Amazon's Alexa on Android Wear - Wear OS Software and Hacking General

Introduction
I've been working on a project to incorporate Amazon's Alexa into an Android application as a standalone. It started as an Android TV project, and then got ported over to Android mobile. This weekend I finally got the project to work on Android Wear, so now you can speak to (and listen, if you have speakers or connected Bluetooth speakers) Alexa from your wrist. Because I only have access to an LG G Watch, for the moment, I would love to hear any feedback you all have on issues you find or how you think the project can be made better. The more Wear hardware that it's tested with, the better.
Download
You can get the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.willblaschko.android.alexalistens or download the APK from the Android TV link above.
More Details
If you want to read a little more about the code behind the implementation, I've done a write up for the TV/phone app here and will be putting together a piece on the Wear app.
Thanks!

Do I need to have an Alexa unit in order for this to work?

Great app, thanks. Ran into a persistent crash issue quickly though. If I uncheck the "Android Wear Preferences"->"Play on mobile" option and try anything from my Huawei watch it shows a message on the phone saying that Alexa Listens has crashed and it does not work. If I leave the option checked it works fine especially where I can hear the voice response on my phone, it was pointless to hear the response from the mobile also which is why I wanted to disable it.

is there a link for a version of this that will install on KitKat? this app looks exciting and I tried downloading earlier apk versions of this app but just get the "error parsing package" pop-up ... really want to try it out but upgrading from android 4.4 on my note 3 probably isn't gonna happen ... this looks awesome thanks
still really excited to try this. i have a Huawei Watch and my phone is Samsung galaxy note 3 on android 4.4 ... my note 3 hasn't exploded yet so I can't risk an upgrade to a newer android version but still really want to try your app!

Wow, this is great. Good work!

oh man this looks like something I really really want ... does anyone know how to alter the apk so I can install this on a Samsung note 3 with android 4.4.2? (modifying build.prop didn't work)

Enjoying the possibilities with this app. I have it on a oneplus 3 with a Huawei Watch. When it works it is great, but quite often from the watch it will not respond. I can then go into settings on the phone app and deactivate the always on listener then reactivate it. After that it works from my watch again for a while... until it doesn't and I have to do the deactivate/reactivate all over again. Any ideas?

works perfect for me, Voice response and all. But i was wondering could u add the option for the mic to auto listen on launch? as oppose to having to click the mic when u want to talk to it, would make it easier to use without all those screen taps
---------- Post added at 08:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 AM ----------
also this app literaly breathes NEW LIFE into my huawei watch, this feature alone single handly makes my android watch a must have, " Turn off lights " on the wrist and " request a uber" a is exactly what the google claimed the android watch would be bale to do, but until this app was unable to do

Works well, thanks for this. I did remove it but for some reason it still shows up on the watch even though it is not on the phone. Any idea why?

Hi will,
thanks for the great app, I really love it! I just picked up an Asus Zenwatch 3 and this is a Must-Have
As I'm using it quite often now, I tought I should share my experiences.
The ZW3 comes with two mappable buttons, I put Alexa Listens on one of those, that's really convenient. I'd love if Alexa would listen automatically after starting the App, I think this would be a nicer UX.
Alexa Speech Output has some minor flaws. I did some German Skills, which I used for testing. One replies with SSML - audio and speech afterwards (e.g. on Echo Dot), Alexa Listens only plays the audio (but this could be a flaw in my Skill too).
When Alexa isn't understanding my input, there's no real feedback, it just remains silent (or maybe I'm missing something). Echo Dot usually replies with "I didn't understand that" or similar, that's nicer.
@will.blaschko You aren't open sourcing this, are you? Personally, I'm a huge fan of TuneIn on all devices - I'd love to write the player support for the app, just to get it
Thanks again for the great app!

