[Q] Gear S needs latest Samsung Phone to even work? - Samsung Gear S

I've read somewhere that Gear S need the latest Samsung Phone to setup for it even to run. If that's true, it's a let down.
Was looking forward to use it as a stand alone backup phone. If you don't own the latest Samsung Phone, will it function as a standalone phone for call and sms?

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Maybe only for initialize and to get a Tizen app?

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ronaldheld said:
Maybe only for initialize and to get a Tizen app?
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I certainly hope so. I know there are a number of lucky one who got the watch prior to launch. If they could confirm, it would be greatly appreciated.
Don't want to end up buying a non functioning phone just because I did not own a Samsung phone.

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HappeningDude said:
I've read somewhere that Gear S need the latest Samsung Phone to setup for it even to run. If that's true, it's a let down.
Was looking forward to use it as a stand alone backup phone. If you don't own the latest Samsung Phone, will it function as a standalone phone for call and sms?
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I think you need a Samsung phone with the Gear Manager App to get it started and for future updates. But after that i think you can use as a stand alone phone. you can check out some youtube vids for more info. I dont think anyone has purchased the device yet.

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I'm one of those who got it on 15 October. Largely enjoying it.
According to the list of compatible phones published by Samsung, most of the phones from 2012 onwards are compatible.
I believe the reason is because Tizen is still largely a Samsung undertaking for now, and they own the largest number of developers for it.
At any rate, you REALLY don't want to be swiping on this with 1 arm crooked all the time, and squinting at the 2" screen. Serious.

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Currently, the only phones compatible with the Gear S are the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S 4 mini, Galaxy S 5, Galaxy S5 Sport, and the Galaxy Note II, 3, and 4.
---------- Post added at 09:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 PM ----------
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/samsung-gear-s-pricing-availability,news-19852.html

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i own HTC m8 and i cannot connect it with the phone i i have s4 with custom rom so i format it back to stock just for unlock the watch but wen i try to connect the watch with HTC m8 its ask me to format if i did it its will go to stock and ask for connect again and i did try to download gear manager in HTC m8 didn't work so still i will keep waiting for some one can root it " i hope soon "
for now i use it as normal watch and health stuff ..
at last its sexy watch love it

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Ahmed Alshaali said:
i own HTC m8 and i cannot connect it with the phone i i have s4 with custom rom so i format it back to stock just for unlock the watch but wen i try to connect the watch with HTC m8 its ask me to format if i did it its will go to stock and ask for connect again and i did try to download gear manager in HTC m8 didn't work so still i will keep waiting for some one can root it " i hope soon "
for now i use it as normal watch and health stuff ..
at last its sexy watch love it
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Hi mate,
Where did you purchase it in UAE?
I did not buy the watch yet. I have LG G2 and i am worried about its connectivity to my phone. Did you try to install the Gear Manager apk on your M8?
I can initialize the connection, i also have S4 mini, but its 4.2.2, not sure if it will work

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once u set it up, does it use the same phone# as the phone u activate it with
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Free mobile app

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Akram. said:
Hi mate,
Where did you purchase it in UAE?
I did not buy the watch yet. I have LG G2 and i am worried about its connectivity to my phone. Did you try to install the Gear Manager apk on your M8?
I can initialize the connection, i also have S4 mini, but its 4.2.2, not sure if it will work
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It will work with the S 4 mini anything from Samsung S3 and up
---------- Post added at 01:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 PM ----------
Ahmed Alshaali said:
i own HTC m8 and i cannot connect it with the phone i i have s4 with custom rom so i format it back to stock just for unlock the watch but wen i try to connect the watch with HTC m8 its ask me to format if i did it its will go to stock and ask for connect again and i did try to download gear manager in HTC m8 didn't work so still i will keep waiting for some one can root it " i hope soon "
for now i use it as normal watch and health stuff ..
at last its sexy watch love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-2/general/guide-oct-29easiest-to-pair-install-t2921994
**If it gets stuck:
I finally figured it out. I uninstalled the modded Gear manager, then reinstalled, but before I opened it, I turned off data and wifi, so it couldn't check for updates. Once I did that, then it was able to connect to the gear and I was able to follow the rest of the directions. Then I installed Tizonmod and eventually the Gear manager app got updated.

