Hello everyone,
Samsung has released a watch with the Samsung Galaxy S5 as a companion. Here is my full unboxing and review of the watch. Do you think that the watch would be worth your money? Is it a good watch? Is it silly or actually useful? Watch the Review and let me know what you think of the watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dtT4dSHxLiU
I like it as I am am wearing a Gear 2 on my left arm and a Fit on my right. At the moment the Fit is my preference assuming I can find a way to increase the band size. Its small...
Earthdog said:
I like it as I am am wearing a Gear 2 on my left arm and a Fit on my right. At the moment the Fit is my preference assuming I can find a way to increase the band size. Its small...
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Or you're big
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
SirLance99 said:
Or you're big
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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Well in my case every watch I have ever owned fit except the Fit. :laugh:
Earthdog said:
Well in my case every watch I have ever owned fit except the Fit. :laugh:
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Yeah it is a bit small.
Earthdog said:
I like it as I am am wearing a Gear 2 on my left arm and a Fit on my right. At the moment the Fit is my preference assuming I can find a way to increase the band size. Its small...
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OMG, thats what i want to do. How do you like that setup? Right now, I want it just to have changable watch faces and use the fit as a customizable bracelet.
Im sure ill use the utility of both devices, but for now im more focused on just those two aspects.
Before anyone says anything, $300 is nothing for a watch and $200 is nothing for a bracelt. Just to have them fully customizable is awesome. I will most likey use the watch to take short calls in the field, check a msg at meetings. Use the fit band for the health tracking. Time will tell what utility I will use, but I dont really want to use the cool features as much as some people do, or will perceive me to want to(people think that enough with my N3, N8.0 and NP12.2 lol)
Ugh, what a waste - I wanted to buy one for my wife until I found out it doesn't have the microphone/speaker like the other Gears. She saw me talking on my Gear 2 Neo and mentioned she'd actually use that feature (she wouldn't use bluetooth headsets before because she has a thing about putting things on her ear). It would have been the first smartwatch she would have been open to using if only it had those missing features as she doesn't like the size of most of the other smartwatches.
rEVOLVE said:
Ugh, what a waste - I wanted to buy one for my wife until I found out it doesn't have the microphone/speaker like the other Gears. She saw me talking on my Gear 2 Neo and mentioned she'd actually use that feature (she wouldn't use bluetooth headsets before because she has a thing about putting things on her ear). It would have been the first smartwatch she would have been open to using if only it had those missing features as she doesn't like the size of most of the other smartwatches.
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Who wants to talk to their watch in public?
aooga said:
Who wants to talk to their watch in public?
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Are you always in public? Do you ever use speakerphone? Have a little imagination, will you? It's not like you would do this for every conversation. Did it occur to you that -sometimes- it's handy? ie - when your hands are full, when you're in the car, by yourself, etc. Also the possibility of controlling Google Now/S Voice is gone - which is more what I was interested in for my use and one of the reasons I'm exploring switching from my Pebble (which currently can do way more useful things than my Gear).
Wouldn't you rather have the option to do it and never use it if it doesn't suit you rather than buy a product that was limited by hardware to do more?
rEVOLVE said:
Are you always in public? Do you ever use speakerphone? Have a little imagination, will you? It's not like you would do this for every conversation. Did it occur to you that -sometimes- it's handy? ie - when your hands are full, when you're in the car, by yourself, etc. Also the possibility of controlling Google Now/S Voice is gone - which is more what I was interested in for my use and one of the reasons I'm exploring switching from my Pebble (which currently can do way more useful things than my Gear).
Wouldn't you rather have the option to do it and never use it if it doesn't suit you rather than buy a product that was limited by hardware to do more?
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Well for me, I would never use it. Car has bluetooth anyway, not really by myself that much, and even if I was, I would still not use speakerphone. I have an HTC One and people complain a lot when I use speakerphone, so I've stopped. It might work for you, but I see it as more of a gimmick than a real feature.
Yeah you can't use google now, but you can't do that on the gear 2 either. Only Svoice to send messages.
aooga said:
Well for me, I would never use it. Car has bluetooth anyway, not really by myself that much, and even if I was, I would still not use speakerphone. I have an HTC One and people complain a lot when I use speakerphone, so I've stopped. It might work for you, but I see it as more of a gimmick than a real feature.
Yeah you can't use google now, but you can't do that on the gear 2 either. Only Svoice to send messages.
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Ok, let's petition all the manufacturers to remove speakerphone from all phones because it doesn't fit -your- use. j/k
See, I agree with you that speakerphone in public is annoying, but wouldn't you feel bad buying a phone in this age that didn't have that feature -even if you never expected to use it? Sometimes I'm roaming my home and it's handy to have a quick convo on the speakerphone of the Neo without taking out and holding my phone or running to get my headset. Wow, it just made my life easier!
MOST of the samsung features are gimmicks, btw. Hell, lots of people consider a smartwatch a gimmick as well - it's all about perspective and being open to capabilities. You know what's a gimmick to me? Making a color screen on a smartwatch but having to keep it off just to save battery - it's annoying looking down and not seeing the time on the watch and being forced to wave my arm/touch the watch to display info.
S-Voice is damn useful on the Neo, though. I just got the weather forecast with it on the watch. Maybe a dev can switch the intent from S-Voice to Google Now (otherwise going for one of the Android Wear watches). My Mom just discovered how much easier her phone is to use w/ voice commands. Voice recognition is moving to the point of being pretty accurate, so as a handsfree interface, it's an awesome option rather than swiping all over the damn watch. This is why -for my use- I wouldn't consider the Fit until they add the mic and speaker back in and any future smartwatch I consider will need to have those as a requirement.
rEVOLVE said:
Ok, let's petition all the manufacturers to remove speakerphone from all phones because it doesn't fit -your- use. j/k
See, I agree with you that speakerphone in public is annoying, but wouldn't you feel bad buying a phone in this age that didn't have that feature -even if you never expected to use it? Sometimes I'm roaming my home and it's handy to have a quick convo on the speakerphone of the Neo without taking out and holding my phone or running to get my headset. Wow, it just made my life easier!
MOST of the samsung features are gimmicks, btw. Hell, lots of people consider a smartwatch a gimmick as well - it's all about perspective and being open to capabilities. You know what's a gimmick to me? Making a color screen on a smartwatch but having to keep it off just to save battery - it's annoying looking down and not seeing the time on the watch and being forced to wave my arm/touch the watch to display info.
S-Voice is damn useful on the Neo, though. I just got the weather forecast with it on the watch. Maybe a dev can switch the intent from S-Voice to Google Now (otherwise going for one of the Android Wear watches). My Mom just discovered how much easier her phone is to use w/ voice commands. Voice recognition is moving to the point of being pretty accurate, so as a handsfree interface, it's an awesome option rather than swiping all over the damn watch. This is why -for my use- I wouldn't consider the Fit until they add the mic and speaker back in and any future smartwatch I consider will need to have those as a requirement.
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Thats why Samsung made both
One works for some people and the other works for other people. I chose the fit because the neo is a bit too big for my tastes as well as the battery is supposed to be better on the fit. I didn't know svoice could be used for things other than just replying though. Seems interesting. I'm probably going to pick up a Android Wear watch too when they come out...depends how big they are. I hate having a dinner plate on my wrist.
aooga said:
Thats why Samsung made both
One works for some people and the other works for other people. I chose the fit because the neo is a bit too big for my tastes as well as the battery is supposed to be better on the fit. I didn't know svoice could be used for things other than just replying though. Seems interesting. I'm probably going to pick up a Android Wear watch too when they come out...depends how big they are. I hate having a dinner plate on my wrist.
