems happy with it. If the heart rate accuracy is OK and I can accept calls coming into my iPhone from the Gear S, I will buy it now! I am not concerned if the Gear S can send calls the other way, as I would only ever have calls going to that sim if my phone was at home (for example, when out running).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is basically a phone so if you can forward your calls from your iPhone to any other phone using your iPhone plan, you can forward to the Gear S. But it isn't like you're going to be able to answer calls coming into your iPhone on the Gear S with your call remaining on the iPhone. If that makes sense.
In other words, you have to think of the Gear S as a separate phone that you're just forwarding your calls from your iPhone to. Like a landline cell phone forwarding situation. And if you aren't getting good service on your Note 4, you probably won't get better coverage on the Gear S unless it is on the same carrier that the iPhone is on.
Ah - so unlike using a Samsung Gear Watch with a Samsung phone, you cannot answer the phone via bluetooth on the watch.... It must be forwarded from the phone to the watch via the network. That now makes more sense, as I did not think the two would share bluetooth in this manner. It would be nice if it did, but Samsung and Apple tend not to cooperate with each other.
Roastman said:
@yahya.hamid - I would be curious to ask how the integration works for you between the iPhone and the Gear S. As you posted, it does not work going back the other way, but that is not an issue for me. The concerns that have kept me from buying this is that I currently have both an iPhone 6 Plus and a Note 4, but I prefer the iPhone, as I work in a marginal coverage area and the iPhone has far better reception (plus battery life). If the Gear S can accept calls from the iPhone and display basic notifications, this gets around one of my concerns. The other is still the heart rate accuracy, although Ninjamom seems happy with it. If the heart rate accuracy is OK and I can accept calls coming into my iPhone from the Gear S, I will buy it now! I am not concerned if the Gear S can send calls the other way, as I would only ever have calls going to that sim if my phone was at home (for example, when out running).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It syncs in beautifully. Once paired, all calls that you receive on your iphone will seamlessly be displayed on the watch too. You can answer them from the watch or iphone. You can also switch to iphone or watch during the call. Similarly, there is an option on the watch that states if you wanna use your iphone number as primary or the sim number. If you suggets iphone then all calls from the gear s can be dialled and will be displayed as dialing on iphone.
There are no issues in calls. Its a complete mirroring.
Whats missing is that if you use your watch sim to call it does not show on the iphone. But thats something you dont want. So cheers.
yahya.hamid said:
It syncs in beautifully. Once paired, all calls that you receive on your iphone will seamlessly be displayed on the watch too. You can answer them from the watch or iphone. You can also switch to iphone or watch during the call. Similarly, there is an option on the watch that states if you wanna use your iphone number as primary or the sim number. If you suggets iphone then all calls from the gear s can be dialled and will be displayed as dialing on iphone.
There are no issues in calls. Its a complete mirroring.
Whats missing is that if you use your watch sim to call it does not show on the iphone. But thats something you dont want. So cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic! I appreciate the detailed reply. I have now ordered a watch, but there is a bit of a delay (could be up to a few weeks). Looking forward to having it strapped to my arm, as I really enjoyed using my wife's Gear 2 Neo. Thanks again.
yahya.hamid said:
It syncs in beautifully. Once paired, all calls that you receive on your iphone will seamlessly be displayed on the watch too. You can answer them from the watch or iphone. You can also switch to iphone or watch during the call. Similarly, there is an option on the watch that states if you wanna use your iphone number as primary or the sim number. If you suggets iphone then all calls from the gear s can be dialled and will be displayed as dialing on iphone.
There are no issues in calls. Its a complete mirroring.
Whats missing is that if you use your watch sim to call it does not show on the iphone. But thats something you dont want. So cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Gear S uses specialized encryption that the iPhone cannot access. I'm not buying that the connection works.
Cant connect
The two devices can't even connect to one another. Again the Gear S uses special encryption.
I'd love to see the Gear S able to connect to all devices. But it isn't possible with the iPhone. At least not without some kind of jailbreak workaround.