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Akram. said:
Hi mate,
Where did you purchase it in UAE?
I did not buy the watch yet. I have LG G2 and i am worried about its connectivity to my phone. Did you try to install the Gear Manager apk on your M8?
I can initialize the connection, i also have S4 mini, but its 4.2.2, not sure if it will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i find it only in Samsung store i contact all shop u only can find it there for me i buy it from city center mirdif there is white color there and also u can find it online only at axiom website the black color only ..
i did try gear manager its connect but not download so its not working for now i will keep trying maybe its need Samsung store also ..
if u have the s4 mini just update it i think its will upgrade to 4.4 so at this point u can connect it with ur phone but not with LG G2 for me i use twin sim card so i can use it as call and sms
---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------
Uniquebarbee said:
It will work with the S 4 mini anything from Samsung S3 and up
---------- Post added at 01:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 PM ----------
Have you tried this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-2/general/guide-oct-29easiest-to-pair-install-t2921994
**If it gets stuck:
I finally figured it out. I uninstalled the modded Gear manager, then reinstalled, but before I opened it, I turned off data and wifi, so it couldn't check for updates. Once I did that, then it was able to connect to the gear and I was able to follow the rest of the directions. Then I installed Tizonmod and eventually the Gear manager app got updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still same its not connect its keep on connecting to gear after i install the apps
btw its old modded i did try gear manager newer but same
u can find it here
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/e7h23e12rzesi/Gear_Manager

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still same its not connect its keep on connecting to gear after i install the apps
btw its old modded i did try gear manager newer but same
u can find it here
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/e7h23e12rzesi/Gear_Manager[/QUOTE]
Ok I pulled that from the Gear 2 forum I can look around for more info I myself have Note4/Tab S and Gear 2 ATM but I can keep looking

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Uniquebarbee said:
still same its not connect its keep on connecting to gear after i install the apps
btw its old modded i did try gear manager newer but same
u can find it here
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/e7h23e12rzesi/Gear_Manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I pulled that from the Gear 2 forum I can look around for more info I myself have Note4/Tab S and Gear 2 ATM but I can keep looking[/QUOTE]
its ok am still waiting for the note edge so its will be fit with the gear s i can wait at last i can use the gear XD thnx for help

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Ahmed Alshaali said:
i find it only in Samsung store i contact all shop u only can find it there for me i buy it from city center mirdif there is white color there and also u can find it online only at axiom website the black color only ..
i did try gear manager its connect but not download so its not working for now i will keep trying maybe its need Samsung store also ..
if u have the s4 mini just update it i think its will upgrade to 4.4 so at this point u can connect it with ur phone but not with LG G2 for me i use twin sim card so i can use it as call and sms
---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------
still same its not connect its keep on connecting to gear after i install the apps
btw its old modded i did try gear manager newer but same
u can find it here
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/e7h23e12rzesi/Gear_Manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from Mirdif City Centre, and i could connect via S4 mini 4.2.2, latest version all updated, but S4 mini is my wife's. I want to use on my LG G2.

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Akram. said:
I got it from Mirdif City Centre, and i could connect via S4 mini 4.2.2, latest version all updated, but S4 mini is my wife's. I want to use on my LG G2.
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Click to collapse
for now i didnt hear some one can connect it with another phone than samsung so we still need to wait more for DEV start modded it .

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Ahmed Alshaali said:
for now i didnt hear some one can connect it with another phone than samsung so we still need to wait more for DEV start modded it .
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Click to collapse
Not anymore I just put up a tutorial
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s/general/tutorial-install-gear-manager-connect-t2934307

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Akram. said:
Not anymore I just put up a tutorial
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s/general/tutorial-install-gear-manager-connect-t2934307
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thnx m8 i was cheeking this link every 2 day waiting for his update finally he did XD

