Related
Ok, I wouldn't call myself a fanboy but I'm pretty in to the Samsung ecosystem. Note 2, 3, 4. Original Galaxy Gear, Tv's and now the Gear S. Coming from the O.G. Galaxy gear, I thought the Gear S was a worthy upgrade. Water resistance, bigger and brighter screen. I have been very patient with Samsung and them rolling out apps to there watches. The Galaxy Gear never really got the apps I wanted unless I hacked it and cracked it with android apps made for phones. That kind of held me down for a bit. Then it just got too cumbersome for a watch. Especially with Nova Launcher and the battery drain was horrible because it just wasn't optimized to run like a phone. Here comes the Gear S, to solve all our problems. It just seems like the same old crap to me. Don't get me wrong, I really like the watch. For notifications and an occasional news feed it works awesome. Even the pedometer and the fitness functions seem to work better. But with the looming release of the Apple Watch I have to ask. Where the hell are the apps?!! I'm already hearing about all the different apps and developers working on the Apple Watch apps. I have a feeling its going to be another lopsided battle like it used to be with Android and Apple in the appstore a few years back. But why?! Samsung has had, damn near, a 2 year head-start in this category. You mean to tell me after releasing 5-6 Smart watches that they still cant conjure up any app support? I see the same old half baked apps in the app store everyday. No popular apps like facebook, youtube, instagram (there is a fake one that might be ok). It just seems as though samsung doesn't follow all the way through.
I know they are working on the next big thing, but I feel like we have all been left in the dark by buying another Samsung experiment. Its not fun being the guinea pig anymore.
Have a look down the back of the sofa... you'll be amazed what you can find there.
It's a watch, with the addition of gear notification extender installed I'm struggling to think of anything more I need/want it to do. My note 4 is superior in every way so the watch is just for a glance or a response on the fly.
Happy to hear what you're missing though?
---------- Post added at 10:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------
.....oh I would like a voip app though.
I still think it's better than the Apple Watch because you don't have to have your phone with you. All those stupid apps mean nothing when you're working with a 2 inch screen.
Apps
Hi,
I agree with OP, I would like more apps. In fact, I already gave up checking for new ones.
If I receive a notification that a friend posted something on facebook, I want to see what they posted. If they uploaded a picture, I want to see that too.
I want to respond to what's app messages and not just receive them!
I do love the smartthings app that let's me turn on/off lights from my wrist, that is awesome !
Google is working on iOS compatibility for android wear devices, I so wished the Gear S could be fully compatible with my work iPhone6 and my Note 3... Sort of have the Gear become the hub manager for all my devices...
Gear Notification app
In the Google Playstore lets u reply with many apps, whatsapp is one.
I agree that they need more apps, but there are some good ones out there that you can get:
Xenozu Player for Youtube, works well. click on pic to play, and text for info
GearTweet for Twitter, much improved lately
GearGram for Instagram and plays video as well as shows pics
Basic Video Player, load videos to your Gear through PC to play on app
Wearable Widgets, I can use it to control my lights at home that on on my WeMo switches, using WeMo widgets; I can see my outside surveillance cameras using the IP Cam Viewer Basic widget
IPCameraViewer, I can see my indoor home surveillance camera feed through Gear S app
OperaMini for web browsing
Milk music for streaming to my bluetooth headset at the gym, without having to carry my phone.
S Health, I have used very well to track and motivate myself to move and exercise more. I lost 85 lbs. last year and it gets some credit. Program finally much better than it was.
I too hope they push for more, but in the end it will be up the the other companies and developers and they will probably go to Apple due to shear volume of sales alone.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Mark
I have the same extra apps as you. I have wemo switches and a foscam camera outside. The ip camera app is great because it doesn't need to be paired to a phone
Sent from my SM-N915V using XDA Free mobile app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pacosal.gear.notificationsgears
For responding to whatever the F you want!
Another Great APP! GEARAM MUSIC ID.
Just like Shazam and has gotten over 10 songs in a row correct from my phone playlist.