And about notifications ? I use it a lot... how it works woth iphone?
Will see how it goes when the watch arrives. Worst case scenario means I will switch to the Note 4.
zelele said:
And about notifications ? I use it a lot... how it works woth iphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They cannot connect to each other. At all.
My only issue is
I Have my gear s pair to my iPhone 5s but my issue is when calls come in on iphone also come on watch is what I want but on iPhone it shows the name of the contect but on the watch just the number so I have to look at the
Phone before I take the call on my watch any work around for this or am I doing something wrong
ToneSoFly said:
I Have my gear s pair to my iPhone 5s but my issue is when calls come in on iphone also come on watch is what I want but on iPhone it shows the name of the contect but on the watch just the number so I have to look at the
Phone before I take the call on my watch any work around for this or am I doing something wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the contacts are loaded onto the device, maybe it will then work out who the number belongs to? If not, the iPhone most likely won't push the information to the watch. I am not sure if this will work, as I am still waiting for the watch
ToneSoFly said:
I Have my gear s pair to my iPhone 5s but my issue is when calls come in on iphone also come on watch is what I want but on iPhone it shows the name of the contect but on the watch just the number so I have to look at the
Phone before I take the call on my watch any work around for this or am I doing something wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to copy all your contacts onto the Gear S SIM, or are you using the watch without a SIM in it?
---------- Post added at 05:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 AM ----------
sbrownla said:
The two devices can't even connect to one another. Again the Gear S uses special encryption.
I'd love to see the Gear S able to connect to all devices. But it isn't possible with the iPhone. At least not without some kind of jailbreak workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe those reporting that it works mean it works when connected remotely, and maybe with dual sim cards?
Details are not too clear.
xendula said:
Maybe those reporting that it works mean it works when connected remotely, and maybe with dual sim cards?
Details are not too clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they are full of ____ or they don't know what we mean by pairing the devices. You can forward calls and use call forwarding from the iPhone or any phone with a working number to the Gear S. But you absolutely can not pair the two using Bluetooth because of the encryption.
You can't even pair the Gear S to a Nexus without being Gear Manage up and running. And an iPhone?! Crazy talk.
im about to pair my gear s to my iPhone. I'll let you know also do you know how the texting functionality and notifications work?
About 3 weeks ago, I purchased a Gear S while on a trip to Scottsdale AZ. I had the Gear unlocked in anticipation that my Canadian Carrier, Rogers, would soon get the watch and I could purchase a SIM from them.
Well, today I found someone who knows a bit about the situation and they explained that Samsung has told the carriers that they must have some backend infrastructure to support the gear. Currrently Samsung is supporting all remote functions but has told all carriers they must have their own infrastructure ready by January 2015. It appears the CDN carriers figure they can't make any money if they also need to own the backend so they are refusing to carry the watch. Isn't that just typical of the BIG 3 Carriers. They make so much money with their ability to run themselfs as a monopoly by being in bed with each other and now they won't carry the watch because they would actually have to put out some capital $'s first! I sure wish Verizon would have some to Canada!
Sword Fish said:
About 3 weeks ago, I purchased a Gear S while on a trip to Scottsdale AZ. I had the Gear unlocked in anticipation that my Canadian Carrier, Rogers, would soon get the watch and I could purchase a SIM from them.
Well, today I found someone who knows a bit about the situation and they explained that Samsung has told the carriers that they must have some backend infrastructure to support the gear. Currrently Samsung is supporting all remote functions but has told all carriers they must have their own infrastructure ready by January 2015. It appears the CDN carriers figure they can't make any money if they also need to own the backend so they are refusing to carry the watch. Isn't that just typical of the BIG 3 Carriers. They make so much money with their ability to run themselfs as a monopoly by being in bed with each other and now they won't carry the watch because they would actually have to put out some capital $'s first! I sure wish Verizon would have some to Canada!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not good news! I'm expecting the Gear S to arrive today and I was planning on stopping by the Rogers store to get a data sim card to use with the watch. So, sounds like this idea isn't going to work? I may just turn around and return the Gear S?
greatg said:
That is not good news! I'm expecting the Gear S to arrive today and I was planning on stopping by the Rogers store to get a data sim card to use with the watch. So, sounds like this idea isn't going to work? I may just turn around and return the Gear S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been to a lot of stores over the last few weeks and most staff don't even know what the watch is. When I show them mine, they still tell me it hasn't been released yet??? I talked to manager at a store in Calgary earlier today and he was the one who told me the story above...
