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Hey there, I'm pretty new here. (first post ) And I got a few questions about the Galaxy S II.
So I'm thinking about getting one, or actually I am deciding between this or the iPhone 4.
Well I know the Galaxy S II beats the iPhone 4 in nearly every point, except for resolution of the display, but i think its good enough.
I currently am an iPhone user, and I do love all Apple Stuff, call me fanboy.. BUT! I think I'm not dumb
I dont want to be blind and go out and just buy an iPhone, because I know there are better phones out there. Well the iPhone 4 came last year and all this stuff is developing pretty fast, but nevertheless I do like the iPhone. So my decision will be made after I got to know, what I didn't get about the Galaxy S II.
1. When the phone is locked, and you press the Home Button, does this really, completely unlock the phone, without the need to do an unlock, like sliding the picture away, or doing some gestures? I saw this in a review, and thought, this is not good
2. Some users here in the forums were posting things like, their phones getting hot, or that its lagging while browsing through the homescreens sometimes.. and i was like: ?! how can such a beast of phone even think about lagging?!^^^'
So have you had problems using it, like overheating or lagging?
3. I really do like the iPhone's taskswitcher. And I think that the one coming with touchwiz is the only one (as far as i know) that does something similar..
So can you access the taskswitcher in EVERY app by longpressing the home button?
4. I actually do like, that every app must be confirmed by apple before entering the app store. so there are no apps that crash or stuff like that.. i know that most android fans love that android is an open platform. but when i'm reading reviews of apps in the marketplace, most stuff i read is: bad, forces restart, crashes... stuff like that.. most of all the facebook app, this would be something i really need, but i don't want it to be buggy and crashing all the time..
I can't belief, that Android is getting so famous when the apps are as bad as they are said to be in the market...
So are the apps you are using reliable? Or do they crash and stuff..?
I don't want to be offensive or what, but i won't get this on contract. I'll have to pay something like 600€ for it and i dont want to do this if i'm not 100% sure.
Thanks
Sorry for so much text
DeadKid_Relive said:
Hey there, I'm pretty new here. (first post ) And I got a few questions about the Galaxy S II.
I
1. When the phone is locked, and you press the Home Button, does this really, completely unlock the phone, without the need to do an unlock, like sliding the picture away, or doing some gestures? I saw this in a review, and thought, this is not good
Not until its customised in the future its swipe to unlock screen .
2. Some users here in the forums were posting things like, their phones getting hot, or that its lagging while browsing through the homescreens sometimes.. and i was like: ?! how can such a beast of phone even think about lagging?!^^^'
No lag at all
4. I actually do like, that every app must be confirmed by apple before entering the app store. so there are no apps that crash or stuff like that.. i know that most android fans love that android is an open platform. but when i'm reading reviews of apps in the marketplace, most stuff i read is: bad, forces restart, crashes... stuff like that.. most of all the facebook app, this would be something i really need, but i don't want it to be buggy and crashing all the time..
I can't belief, that Android is getting so famous when the apps are as bad as they are said to be in the market...
So are the apps you are using reliable? Or do they crash and stuff..?
95% reliable and most are updated frequently and MANY ARE FREE
Really its a move from a closed but carefully controlled environment where you do what Apple wants you to do and Flash is bad for you .
To a more open environment where you are far more free and not as tightly controlled .
Plus of Apple is that for many it is tightly locked down a child can use IPhone as its all simple .Thats actually a plus point as well as a negative point .
For me its a simple choice IPhone top class phone but compared to SGS1 dont mind the SGS 2 it is vastly overpriced . I want music in my format not Steve's etc . Apps got all the apps i want and none that i know of from Apple i am missing .So a simple choice but somebody else may well be willing to pay the premium .
Some IPhone user do find it hard to adapt to a different method of working .
jje
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Click to collapse
Well thanks for the fast answer!
I think i get what you meant with: "Plus of Apple is that for many it is tightly locked down a child can use IPhone as its all simple .Thats actually a plus point as well as a negative point ."
And thats one of the points, that may keep me from buying an iPhone. Because if i get the new iphone theres nothing really new. well its faster and got a better cam but its still the os im using already, which is not bad at all, but its nothing new and its sooooooo easy^^^' nearly boring
Don't want to call me dev, but besides writing apps, i like to get most out of a device, psp, ds, iphone... on iphone there are posiblities but i think android got better ones.
still gotta make up my mind a little, maybe wait what iOS 5 will look like, seriously apple has to catch up a little . SGS 2 launches May 27nd here and iOS 5 Event is on June 6th. Think i'll be able to wait a few days, but probably they wont get to where android is right now.