Working on a new version now, so hopefully that'll be available soon --including support for UK/DE.
If you want to look at the source that powers most of the app: https://github.com/willblaschko/AlexaAndroid

New version is in the Play Store, I can post here as well if you want .

will.blaschko said:
New version is in the Play Store, I can post here as well if you want .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating right now, will give feedback asap - thanks a lot

Hello!
(Please Forgive my not so good English!),
I use this awesome Skill/App now for a couple of weeks, and it is exactly what I'm looking for, but I have a little Problem!? - I have a Sony-Smartwatch-3, and after Using the App on it, the App starts/reopens itself again and again!? - I must everytime make a Reboot on the Smartwatch to solve this!
Please take a look at it!
Thanks!
RoseL.

Listener Sensitivity!
Hello!
The App is Awesome, but far to Sensitive!? I have Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S (LTE) with Stock-Android-6.0.1 rooted, and the App reacts all few Seconds!? When I set "Not Sensitive" in the Sensitivity-Options, I can Yell, but the App don't reacts at all, and when I set "Normal", it reacts all the time all few Seconds!? Can You Please add a Possibility to set the voice-sensitivity in percent!? Or a Option between "Not Sensitive" and "Normal"!? I really want to use this App every Day, and I will Donate to, but how it is now, a cannot use it, because it reacts not at all, or every few seconds!?
Thanks!

Problem installing app
Hi I tried to install this app on my Zenwatch 3, however, if I go to the app-store, it says the app is not compatible. What am I doing wrong?

Related

Where the Hell are the APPS!

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

Google IO What are you excited for?

Obviously im excited for Android N. I havent tried any of the preview versions. But I am pretty excited for the new notification system and the split screen and picture in picture.
Im pretty excited for the 2 new messing apps. Allo and Duo. I REALLY REALLY hope "Allo" is Googles answer to iMessage in that i can send files (of any kind), high res photos, GIFs, typing notifications, and read conformations. I thought Hangouts was gonna be Googles answer to iMessage but its a sad mess. From the demo though im not very optimistic. And the new features like drawing on your photos and the whisper shout seems pretty dumb. This will make Googles 4th messaging app (all of which are still current) Im not sure why Google just cant make ONE awesome messaging app. Its almost like they have 4 different messaging teams working at google making 4 different products instead of one team
Duo also looks pretty cool and will allow me to uninstall Hangouts as video calls were the only reason i still left it on my phone.
Android Auto on any android device. This is really cool to me since I took my car stereo out and and mounted a Nexus 7 2013 LTE in its place. Currently i have a mix of apps like Tasker to take care of all the "car stuff" but if i can run the entire Android Auto interface that would be awesome.
Android Wear 2.0 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me run Spotify with out my phone having my watch connected to WiFi. And i hope the first gen watches like my Moto 360 1st gen dont get left behind with this update.
Google Home Hub (i think is what its called) Basically the Amazon Echo competition thing. This seems cool I dont know if ill get one. It depends on the price. If i can have it connect to my Belkin WeMo devices and if it has support to connect to the Logitech Harmony Hub theni might get one.
I dont really care about VR at this time and dont really see it going "mainstream" at this point.
Insta Apps seems cool but i dont really see installing an app to be a burden. This feature would be cooler on Chrome OS i think.
What are you guys most excited for and why?

[Dev] What's your App request?