Sword Fish said:
I've been to a lot of stores over the last few weeks and most staff don't even know what the watch is. When I show them mine, they still tell me it hasn't been released yet??? I talked to manager at a store in Calgary earlier today and he was the one who told me the story above...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I picked up a "rocket stick" and put the sim into the watch it wouldn't work? The sim would have a phone number associated with it and I'm assuming the call forwarding is being controlled by the app on the Note 4?
I took my SIM out of my Note 3 (Koodo) just yesterday to try it out. (futureshop gear S)
The watch input all the correct APN info without a hitch
Here's what I have discovered since then.
Phone: Works. However contact list imported from phone has skewed some of the contacts slightly. - still need to sort that out
Internet : Opera browser Works
Text Messages: once a conversation is built inbound only then can I respond to texts. I cannot compose a message at all
Email: same as text messages
Notifications: Works well
whats the best and cheapest way to have the gear s working like it does in the states?
Do i have to get a whole new sim card with data and voice plan?
jsnali13 said:
whats the best and cheapest way to have the gear s working like it does in the states?
Do i have to get a whole new sim card with data and voice plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I returned my Gear S because we (Canada) do not have a system set up by the carriers to utilize all of the Gear S features. I'm on Rogers and they do not support any sort of conditional call forwarding. If you have voice mail, any call forwarding will not work - Not sure why we can't have v-mail and conditional call forwarding?
Anyways, I did try a $15 pre-paid plan with Koodo. Work well as long as the watch was connected to phone via BT. Was completely useless as a standalone since no call forwarding (I did not want to give out watch number).
Unless we have a better solution, this is a very expensive product that cannot be utilized to its full potential.
If anyone has been able to set their Gear S up differently to work as per US - please provide info.
greatg said:
I returned my Gear S because we (Canada) do not have a system set up by the carriers to utilize all of the Gear S features. I'm on Rogers and they do not support any sort of conditional call forwarding. If you have voice mail, any call forwarding will not work - Not sure why we can't have v-mail and conditional call forwarding?
Anyways, I did try a $15 pre-paid plan with Koodo. Work well as long as the watch was connected to phone via BT. Was completely useless as a standalone since no call forwarding (I did not want to give out watch number).
Unless we have a better solution, this is a very expensive product that cannot be utilized to its full potential.
If anyone has been able to set their Gear S up differently to work as per US - please provide info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt the call forwarding set up through Gear Manager?
I know i use to forward my cell number to my work line with no issues using the phone call settings. never had an issue because i had voice mail.
I cant see all these companies in the states setting up a different infrastructure just for this watch.
i have 14 days to play with this watch so might just get a sim with data and voice and try it out. i'm on telus so hopefully its just something with rogers that sucks.
jsnali13 said:
isnt the call forwarding set up through Gear Manager?
I know i use to forward my cell number to my work line with no issues using the phone call settings. never had an issue because i had voice mail.
I cant see all these companies in the states setting up a different infrastructure just for this watch.
i have 14 days to play with this watch so might just get a sim with data and voice and try it out. i'm on telus so hopefully its just something with rogers that sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, call forwarding can be set through Gear manager, but your network needs to support it. From what I've found out, non of the providers support conditional forwarding, and non-conditional forwarding does not work when v-mail is active. Let us know how you make out...
Eh, I have a question, what exactly do you mean by conditional and non-conditional forwarding ?
I will soon be with the Bell network and would like to know this as I just got a gear s today.
Isn't call forward a simple thing ? I don't particularly care for vmail as I don't plan to be away from phone that long anyway.
