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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,
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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
It's possible add a activity for gym workout in amazfit?
I'd be very interested in having that as well. As of now, with firmware 1.3.4f, the list of activities that you can track is really short: Run, Walk, Run indoor, Bike, Bike indoor, Trail run and Elliptical. When I used to have the MiBand 2, I'd have continuous HR on and track circuit training in Endomondo. Now, unfortunately, I am unable to do any of that
Any ideas if there's a way to:
- add more sports activities to the Sports tab?
- track circuit workouts in any way, ie in Endomondo?
Thanks
kopaczus said:
- track circuit workouts in any way, ie in Endomondo?
Thanks
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Continous HR is available in Amazfit, whats stopping you from doing what you were doing earlier?
Well if I log a circuit workout in Amazfii it doesn't get exported to Strava. I think I read somewhere that it only exports workouts where you get GPS fix, ie. when you're outside. Other than that, I'm too cheap to pay 50 bucks for premium Strava if I had that for free in Endomondo...
I'm in a similar boat, don't really want to pay premium strava, but thought that maybe I could use the "Elliptical" training mode for my gym workouts to track time and heart rate. I didn't realise you couldn't upload the workout itself somewhere after training though to analyse the heart rate graph if you wanted to for example.
@kopaczus, how do you currently track / log your gym and circuit sessions?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/amazfit/sport-activity-strava-sync-t3673040
You are not the first that want's the non GPS activities
Thank you @fzelle
I don't have a watch yet, doing my research but I'll definitely look into this.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants non GPS activities or gym workouts. Hope this at least resolves the strava integration!
5nak3 said:
Thank you @fzelle
I don't have a watch yet, doing my research but I'll definitely look into this.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants non GPS activities or gym workouts. Hope this at least resolves the strava integration!
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Although non GPS activities are not uploaded to Strava they can still sync to the Amazfit App so you have a record on your phone of riding time average HR and kCal burn.
Yeah, but that's useless if you have all your workouts in a single tracking app - Endomondo for me - to analyze your performance and plan ahead. Amazfit app is okay, but doesn't cut it.
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a Bip or Pace but still haven't decided which one. A feature that is necessary for me is the ability of setting multiple new alarms without using the app in the smartphone. I work with gloves, so everything must be done without taking the phone out of my pocket. Do they both have the ability of doing that? Do you guys have any recommendation on buying the Pace over the Bip?
Thank you all!
The Bip requires new alarms to be added using the app, but they can be enabled/disabled on the watch. The Pace/Stratos both allow the addition, removal and enabling/disabling of alarms on the watch
Be aware the touch screens do not work that well with gloves on though, they're like phone screens
why is it not possible to "set" alarms directly on the watch... a "smart"watch that can't do so simple actions, and need smartphone to do that...
ahahahaah said:
why is it not possible to "set" alarms directly on the watch... a "smart"watch that can't do so simple actions, and need smartphone to do that...
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You need the phone once, when you add an alarm. You can still enable/disable them on the watch.
This will have been done to save programming space for the set up procedure to keep costs down on the Bip I'd imagine
I’m struggling with that ‘alarm setting’ also. While the countdown does have a mm:ss that can be set on the Bip, the alarm can not be set with a hh:mm ?? The programming/ space usage for that would be very minimal, and help a lot !! Notice also that the smartphone would not always be around, since Bip can do a lot on its own.
Hi, can a message like "go to appointment" be set with the alarms in amazfit bip and/or other amazfits?
Thanks in advance.
Can't find a solution to my question, so I open a thread here
I had a BIP and set automatic heart monitoring every 30 minutes directly from the app, but on Pace there's not such option
So is it possible to set to 30 or 60 minutes? How?
My PACE have AmazIT 8.0 ROM (of course unlocked bootloader)
Thanks in advance
No there isn't. I have asked them to include it. It's one obvious omission. Another one is the absence of a graph or arrows to show if the Barometer is rising or falling. There is also no way to calibrate the barometer so it's very inaccurate.
Ouch, too bad
Hi guys, I'm currently deciding between Verge and Stratos, and one of my priorities is using the watch to help me wake during the light sleep phase.
What's your experience with using these two for the sleepy thingy, optimally compared to other smartwatches? Thanks a lot in advance!
LK255 said:
Hi guys, I'm currently deciding between Verge and Stratos, and one of my priorities is using the watch to help me wake during the light sleep phase.
What's your experience with using these two for the sleepy thingy, optimally compared to other smartwatches? Thanks a lot in advance!