I agree with the original post. The watch falls short of its potential. I generally use my phone for most types of communication. There are times, like in my car, when grabbing a phone is impractical. This is particularly true if my wife calls and reminds me of something I need to do in the future. With my Gear 1 I could double press and add a calendar reminder, no problem. I could controll Pandora which was great with a headset in my Miata with the top down. Cousin Sammy is trying to make Tizen into their version of i-something and they are losing sight of the consumer. Stop giving me watch faces and give me some interaction with my phone apps. That would fulfil my interpretation of their promise when I bought it as a companion device. Sammy watch should work well with a Sammy phone.
beermebeerme1 said:
I agree with the original post. The watch falls short of its potential. I generally use my phone for most types of communication. There are times, like in my car, when grabbing a phone is impractical. This is particularly true if my wife calls and reminds me of something I need to do in the future. With my Gear 1 I could double press and add a calendar reminder, no problem. I could controll Pandora which was great with a headset in my Miata with the top down. Cousin Sammy is trying to make Tizen into their version of i-something and they are losing sight of the consumer. Stop giving me watch faces and give me some interaction with my phone apps. That would fulfil my interpretation of their promise when I bought it as a companion device. Sammy watch should work well with a Sammy phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is off topic, but how did you control Pandora on your Gear 1?
On the stock setup, I turned on Pandora via my phone and put it away. The music control on the watch would control volume and I could skip songs. Couldn't change favorites but it worked OK otherwise.
Great to know. I have been thinking about selling my Zenwatch for the Gear S
Klokker for the Samsung Gear S
Hi everyone,
I'm very excited to announce my Klokker app for the Gear S in the Samsung Apps Store.
The Gear S is an impressive hardware masterpiece that the only thing it needs are fancy apps.
Klokker is an information safe repository especially designed for Samsung Gear S smartwatches.
You can store in your Gear S valuable information sometimes difficult to remember like your car insurance number, your passport number, your VISA card number or your bank account number. This information is protected under a password or passcode to avoid non-authorized access.
I really like my Gear S and I'm working very hard on several ideas to bring new apps to this smartwatch. I'm not only working hard, I'm working with illusion. I'm posting this announcement here because I know I will receive feedback about my work. I want to make the Gear S something really useful in our lives, something that can help us or solve some of our daily life problems.
I'm focused primarily on standalone applications. Companion apps are cool, but I wanna make the Gear S as much independent as I can. In fact, the Gear S is the most independent smartwatch of all. So I'm not following a wrong approach right now.
I will populate my Facebook page, my blog in Tumblr and my Youtube channel with more information in the next days. If you would like follow me on Twitter to keep in touch with all my projects.
Take a look at my support site at ayalawilson.com or look for Klokker in the Samsung Apps store.
Your feedback will be really valuable for me.
Thank you very much in advanced and I hope you like my app!
JMAW
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wER6BtIMDyY
Blog: http://jmawapps.tumblr.com
Support page: http://www.ayalawilson.com/klokker.html
Facebook page: JMAWapps
Twitter:[URL="https://twitter.com/JMAWapps" @jmaWapps[/URL]
Email:[email protected]
jmaw2015 said:
Hi everyone,
I'm very excited to announce my Klokker app for the Gear S in the Samsung Apps Store.
The Gear S is an impressive hardware masterpiece that the only thing it needs are fancy apps.
Klokker is an information safe repository especially designed for Samsung Gear S smartwatches.
You can store in your Gear S valuable information sometimes difficult to remember like your car insurance number, your passport number, your VISA card number or your bank account number. This information is protected under a password or passcode to avoid non-authorized access.
I really like my Gear S and I'm working very hard on several ideas to bring new apps to this smartwatch. I'm not only working hard, I'm working with illusion. I'm posting this announcement here because I know I will receive feedback about my work. I want to make the Gear S something really useful in our lives, something that can help us or solve some of our daily life problems.
I'm focused primarily on standalone applications. Companion apps are cool, but I wanna make the Gear S as much independent as I can. In fact, the Gear S is the most independent smartwatch of all. So I'm not following a wrong approach right now.