Good to hear, that theres no lag and apps are not that bad. Actually all the answers are good
thanks alot!
I have heard a mixed bag of reviews about this phone but what I gather is most bugs are no ironed out. I have a SGS2 at the moment, but its to big and I never really was a big android fan and well iOS is looking very dated, I love the look of the Lumia 800. Could you recommend it?
I'd vote yes. The look and feel is great. The OS works well. Main caveats are lack of apps, and bugs/short battery life, as you say I hope these are mostly sorted. Biggest frustration for me has been the won't charge/won't turn on problem if you let the battery run flat, but I'm hopeful the latest update may help.
Tim
slugger09 said:
I have a SGS2 at the moment, but its to big and I never really was a big android fan and well iOS is looking very dated, I love the look of the Lumia 800. Could you recommend it?
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Click to collapse
I feel exactly the same way about the SGS2, Android and iOS.
I originally bought the Lumia as a stop gap - I was sick of flashing roms onto my Galaxy S and thought the Lumia would be nice to own until the iPhone 5 comes out. But after having the Lumia for a month, Apple will need to do something drastic with iOS as well as the hardware to get me away from my Lumia. I love it to bits.
You're picking the right time because the annoying bugs - terrible battery life and bad audio quality are now fixed. I'm sat here listening to music off the Lumia via a set of Sennheiser HD555's and it sounds brilliant.
The OS is great, it has a couple of minor usability issues compared to iOS which is very good in this respect, but it blows Android out the water.
Go for it!
slugger09 said:
I have heard a mixed bag of reviews about this phone but what I gather is most bugs are no ironed out. I have a SGS2 at the moment, but its to big and I never really was a big android fan and well iOS is looking very dated, I love the look of the Lumia 800. Could you recommend it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far all the issues have been dealt with, if your phone has a fault that needs sorted, I can assure you that Nokia will sort it out. They are people that listen to the consumers, as most bugs have so far been dealt with. I have no problems with the phone now apart from my screen being messed up, but hopefully that's getting replaced by them. I would recommend the phone as it's excellent value and Nokia are doing everything to make this phone one of the best out there, as you can see on the adverts, as well as the amount of time they're putting into the Lumias. You get what you pay for, oh if you're coming from SGS2, it's a little on the heavier side.
Really tempted. Can these be developer unlocked?
slugger09 said:
Really tempted. Can these be developer unlocked?
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Click to collapse
At the moment, no, we haven't heard anything from Chevron sadly, only via App Hub ($99) or student dev unlock. But we can always hope it comes soon. Test the phone out first, to see if you can stick without homebrew as you are coming from an Android (the mother of all customization).
I changed from sgs2 and I have to say that I haven't looked back. This phone is brilliant and finally a good phone with excellent usability.
I came from a Mozart and it was a relief. The design is so much better, and it's quite much faster as well. I have never owned an Android, never wanted one, and with my Lumia I'll never want one.
WP7 is a genuinely different beast compared to iOS/Android. I'm not going to tell you that it's better, because that all depends on taste, but if you're getting a WP7 phone then the Lumia 800/900 is an excellent choice.
As a developer I'd never go back to Android simply because it's so horribly buggy and the software design so godawful that even a dualcore gigahertz processor isn't enough to make it render things smoothly. What's more, bugs and security exploits don't get fixed unless you install your own rom or wait a year for a carrier-approved update. There's so many bugs that it's almost impossible now to write an app that doesn't crash on at least 10% of the devices out there
As for downsides to the Lumia, there's no internet tethering at the moment, although WiFi tethering has just been announced. Battery life isn't great, but it seems to differ from phone to phone. When I just got mine I had 8-10 hours of battery life, but after two or three charge cycles my phone lasted a full day, and I really haven't had problems since then. As far as I know this is all fixed with the new update though. Also, WP7 doesn't have all the apps you're used to having on Android, and the ones that are there aren't always the best. Spotify for instance is totally unusable for me, and I've uninstalled it about a month ago and downgraded my account. Things like Facebook and twitter seem fine though, and it's nice to have people's Facebook pictures show up in your contacts. The browser is also great and fast, although I'm not too happy with Bing and rather use Google. Nokia maps also isn't as good as Google maps, but a third-party app fixes that pretty quick.