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Gear S is a Major Disappointment
HappeningDude said:
I certainly hope so. I know there are a number of lucky one who got the watch prior to launch. If they could confirm, it would be greatly appreciated.
Don't want to end up buying a non functioning phone just because I did not own a Samsung phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Samsung Gear S just arrived today. I was excited, thinking that I was getting a standalone cellular device just like all the hype buzzing around claims. Not true. The Samsung Gear S is not a standalone cellular device despite all the false advertising to the contrary. I just got off the phone with Samsung tech support and they verified that the Samsung Gear S smartwatch needs to be connected via bluetooth to a compatible phone (Note 2, 3, or 4; Note Edge; Galaxy S 3, 4, or 5). If it's not connected and within 33 feet of the phone, you cannot make or receive phone calls, emails, or text messages. It's not just a matter of setting up the watch using a compatible phone and the Samsung Gear app and then going on your merry way without the phone making phone calls out into the way beyond. This overhyped dud doesn't work outside of bluetooth range even with it's cellular receiver. I tried asking Samsung tech support why in the world the Gear S even has a cell receiver at all if it can't work without being connected to a compatible smartphone. The only answer I could get was something about it being a convenience of some sort if you want, for example, to go for a run and leave your phone in the car. I imagine that's only good for those joggers who don't want to run more than 33 feet. Needless to say, I'm sending this overpriced "standalone" smartwatch back for a refund. I hope this adds some clarity to all the overblown rhetoric about this disappointing device.

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eldoodorino said:
My Samsung Gear S just arrived today. I was excited, thinking that I was getting a standalone cellular device just like all the hype buzzing around claims. Not true. The Samsung Gear S is not a standalone cellular device despite all the false advertising to the contrary. I just got off the phone with Samsung tech support and they verified that the Samsung Gear S smartwatch needs to be connected via bluetooth to a compatible phone (Note 2, 3, or 4; Note Edge; Galaxy S 3, 4, or 5). If it's not connected and within 33 feet of the phone, you cannot make or receive phone calls, emails, or text messages. It's not just a matter of setting up the watch using a compatible phone and the Samsung Gear app and then going on your merry way without the phone making phone calls out into the way beyond. This overhyped dud doesn't work outside of bluetooth range even with it's cellular receiver. I tried asking Samsung tech support why in the world the Gear S even has a cell receiver at all if it can't work without being connected to a compatible smartphone. The only answer I could get was something about it being a convenience of some sort if you want, for example, to go for a run and leave your phone in the car. I imagine that's only good for those joggers who don't want to run more than 33 feet. Needless to say, I'm sending this overpriced "standalone" smartwatch back for a refund. I hope this adds some clarity to all the overblown rhetoric about this disappointing device.
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Where to begin.................
Lets start off with did you do a little research on this "overhyped" device before you purchased? I mean, easily seeing its a SAMSUNG device would be a safe assumption that the Gear S would work best with a SAMSUNG phone. And that one possibility that it MAY work with other devices, maybe research that first to get confirmation? But instead, just purchase Gear S based on hype? Well, thats not good is it?
It doesnt work outside of bluetooth range even with its cellular receiver? Funny, I DO NOT have this problem. I can make calls, send text and use multiple other things that this device offers. Now will I always leave my phone at home? Highly doubt it. But those times I may leave it at home, I'm set.
You talked to a Samsung rep? lol. Thats not good either. It amazes me that so many people still go by what some of these reps say. Samsung has some great products (as others do too. But I cant speak for them), but I'll put my trust in a XDA member before I even THINK to put it into a Samsung rep. Not saying they are all bad, but many have NO IDEA on what they are talking about.
So yeah. I agree with you. If your not willing to just take a little time out and research the "overhyped" device you purchased. You might want to send it back. Its obviously just not for you.

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Tahde said:
Where to begin.................
Lets start off with did you do a little research on this "overhyped" device before you purchased? I mean, easily seeing its a SAMSUNG device would be a safe assumption that the Gear S would work best with a SAMSUNG phone. And that one possibility that it MAY work with other devices, maybe research that first to get confirmation? But instead, just purchase Gear S based on hype? Well, thats not good is it?
It doesnt work outside of bluetooth range even with its cellular receiver? Funny, I DO NOT have this problem. I can make calls, send text and use multiple other things that this device offers. Now will I always leave my phone at home? Highly doubt it. But those times I may leave it at home, I'm set.
You talked to a Samsung rep? lol. Thats not good either. It amazes me that so many people still go by what some of these reps say. Samsung has some great products (as others do too. But I cant speak for them), but I'll put my trust in a XDA member before I even THINK to put it into a Samsung rep. Not saying they are all bad, but many have NO IDEA on what they are talking about.
So yeah. I agree with you. If your not willing to just take a little time out and research the "overhyped" device you purchased. You might want to send it back. Its obviously just not for you.
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Let the XDA congregation say Amen
Side note accept my friend request @Tahde