I will populate my Facebook page, my blog in Tumblr and my Youtube channel with more information in the next days. If you would like follow me on Twitter to keep in touch with all my projects.
Take a look at my support site at ayalawilson.com or directly look for Klokker in the Samsung Apps store.
Your feedback will be really valuable for me.
Thank you very much in advanced and I hope you like my app!
JMAW
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wER6BtIMDyY
Blog: http://jmawapps.tumblr.com
Support page: http://www.ayalawilson.com/klokker.html
Facebook page: JMAWapps
TwitterJMAWapps
Email:[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know that I need such an app. But I love your standalone way of thinking. I see no reason why I should need a companion app.
Hope you come up with some cool apps. Good luck.
Reason why we need a companion app
Medic97 said:
Don't know that I need such an app. But I love your standalone way of thinking. I see no reason why I should need a companion app.
Hope you come up with some cool apps. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason why we need a companion app is that the smartwatch is a very limited computing platform so far: reduced screen, no keyboard (the Gear S is a big exception to the rule with the Fleksy keyboard and its 2" screen), tiny speakers, few memory and limited storage in general.
In a companion mode, the main app processes information on the smartphone using its power and connectivity capabilities (again the Gear S is another exception to the rule with BlueTooth, 3G, Wi-Fi and USB). The smartwatch app only displays information or performs some interaction with the user.
The Companion design is very useful for many apps where the smartwatch lacks of the power or interaction needed. But it drains battery at the same time to the watch and to the phone. The Wi-Fi connection is better in saving power especially in idle mode. You are lucky again if you have a Gear S and you can synchronize your smartwatch via Wi-Fi!
Because, the Gear S exhibits a tremendous autonomy as a computer platform, I choose it for my future standalone apps!
jmaw2015 said:
I really like my Gear S and I'm working very hard on several ideas to bring new apps to this smartwatch. I'm not only working hard, I'm working with illusion. I'm posting this announcement here because I know I will receive feedback about my work. I want to make the Gear S something really useful in our lives, something that can help us or solve some of our daily life problems.
I'm focused primarily on standalone applications. Companion apps are cool, but I wanna make the Gear S as much independent as I can. In fact, the Gear S is the most independent smartwatch of all. So I'm not following a wrong approach right now.
JMAW
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wER6BtIMDyY
Blog: http://jmawapps.tumblr.com
Support page: http://www.ayalawilson.com/klokker.html
Facebook page: JMAWapps
Twitter:@JMAWapps
Email:[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with needing stand-alone apps. Can you create an audiobook app with bookmarking and 15 second forward/backward skip functionality? I go running with my Gear S and gave up on trying to listen to audiobook because I keep losing my place in the books
I also agree with OP? The app store is a big let-down.
Hi xendula,
Create that app is not a big problem for me. But before starting a new app project, I would like to ask if there is no any other music or audiobook player on the Samsung Gear Apps with bookmarking and 15 forward/backward skip functionality.
The idea is not bad. Something simple, useful, easy to use.
Which app do you use right now to play your audiobooks?
Do you copy your audiobooks in a particular folder or just in the music folder?
Which average size your audiobooks are?
Are your audiobooks in mp3 format?
JMAW
jmaw2015 said:
The idea is not bad. Something simple, useful, easy to use.
Which app do you use right now to play your audiobooks?
Do you copy your audiobooks in a particular folder or just in the music folder?
Which average size your audiobooks are?
Are your audiobooks in mp3 format?
JMAW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not one audiobook app in the app store, and other Gear S owners have asked for the same type of app, with the addition of sleep timer functionality within the app.
My books are all MP3 (between 7-14 files per book) that I copy into the music folder. Since each file is around 50 mins long, bookmarking and skipping back and forth is imperative. The app would need to know to play back files within a subdirectory as one book.
I tried to use the regular music app, but gave up, because I kept losing my place in the books
Avid runner frustrated with Gear S (been deliberating s health vs Nike)- s health gives inaccurate splits, and poor map color coding in stats afterwards while Nike plus stats are unreadable while running (red ticker tape at bottom) AND sometimes gps kicks in at 0.25 miles in run. Well I think I have found a work around.