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If Samsung makes a Android Wear that is in the Fit form factor (maybe call it the "Fit Pro") I'd buy 2 on release day for my wife and myself. S-Voice is not Google Now, but it actually does a lot of what I need already. This will change as Google fleshes out what Google Now can do and integrate with. Also, making it "always listening" without having to touch the watch would be key - as that demo with "open garage door" in the Android Wear video got me really excited about it.
Being a happy Pebble user, it was the Fit form factor that tempted me to switch as no one has made such a unique and appealing form factor, yet. I've seen a band that is just pretty much a glorified bluetooth speakerphone on your wrist and that's not the same. It's a shame they crippled the current Fit by keeping off the mic and speaker because the more I use that on my Neo I'm realizing voice control immensely increases the smartwatch's fun and usefulness, IMO.
I have speaker and mic on the Galaxy Gear, I almost never used them.
I understand people want them, they could still get a Galaxy Gear(cheap), Neo or Gear 2.
If anybody likes a speaker and mic, why buy the fit? Samsung did not hid the fact the watch has no speaker or mic.
Sure you may like how the fit looks (I do) but you need to decide what is more important the style of the watch or the speaker/mic.
I like the style with the Gear Fit, it is very light.
I still get notifications, weather and now a step counter and heart beat sensor (even though they are not great)
AstroDigital said:
I have speaker and mic on the Galaxy Gear, I almost never used them.
I understand people want them, they could still get a Galaxy Gear(cheap), Neo or Gear 2.
If anybody likes a speaker and mic, why buy the fit? Samsung did not hid the fact the watch has no speaker or mic.
Sure you may like how the fit looks (I do) but you need to decide what is more important the style of the watch or the speaker/mic.
I like the style with the Gear Fit, it is very light.
I still get notifications, weather and now a step counter and heart beat sensor (even though they are not great)
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But that's the thing, it's such a missed opportunity to not have a version in the gorgeous form factor of the Fit w the mic/speaker. After testing the Neo for a few days, that's the main reason I didn't return it immediately, as my Pebble already did a lot of what I wanted w/ the exception of the janky pedometer/HRM. I could even forgive that the Neo is only controlling S Voice and not Google Now, because it's handy enough. You would think that with the Fit's smaller form factor and the fact you have less screen to interact with, supplementing the control scheme with the mic/speaker would make sense.
Again, it's not the phone conversations that are attractive to me, it's the immediate access to S Voice. It is a major factor of convenience on your wrist once you realize the potential. I still come back to how great the Fit looks, especially for females who don't really have a lot of options in the Smartwatch arena. But there's no way I would invest in a smartwatch w/o the mic now - it's just not complete without one.
Please go here for any further discussion, thanks...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2709343
Related
It's called TK2 bluetooth handset. it costs $20 on ebay ATM.
I've just bought one fron ebay. The sound quality is ok, battery life(from what te page says) is pretty good, also it rings when a call comein.
What's bad: The only ringtone it has is the famous iphone one...
I've not decided yet, if i ever saw a more ugly headset then that ... but its defniatly going for the first 3.
Beside that, why should i carry one that is as big as an iPod?
If the Smartphone is already a big one, the rest dont has to / should not be.
it's big. but good find
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TQSLDFjtmE
Im just going to get the SBH52 when its availiable
http://www.clove.co.uk/sony-smart-bluetooth-handset-sbh52
After seeing this and the Samsung pen headset it really comfort me on my choice to go for the sbh52 even if it'll be pricy.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Currently i am using one of these "Bluetooth dialers". They are tiny and work ok - the audio quality is nothing to rave about, though.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...aler&_nkw=bluetooth+dialer&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Waiting for the sbh52. The only thing i am disappointed about the shb52 is lack of aptx support. Strange that NONE of the Sony Bluetooth headsets have it. Wonder why.
krumbs said:
Currently i am using one of these "Bluetooth dialers". They are tiny and work ok - the audio quality is nothing to rave about, though.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...aler&_nkw=bluetooth+dialer&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Waiting for the sbh52. The only thing i am disappointed about the shb52 is lack of aptx support. Strange that NONE of the Sony Bluetooth headsets have it. Wonder why.
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Which one specifically are you using? They look kind of cool... The ability to dial from the device itself.
I know you can do that with the SBH52 but I'd quite like a lightweight option that you can just keep on a lanyard etc.
baileyjr said:
Which one specifically are you using? They look kind of cool... The ability to dial from the device itself.
I know you can do that with the SBH52 but I'd quite like a lightweight option that you can just keep on a lanyard etc.
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I use the Bluedio BD100 - http://dx.com/p/bluedio-bd100-1-0-oled-usb-bluetooth-v2-1-dialer-headset-white-3-5mm-jack-127233
A discussion around it on XDA itself - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709473
Interesting, it has one feature that the SBH52 does not - the ability to sync the phonebook. The BD100 copies over all the phonebook entries, and allows you to scroll through and dial out from the device itself. The SBH52, from what I have read, can only redial recent calls (which even the BD100 lets you). I am surprised why Sony left out such a useful feature.
Apart from that, the BD100 has vibration and a single high-pitched ringtone (which will scare you the first time you hear it!). You cannot change it, but luckily you can turn it off. Though there is a model from Satechi that, apparently, comes with 8 ringtones.
Call quality is ok, though a bit muffled. Music quality is mediocre, especially if you are used to aptx headsets like the HS3000 from Samsung or the HTC BH S600.
I have been using it for over six months (previously with my Note 2) and have not encountered the issues others have in the XDA thread. Been stable and reliable for me.
The best part is the size and weight. Worth the price i paid.
krumbs said:
I use the Bluedio BD100 - http://dx.com/p/bluedio-bd100-1-0-oled-usb-bluetooth-v2-1-dialer-headset-white-3-5mm-jack-127233
A discussion around it on XDA itself - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709473
Interesting, it has one feature that the SBH52 does not - the ability to sync the phonebook. The BD100 copies over all the phonebook entries, and allows you to scroll through and dial out from the device itself. The SBH52, from what I have read, can only redial recent calls (which even the BD100 lets you). I am surprised why Sony left out such a useful feature.
Apart from that, the BD100 has vibration and a single high-pitched ringtone (which will scare you the first time you hear it!). You cannot change it, but luckily you can turn it off. Though there is a model from Satechi that, apparently, comes with 8 ringtones.
Call quality is ok, though a bit muffled. Music quality is mediocre, especially if you are used to aptx headsets like the HS3000 from Samsung or the HTC BH S600.
I have been using it for over six months (previously with my Note 2) and have not encountered the issues others have in the XDA thread. Been stable and reliable for me.
The best part is the size and weight. Worth the price i paid.
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Sure it have interesting features, but going size, weight, features and price wise you can go as well for a full phone, like a Nokia 105 with longer talking time and standby time as well as better audio quality with Nokia quality and the all for about $20.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
krumbs said:
The SBH52, from what I have read, can only redial recent calls (which even the BD100 lets you). I am surprised why Sony left out such a useful feature.
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I'm surprised at that as well. I hope they release an app that rectifies that and at least lets you access the entire phonebook.
could someone please explain to me why anyone would want a device like this?
so many nice, small, BT headsets, with great sound, and many even ring when you get a call, so why would you want something this big, ugly, with horrible sound, when a nice BT headset is so much better in every way?
thanks!
wase4711 said:
could someone please explain to me why anyone would want a device like this?
so many nice, small, BT headsets, with great sound, and many even ring when you get a call, so why would you want something this big, ugly, with horrible sound, when a nice BT headset is so much better in every way?
thanks!
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I don't think the sony sbh52 is in any way ugly. It's just like a normal Bluetooth set as it allows you to plug in headphones but it also lets you take calls without the headphone connected.