Hi everyone!
Developer of Energy Bar here. I recently got the Amazfit Pace, and am pretty excited to make some cool Apps for the watch.
As of now, two ideas:
Access phone contacts and dial them directly from the watch (hear & talk via the bluetooth earphones connected to the phone.)
A new notification system, which will let you read individual messages (Apps like WhatsApp have some of the notifications bundled.) And also ability to reply from watch (extremely small keyboard though.)
I would like to hear your ideas, please suggest something that may benefit all the watch users in general. I wouldn't be able to fulfil any custom App request as of now.
Your ideas may go as crazy as you would like, I will let you know the extend to which it would be technically feasible. The only thing I want to re-emphasize is that, the idea needs to be something that will benefit all the watch users in general.
Also, I do plan to make majority of Apps' feature free to the community, but to be able to afford enough time to make a lot of Apps which leverages full potential of the watch - I would need support through in-app purchases. I would like to know if you would be interested in subscribing to some of the essential Apps or a pack of Apps?
Hello. I have a new watches. I am missing several functions. Posibility to display level of phone battery on watchface, and indication about unread notification(s). I would also aperciate posibility to bring sport activity to background and paralel usage of other applications. However I am afraid that these functions will be dependent on system services.
jan.stanicek said:
Hello. I have a new watches. I am missing several functions. Posibility to display level of phone battery on watchface, and indication about unread notification(s). I would also aperciate posibility to bring sport activity to background and paralel usage of other applications. However I am afraid that these functions will be dependent on system services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Displaying battery level of phone and number of unread notifications sounds good!
But I wonder what's the specific use case of running some other App on the watch while sport activity is running? Could you please elaborate?
jan.stanicek said:
Hello. I have a new watches. I am missing several functions. Posibility to display level of phone battery on watchface, and indication about unread notification(s). I would also aperciate posibility to bring sport activity to background and paralel usage of other applications. However I am afraid that these functions will be dependent on system services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Displaying battery level of phone and number of unread notifications sounds good!
But I wonder what would be a use case for running some App while the sports activity is on the screen of the watch. Could you please elaborate your specific use case?
I would like to record just my touristic trips. I would like to use the watches normally, during the trip - checking weather for example.... I have used Sony SmartWatch 2 for 3 years - I will have some other ideas for sure later when I will have more experiences with Amazfit...
GoPro control app, ios/android music control app, phone book and dial app with headphones, voice recorder - there is mic built in the watch... and continuum transfunctioner Zoltan!
Being able to reply to Text/Gmail messages is #1 for me. Second - remote control of phone's music app.
Thank you for starting this project, I really appreciate your efforts. This watch has one of the best looking design and a decent hardware. I think file manager and ablity to install apk from the watch and an app to push files from phone to the watch would be beneficial.
omarfx said:
Thank you for starting this project, I really appreciate your efforts. This watch has one of the best looking design and a decent hardware. I think file manager and ablity to install apk from the watch and an app to push files from phone to the watch would be beneficial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use this file manager http://www.apkmonk.com/app/com.alphainventor.filemanager/
jan.stanicek said:
You can use this file manager http://www.apkmonk.com/app/com.alphainventor.filemanager/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that's working for me. now need to have the ablity to enable unknown sources apk installation and find way to send files to the watch.
jan.stanicek said:
I would like to record just my touristic trips. I would like to use the watches normally, during the trip - checking weather for example.... I have used Sony SmartWatch 2 for 3 years - I will have some other ideas for sure later when I will have more experiences with Amazfit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In earlier fw version was​ even worse. During sport activity, literally you couldn't see time on the, well, watch! Then they added it on the top, as well as battery status. Both too small but at least.
I agree with you, watch is missing multitasking. Going to home screen, using it regularly and track activity in the background. However, I doubt that op can do that without source of the fw.
Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk
jan.stanicek said:
I would like to record just my touristic trips. I would like to use the watches normally, during the trip - checking weather for example.... I have used Sony SmartWatch 2 for 3 years - I will have some other ideas for sure later when I will have more experiences with Amazfit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By recording touristic trips do you mean activating one of the sports activity? Like Walk? It is possible to enable such a solution, but how good that solution would be, depends on a more defined use case. I will put this on a lower priority list, will check the feasibility a bit later.
eM3ntal said:
GoPro control app, ios/android music control app, phone book and dial app with headphones, voice recorder - there is mic built in the watch... and continuum transfunctioner Zoltan!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoPro control app - have to know if a niche among the niche of Amazfit pace users exist, if there is enough demand - will develop.