Just curious of the situation.
Elgreco333 said:
Eh, I have a question, what exactly do you mean by conditional and non-conditional forwarding ?
I will soon be with the Bell network and would like to know this as I just got a gear s today.
Isn't call forward a simple thing ? I don't particularly care for vmail as I don't plan to be away from phone that long anyway.
Just curious of the situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forwarding - Always forward
Conditional - Forward when busy; or Forward when unanswered; or Forward when unreachable
So i got a pre-paid sim yesterday from Telus. My phone is with telus and i do have call forwarding on my plan. The watch works fine. I only have pre-paid data and text so i only get texts forwarded to the watch right now, but call forwarding goes straight to my voicemail on the pre-paid card.
I was reading something on another post about CDMA carriers vs. GSM carriers but can find the post again. Maybe thats why rogers has issues?
greatg said:
Forwarding - Always forward
Conditional - Forward when busy; or Forward when unanswered; or Forward when unreachable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Gear S set up with a Telus pre-paid SIM. My Note 2 is on Bell. Call forwarding works fine; when the Gear S disconnects from the BT connection with the phone, it prompts the phone (through Gear Manager) to turn on call forwarding to the Gear S after a delay of 60 seconds (to allow for temporary, intermittent disconnections). One thing I discovered on another forum, is that you must have mobile data enabled on the Gear S (something I didn't want to do, as it is crazy expensive on the basic prepaid SIM), as it appears the Gear S uses this to prompt the call forwarding (I don't know why Gear Manager couldn't do it on its own). In any event, it turn out to cost less than 10 cents every time the Gear S does this, so so far not an issue, and I have full functionality. I suspect however that this might be the back end function Samsung is looking to unload if the OP is correct - but again, it is a mystery to me why this back end function is even necessary if that's the case.
---------- Post added at 08:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 PM ----------
jsnali13 said:
whats the best and cheapest way to have the gear s working like it does in the states?
Do i have to get a whole new sim card with data and voice plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Telus pre-paid SIM I got was the cheapest option I have found so far - and my phone is on Bell. I pre-loaded it with $100 (as this is good for a year, rather than lesser amounts that expire after 30 days) and added a text message add-on for $5 a month (which is deducted from your pre-paid balance). The add-on gives me 250 text messages a month, and drops the cost of calls to 15 cents a minute. So, for less than $10/month, I have full functionality that should cover the amount of use I expect on mobile (i.e., off BT) with the Gear S. Also, I'm told that if I top up again at the end of the year, any remaining balance carries over. Thought this was the best was to go for now unless/until Bell comes out with a shareable option for my current plan, similar to what the carriers in the States are offering for the Gear S.
---------- Post added at 08:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 PM ----------
[/COLOR]
The Telus pre-paid SIM I got was the cheapest option I have found so far - and my phone is on Bell. I pre-loaded it with $100 (as this is good for a year, rather than lesser amounts that expire after 30 days) and added a text message add-on for $5 a month (which is deducted from your pre-paid balance). The add-on gives me 250 text messages a month, and drops the cost of calls to 15 cents a minute. So, for less than $10/month, I have full functionality that should cover the amount of use I expect on mobile (i.e., off BT) with the Gear S. Also, I'm told that if I top up again at the end of the year, any remaining balance carries over. Thought this was the best was to go for now unless/until Bell comes out with a shareable option for my current plan, similar to what the carriers in the States are offering for the Gear S.[/QUOTE]
Did you go into a telus store to find out about the $100 for the year deal? i dont see it on telus.com
---------- Post added at 07:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 PM ----------
jtOttawa said:
I have the Gear S set up with a Telus pre-paid SIM. My Note 2 is on Bell. Call forwarding works fine; when the Gear S disconnects from the BT connection with the phone, it prompts the phone (through Gear Manager) to turn on call forwarding to the Gear S after a delay of 60 seconds (to allow for temporary, intermittent disconnections). One thing I discovered on another forum, is that you must have mobile data enabled on the Gear S (something I didn't want to do, as it is crazy expensive on the basic prepaid SIM), as it appears the Gear S uses this to prompt the call forwarding (I don't know why Gear Manager couldn't do it on its own). In any event, it turn out to cost less than 10 cents every time the Gear S does this, so so far not an issue, and I have full functionality. I suspect however that this might be the back end function Samsung is looking to unload if the OP is correct - but again, it is a mystery to me why this back end function is even necessary if that's the case.