I agree some of the other units which are basically like a small phone are not by cup of tea. At that point I just as well carry a normal small phone plus a tablet lol
I agree the sony unit isnt really ugly, but a couple of the other ones I saw really were..
it just seems weird to carry "2 phones" around with you at the same time...or am I missing something?
wase4711 said:
I agree the sony unit isnt really ugly, but a couple of the other ones I saw really were..
it just seems weird to carry "2 phones" around with you at the same time...or am I missing something?
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Well I can't speak for anyone else but yes by getting the Z Ultra Im trying to combine the phone/tablet experience and only have to carry one device.
Having said that I won't mind carrying the SBH52. But the point is if I forget it I can still make calls without it. :good:
I thought that is what my mindset would be when I bought the GN2; I ended up getting a Note 8.0 a couple of months ago, which is the perfect tablet size, IMO..Can you put the sony in your pocket when you wear "normal" pants, not skinny jeans, or, will in not fit in any pants pocket? It looks narrow and long, like it would fit in loose pants pockets..
wase4711 said:
I thought that is what my mindset would be when I bought the GN2; I ended up getting a Note 8.0 a couple of months ago, which is the perfect tablet size, IMO..Can you put the sony in your pocket when you wear "normal" pants, not skinny jeans, or, will in not fit in any pants pocket? It looks narrow and long, like it would fit in loose pants pockets..
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I think it will fit in normal pants pockets but definitely not skinny jeans. What I did was buy a cheep TPU case off ebay for $3 so I could check out the dimentions and try it in my pockets first
Coming from a note 2 I know what you mean. I don't have much use for a full blown tablet though and in the past I've handed down both an ipad and nexus 7 to family members. I just want a large screen mobile thats not a pain to browse or consume media on while on the move. For anything other than that, serious browsing or for real productivity I'll switch to the laptop.
Even then I find Im far more productive when trying to do real work when using a desktop PC. The laptop is a macbook pro so its no slouch, but simply being sat at a desk using a large screen monitor, full sized keyboard etc.
Anyway I got off track there a little lol.. I think the note 8 is a good size, pity they made the side bezels so big though. The phone functionality on the cellular model is sometime id like to see enabled on all tablets.
my wife has the note 10.1 tablet, which I find too big; we both had original Motorola Xooms, which were also 10 inch, and I thought was too bulky..The 8 inch tablet really hits the sweet spot, IMO..
problem is, if I get a 6.4 inch phone, and have an 8 inch tablet, are these devices too similiar too each other?
my tablet is a wifi model, but I make VOIP calls with it, and can text with it too; wifi is everywhere, and where it isnt, I just tether to my GN2, so connectivity is not an issue..
My wife is already warning me I am not getting the Sony, so, until someone is selling it here, and I can take her to a store and show her how cool it is, I have to control myself! She thought I was nuts getting a Note 1, then she wanted one; when I got a note 2, she said I was nuts again, but now she has one too, so there is definately a pattern here I can take advantage of!
wase4711 said:
my wife has the note 10.1 tablet, which I find too big; we both had original Motorola Xooms, which were also 10 inch, and I thought was too bulky..The 8 inch tablet really hits the sweet spot, IMO..
problem is, if I get a 6.4 inch phone, and have an 8 inch tablet, are these devices too similiar too each other?
my tablet is a wifi model, but I make VOIP calls with it, and can text with it too; wifi is everywhere, and where it isnt, I just tether to my GN2, so connectivity is not an issue..
My wife is already warning me I am not getting the Sony, so, until someone is selling it here, and I can take her to a store and show her how cool it is, I have to control myself! She thought I was nuts getting a Note 1, then she wanted one; when I got a note 2, she said I was nuts again, but now she has one too, so there is definitely a pattern here I can take advantage of!
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Theres a big difference in screen area between 6.5" and 8" I actually wish the Ultra bezels were smaller and they had stuffed a 7" screen in there.
!! Seriously it would fit in almost the same footprint, just a couple of mm wider. The note 2 will be the superior device if you use the spen a lot for note taking etc. The Ultra note taking is nowhere near as good as on the Note 2 or Note 8, but its ok for infrequent use.
Me and the mrs both had note 2's. She smashed the screen on hers so I bought her a mega 6.3. Forward thinking so she could't moan about me buying the Ultra lol
I cannot seem to find any forums for the new gear 2 and am looking for a companion for my SM-G900F.
Is there anything the Fit can do that the gear 2 can't?
Samsung mentions the fit can also track sleep, but did not deny that the gear 2 cannot.
who has any of these devices and can advice me further?
My Gear 2 Neo will be here Tuesday, but basically the difference in Gear 2 and the Fit is that you cannot develop apps for the Fit. Samsung has released an SDK for the Gear 2 so developers can create apps for the Gear 2. The other difference is Gear 2 has a camera on it, Gear 2 Neo doesn't, nor does the Fit.
bullet2300 said:
My Gear 2 Neo will be here Tuesday, but basically the difference in Gear 2 and the Fit is that you cannot develop apps for the Fit. Samsung has released an SDK for the Gear 2 so developers can create apps for the Gear 2. The other difference is Gear 2 has a camera on it, Gear 2 Neo doesn't, nor does the Fit.
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sounds great, i will check with you again on tuesday then.
bullet2300 said:
My Gear 2 Neo will be here Tuesday, but basically the difference in Gear 2 and the Fit is that you cannot develop apps for the Fit. Samsung has released an SDK for the Gear 2 so developers can create apps for the Gear 2. The other difference is Gear 2 has a camera on it, Gear 2 Neo doesn't, nor does the Fit.
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i havn't seen gear 2 or gear 2 neo up for sale on Verizon website?
My Gear 2 also arrives on Tues. I'm very excited to use it with my phone.
exge said:
I cannot seem to find any forums for the new gear 2 and am looking for a companion for my SM-G900F.
Is there anything the Fit can do that the gear 2 can't?
Samsung mentions the fit can also track sleep, but did not deny that the gear 2 cannot.
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Click to collapse
You have to realise that the Gear Fit is running a RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) for more accurate measurements and less battery use. The Gear Fit is not intended to be a smartwatch like the Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo, but more like a fitness band (with some extra functions though).
If you truly want a nice smartwatch (like I do) I suggest you wait to see what LG and Moto 360 have to offer later this year.
At any rate, I'm still going to buy the Gear Fit because of it's awesome fitness tracking abilities and neat design.
bullet2300 said:
My Gear 2 Neo will be here Tuesday, but basically the difference in Gear 2 and the Fit is that you cannot develop apps for the Fit. Samsung has released an SDK for the Gear 2 so developers can create apps for the Gear 2. The other difference is Gear 2 has a camera on it, Gear 2 Neo doesn't, nor does the Fit.
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EVOme said:
My Gear 2 also arrives on Tues. I'm very excited to use it with my phone.
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hey guys,it's Tuesday.
any comments regarding your watches?
exge said:
hey guys,it's Tuesday.
any comments regarding your watches?
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I've been wearing mine since about 1pm yesterday. It looks and feels great on my wrist. I didn't have the G1, so I can't compare it. It has a faint vibration when it's alerting you. Every text, call or email..well you can set it to alert you for any app you have installed. I found that "Alarm clock plus" does not alert. I set the stock clock alarm and it even comes across the phone and acts as an alarm to wake you.
What I have done is turn the volume down pretty low on my phone, so i don't hear it as easily when something happens, since I am getting notified by the watch. There are limited watch faces and no app to create your own like on the G1.
The biggest dislike is you cannot turn the camera shutter sound off and it's louder than my phone. No spy photo taking is possible at all.
The Plesky keyboard is not available yet, so you can only respond to texts using templates that you create in Gear manager. I added like 6 more than stock to satisfy my situations.
The battery life seems great so far. There's a motion wake setting that will make the screen come on every time you move your wrist. It was cool at first and then I thought about battery life considering I move my arm 1000 times a day and there was no need for the watch to come on every time. I turned that off and now I have to hit the button to have it come on or it does on it's own if it's getting an alert.