Music control, dial - Yes, nice ideas.
Voice Recorder - This App apparently works, if it's missing something specific to our watch, let me know.
kwoodall said:
Being able to reply to Text/Gmail messages is #1 for me. Second - remote control of phone's music app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good.
omarfx said:
Thank you for starting this project, I really appreciate your efforts. This watch has one of the best looking design and a decent hardware. I think file manager and ablity to install apk from the watch and an app to push files from phone to the watch would be beneficial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was one of the first thoughts I had, still checking if it's technically feasible to provide such a functionality without root.
Zeljko1234 said:
In earlier fw version was​ even worse. During sport activity, literally you couldn't see time on the, well, watch! Then they added it on the top, as well as battery status. Both too small but at least.
I agree with you, watch is missing multitasking. Going to home screen, using it regularly and track activity in the background. However, I doubt that op can do that without source of the fw.
Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart from checking on time, do you feel that there is a real need for multitasking while the watch is tracking one of your sports activity? Or is it more like, nice to have thing? If the need of multitasking has some great application/use case, I would like to hear about it - as in, what else would you access while actively participating in a sport?
jagan2 said:
Apart from checking on time, do you feel that there is a real need for multitasking while the watch is tracking one of your sports activity? Or is it more like, nice to have thing? If the need of multitasking has some great application/use case, I would like to hear about it - as in, what else would you access while actively participating in a sport?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as mentioned before to use other features of the watch, time, date, weather, notifications​... Notification, for example, will show up during activity and then disappear. No way to check it again. Music player is also not available during some activities. No way to check steps as well.
Of course it's not deal breaker but other watches have that feature and would be nice to have normal watch skin with activity in the background. Especially during walking, sightseeing... Watch can track up to 35h, after all.
Sent from my LG-V940n using Tapatalk
In my opinion, it would be nice to have an app that tells you when your watch loses the connection.
In fact, that was the reason why i bought my first smartwatch, a Sony 2. I was afraid to lose my phone . And it's a pity the actual amazfit doesn't give you this option.
Thanks in advance!!!
I'd say that Huami have purposely restricted background apps in order to maximise battery life.
As far as app requests go: for me it's a podcast app, that's active while running.
My guess is that the easiest way to do this would be that the podcasts would download into the music folder and we could just use the default music player to play them.
Remote camera control, useful for selfies
There are many 5k/10k trainer apps on android/iOS. Is it possible to port one or create some simple to run in background while running activity?
Right now Im using 5k Run-Couch to 5K Walk/Jog interval training. Something similar would be great, no need for some fancy design.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vandersw.fivekrun
In connection with headphones there could be some beep sound on each interval, no need for vibration.
An editor of watchfaces like those that exist for Android wear would be great, since the edition of watchfaces for this watch is complicated, and there's not much editing freedom...
Enviado desde Z play AOKP mediante Tapatalk
ithosu said:
In my opinion, it would be nice to have an app that tells you when your watch loses the connection.
In fact, that was the reason why i bought my first smartwatch, a Sony 2. I was afraid to lose my phone . And it's a pity the actual amazfit doesn't give you this option.
Thanks in advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a good idea, will keep a note of that.
le_lutin said:
I'd say that Huami have purposely restricted background apps in order to maximise battery life.
As far as app requests go: for me it's a podcast app, that's active while running.
My guess is that the easiest way to do this would be that the podcasts would download into the music folder and we could just use the default music player to play them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will experiment with multitasking, if it seems to work okay, will release an App for that.
axiel7 said:
Remote camera control, useful for selfies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noted.
droidhd said:
There are many 5k/10k trainer apps on android/iOS. Is it possible to port one or create some simple to run in background while running activity?
Right now Im using 5k Run-Couch to 5K Walk/Jog interval training. Something similar would be great, no need for some fancy design.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vandersw.fivekrun
In connection with headphones there could be some beep sound on each interval, no need for vibration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Porting would essentially mean modifying another developer's work without a permission. So, whatever it is, have to be built from scratch.
Running an App simultaneously with the running activity on foreground may not work well, both the Apps would have to keep tracking your distance etc. So, am afraid that won't be a good idea for now.
But I plan to facilitate multitasking, so that may help in one or the other way.
jagoikki said:
An editor of watchfaces like those that exist for Android wear would be great, since the edition of watchfaces for this watch is complicated, and there's not much editing freedom...
Enviado desde Z play AOKP mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will look into it.