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If i understand you right, you looking for smartwatch which you wake up in light sleep? Well... I have Verge, i using only vibration which you can control in Verge from light to strong. Also you can use sound for wake up, which also if i'm not wrong can be controlled by volume and sound (you can use if i remember right tone which you want). I didn't used Stratos at all, but i don't think it's big different between these models. Most smartwatches, also and most smartbands have alarm feature. So if you want just for that smart wearable device i don't think it's big question here, just buy which you like. If will be any different i don't think they will be very big. If say honest i did not understand at all why need this post, if almost the same in wearable devices is alarm feature. Maybe you need detailed how good it wake up you, how soft is band and ect? Strange yours post Most people asking advices about feature of smart device
None of them have this feature. And they only monitor sleep during night time (between sunset and sunrise).
xdauser2019 said:
If i understand you right, you looking for smartwatch which you wake up in light sleep? Well... I have Verge, i using only vibration which you can control in Verge from light to strong. Also you can use sound for wake up, which also if i'm not wrong can be controlled by volume and sound (you can use if i remember right tone which you want). I didn't used Stratos at all, but i don't think it's big different between these models. Most smartwatches, also and most smartbands have alarm feature. So if you want just for that smart wearable device i don't think it's big question here, just buy which you like. If will be any different i don't think they will be very big. If say honest i did not understand at all why need this post, if almost the same in wearable devices is alarm feature. Maybe you need detailed how good it wake up you, how soft is band and ect? Strange yours post Most people asking advices about feature of smart device
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Hi thanks for reply, what I meant is that there are several sleeping phases during a cycle, and I want the watch to wake me up during the 'light' part of the sleep (as opposed to deep parts) to feel refreshed in the morning. The way it works (at least from what I've experienced so far) is that I set up smart alarm clock to lets say 2:55 AM with e.g. 20 minute reserve, and if the watch detects I'm in light sleep phase during those 20 minutes it wakes me up early, otherwise it waits until 2:55.
lfom said:
None of them have this feature. And they only monitor sleep during night time (between sunset and sunrise).
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I mean, is it not possible to pair with some 3rd party phone app to do this? I've had this 20$ mi band before and they could do this via external app. I'd be much surprised if the 150$ watches couldn't do it, has anyone tried it?
lfom said:
None of them have this feature. And they only monitor sleep during night time (between sunset and sunrise).
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You mean this https://www.fitbit.com/sleep-better - Silent Alarm mode? Then you are right, this model (probably Stratos too) haven't this mode. It's simple alarm, but in some case you can set light vibration, silence music and ect. Will be the same or similar to it, so in some case you are right, in some - none As i mentioned you can control in Verge alarm from silence sound to loud from light vibration to strong. How much i used only vibration alarm it wakes me very soft without shok and ect. So FitBit it calling "Silent Alarm", Amazfit it's just alarm, but in fact it's still alarm with enough cotrol option
---------- Post added at 11:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------
LK255 said:
Hi thanks for reply, what I meant is that there are several sleeping phases during a cycle, and I want the watch to wake me up during the 'light' part of the sleep (as opposed to deep parts) to feel refreshed in the morning. The way it works (at least from what I've experienced so far) is that I set up smart alarm clock to lets say 2:55 AM with e.g. 20 minute reserve, and if the watch detects I'm in light sleep phase during those 20 minutes it wakes me up early, otherwise it waits until 2:55.
I mean, is it not possible to pair with some 3rd party phone app to do this? I've had this 20$ mi band before and they could do this via external app. I'd be much surprised if the 150$ watches couldn't do it, has anyone tried it?
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Ok i understand you, that's why i asked you, did you meant specific phase only as you wrote "light". Yes as mentioned automatic option to wake up only on light phase sleep havn't this Verge (probably Stratos too), but as i mentioned you can control if i remember right sound from silence to loud, vibration control i think is common with notifications strength. I using only middle vibration and alarm without any sound. In all phase (deep or light) watch wakes me up soft and my body not getting any shock. If say honest i got shock only with sound alarm which even if is loud. So i using only vibration Sorry for my misunderstanding, as i mentioned i using Verge alarm without any problems, and then when i need without tracking of light or deep phase is if i need wake up 5 a.m., then alarm and vibrating it doesn't matter which phase is
About 3rd party apps, i'm not sure it possible. I tried to connect with Huami app - PAI for Amazfit, i couldn't. App siad to me connect first in Amazfit Watch app in which was already paired my device. I tried to pair with Samsung health my Verge i couldn't too. As i know Amazfit Watch app is special created for models like: GTR, Verge, Verge lite, Stratos (+) and ect. So i think it's depends on the application itself. I don't think Verge is restricted with Amazfit Watch app only, but without this app you can't used mentioned models, can you use others apps? Strava yes, if say precisely Strava account you can connect via Amazfit Watch app. Others? Need to try, i don't tried others, only mentioned
LK255 said:
I mean, is it not possible to pair with some 3rd party phone app to do this? I've had this 20$ mi band before and they could do this via external app. I'd be much surprised if the 150$ watches couldn't do it, has anyone tried it?