Lotta steps but really easy.
1) will be using nike plus app for run
2) make sure watch fully charged
3) disconnect phone and watch from each other using gear app (watch in standalone)
4) on watch turn off gear network-ie set to always off- (this auto turns off mobile network)
5) (revelation)- go to accessibility under settings on watch and turn on "invert colors" this makes Nike app stats (formerly dark red) HIGHLY visible during run-watc will be flaming white colors
6) turn off all motions (ie so when you lift up watch nothing happens)
7) allow at least 15 second auto screen off time or even 30 seconds - 10s (default) is too short while running to see scrolling stats.
Because of 6 above, I press button to turn on watch and take a peak while running, and then hit button again to turn off - this saves battery as well because with motion activated to turn on watch, I believe watch is often being triggered on and you don't know it.
8) connect Bluetooth headset if you wish
9) first turn on s health and pause pedometer...(battery saver)
10) then go to "run"on s health and start a run! This will activate and lock GPS (takes about 1 minute)....once run starts GPS is locked....immediately end the run. Now, clear all active apps. Start your music through Samsung music player (as Nike doesn't shuffle).
10) now open Nike app and start run...click "no" to music (already playing)..because you did the fake run with s health, you'll notice gos turns green 2 seconds into run (otherwise takes a minute into run).
Getting good battery life. Should be adequate for half marathon/2 hours
Tnx for the tips...only thing that bothers me is turning of mobile network. Is it just for saving battery or is it for another reason? I like the idea to be reachable in case of emergency, or if something happens to me while running...
Maybe a suggestion regarding the gps kicking in too late with nike+. Haven't tried it yet myself, but when starting the run, can't you immediately press pause and wait for a minute or so and then resume the run? So allowing the gps to get a lock? Will try it next time I go for a run....
Glen, yes, you can leave gear net on to be reached. Should have specified these tips are to max out batter for 2hr plus run.
Try the accessibility tip. Makes seeing the red row at bottom much easier. Couldn't see it on my watch at max bright while running in sun.
Update. Really sunny day. Tried it again. Ran for 45 mins with h above formula. Battery down 30% - not bad.
But still couldn't follow small text scrolling while running. What a bummer.
I think turning off pedometer/mobile network/makes Nike app last for 2+ hours for long race. But - a) hard to track pace and time b) very touchy to accidentally pause run while trying to hit button on bottom of gear s or to change music.
S health with hr off (unless you need it) will only drain batter 20% in 45 mins and you can flip up watch with motion on and see time and distance (do math in head) and know how your doing. But stats after are garbage. (No real splits) -broken and basic in app
Thanks Jeff and all for good info of how to improve the Gear S for running using Nike+
Unfortunately I can not find the tip:
5) (revelation)- go to accessibility under settings on watch and turn on "invert colors" this makes Nike app stats (formerly dark red) HIGHLY visible during run-watc will be flaming white colors.
- I have searched but I do not have any "accessibility" in the settings menue on watch and have not found "invert colours" anywhere in any menues.
My experience so far of the Gear S for exercising:
-My intention when buying the Gear S was purely for exercising, to be able to leave the phone at home and just use the Gear S with a bluetooth headset while running. The thought of a stand alone feature device where I could utilize Endomondo, Runkeeper, etc. was very much wanted, but after have using the Gear S for a month or so now I have to say that I am very disappointed of the lack of stand-alone function. Almost all exercise apps are intended to run on the phone and the Gear will just be a remote display, so based on this I could have bought any other smart watch.
The main feature with Gear S to be a fully stand-alone unit is unfortunately not at all being utilized by anyone.
All the available apps that can be used partly as stand-alone (S health and Nike+) but both are lacking so many features that I feel almost that I have been just as good using my Polar training watch as a simple timer and heart rate logger.
What I would love that both S health and Nike+ would add as feature is voice feedback (pace, time, heart rate, distance) during exercise. Also to be able to coach during exercise like Endomondo or Runkeeper when having a training plan. The S health app has some limited functions but after using it a couple of times I realized it was rather useless.