Imho, if you want a phone that just works, get either a WP7 phone or an iPhone. If you're getting a WP7 phone, get a Lumia 800.
Definitely! And two of my friends are already ordered after i show em what you can do with unlocked device
an awesome phone, i love this phone, iv tried android, iphone blackberry, and id rather use this phone than any other phone.
i can definitely recommend this phone to everyone after the latest update. most bugs have been sorted our( not that i was having problem with it previously) but in general the 12070 update really does make this a valid choice..
on the other hand if you could wait for the lumia 900 it would be a good idea..but as long as you dont need a huge display..and a fornt facing camera the 800 should be cheaper and it does feel more comfortable in the hands
would recommend the lumia 800 yes
imho way better than iphone and android platform the 800 is so nice to hold in your hands its the best phone i have ever used, and i have had a lot from iphone 4 to 4s to galaxy nexus and sg2 the lumia is a much nicer phone to use and looks better.
I wouldn't recommend it. I've been through 3 of these devices all with different hardware faults. And the 900 is close to release, it's got the same features, a bit bigger and better screen (Not PenTile) and FFC.
Agreed here.
I feel the same way. My girlfriend has my old iPhone 4 and I sent the HTC Sensation packing to pay for my Lumia. This phone is ****ing amazing. I have had zero problems except the camera. I figured out that to counter this I can turn up the exposure value in the camera settings and the pictures are fantastic!
Note: I imported a HK model here to Beijing (we have sweet markets) and do not have Nokia Music.... this is lame otherwise, the phone is great.
BlitterTwisted said:
I feel exactly the same way about the SGS2, Android and iOS.
I originally bought the Lumia as a stop gap - I was sick of flashing roms onto my Galaxy S and thought the Lumia would be nice to own until the iPhone 5 comes out. But after having the Lumia for a month, Apple will need to do something drastic with iOS as well as the hardware to get me away from my Lumia. I love it to bits.
You're picking the right time because the annoying bugs - terrible battery life and bad audio quality are now fixed. I'm sat here listening to music off the Lumia via a set of Sennheiser HD555's and it sounds brilliant.
The OS is great, it has a couple of minor usability issues compared to iOS which is very good in this respect, but it blows Android out the water.
Go for it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Lumia Experience
Hi,
after using a Lumia 800 for a couple of weeks, here's my two cents:
I have gone through all iPhone-Generations (and some symbian-stuff before) and currently own a bunch of current phones, among them the SGS2 (custom firmware, admittedly) and an Lumia 800. My company is developing apps, that's why I get to play around with smartphones a lot.
The Lumia 800 is hands down one of the best looking phones around. The size is perfect and it feels just right. I also dig the responsiveness of the user interface and I really like the approach of smart tiles in Windows Phone. Not as cluttered as android widgets and much smarter than the iOS counterpart (there is no such concept).
Unfortunately, there are a lot of real show stoppers that make me pick up my SGS2 in the morning, instead of the Lumia. Let's start with basics like calendaring and e-mails. Handling of calendar invitations does not work most of the time, the phone does not even handle .ics-files, which makes me pin down invitations, then go to the calendar and create a new entry manually - c'mon, this is basic stuff!
If you are setting up Google Mail on the phone, you will see only the first level of tags (a.k.a IMAP-folders). If a tag has sub-tags, it won't be displayed in the list, making the whole concept useless - bummer.
Syncing your contacts with google works in such a way that all your contacts do actually appear on the phone - except for random phone numbers that just will not be synchronized. If you really want to have all your contacts' phone numbers on the Lumia you better go through all those contacts and make sure the phone numbers are labeled in a way the Lumia can understand. I am not sure which labels work reliably. Updating all contacts just for a bug like this really is a tedious task!
The integration of facebook is pretty well done, unless you have a name that is so common that there are other people you know on facebook that have the same name. In this case, messages and profile pictures of the other people of your name are displayed as _your_ messages and profile pictures. Guess some developer decided to ditch unique IDs and go for names instead - another bug!