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No, it is not possible as of now. If someone adds native support to Sleep as Android in the future, maybe. But I wouldn't bet on this. These devices are not focused on sleep tracking, you must choose something else if it is the most important feature to you.
lfom said:
No, it is not possible as of now. If someone adds native support to Sleep as Android in the future, maybe. But I wouldn't bet on this. These devices are not focused on sleep tracking, you must choose something else if it is the most important feature to you.
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Wow that caught me by a surprise - but, the Stratos' features mention "SLEEP TRACKING - Analyze your sleep patterns. Measures total sleep, light sleep, deep sleep and awake times."
So you're saying that the watch CAN see that I'm in light sleep phase, but CAN'T wake me up during it? That sounds extremelly counter-intuitive, looking for confirm
LK255 said:
Wow that caught me by a surprise - but, the Stratos' features mention "SLEEP TRACKING - Analyze your sleep patterns. Measures total sleep, light sleep, deep sleep and awake times."
So you're saying that the watch CAN see that I'm in light sleep phase, but CAN'T wake me up during it? That sounds extremelly counter-intuitive, looking for confirm
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That's what I said two posts ago.
lfom said:
These devices are not focused on sleep tracking
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This is not 100% true, as i know Amazfit presenting itself at all as one of leader in sleeping tracking (included activities and ect), they worked (-ing) with Stanford Sleep Study (model Amazfit Arc - https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...p-Study-Finds-Huami-Smartwatch-Clinical-Grade), they released for sleep (and activity of course too) tracking Equator - https://us.amazfit.com/shop/equator?variant=45, which actually by specs doing the same as theirs watches. Also Moonbeam - https://us.amazfit.com/shop/moonbeam?variant=22, which is the same by specs as Equator (as i understand). All models tracking sleep. So to write, that Amazfit's devices is not focused on sleep tracking is total lie
LK255 said:
Wow that caught me by a surprise - but, the Stratos' features mention "SLEEP TRACKING - Analyze your sleep patterns. Measures total sleep, light sleep, deep sleep and awake times."
So you're saying that the watch CAN see that I'm in light sleep phase, but CAN'T wake me up during it? That sounds extremelly counter-intuitive, looking for confirm
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Actually Verge analyze yours sleep phase too, but can't wake up you in specific phase. I did not found this feature in my Verge too. It's just for you this analyze, you know to check you sleep quality, to change something. After to update to 3.0.0 and 3.1.0 Amazfit Watch app giving you full analyze when you went to sleep, when you wake up, how much hours you slept in deep and light sleep or at all, but alarm is just an alarm. Verge presenting accurate of heart rate 98% correction, i tested with one of leading manufactor's medical blood monitor, that's really great track is of my heart rate, but as sleep it's just tracking. Keep in mind this is not medical device, it's just a smart watch which cost much less as others manufactors smart watches with similar or the same specifications which one of them is sleep analyze and hear rate tracking
I agree with lfom if you really need just a sleep tracker, only sleep tracker. I think at all you need to check for medical devices which is focused only for that. These watches is not only for that. They tracking a lot of things as most smart watches. Maybe you can find in more exspensive devices with these features, but keep in mind they will not be medical devices too (i mean most popular models like Apple, FitBit, Samsung and ect. some of them have this feature, some not) So if you don't care bigger price (for some model it really much more bigger) check for it in google, also check these: https://www.withings.com/mx/en/steel, https://www.techradar.com/news/best-sleep-tracker, also read this article - https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/bedroom/1407044/best-sleep-trackers or to check this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eOiS1Dvz0I. Finally https://www.wareable.com/health-and-wellbeing/best-sleep-trackers-and-monitors. Keep in mind best adviser is you and Google in which you will find a lot of reviews and ect. But as i mentioned Verge have control of alarm volume, controlf of vibration strength and ect. So everything you can do manually, but yes automatic control is better, but and price is bigger. much more bigger...
P.S. Battery life is lower too - keep in mind that too