I probably are going to end up bringing my phone while running to be able to use real training functions, which means that I have no use for the Gear S and will leave it at home.
You probably realize I am rather disappointed but would love to find out if there are any apps or possibilities to get the true potential out of the great Gear S.
Best regards,
ronron_s said:
Thanks Jeff and all for good info of how to improve the Gear S for running using Nike+
Unfortunately I can not find the tip:
5) (revelation)- go to accessibility under settings on watch and turn on "invert colors" this makes Nike app stats (formerly dark red) HIGHLY visible during run-watc will be flaming white colors.
- I have searched but I do not have any "accessibility" in the settings menue on watch and have not found "invert colours" anywhere in any menues.
My experience so far of the Gear S for exercising:
-My intention when buying the Gear S was purely for exercising, to be able to leave the phone at home and just use the Gear S with a bluetooth headset while running. The thought of a stand alone feature device where I could utilize Endomondo, Runkeeper, etc. was very much wanted, but after have using the Gear S for a month or so now I have to say that I am very disappointed of the lack of stand-alone function. Almost all exercise apps are intended to run on the phone and the Gear will just be a remote display, so based on this I could have bought any other smart watch.
The main feature with Gear S to be a fully stand-alone unit is unfortunately not at all being utilized by anyone.
All the available apps that can be used partly as stand-alone (S health and Nike+) but both are lacking so many features that I feel almost that I have been just as good using my Polar training watch as a simple timer and heart rate logger.
What I would love that both S health and Nike+ would add as feature is voice feedback (pace, time, heart rate, distance) during exercise. Also to be able to coach during exercise like Endomondo or Runkeeper when having a training plan. The S health app has some limited functions but after using it a couple of times I realized it was rather useless.
I probably are going to end up bringing my phone while running to be able to use real training functions, which means that I have no use for the Gear S and will leave it at home.
You probably realize I am rather disappointed but would love to find out if there are any apps or possibilities to get the true potential out of the great Gear S.
Best regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I felt the same way as you. The hardware is fantastic, but the software is not... i really liked the fact having a little phone on my wrist in case of emergency or something, but there are just no decent running apps. And the fact that I can't pair a ble heart rate belt (built in sensor is not accurate enough) made me decide to sell the gear s. I will miss it, there were a few cool apps for it, but I really needed a decent sports watch. So I bought a garmin fenix 3 with the money I got from the gear...really happy now, and it does basic notifications too! Battery lasts weeks instead of hours. ...
Hey at least you gave it a try. Where I run and workout, I have needed to make a call for an emergency. Don't care how accurate my heart rate is when I'm looking for something to stop the bleeding, while calling for help.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Trail runner here. I bought the Gear S so I could leave my Note 2 in the car. I need a phone in case of emergency, and wanted to still be able to track my runs in stand-alone mode.
I started off with SHealth and got super frustrated by how long the GPS took to lock in on my location, especially since I got the Gear S in November, and standing around in the freezing cold is not my kind of fun.
I have since switched to Nike + in stand-alone mode. Bummer that Nike + does not measure elevation and HR, which is quite a let-down, but it is more important to me that I can hit start and the GPS starts tracking. I do this in stand-alone mode - no connection to phone at all:
1) Turn off Airplane mode (I always have it in aiplane mode when not running, mobile network is on when running, I feel it helps with tracking)
2) Turn on location tracking
3) Turn on Nike +
3) Start run
The tracking is instantaneous, and battery is down to about 60% after 2 hours, not too shabby, eh?
I have hand gesture wake disabled and 15 min screen dim. Once I am done with my run, I swipe left, then up to synch the latest run, since I always get the message that the latest run could not be synched automatically. Also, did you guys know if you swipe left during your run, you can see a map of your run? Accidental discoveries on my end.
I read that the latest update combines Nike + and SHealth and slowed down the GPS in the nike+ app. Can you guys confim this?
All in all I agree with you all: it's a great watch phone with shoddy software, meager apps in the app store, and the ones they have are mostly not stand-alone.