Talking about bugs: most apps that I really got used to on other platforms are sub par or not available at all on Windows Phone. Remember The Milk, evernote, spotify, rdio or even facebook - those apps are in no way comparable to their counterparts on iOS or Android in terms of features and stability.
And then there are a lot of other, small things:
- No tethering (ok, this is supposed to come in a future update)
- no image scale-down possible when sending via e-mail
- mute does not mute all sounds
- no ABC-bar in contacts list, you have to search or scroll a thousand times to find a contact
- Marketplace is slow and often inresponsive. Is there a way to list the apps I have bought? I have not found such an option
- battery runtime: though much better after last update, it is still tough to get through an entire day
- Once you install many apps (like I do) you will start to miss folders or other means to organize your smart tiles and the application list - a general problem of Windows Phone.
I have to admit that some of the trouble is certainly due to the fact that I use google services instead of Exchange, which might yield a better experience on Windows Phone. Then again, this phones' target audience is more likely to use free google services than Exchange.
That being said, I still like the phone, but it has way to many quirks to be a reliable business phone. I really hope Nokia and Microsoft get these wrinkles straightened out because the interface surely has a lot of potential.
Until then I will stick to my ugly Android that gets the job done ;-)
Cheers,
Dan
Brewn said:
- No tethering (ok, this is supposed to come in a future update)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My theory is that since carriers hate tethering, this is part of Nokia's strategy to entice carriers into selling more Lumia devices during the initial launch period. Delivering an update (much, much later?) is a compromise to appease users who need tethering.
Brewn said:
- no ABC-bar in contacts list, you have to search or scroll a thousand times to find a contact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My contacts list has always had the alphabet labels.
Brewn said:
- Marketplace is slow and often inresponsive. Is there a way to list the apps I have bought? I have not found such an option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marketplace sucks. The only way to get a list of apps that you have bought (and re-install them) is through the www.windowsphone.com site. Lots of app reviews aren't shown either.
CervezaPorFavor said:
My contacts list has always had the alphabet labels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but how do you quickly jump to, say, "M". Aaah, I found it: double tap on a label and you will get the entire alphabet! So this one can be scratched due to user dumbness
Cheers,
Dan
Brewn said:
Yes, but how do you quickly jump to, say, "M". Aaah, I found it: double tap on a label and you will get the entire alphabet! So this one can be scratched due to user dumbness
Cheers,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of your list can be scratched due to user dumbness
oskariunit said:
Most of your list can be scratched due to user dumbness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind to enlighten me?
---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 PM ----------
@oskariunit: By the way: The alphabet in the contact list is nice but also has the bug that the first tap onto a letter does not open the alphabet-list if you have been scrolling the contact list before. Probably the first tap just sets to focus to the button and the second tap registers. One tap suffices if you open contacts and directly tap onto a letter without scrolling before, as the default focus is obviously on those letters.
And no, this is not user dumbness but a bug.
One of my greatest hesitancies in going with a non-Android smartwatch OS is the terrible lagginess of S-Voice in the past compared to the lightning speed of Google Now.
For those who own the watch, how responsive is S-Voice as far as texting, asking for information, etc?
Thanks. First look at this watch in the store I thought it was too big and geeky for me, but still fence-sitting a bit. I now wear a Rolex Submariner so this would be a big switch style wise.
Just tested it out myself. It's not as blazing fast as Google Now, but it's better than it was an acceptable.
You won't be able to get quick answers like "When is the Redskin's next game" without being redirected to the phone. Someone said we could get Google Now on this Gear S. Will have to research that.
mitchellvii said:
One of my greatest hesitancies in going with a non-Android smartwatch OS is the terrible lagginess of S-Voice in the past compared to the lightning speed of Google Now.
For those who own the watch, how responsive is S-Voice as far as texting, asking for information, etc?
Thanks. First look at this watch in the store I thought it was too big and geeky for me, but still fence-sitting a bit. I now wear a Rolex Submariner so this would be a big switch style wise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched from my Rolex Submariner also, so I know how you feel. It's not too large, but it is definitely instantly recognizable as something more than a watch even at first glance. Still it blends in well.
S voice is pretty decent, haven't use it much but it's pretty smooth and fast. Google now is nice, but it's always been way too much of an internet search to be 100% perfect as a personal assistant.
spinedoc said:
I switched from my Rolex Submariner also, so I know how you feel. It's not too large, but it is definitely instantly recognizable as something more than a watch even at first glance. Still it blends in well.