I made one test call and the speaker is nice and loud. The person I was talking to said I sounded clear. I was indoors. Didn't test outside. The screen is pretty visible outside in sunlight.
The S Health pedometer automatically syncs to your phone.
Overall, I am satisfied with it. Not sure what more you would get from something like the Moto360 or than directions.
Hope that helps. Ask me specific questions and I'll answer.
EVOme said:
I've been wearing mine since about 1pm yesterday. It looks and feels great on my wrist. I didn't have the G1, so I can't compare it. It has a faint vibration when it's alerting you. Every text, call or email..well you can set it to alert you for any app you have installed. I found that "Alarm clock plus" does not alert. I set the stock clock alarm and it even comes across the phone and acts as an alarm to wake you.
What I have done is turn the volume down pretty low on my phone, so i don't hear it as easily when something happens, since I am getting notified by the watch. There are limited watch faces and no app to create your own like on the G1.
The biggest dislike is you cannot turn the camera shutter sound off and it's louder than my phone. No spy photo taking is possible at all.
The Plesky keyboard is not available yet, so you can only respond to texts using templates that you create in Gear manager. I added like 6 more than stock to satisfy my situations.
The battery life seems great so far. There's a motion wake setting that will make the screen come on every time you move your wrist. It was cool at first and then I thought about battery life considering I move my arm 1000 times a day and there was no need for the watch to come on every time. I turned that off and now I have to hit the button to have it come on or it does on it's own if it's getting an alert.
I made one test call and the speaker is nice and loud. The person I was talking to said I sounded clear. I was indoors. Didn't test outside. The screen is pretty visible outside in sunlight.
The S Health pedometer automatically syncs to your phone.
Overall, I am satisfied with it. Not sure what more you would get from something like the Moto360 or than directions.
Hope that helps. Ask me specific questions and I'll answer.
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Click to collapse
well i was thinking of getting a neo so the camera won't matter to me
anyways, does the watch store data on itself, like if i go for a run/walk without my phone, does it sync to my s5 after i come back within range. (something like a fitbit)
oh and does it get as hot as the s5? and i tried to google plesky keyboard, but didnt get any results, is that some small keyb for the watch?
exge said:
well i was thinking of getting a neo so the camera won't matter to me
anyways, does the watch store data on itself, like if i go for a run/walk without my phone, does it sync to my s5 after i come back within range. (something like a fitbit)
oh and does it get as hot as the s5? and i tried to google plesky keyboard, but didnt get any results, is that some small keyb for the watch?
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I meant Fleksy...sorry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PpsfY7j0JY
Anyways, it doesn't get hot at all. Feels like a normal watch. As for the walking, you can set the sync intervals. I have mine set to sync every three hours, which is the soonest. You can also hit sync and do it right away.
EVOme said:
I meant Fleksy...sorry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PpsfY7j0JY
Anyways, it doesn't get hot at all. Feels like a normal watch. As for the walking, you can set the sync intervals. I have mine set to sync every three hours, which is the soonest. You can also hit sync and do it right away.
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lol no wonder i couldn't find it.
thats good i guess. i will most likely comment after i get my neo this friday.
Sorry, needed more time to give some feedback. I also have not had a G1.
I have a Neo and it feels great on my wrist. Build quality is good and doesn't feel cheapy and looks good. I love that it integrates with music from my phone like Google Music, so I can change tracks or see what track is playing, adjust volume, etc.it works great and syncs very well with my phone. Battery life is great. I used it pretty heavily and dropped about 30% in a day. Answered a call on my Gear2 and talked to my wife while I was sitting on the couch and it sounded so good she thought I was on the phone - not the gear2. Very loud and clear! My biggest use is for email viewing. I get a ton of emails cause of my work and its really nice to be able to check them on my watch without always bringing my phone out of my pocket all of them time.
Downsides:
-As mentioned, no keyboard for it yet, so it just has template responses or s voice or emoji.
-Pedometer syncs with phone, but doesn't combine with phone - it keeps a separate counter for each device. I was hoping it would just stay in sync with my phone for a total number, but it appears to keep them separate, so I will just use my phone and not the Gear2 pedometer, oh well.
I am excited to see what apps get made for it, but really the device itself is really great for the money IMO. Anything more to it and it's just icing on the cake.
bullet2300 said:
I am excited to see what apps get made for it, but really the device itself is really great for the money IMO. Anything more to it and it's just icing on the cake.
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well, after my exams i can probably mess with the tizen sdk. and after i get my device lol
I really wish you could set a Flag status from the Gear 2 since it marks emails as read, that way I would remember to follow-up with someone if I view the email when I'm not able to respond.
Its not perfect but after all the criticisms i have to say i like it
Sent from my TrueSmart using XDA Free mobile app
It's ok, I like mine too
What do you like about it though?
I'm getting another SIM to use in it and I think I'll like it more then, but the fact that the companion app is so poor means that the integration with bluetooth isn't an option really.
I'm quite happy with it too.
I have the 1/8 2100 version, and all seem to work well.
- It started up out of the box
- The cradles charge ( I got the extra one I ordered)
- the buttons don't fall off
- call quality is awesome
- screen sensitivity is good (sometimes a little too good, but hey)
- bluetooth, wifi and gps have a proper connection
- "back button" swipe left action works
And in general use:
- surprisingly easy to read on small screen
- even able to watch short video/tutorials on watch (very handy when needing both hands free)
- app installing/start up goes quick
- I use Minuum Keyboard now, and that is awesome, Frees up half the screen for reading conversations, perfect!
- with Minuum keyboard it's also easy to make small voice commands that turn to text, for me works even quicker than responding with the "normal phone" in the old days
by having the phone on the wrist it makes checking if you need to respond 10 times faster. Just a flick of the hand and a two finger swipe when you get a short vibrate or buzz from a message/email/update and you are ready. Where as the "normal phone" you have to get out of the pocket, check and put back.
The two biggest downside that I find, are not necessarily omate related but more smartwatch in general:
- by having the watch on your wrist, if you use it for typing, by default are using both arms. Where as a "normal phone" you can operate with one hand.
- I don't 100% like the reading angle: you have to hold your arm really parallel to the body to read without make strange neck moves. Having "landscape" mode is even worse.
I think about 35 degree angle of the arm would be a way better reading position. That maybe would be the biggest advantage of the round type smartwatches like the moto 360, the ability to adjust the screen orientation till it ergonomically fits you best.
Wiggz said:
What do you like about it though?
I'm getting another SIM to use in it and I think I'll like it more then, but the fact that the companion app is so poor means that the integration with bluetooth isn't an option really.
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My experience is pretty much identical to timkey's. It does what its supposed to. Typing is obviously slower but its better than I thought. Screen is sharp. It's fast. And it's a phone on my wrist I think rooting it and putting on soft keys and a status bar are pretty essential though. I do find the touch screen goes a little haywire sometimes.
To help with the viewing angle, I wear it a little loose and then I can twist it slightly towards me.
Sent from my LG-V500 using XDA Free mobile app
I like it because it functions just how I wanted it to. Its quite simply an android phone on your wrist, which is pretty damn awesome. Calls work pretty good, texting on this is awesome (so handy being able to just look at your wrist), and it's pretty much taken every app and game I've thrown at it so far. I also like being able to throw a song on and have handsfree music, so I can cut rebar or something at work and have music. And to top it off, I get pretty great battery life out of it. It's always lasted at least a full day, if not two. Even after two days the lowest I've had it is 30%
So, despite the company itself acting like a total noob for supporting this, it does function quite well (after some necessary patching of course). Having proper sources and support with proper firmware updates and having more tweaks android is known for available, would all just be icing on the cake.
So would those who like it buy a TS2, or has the arrogance and sheer mismanagement of Omate put you off, even though you enjoy the product?