I'm glad i dicscovered Nike +, though I can't stand Nike shoes (Altra Zero all the way) and wish Nike would update this app to auto-pause and take advantage of the altimeter and HR sensors on the Gear S.
Maybe their app for the next Gear, the Oris, will do it.
I had high hopes for using Gear S for running. Unfortunately, the runner has to put more energy in setting up and controlling the watch than into the running itself. It is all too cumbersome and unreliable. The black-on-red quickly scrolling metrics on Nike+ are beyond stupid: impossible to read while running. It may be the 1st stopwatch/running application that doesn't show the running time.
What's next? A revolutionary wrist watch that doesn't show the time?!
S
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.
Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Gentatsu said:
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
ruggs1234 said:
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Gentatsu said:
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Gentatsu said:
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
ruggs1234 said:
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the markings include the path/trail? I've used the black background one before, and the building outlines are (kinda) white. Yeah, I do have my watch affixed to my handlebars on my bicycle.
Great - Thanks! It's much appreciated! How come it was hard work, if you don't mind me asking? Ah, yep. That was one of the first things I forgot to change! I completely forgot about it! I've made it so that if you zoom/pan, it'll stick unless you press the "my location" button again.
Huawei watch 2 built-in GPS not working anymore
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
angelrc96 said:
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Angel,
The app still works ok on my watch, I tested it yesterday.
With my phone switched OFF I use my watches inbuilt sim to start the route (the app needs data to download the initial route, it can use the connected mobile but mine was switched off). I then switch off the sim in my watch and follow the route using only the gps in the watch. The app worked as it always has.
HOWEVER, my watch isn't running the latest version of Wear OS (it's running Wear OS 2.0, Home app 2.16). I never update anything Google if i'm not forced too, their updates often break more things than they fix. Everything I use on the watch works great and i'd like it to stay that way....
Hi,
well, I gave it a test (full paid version) - TicWatch 3 Pro 4g/LTE (all up to date). It doesn't work. All tested in standalone mode (no phone involved).
- app crashes when there is no GPS fix (GPS is on, but no fix yet)
- when I set an route to navigate (pin or search) it just endlessly shows progress circle and nothing else happens (GPS on with fix, LTE on and working)
So...
BR, Doman.
I installed the Demo version on my ticwatch 3 pro gps (updated everything to current versions and no modifications (yet))
App is starting, map is not showing, just the gps location button on the left and a white/grey screen. I can pin a location on the white screen and its actually getting a location next to me and tries to route there - but without any map showing.
Any app for Gear S3 ?
Do not update your fossil watches to wear OS 3! I didn't think much of doing updates but it has ruined my watch. If you want a fit bit then do the update, otherwise stay well clear!
Here's the tale:
I recently got the latest Fitbit, after 24 hrs of use (and at work) I realised how completely useless it was for me. I like the idea of seeing my steps and heart rate, but ultimately it's a fitness tracker and had very limited Google support imho. I need to access Google assistant, music control, and reading my messages. It couldn't even control the volume Very little more. So I get the fossil gen 6 in replacement.
Within 2 hours I knew this watch was x1000 better for me. I was even impressed that the assistant wasn't just a basic version, it had access to my smart home. Loved it.
So carelessly I let it do it's updates, thinking little of it.
Here what I lost and gained:
No Google Assistant Alexa only.
custom quick launch sucks, limited apps, lost top button to none existent assistant. [Edit]
Music controls do not seem to work correctly.
Certain watch faces have been removed like facer... Or at least it won't work for me...
The reading of notifications has changed more clumsy
Quick settings have more there but now is more fiddly.
With no assistant I can't set reminders, calendar events, control the smart home, can't access music or torch with 1 touch. Battery also seems to be draining FAST!
And a pet hate... The app interface won't change to dark mode.
what did I gain?
Slightly better looking interface.
Can access more watch settings on the phone via fossil app.
Much better presentation of health stats in the fossil app. Comparable to the fit bit. I can imagine it's much better as a fitness tracker. That's not what I wanted tho.... This does seem to come at a cost to battery.
So please heed my warning! If you don't want a Fitbit, don't update.