S voice is pretty decent, haven't use it much but it's pretty smooth and fast. Google now is nice, but it's always been way too much of an internet search to be 100% perfect as a personal assistant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well one of the nice things about Google Now is I can say, "What is the score of the Redskin's game?" and the answer will appear on the watch. With SVoice it will just link me to the answer on my phone which kind of defeats the purpose of asking the watch in the first place.
mitchellvii said:
Well one of the nice things about Google Now is I can say, "What is the score of the Redskin's game?" and the answer will appear on the watch. With SVoice it will just link me to the answer on my phone which kind of defeats the purpose of asking the watch in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they are both better in their own ways. S voice is nice and straight forward but limited, where Google now is much broader, but sometimes too broad. A good example is sometimes when I say "call Mario" it gives me an internet search for super Mario bros. Now I'm not sure why it sometimes does this, and other times calls my contact.
So far S Voice is so laggy and generally weak that it is almost useless. If I say "When is George Washington's birthday?", sometimes it just spins and spins then finally recognizes the words but never gives me an answer. The response to this using Google Now would be almost instantaneous.
I just don't get it. Samsung has had S Voice from freakin YEARS now, why does it still SUCK so bad?
Between that and the weakness of the Navigation app (no driving directions - what?!) this watch is losing it's charm for me quickly. Why is Samsung SO bad at software?
**UPDATE: I think part of the problem with the lagginess is due to the fact Sprint puts their Gear S on the horrific 3G network. ATT uses 4G. Why would Sprint go 3G when 4G was possible? Inexplicable.
Still, I can't believe S Voice can't answer something as simple as when a football game is without redirecting me to the phone. I mean, my god, come on.
It's nowhere near as good as Google Now, but it works for things like sending texts, setting alarms, and checking the weather in a city
spinedoc said:
Yeah they are both better in their own ways. S voice is nice and straight forward but limited, where Google now is much broader, but sometimes too broad. A good example is sometimes when I say "call Mario" it gives me an internet search for super Mario bros. Now I'm not sure why it sometimes does this, and other times calls my contact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my experience too. I had a Moto 360 and it could do much more but too frequently made mistakes on basics. S-Voice is near perfect for calls and messages and alarms and voice memo. I am happier with S-Voice but really missing setting calendar appointments and reminders (tasks). Anyone think Samsung will add those like they have for the phone?
v
3Labs said:
This is my experience too. I had a Moto 360 and it could do much more but too frequently made mistakes on basics. S-Voice is near perfect for calls and messages and alarms and voice memo. I am happier with S-Voice but really missing setting calendar appointments and reminders (tasks). Anyone think Samsung will add those like they have for the phone?
v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just chatted with samsung, and of course new the issue but didn't say if they intend on adding that or fixing it. what ever the case may be.
Google Now
When is someone going to hack this watch and put Google now on this bad boy?
b0Ne83 said:
When is someone going to hack this watch and put Google now on this bad boy?
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Click to collapse
I started a bounty thread for the Google ware to be ported over to the GG, G2, G2Neo. but was beaten down about the difference in the processors and such so i abandoned the thread since it was getting more flack then support.
But yes, I agree. Google now would be AWESOME for this watch.
We need developers for this watch
b0Ne83 said:
We need developers for this watch
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Click to collapse
there's gotta be something in it for them to get involved.
1k devices = no dev
millons = tons of apps.
This watch needs to sell a bunch to get dev interested or Samsung to run another dev competition.
This is by far the best watch on the market. I had the gear 1, 2 and now the S. Loving it
b0Ne83 said:
This is by far the best watch on the market. I had the gear 1, 2 and now the S. Loving it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, (i do miss being able to make tasks tho. ) lol
I am confused. Where is Facebook, Google+, Gmail, google voice, 3rd party messengers, Tinder, full navigation, youtube...etc? Shouldn't I be able to fully respond to messages on most apps but the apps arent even available in store. Can't log into a business wifi network that has welcome screen. All the apps in the samsung store are pointless except for maybe 10. I'm really lost here. WHat am I suppose to do with this $400 watch? lmao Its on my wrist right now and I'm like uh........ Maybe this was just for Marathon runners? lol
yea they're lacking on the software department. if they don't get enough companies to jump on board to their custom OS it's going to fail
Probably should have browsed the gear 2 area before jumping into this one as it's the same device but with cell radios. Same complaints for the last year. Lol
Yes same thought here I can't this this lasting tizen is dead already not enough devs signed up for development Samsung just trying to get a slice of the pie give it six months it will join the rest of the dead end gear lol in the back of my drawer
Grizzly123 said:
Yes same thought here I can't this this lasting tizen is dead already not enough devs signed up for development Samsung just trying to get a slice of the pie give it six months it will join the rest of the dead end gear lol in the back of my drawer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
by then people will have another verison to complain about. Well at least we didn't by the Tizen only phone
Again. Expectations are just through the roof with not even a week old device. Should always research first before jumping right in.