I enjoy mine, though I can rarely use it as intended due to water issues. I have a T-Mobile sim in it. I would not only not ever buy anything associated with Omate ever again, but also not Umeox and not MTK. Never Again.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
It depends. I mean, the reality is I paid about £120 for a brand new android phone in watch form. If the TS2 was also a bargain, I'd probably get one. Hopefully they would learn some good lessons from this.
I am an engineer and did my degree in electronics, so I have some experience with product development. It was very clear to me that the timescales Omate were claiming were ridiculous and that made me question their competence. I'm still impressed they produced what they did as fast as they did. The testing problems people are experiencing are not acceptable but they are expected. Omate kinda painted themselves into an corner with their optimistic claims and high ambitions.
Now, all that said, I don't see what I would want from a TS2 that in don't get from this device. Its too small to do anything too intricate. It creates a WiFi hotspot and provides basic smartphone functionality well, which is all I need it for. Maybe if I got a 4G data plan, it might be good to have a watch that can make use of it but that's all I can think of.
Sent from my LG-V500 using XDA Free mobile app
The device has potential. I could maybe live with the HW shortcomings like IP rating, non-responsive buttons, add SD-card kills back seal etc as well as HW limitations like a little too heavy and too thick. The delays and communication failure from Omate is a separate story. I believe llepen believes what he says, he is still communicating still.
What I do not accept is the crappy firmware, that is HW specific. Noproper open source either. That kills BTLE, battery etc, as well as limits the adaptations required to get Android usable on a small device. I am not talking about limiting functionality like Android Wear, but an adapted Android experience w button actionssweep. Omate/Umeox mostly relies on MediaTek, and MediaTek seem to make good HW, but are both breaking GPL and incompetent in SW development.
I love my TS. I tried to have few expectations as to not be let down if it sucked, but I was happy to find that it was just about everything I could hope for in a smartwatch. It is solidly built, not too big, the screen is very sharp and sensitive, the camera is Good Enough(tm) (though the camera app really should rotate 90 degress left, which it does in the BlueTooth tether ROM, iirc).
My one major complaint is that Omate's version Android is awful. I work around it with third-party software (e.g. Nova Launcher, All in One Gestures), and with some effort, after-market ROMs can be ported. I'm very disappointed that no sources are available, but we all knew that would be the case.
That the notification bar is always hidden bugs the heck out of me, but the BlueTooth tether ROM fixes that.
Screen-on battery life is okay; not great, not awful, but it charges very quickly, so that's usually not a big deal. Screen-off life is fantastic.
I wish I could change the DPI for Ingress. It would be so cool to be able to play on my wrist.
Working with Omate is indeed like rolling a boulder uphill, and while I'll probably never buy anything from them again until they prove themselves reliable, I do believe Le Pen is trying. And I'm as disappointed with Omate as I am with those who continue to try to poison the TS community, making productive, open collaboration difficult.
timkey said:
I'm quite happy with it too.
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I agree with just about everything you say. Anymore I use my phone only for long text conversations and more-than-casual web browsing. Everything else is done on my TS. Flesky is remarkably easy to use once you get used to it (although whoever decided to put backspace next to return needs a smack in the face). I'm especially happy that it's so easy to read text on the small screen as I read lots of RSS feeds on and off all day long.
The reading angle bothered me at first, but my arm just had to get used to being held in an unfamiliar position.
gerhardo said:
I could maybe live with the HW shortcomings like IP rating, non-responsive buttons, add SD-card kills back seal etc as well as HW limitations like a little too heavy and too thick.
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Click to collapse
The IP rating and back seal issues don't matter much to me, but I can see how that would be a disappointment to other users. The button responsiveness, weight, and thickness are fine for me. It did seem a bit heavy for the first day or two, but I quickly got used to it.
nicktastique said:
I wish I could change the DPI for Ingress. It would be so cool to be able to play on my wrist.
Working with Omate is indeed like rolling a boulder uphill, and while I'll probably never buy anything from them again until they prove themselves reliable, I do believe Le Pen is trying. And I'm as disappointed with Omate as I am with those who continue to try to poison the TS community, making productive, open collaboration difficult.
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Xposed Framework
Xposed Per App Settings
I consider setting default dpi to something higher than 120, to see better and change dpi where needed
gerhardo said:
Xposed Framework
Xposed Per App Settings
I consider setting default dpi to something higher than 120, to see better and change dpi where needed
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Yes, but it doesn't work, and others have confirmed. Is your experience different?
Smockingjacket said:
So would those who like it buy a TS2, or has the arrogance and sheer mismanagement of Omate put you off, even though you enjoy the product?
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Click to collapse
No.
While I like the watch itself, if I were to drop another $200-$300 on a new watch, it would be from a company that can support it's device a little more competently. I really doubt we'll ever see a firmware update.
Although as long as this watch doesn't **** the bed I should be using it for a good long time. It functions pretty much like I want it to, so I don't feel the need to upgrade anytime soon.
I like it as well. After changing launcher and installing a few apps I felt it was usable. I tried for a while to use it as phone replacement. It DOES work as that, but the upsides of having a watch (smaller / lighter than a phone, won't forget something strapped to your arm and so on) doesn't really outweigh the downsides (hard to type, sometimes hard to navigate menus, small screen causing readability and layout issues, battery is slightly worse than my phone, etc). The most annoying issue though is when the screen goes into over-sensitive mode and register button press all over the place. Someone said it gets a lot better with a screen protector on, I will try that.
However, it does work great in some areas. My main use is for exercise - RunKeeper (and similar apps) works great. I can take a run, track my progress, listen to music, and see notifications if someone is trying to reach me, without needing a much more cumbersome phone jumping around in my pocket.
It's also useful when I'm outdoors, say fishing or hiking. While it isn't waterproof, it does what I need (gps / maps, tell time, make calls if I need to, no risk of dropping it).
So overall, it's a nice device (even though software and such needs some urgent updates). Maybe not great for a phone replacement but for outdoor use and exercise it's really good imo.
nicktastique said:
Yes, but it doesn't work, and others have confirmed. Is your experience different?
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Works fine for me, using it for SuperSU and Titanium.
Well, the TS is unavailable again: Screen is black, no response to buttons (except the feedback I added with Xposed Additions to get virtual physical button) and no adb. adb is a common issue, very seldom works. But I have my device for a couple of days, I have occasionally borrowed one for time to time though.
He means that changing the DPI to 90 for Ingress doesn't work, I think, gerhardo.
Actually, I play Ingress with my TrueSmart and the stock Ingress client (only) and it mostly does work. Hacking and firing work fine from the front screen long press menu and I was even able to deploy I found recently mainly by lucky pressing in the portal view on a crunched up set of buttons there. I had previously thought deploying impossible with stock and stock. Its still impractical.
What was reported no longer working was adjusting the DPI because of some change Niantic introduced into their code at some point a while back. I have not tried that anyway.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
trent999 said:
He means that changing the DPI to 90 for Ingress doesn't work, I think, gerhardo.
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Click to collapse
Yes that's what I mean in particular. Ingress no longer honors density settings via App Settings. It doesn't even appear to honor ro.sf.lcd_density on the TS, though it does on my Note 2 (which is annoying since it's set to 280).
I like mine too (1/8 2100 Dev).
Straight from the box, no patch, no rom, no bootloader, no nothing. The apps tho aren't there but it's almost like when the new Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo come out - people don't introduce games until the hardware is in use. I figure the developers of apps are waiting, working and planning something awesome for all smartwatches (not just companions).
Omate, well, hopefully, lessons on their side have been learned and fingers crossed the TS2 (if there is one) will be better planned for.
Hats off to SWApp Link tho. The app is the best thing that's been introduced for me. I had my SIM in my phone originally, then the watch and now back to the phone (just to work out what is best for me - I take a lot of photos and use 4G too much so my Note 3 is where my SIM is needed most) but the app - Bluetooth aside - is absolutely wonderful.