Turning HP Touchpad into an sort-of Amazon Echo Show

Hello all,
I love my Touchpad. It got me through College, especially with its completely underrated out-of-the-box office suite. However now it just functions as my Alarm Clock on my bedside table on a Touchstone dock.
When the Amazon Echo Show came out, I think I can saw we all laughed a little. After all, who would would want a tablet with at-a-glance information that they can't carry around with them. Then I realized, that's *exactly* how I use my Touchpad in Exhibition mode. So that got me thinking: how could I transform the hardware I already have and love into a device similar to the Echo Show.
Now, in my mind, there are three ways to do this:
a) Keep webOS and install the somewhat buggy ACL made by Phoenix Communications then install the Alexa handsfree app from the new Fire10 tablet (if I can find the APK). Basing myself on this article: https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a...s-as-a-cheap-echo-show-with-hands-free-alexa/
b) Install Android 6.0+, and make the Google Assistant my Alexa stand-in. I would therefore need to find a way to port-over webOS's Exhibition Mode. Also perhaps the Prelude fonts, as I find Roboto completely unappealing.
c) Install ANY version of Android, and use the same Alexa handsfree app from a), setting it to be constantly on (no screen lock).
Given the Touchpad's aging hardware, any Android ROM would need to be fast, minimal and barebones as I don't intend to use this for much else. It does, however, need to be stable enough to not crash every time I say "Ok Google" or "Alexa".
Any tips on how I should proceed?
Thanks in advance!
Sheik
Sheikboy said:
Hello all,
I love my Touchpad. It got me through College, especially with its completely underrated out-of-the-box office suite. However now it just functions as my Alarm Clock on my bedside table on a Touchstone dock.
When the Amazon Echo Show came out, I think I can saw we all laughed a little. After all, who would would want a tablet with at-a-glance information that they can't carry around with them. Then I realized, that's *exactly* how I use my Touchpad in Exhibition mode. So that got me thinking: how could I transform the hardware I already have and love into a device similar to the Echo Show.
Now, in my mind, there are three ways to do this:
a) Keep webOS and install the somewhat buggy ACL made by Phoenix Communications then install the Alexa handsfree app from the new Fire10 tablet (if I can find the APK). Basing myself on this article: https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a...s-as-a-cheap-echo-show-with-hands-free-alexa/
b) Install Android 6.0+, and make the Google Assistant my Alexa stand-in. I would therefore need to find a way to port-over webOS's Exhibition Mode. Also perhaps the Prelude fonts, as I find Roboto completely unappealing.
c) Install ANY version of Android, and use the same Alexa handsfree app from a), setting it to be constantly on (no screen lock).
Given the Touchpad's aging hardware, any Android ROM would need to be fast, minimal and barebones as I don't intend to use this for much else. It does, however, need to be stable enough to not crash every time I say "Ok Google" or "Alexa".
Any tips on how I should proceed?
Thanks in advance!
Sheik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea! I don't use my TouchPad very much anymore away from it being my alarm clock on the Touchstone dock.
I'd definitely try to upgrade it to an Alexa enable tablet if possible.
Will follow this thread with interest!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Quick Update:
Option a) does not work. As I suspected, the ACL simply doesn't work well enough to run the Google Assistant and listen for the Ok, Google hotword. I didn't run the Alexa app, but I suspect I'll run into similar issues with it.
This leaves me with options b) and c). I've been installing all sorts of different ROMs for the past day and I keep running into a recurring issue: the WiFi on my tablet doesn't seem to be working. It works fine in webOS, but in every single Android version I've run it gets stuck on "turning WiFi on".
I suspect I have an issue with the ath6kl driver, but I can't find a replacement driver updated for anything past CM9. Can anyone help me? I seem to be having the exact same issue OP is having in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/help/wifi-wont-clean-flash-t3612062
Sheikboy said:
Quick Update:
Option a) does not work. As I suspected, the ACL simply doesn't work well enough to run the Google Assistant and listen for the Ok, Google hotword. I didn't run the Alexa app, but I suspect I'll run into similar issues with it.
This leaves me with options b) and c). I've been installing all sorts of different ROMs for the past day and I keep running into a recurring issue: the WiFi on my tablet doesn't seem to be working. It works fine in webOS, but in every single Android version I've run it gets stuck on "turning WiFi on".
I suspect I have an issue with the ath6kl driver, but I can't find a replacement driver updated for anything past CM9. Can anyone help me? I seem to be having the exact same issue OP is having in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/help/wifi-wont-clean-flash-t3612062
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the Evervolv ROM.
shumash said:
Use the Evervolv ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm currently running. I also changed the Kernel to see if that's what was causing the issue but it isn't.
I know for a fact it's not the hardware, because webOS's wifi works perfectly.
Sheikboy said:
That's what I'm currently running. I also changed the Kernel to see if that's what was causing the issue but it isn't.
I know for a fact it's not the hardware, because webOS's wifi works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can tell you is that wifi works perfectly for me (and most others based on the devs-base forum). I have no problem with Google Assistant and "OK, Google" voice recognition.
shumash said:
All I can tell you is that wifi works perfectly for me (and most others based on the devs-base forum). I have no problem with Google Assistant and "OK, Google" voice recognition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey !
Thanks to kernel and settings found here, my TouchPad is now usable.
I plan to use it as a control screen for my home automation system, and a echo show / google home like.
You told that the Google Assistant was active, and usable on your TouchPad. Could you please explain me how did you activate it ?
I tried some tricks found on xda dev, but i'm stuck with google now...
Thank you !
thedeathspirit said:
Hey !
Thanks to kernel and settings found here, my TouchPad is now usable.
I plan to use it as a control screen for my home automation system, and a echo show / google home like.
You told that the Google Assistant was active, and usable on your TouchPad. Could you please explain me how did you activate it ?
I tried some tricks found on xda dev, but i'm stuck with google now...
Thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Assistant - Root works
I still haven't been able to fix the WiFi on my Touchpad. It works perfectly in webOS, but it just remains stuck on "Turning WiFi On" on every single Android ROM iIve tried. I'm not quite sure what to do at this point
shumash said:
Get Assistant - Root works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll try.