---------- Post added at 08:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 PM ----------
The Telus pre-paid SIM I got was the cheapest option I have found so far - and my phone is on Bell. I pre-loaded it with $100 (as this is good for a year, rather than lesser amounts that expire after 30 days) and added a text message add-on for $5 a month (which is deducted from your pre-paid balance). The add-on gives me 250 text messages a month, and drops the cost of calls to 15 cents a minute. So, for less than $10/month, I have full functionality that should cover the amount of use I expect on mobile (i.e., off BT) with the Gear S. Also, I'm told that if I top up again at the end of the year, any remaining balance carries over. Thought this was the best was to go for now unless/until Bell comes out with a shareable option for my current plan, similar to what the carriers in the States are offering for the Gear S.
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So your plan is pre-paid voice and data? with the addon of texts? I cant find this option on the telus site. when ever my phone is forwarded to the gear, it goes straight into voicemail of the gear sim. wonder if they will ever fix the forwarding so when not answered on your gear, it will return to your phone's voicemail.
It's a prepaid card, that gives you access to voice and data - not a plan. As both the voice and data rates on a basic prepaid card are expensive - $.50/min for calls, $.30/text, $2/mb data - you need to gauge your usage and add add-ons or a plan accordingly. With the $5 text add-on, as I mentioned, this drops the call rate to $.15/min. You can also add a data add-on, but so far I don't think I will need it (and the cheapest is $10/mo.). You can see the add-ons on the website; the rest is just a basic prepaid SIM, not a plan, which is why you don't see it. They will charge you $10 for the SIM. I went in to a Telus store for all of this.
At least one Canadian carrier is now offering the Gear S - no sign of a special plan for it yet though....
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Samsung-Gear-S-black-Smartwatch
Edit: Rogers too...
http://www.rogers.com/web/link/wire...294967106+11+4294966826+4294966713+4294940989
I picked up the gear s a few weeks ago from samsung in edmonton.
I didn't bother informing my provider of my intentions. Just switched my microsim for a nano, and was set. Granted it did take a bit of messing aroung in the settings, I've managed to get it working as a standalone and as a companion for my note 4 simultaneously.
All notifications from my phone are forwarded over wifi or 3G while not connected via bluetooth.
Calls are forwarded to the watch, the only hitch so far is that I have to decide before I leave home whether I want the watch to dial out on my phones # or it's own.
Battery life is as expected from 300mah. BT connection, without 3G on yeilds a respectable 1.5-2 days, as a companion. The more you use it...
Having 3G always connected with BT left the gear s limping home @ 14% after 24hrs despite the battery pack boost back to 100% partway through.
Overall, I'm impressed. It's not yet a smartphone on your wrist, but getting close. There are a few annoyances such as the apparent inability to add a contact. As far as i can tell so far at least. Voice to text has worked well so far, and s voice does respond well to simple commands like call, text, play, open, set alarm, etc. It's no goggle now, but it's functioning well on the watch.
I find myself saying "OK gear" and "Hi google"
dr0n3droid said:
I picked up the gear s a few weeks ago from samsung in edmonton.
I didn't bother informing my provider of my intentions. Just switched my microsim for a nano, and was set. Granted it did take a bit of messing aroung in the settings, I've managed to get it working as a standalone and as a companion for my note 4 simultaneously.
All notifications from my phone are forwarded over wifi or 3G while not connected via bluetooth.
Calls are forwarded to the watch, the only hitch so far is that I have to decide before I leave home whether I want the watch to dial out on my phones # or it's own.