I don't regret buying the TureSmart, nor regret using Kickstarter - I have backed many an idea over the months. My regret is that the technology in total isn't there, yet.
But thank you XDA for being here :good:
I'm about 2 months in on my gear S, and It feels like the run is coming to an end. Main reason? No support for always on clock faces. I'm a every day watch wearer, and having really no options for a stylish always on face is unacceptable. Plus I'm finding the gear manager to buggy, I can't even manage my notifications anymore...
I'm sick of using only samsung apps, still don't know how to reply to an email correctly. Developement seems slow, all apps are paid apps, not enough apps. Really a shame considering the hardware is really nice, and tizen itself if pretty solid. S voice blows donkey chode... if it could use google now, i would be set. I do alot of random searches throughout the day, and pulling out my phone to using google now because of s voice inadequacies seems stupid.
Just called my pops to order me a moto 360, not sure if I'll be anymore happy, guess we will see. Bottom line, not using 3g card or phone call features as much as I thought, I hate svoice, and gear manager. No replacement watch bands, a rubber band on a $350 watch, malarkey, nuff said.
Update:
Looks like the jumping of the ship did not work... Got the 360, love the looks, love the charger, love google now. Dislike interface overall, whole cards thing just doesn't work, battery life is an absolute joke. Back to the gear s for now, someone please get an aftermarket band and always on faces going. Kinda shocked on how bad android wear is.... hope apple comes out and blows everyone out of the water.
Sampson0420 said:
I'm about 2 months in on my gear S, and It feels like the run is coming to an end. Main reason? No support for always on clock faces. I'm a every day watch wearer, and having really no options for a stylish always on face is unacceptable. Plus I'm finding the gear manager to buggy, I can't even manage my notifications anymore...
I'm sick of using only samsung apps, still don't know how to reply to an email correctly. Developement seems slow, all apps are paid apps, not enough apps. Really a shame considering the hardware is really nice, and tizen itself if pretty solid. S voice blows donkey chode... if it could use google now, i would be set. I do alot of random searches throughout the day, and pulling out my phone to using google now because of s voice inadequacies seems stupid.
Just called my pops to order me a moto 360, not sure if I'll be anymore happy, guess we will see. Bottom line, not using 3g card or phone call features as much as I thought, I hate svoice, and gear manager. No replacement watch bands, a rubber band on a $350 watch, malarkey, nuff said.
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Bye...
Bye Felicia
He does raise some very valid points, especially about the watch faces. However, the available alternatives have much less functionality. I studied the moto in detail before finally buying the gear s. I am sure I made the right decision, even with the many shortcomings of the gear s. I am also hopeful that some of those glaring omissions (which can very easily be fixed in an update) might actually be updated at some point. Although Samsung is infamous for having the slowest updates in the industry, I remain hopeful.
Agreed, gear can do much more, google wear as a whole has much less functionality. This is why I've passed up on the 360 in the past and waited for gear s. I'm just finding I don't use the gear's extra funtions hardly ever. The functions I do use, the wear watches execute better. I'll have both the next couple weeks and will report back...
Agree with all criticisms, but still Gear S is a keeper
The ability to answer a call or text on my wrist overwhelms the very valid criticisms cited above. I have owned two Pebble watches for over a year now, and while the Pebble does all the small stuff well, the Gear S is so much more powerful on the two most important things that matter, texting and receiving a phone call when your phone is stuck in your pocket. I have also tried several of the android wear devices, and both the Pebble and Gear S still blows them all away. Don't waste your time with Android Wear right now. Buy a Pebble Steel or Gear S.
I agree with jwhedberg. Yesterday after work I went out for a quick discussion with a friend over a beer. Like this happens sometimes, I ended up hitting the town with till very late in the night. My phone battery died at some time and I couldnt charge it at the bar, but I was still able to receive my phone calls on the smartphone number (activated "Call forwarding when unreachable"), I could call and send texts, all from the gear S. Thats a deal maker for me.
An always on face with stylish look would be nice, but I think that even if it was available it would drain too much battery and I wouldn`t use it. I use a combination of always on black and white faces / motion activation, depending of how much of a show off I want to be
I fully agree on the strap issue. This is the most expensive of all my watches, but the strap looks like its from a toy watch. I think first manufacturer of a really cool strap will have some cool sales.
This thread probably could have gone in the returned Gear S thread. I really liked the Gear S but just seemed buggy to me. If a software update came out I might consider getting again but wish some how you could charge the battery wireless or not have to put the dock on. I'll be checking out the Gear S 2 which I guess could be out sooner then what I thought.
The gear s is by far the best smart watch out right now. There is an always on option if you look in the settings. Also you dont wont wireless charging on a device this small. Wireless charging creates excessive heat whuch is bad for batteries. It is one of the reasons why users of the Moto 360 have had device failure. I dont even use wireless charging on cellphones, slow and not worth the added cost for the convience. I like the fact that Samsung placed an extra battery in the charger, that way you can charge the Gear S without a power supply. You can even wear it with the charger. Do you guys actually own the device? Or even read up on what you are buying? Most of the concerns addressed on this thread or easily answered by Samsung and options provided by the device itself.
sniickers said:
The gear s is by far the best smart watch out right now. There is an always on option if you look in the settings. Also you dont wont wireless charging on a device this small. Wireless charging creates excessive heat whuch is bad for batteries. It is one of the reasons why users of the Moto 360 have had device failure. I dont even use wireless charging on cellphones, slow and not worth the added cost for the convience. I like the fact that Samsung placed an extra battery in the charger, that way you can charge the Gear S without a power supply. You can even wear it with the charger. Do you guys actually own the device? Or even read up on what you are buying? Most of the concerns addressed on this thread or easily answered by Samsung and options provided by the device itself.
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lol @ wearing the watch with the charger. The battery in the charger was cool but putting the charger on the watch was a hassle. Imo The watch is very nice and yes I owned it for 20 days and yes I could afford it. LoL I love wireless charging and Note 4 doesn't get hot with the OEM wireless cover. I wouldn't care if it did since I switch phones so much. That was another reason why I didn't keep the Gear S is because if I get a different phone I can't use all the features of the watch. Not everyone is going to love everything so don't get mad at people returning something. Not like you have to read this thread. Just saying
owned the pebble for 6 months, it was ehhh ok. It just looked crappy, and yes I did have the OG, not the steel. On the other hand, it was pretty darn rock solid in regards to working consistantly. Sold it and don't miss it... starting to think twice though about abandoning my S.
I run always on clock face on my gear, I'm typically around 35% at the end of the day. Battery life on this watch is awesome, I charge daily, so no complaints there.
Qi charging is the best thing ever created, there's no going back. Auto alarm clock on a $25 3 coil stand charger and $8 insert on my note 3, completely worth it.
I have the moto 360 and wore it once it does not compare to the gear s because you still have to use your phone for everything
fatboypup said:
Bye Felicia
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OMG im dying here.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app
flamebeats said:
I have the moto 360 and wore it once it does not compare to the gear s because you still have to use your phone for everything
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You can't use google now to respond/dictate text or email?? Or do quick searches?? If true... that sucks.
This watch is an accessory it is not for the weak at heart. It will not cook you dinner or drive your car clean your house ect. You made the right choice for YOU at this rate you will not be happy with any Smart watch. They are not for everyone with that said good luck with your search
I thought the bands on the moto360 were ugly and cheap looking.