CCTV App on an Android Box

Hello. First time posting here - please forgive if wrong section.
Trying to use android boxes as hardware to run client android app for a security camera system I install quite regularly.
The app they have for iphones, macs, windows, android phones and tablets all work quite well, however, recently I thought "hey, why not use android boxes instead of $300+ computers to use as auxiliary displays and save customers some money".
It's a great idea I thought. Well... Turns out, I'm always wrong about Something...
So i've tried this on Android 7, it installed, but I can't get passed some screens like the "accept" and "Skip" screens.
On Android 9, I can install it as well, but I can't do things like get into the menu, scroll down certain areas.
Basically, it doesn't let me use a mouse and use it as a touch device.
Now, where I've had some better luck was using my Nvidia Shield. That one worked quite well, but again with this one, I couldn't "Drag" menus or even use a keyboard to see next screens or down menus.
I'm not going to get into a LOT more details, because I'm sure if somebody here is really going to help, they'll test this app to see what I mean. It's just REALLY weird!
Anyway, the app name is Provisioncam2.
I'd love to test things out with someone who may know more about android OS and these boxes. Please hit me up.
Good time of the day! It's cool that there are such applications. I myself use a similar application from ajax, which was so let's say bundled with this security system. I really liked the functionality. You can set up sensors and remotely monitor the apartment online. This is a very innovative solution just for the 21st century. Not like all the wired alarms from the last century, right? I'm always for progress! Therefore, I rate this app highly regardless of how well it works. Anyways, mine is better.

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