Battery life is as expected from 300mah. BT connection, without 3G on yeilds a respectable 1.5-2 days, as a companion. The more you use it...
Having 3G always connected with BT left the gear s limping home @ 14% after 24hrs despite the battery pack boost back to 100% partway through.
Overall, I'm impressed. It's not yet a smartphone on your wrist, but getting close. There are a few annoyances such as the apparent inability to add a contact. As far as i can tell so far at least. Voice to text has worked well so far, and s voice does respond well to simple commands like call, text, play, open, set alarm, etc. It's no goggle now, but it's functioning well on the watch.
I find myself saying "OK gear" and "Hi google"
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Not sure I follow... Do you mean you got another nano SIM for the service you have on your phone, so both your Gear S and your phone are operating on the same service..? I didn't think that was possible - that is, that providers only allow one active SIM per service - or do you mean something else, i.e., that you have only one active SIM, and it is in your Gear?
jtOttawa said:
Not sure I follow... Do you mean you got another nano SIM for the service you have on your phone, so both your Gear S and your phone are operating on the same service..? I didn't think that was possible - that is, that providers only allow one active SIM per service - or do you mean something else, i.e., that you have only one active SIM, and it is in your Gear?
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Sorry, I completely omitted the fact that I have two active voice plans sharing data. As i did before the gear s.
The Gear works as a standalone with one number, for voice, text and data.
The note 4 has the same_voice, text and data on it's own number.
Two phones as before, but one on my wrist. With call forwarding, and all notifications from the note being sent, the gear s is essentially functioning as both phones.
My pockets seem so empty.
dr0n3droid said:
Sorry, I completely omitted the fact that I have two active voice plans sharing data. As i did before the gear s.
The Gear works as a standalone with one number, for voice, text and data.
The note 4 has the same_voice, text and data on it's own number.
Two phones as before, but one on my wrist. With call forwarding, and all notifications from the note being sent, the gear s is essentially functioning as both phones.
My pockets seem so empty.
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Ah, yes, well, that will certainly work. I was looking for the cheapest possible way to get 3G functionality on the Gear S, at least until the carriers come out with a shareable option similar to that being offered by the U.S. carriers, given that I expect to use the Gear S as a standalone device very rarely (but like having that capability).
I have to have 2 sim cards active all the time, one is an international sim that roams on AT&T network (2G) I use only for phone calls & SMS's, DATA disabled all the time (too much $$ otherwise). The other sim card is a metro pcs unlimited everything. I currently have the ASUS zenfone 2 that I like, except the screen is broken, touch still works though, but now want to try the Gear S + a single sim phone (might buy a refurb. Tmobile Note 4, or a Nexus 6P..etc.)
- Say I have the international sim card in an unlocked AT&T gear S, and when I receive a call; answer it in my phone that's connected to the Gear S through Bluetooth? Or do I need to answer it through the built in speaker or a Bluetooth headphone connected to the Gear S?
- Is there an app like pushbullet that will push notifications (SMS's, missed calles..etc) to my other devices?
Thanks!
1. No, phone calls to the watch needs to be answered on the watch. You can have a BT headset connected to the watch to answer it but phone's can be used this way.
2. Notifications only go one way: from phone to watch. I'm not aware there is any app to the other way.
Also, keep in mind that the Gear S can only work within North America. If you use it outside that region, it is physically not possible to pick up any signal because its dual-band radio.
foxbat121 said:
1. No, phone calls to the watch needs to be answered on the watch. You can have a BT headset connected to the watch to answer it but phone's can be used this way.
2. Notifications only go one way: from phone to watch. I'm not aware there is any app to the other way.
Also, keep in mind that the Gear S can only work within North America. If you use it outside that region, it is physically not possible to pick up any signal because its dual-band radio.
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I thought it'd be able to route the call somehow heh.
I have pushbullet app, it sends whatever in the notification area to all other devices that run the same app using WiFi or DATA ..etc. I'm guessing no such a thing under Tizen that is reliable and works 100% of the time?
Thanks for the heads up regarding supported frequencies.