I've owned the Gear S for a month now and love it. Not sure why someone would want the always on feature. Your not always looking at your watch and the slight twist of your wrist it comes on. Saves battery this way too. But to each his own I guess. No problems with notifications here either. In fact I think it notifies me too much. But I like the fact that I can leave my phone anywhere and get messages and calls to my Gear S. I don't get good reception in my place of work so have to use whatsapp over wifi and I like the fact that I can reply to whatsapp messages with watch. I've become a master of swiping on a small keyboard.
just my 2 cents worth, now let me get back to designing watchfaces with watchstyler. lol
so after 8 days of use ....... and totally expecting it to cook me dinner. Im taking mine back too, I hope a model with bigger battery is heading down the pipe and i can totally live with a wifi only option. It's been fun I'll still look in and see if anything happens dev wise that might make me want another. :good:
The Motorola 360 seriously looks like something out of a gumball machine, I was actually taken back by how ugly and cheap it looked the first time I seen one in person. But again it's Motorola, aesthetics and quality aren't Strong suites for them.
But I do agree with the band issue with the Gear S, I love this watch, but was looking forward to the different band options ... still nothing. While the current band looks good I think, it creaks where it touches the watch when you touch the band, two Gear S' in and same thing. Anyone else?
Regardless, this watch is a def keeper, its beautiful and functional.
My band also creaked once in awhile. The watch was either to big on my wrist to where I was moving it a lot. Or it was to tight causing it to sweat on my wrist.
I also was stuck with the band either being to big on one hole or too small on the other .... thought it was just me one left clasp marks on my wrist the other made the hrm not functional
curious to see how many of the Samsung Galaxy S8 community have smartwatches, and which ones they are using?
I've had the Asus Zenwatch 3 since before I got the S8 back in November.
this watch is very stylish and serves as a great time piece.
everything seems to run fairly well. I get notifications, able to respond with my voice, etc. but my main concern is lag. when I disable the "OK Google" detection from the watch, the lag is almost gone. thus, in order to enter a command, I need to press a button on the watch to launch google assistant. and each time, on the first pass, I get an error that google was unreachable. but when I try a second time, it works fine. so I'm not sure if this is due to the handshake between the phone and the watch or just the watch. also, when going on a run/walk/bike ride, I would like to start the activity through the watch. however, I cannot seem to get Map My Run to work properly. I'm fine using Google Fit, but it does not call out the milestones to my bluetooth headphones - only when I start the activity through the phone. to me, this makes have the smartwatch almost pointless if I have to initiate the activity through the phone.
I know that Samsung has their own line of smartwatches, but from what I read, they do not use Google, they use Tizen. I also read that the next release of their watch (Galaxy watch, I think) will have Bixby install as it's assistant. those two factors alone will keep me away from getting a samsung smartwatch.
however, I am eyeing the Ticwatch Pro, but just want to be sure that watch is true upgrade over mine.
I used to have the original moto 360 (paired with my Motorola Droid Turbo), and that was a great combination except that the heart rate monitor was spotty at best (the Asus Zenwatch 3, FWIW, does NOT have the heart rate monitor, also a downer).
curious to see anyone else's experience....
If you're not in the rush, I recommend you to just wait for Samsung / Google next upgrade on smartwatch, because it is very near already..
Personally, I'm using Samsung gear S2 and loved it a lot for quite long... The rotating bezel is the best navigation out there imo... Sadly, Gear S3 and Gear Watch is a bit overpriced for me, so I'm still using the outdated Gear S2 for quite some time.
StardustGeass said:
If you're not in the rush, I recommend you to just wait for Samsung / Google next upgrade on smartwatch, because it is very near already..
Personally, I'm using Samsung gear S2 and loved it a lot for quite long... The rotating bezel is the best navigation out there imo... Sadly, Gear S3 and Gear Watch is a bit overpriced for me, so I'm still using the outdated Gear S2 for quite some time.
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Click to collapse
I keep reading reviews of how everyone loves the rotating bezels. I'm sure I would like it, but i'm just fine with flicking my wrist to view the notifications or using my voice.
I wound up selling my Asus Zenwatch 3 and bought the TicWatch Pro. I had some difficulty setting it up at first - meaning that it took more than an hour to complete the process. but once it was done, seems to be working quite well so far.
the tough part is that in order to NFC to make payments via google pay (I think that the gear watches force you to use Samsung Pay instead?), is that you need to have a screenlock password/pin/pattern - and this is extremely inconvenient for normal use. But i believe that is more of a feature of Android Wear rather than the watch itself. if anything, I would prefer the to enter the password/pin/pattern only when I attempt to use google pay.
my only reason for waiting until the pixel watch would be to see it offered a watch with more RAM. however, this TicWatch Pro is very responsive and I'm able to leave the "ok Google" enabled - very helpful when driving.
jco23 said:
I keep reading reviews of how everyone loves the rotating bezels. I'm sure I would like it, but i'm just fine with flicking my wrist to view the notifications or using my voice.
I wound up selling my Asus Zenwatch 3 and bought the TicWatch Pro. I had some difficulty setting it up at first - meaning that it took more than an hour to complete the process. but once it was done, seems to be working quite well so far.
the tough part is that in order to NFC to make payments via google pay (I think that the gear watches force you to use Samsung Pay instead?), is that you need to have a screenlock password/pin/pattern - and this is extremely inconvenient for normal use. But i believe that is more of a feature of Android Wear rather than the watch itself. if anything, I would prefer the to enter the password/pin/pattern only when I attempt to use google pay.
my only reason for waiting until the pixel watch would be to see it offered a watch with more RAM. however, this TicWatch Pro is very responsive and I'm able to leave the "ok Google" enabled - very helpful when driving.
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I also ended up with a Ticwatch E model - didn't want to go all in with an expensive, high end watch until I was sure I liked the idea. Bought this one during Amazon Prime Days and have been really happy with it. Syncs to the S8, messaging, notification, Fit, Assistant, Maps, etc., all just work the way you think it should. You're right, it took about an hour before everything got set up and updated correctly. I even run Google Keep on it and check off my grocery list with the phone still in my pocket - no more burying the phone in the cart, then digging to find it!
Samsung Galaxy Watch is up, but I don't see any difference with the Gear S3?
Everything just looks the same.
The size.
The OS.
The feature.
I don't even feel Gear S3 is worth the price, and here comes a newer, more expensive one.
Yes, I totally love android smartwatch. I own Gear S2 for quite some time, and I really enjoyed it. But, smartwatch price just feels so ridiculous.
i use my moto 360.
i got a tic watch S but sending that back it was the white one. + android wear 2 is stupid... u can only voice talk in one language... but im dutch and live in france so i need 2 language... but its only french or english.. i tried looked on internet it seems normal android wear 2 is stupid, otherwise its great to talk and reply to people but i can do that same on my moto 360 with android wear 1. with just a extra app on my phone i can get keyboard and all on watch.. and i can speak 3 language and its know which it talk and it works... but for real im really disapointed by android wear 2. . its great but seems stupid to not have multi language....
so yeah i guess i will never change my moto 360...
Anyone have experience with Huawei watch 2 4G?
miloshp said:
Anyone have experience with Huawei watch 2 4G?
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I just picked up the Huawei Watch 2 Classic from Best Buy (also available on Amazon). I think it is JUST the bluetooth version, as I am not interested in getting the cellular version..
I compared it to the Ticwatch Pro, and the Huawei has a much better feel and classiness to it. The battery life has been great - I even have everything enabled (always on-display, "ok google detection", wrist gestures, etc.). At the end of the day (6:30am-10pm), I'm still at 50%+. I also take it off at night, and it charges very quickly. So I really do not need more than 2days of battery life. The watch also has an eco mode, where (just like the Ticwatch Pro), it will disable Wear OS, and you'll just get the time while it tracks your steps.
I'll submit my video and full specs review a bit later...
hope this helps.