Sent from my SM-T807P
youtube worthless on a watch
ab30494 said:
youtube worthless on a watch
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Click to collapse
+1, and also FB.
Sent from my SM-P607T using Tapatalk
paitobp said:
+1, and also FB.
Sent from my SM-P607T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are all data hogs anyways. Have a good data plan standalone you will need it .
Uniquebarbee said:
they are all data hogs anyways. Have a good data plan standalone you will need it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya, if i want youtube or facebook, i pull out my S5
Google Now gives me updates on weather and when to leave for appointments and how long it's going to take. I like that. It's Tizen and Samsung not Google, so I never expected Google Now. Hangouts is the only app I'd really like to see added over text messages.
My big beef is that I can't reply to emails send emails or even create tasks with s-voice. Those few things will make me happy but they need to happen soon.
Uniquebarbee said:
they are all data hogs anyways. Have a good data plan standalone you will need it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or how about just having wifi that’s included on the app? I understand every app is not going to make every user happy. I was just giving examples. I have a 2 inch screen on my risk.... Thought it was going to do something. Not necessarily make me fly but just common task. Maybe respond to emails or hangouts? Am I reaching to far? Full GPS car navigation? Am I still reaching to far? Google VOice app so all calls show same number as my phone? I'm just barley touching my toes.. Hope I'm still not reaching too far.
Google does not allow Google apps on non Google certified mobile devices and certainly not on other OSes other than iOS ... and we know why that is. End of story.
If you need Google apps on a watch this device is not for you. See how Android Wear works for you.
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Email/apps
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
weedenrw said:
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
crazyshakespeare13 said:
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
weedenrw said:
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I don't disagree with you. It's a real BS game these guys play! These two devices are the first and only Sam tech I have, and never found their forced ecosystem tactics tasteful. In the end, i REALLY did try to find a possible alternative...From LG to Umeox to ZGPAX. I struggled with an Omate TS for almost a year...to get what the S does out of box (w/compatible Sam, or course) and more.
For me...i needed a reliable device...function beat out emotion and personal feelings in this case.
weedenrw said:
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice...hopefully I can get to installing some later today. After purchasing the gear and soon learning all its limitations I went to Walmart and purchased a prepaid Samsung phone for the first time pairing before returning the phone. While I managed to get a few apps I quickly found out that most are useless without a paired device.
I do have opera install but found after rooting the gear the app opens to a black screen and that's all.
Long story short, until a new rom is created I'm pretty much stuck with a phone and messaging device (which is nice and all...but not for the price we paid)
Thanks again for all the info!
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
gidi said:
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this is a great one. Did this for a friend a few weeks ago...an iPhone 6 playing nice with a Samsung! (Think I heard something about Hell and freezing on this subject But all kidding aside, she does get a lot of comments about the phone/watch combo.
To be honest, I think there's a lot more phones that are compatible with the S that Sammy is letting on. At our Main OFFICIAL AT&T store...their little tablets show maybe 7 or so Samsung models that are "officially" compatible. However, I've heard, and read of some folks trying cheap, simple pre-paid models...and all is working.
After doing some quick research, it seems that it's more important to have Android 4.3 or higher to ensure full functionality. It's the additional Gear Mgr software that will handle the S's functions... And their 4.3+/TouchWiz combo seems to be the key.
Hope this helps... Good luck!
Oh, and BTW, I don't have an iPhone... I do have an android based phone, the HTC One M8. I just have never cared for TouchWiz, nor Samsung's designs.
(Please no OEM wars, just stating my personal opinion)
e-mail
Hi! I do not have a Samsung smartphone. I want to send and receive mail at the clock. Need advice.