Introduction:
I am comparing two smartwatches that use Android Wear 2.0. I have read where many people prefer the Samsung watches with their Tizen OS and rotating bezel, thus I felt that comparing a AW OS smartwatch to a different OS would not be fair. From my experience, Samsung tends to handcuff their customers (much like Apple), so many folks are already turned away from using any additional Samsung products. my previous devices were the original Moto 360 (paired with a Motorola Droid Trubo) and Asus Zenwatch 3. The Moto 360 had a heartrate feature, but was only available on demand, and took over a minute to find my heart rate. The Asus Zenwatch 3 is very classy, but lacked the heartrate monitor, and always seemed slow to respond. Neither of these watches had GPS, NFC, or IP68 rating. The Moto 360 capped out at AW 1.5 (which some still say is better than 2.0), while the Asus Zenwatch 3 started with 1.5 and moved quickly to 2.0. I had the Moto 360 for nearly three years (11/2014-8/2017) and the Asus Zenwatch 3 for less than one year (8/2017-7/2018). Battery life on both barely made it a full 24 hours. Both felt very comfortable and looked classy.
Tiwatch Pro:
I tested the Ticwatch Pro for about two weeks. Pairing it to my phone took well over an hour. There were many times when I had to disconnect/reset the watch, as I thought that the phone/watch was stuck. But really, it just took significantly longer than my other watches. The watch worked fine from the get go, however, setting up my credit card for NFC payments took some time as well (including disconnecting/resetting, as your watch must have a PIN/password/pattern in order to use this feature). Did not realize until later that each time I disabled the lock screen, I lost NFC, so I had to re-enable the lock screen and then set up my credit card all over again. But I think that is more of a feature of AW than the watch. Supposedly, the watch knows when it is on your wrist, so when you take it off/on, you'll have to get through the lock screen each time. The watch was not very consistent with this, so there were a few times when I had to enter the info even though the watch had been on my wrist for a while. Also, when I docked/charged the watch, I had to bypass the lock screen just to get to the nightstand mode. In terms of feel, the Ticwatch felt like I was wearing a smartphone on my wrist, and not a watch. This felt awkward to the point where I could not wait to take it off. The idea for the band is great - leather on the outside and a breathable silicon on the inside. However, the length was a little odd and felt too stiff. The battery life was acceptable, as I always take it off when I sleep, so I really only require 1-day+. The Ticwatch's best feature is what I dislike most - the digital display. In my opinion, this is not classy - not the reason to spend $250. Thus, I had to enable the always on display - which was fine, but for the stock watchfaces, I did not like having to read, "Ticwatch", and they were not that nice. I installed Watchmaker and used a custom watchface, which was much nicer, but with the always on display, my wrist was always illuminating (and not fading like the stock faces). However, the Ticwatch functions as it should, and is a nice watch. Just that it does not feel right to me.
Huawei Watch 2 Classic:
I tested the Huawei Watch 2 Classic for one week. Much like the Ticwatch, it took well over an hour to pair to my phone. The functionality is essentially the same as the Ticwatch with these few exceptions: the screen lock had to be entered far less. Only had to bypass the lockscreen when putting the watch on my wrist, and NOT when I docked/charged the watch for nightstand mode. Since I had the Ticwatch previously, the Huawei had a noticeably smaller screen size. Not a big deal, but the featured watchface has a circle that shows the date, and this circle is not legible, this making it useless. In terms of feel, the Huawei felt like very comfortable. Similiar to the Ticwatch, the Huawei has a dual band with leather on the outside and breathable silicon on the inside. However, this band feels more genuine and softer than the Ticwatch band. Also, the two tone (brown leather) looks better than the black band only offered by Ticwatch (Huawei also offers a black band). Battery life is better than expected, as I could get 2-days easily with limited use, and could probably get even longer if enabled "Smart Power saving" or "watch mode" via the Battery setting. Response is realatively quick, even with "Ok Google" detection enabled.
Conclusion:
Both watches work very well as advertised, and are great for both casual users and athletes. I go running/walking/biking at least twice a week, and both watches perform well with no hiccups. Battery life is a non-issue to me due the Huawei having it's own essential mode. The key difference is that the Huawei has more RAM (thus, performance is slightly better), and the Huawei looks/feels classier and far more comfortable. The Ticwatch has a slight edge for a larger screen size and being newer. However, given that the Huawei is now on clearance (could be a bad sign), the Ticwatch is more expensive. Thus, due to these factors, I went with the Huawei Watch 2 Classic.
by the way, the Huawei Watch 2 Classic on clearance at Best Buy for $180 ($125 open box) - not a bad deal for what I think is one of the best AW smartwatches available right now. Consider that the Pixel and next generation smartwatches will be $300+ (albeit they'll have an updated processor and probably more RAM). The Huawei Watch 2 is already in line to get Android P to sync up with our phones (whenever the Samsung Galaxy S8 gets pie).
I got 2 gear S2s and they are absolutely wonderful I bought a second one as I am a mechanic and figured I would tear it up fast...Nope take most of the abuse and other than a beat up band which i have 3 others still 6 months later the watch has a couple scratches and thats it
I've got 3 watches. Diesel On Full Guard, Michael Kors Grayson, and Nixon Mission. The first 2 are essentially the same thing just different styling. The Nixon has the same processor and is more rugged for out doorsey use. All three lack NFC and heart rate monitoring. So unless you need to pay for your Starbucks after your power walk they are not for you.
Nixon has very basic functionality, it will accept voice imput, but will not talk back (no speaker). The Grayson and Full Guard has a speaker and is a real '**** Tracy' watch. All of these are considered fashion watches and have built in watch faces that are extensive. Add an app like!e Watchmaker and you can expand the looks. Nixon is pretty fixed when it comes to bands, while the other will easily take any 24mm band and the stock bands are quick release.
Working with my S8+ has been easy. Notifications are easy to read and interface with. Assistant works well. Battery life needs improvement, and the next generation should address this. But for now I'm pleased with these choices. All are in my daily rotation based on my mood or style preference for any given day.
I've got a LG G Watch R and I'm happy with it after all these years. The battery sadly doesn't lasts that much anymore but it's perfect for me.
With Bluetooth : ~2-3 days
With Wi-Fi : ~1-1/2 day.
Airplane Mode : ~ 4-5 days.
It's rooted, all the bloat removed and TWRP on it. Android Wear 2 installed. Cheap too nowadays
TheMadScientist said:
I got 2 gear S2s and they are absolutely wonderful I bought a second one as I am a mechanic and figured I would tear it up fast...Nope take most of the abuse and other than a beat up band which i have 3 others still 6 months later the watch has a couple scratches and thats it
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I got those for my kids (used on e-bay), so far, so good. lone downside is that I had to a samsung phone for best results. I feel that samsung is trying to be like apple with all of their propriety crapps.
jco23 said:
I got those for my kids (used on e-bay), so far, so good. lone downside is that I had to a samsung phone for best results. I feel that samsung is trying to be like apple with all of their propriety crapps.
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I found a modded gear app for any phone and any ram size no 1.5 gb ram limit Its posted in the gear s2 thread
I used mine on a 30$ ZTE straight talk and my lgs
TheMadScientist said:
I found a modded gear app for any phone and any ram size no 1.5 gb ram limit Its posted in the gear s2 thread
I used mine on a 30$ ZTE straight talk and my lgs
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yeah, I saw those apps. somewhat unreliable in my experience. but since I won't be using the phone or watches, I needed something that would require zero maintenance (or as close to zero as possible).
if it was just for me, then I probably would have gone the same route. however, I did use the windows executable that copies MP3 files from the computer to the watch via WiFi - that was pretty nifty.
I'm using a Fitbit Versa and it works flawless with my S8+ (before I had a Moto G4 and it worked terrible tbh).
I'm looking at the new Galaxy Watch but A. It's too expensive, B. It doesn't have MST like the Gear S3. So that's a deal breaker for me.
I have tag heuer connected modular 45 and seriously it's great to use both together with 1.5 day battery.
I am using Zenwatch 3. Its more than 1 yr now and running fine.