Database Info

Open Smartwatch Project and Android Wear?

I picked up a Smartwatch 2 for $60 two days ago at a closing Sony store. I've built AOSP before for my GNexus but that's the extent of my Android dev experience. So with the announcement of Android Wear today and the info from the Open Smartwatch Project I feel life may be telling me to put on the developer hat for real this time and test the waters surrounding porting Android Wear to the SW2. I can't say I'll be successful since I'm obviously in way over my head but sometimes jumping in the deep end is the best way to learn. Any advice or opinions you guys can give me would be much appreciated!

Sounds like a really good idea
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

All our support for you
Enviado desde mi Galaxy Nexus mediante Tapatalk

Good luck. Would be interested in testing what you come up with.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

Ready for testing It would be great.

Same here. I would love to try some new things on my SW2.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

SW2 is NOT running android
you probably won't be able to come up with something, sorry
greetings
MJFox

MJFox78 said:
SW2 is NOT running android
you probably won't be able to come up with something, sorry
greetings
MJFox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing but that's not to say it's not impossible.
Best of luck to you OP.

Not to mention there is no microphone

MJFox78 said:
SW2 is NOT running android
you probably won't be able to come up with something, sorry
greetings
MJFox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I actually know that it runs microC/OS-II. The chip however is an ARM Cortex M3 which has already had Linux ported to it. I'm also waiting for an Android Wear release because I imagine a lot of these wearables are going to be using these low power ARMs and should provide a platform to start working from. Sony's Bluetooth chip is actually my biggest concern since there's very little documentation for it. Like I said, I'm not sure I'm going to be successful, just going to try.
Please keep up the criticism! Anyone bringing up topics I may not have considered could be helping me find more information!

cabal51 said:
Thanks, I actually know that it runs microC/OS-II. The chip however is an ARM Cortex M3 which has already had Linux ported to it. I'm also waiting for an Android Wear release because I imagine a lot of these wearables are going to be using these low power ARMs and should provide a platform to start working from. Sony's Bluetooth chip is actually my biggest concern since there's very little documentation for it. Like I said, I'm not sure I'm going to be successful, just going to try.
Please keep up the criticism! Anyone bringing up topics I may not have considered could be helping me find more information!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is pretty much the only documentation I could find about the SW2's hardware. It does indeed run some form of uC-OS/II on an ARM Cortex-M4 (STM32F4-series system-on-chip), but it's only got 256 KiBs of RAM - if you're skilled and resourceful enough, you might be able to get a uclinux build to run on it (there is one for ST's STM32F4-based Discovery board), but any form of Android is out of the question.
Of course, if you've got the skills, making any sort of third-party code run on the thing would be godly.

Would love to see it running! Here for testing too!
Good luck
Sent from my One using xda app-developers app

I was really disappointed when i saw Android Wear But then i just realized that our sw2 is way more useful becouse of all its apps (torch, calendar, calc etc) and also for the necessity of Android Wear to use the mic all the time... Just my two cents
Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus utilizzando Tapatalk

-=W1S3=- said:
I was really disappointed when i saw Android Wear But then i just realized that our sw2 is way more useful becouse of all its apps (torch, calendar, calc etc) and also for the necessity of Android Wear to use the mic all the time... Just my two cents
Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that the screen transrefelctive is the best solution for a smartwatch, I selected SW2 for 3 reasons : Screen visible in all conditions (other watch are not visibile so good under the sun light), battery life and waterproof...
Android Wear in my opinion will use more battery, will use lcd or oled screen... 2 reasons to prefer SW2 at the moment...

magicdark said:
I think that the screen transrefelctive is the best solution for a smartwatch, I selected SW2 for 3 reasons : Screen visible in all conditions (other watch are not visibile so good under the sun light), battery life and waterproof...
Android Wear in my opinion will use more battery, will use lcd or oled screen... 2 reasons to prefer SW2 at the moment...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you guys, I think I will be happier with the SW2 than the first generation of Android Wear. I expect that will change over time though.

Aside from the voice thing (which is socially awkward) the sw2 would be capable of showing Now cards if there was an api for it. That's all Android wear does at the moment.
Sent from my LT30p using Tapatalk

how is this going? even after update i still wanna try this out

up ?

Here for testing as well!
I would love to just be able to flick through notifications and Google Now cards, don't really care about the whole "no microphone" thing. If I need to talk to Google, I'll be on my phone or Google Glass.

according to
www.clove.co.uk/download.aspx?download=ee0fdaa0-7b8f-47f7-941f-c9baceaf853e
it is a STM32F429
a few other threads about 'open smartwatch' and firmware mods/hacking. there's arduino for the 1st smartwatch
STM32F4 code compiles if you drop it in and make minor changes
https://github.com/underverk/SmartWatch_Toolchain
if sony had a
http://developer.sonymobile.com/services/open-smartwatch-project/smartwatch-hacker-guide/
page like this for SW2 - i think we'd be all good

Thinking about going back to the Gear 1

I have a Gear 1 and just got a Gear 2 four days ago--I've been playing with it a lot. So far, I like the 1 better. Tizen may be a great OS but it has limited support/development compared to Android Wear. I can't (yet) side load apps and will likely never be able to use Wondershare MobileGo as I did with the 1. My ebay notifications don't work as they did flawlessly on the 1. The 2's vibrate is very weak even on the strong setting. Battery life is much better on the 2 but I never minded charging once a night. While I'm sure there is a CPU speed difference, I haven't noticed it at any significant rate. As far as looks go, I personally liked the quirkiness of the 1. It gave it personality. Having the home button on the front is more intrusive than on the side as it was on the 1, particularly since there's no lock screen. It was also nice to swipe down on the screen to get to the camera or whatever--now I have to hit the button twice.
The media hype made the 2 sound like it was the second coming. For me, it is far from being ready for prime time. In truth, the 2 is a version 1 with the obligatory bugs that will almost certainly be worked out in the near future. For those who have the patience to wait for new firmware, roots, etc. It will probably be a great device. I'll probably give it a few more weeks as I really want to like it.

Well Gear 1's FW testing has began to let it run Tizen. So swiping down will go away there aswell ...
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

GG2's hardware is better than the Gear 1 however the software is way limited compared to Null or the other options you can do with the gear. IMHO.
Once Android or Null or Android Wear is on the Gear 2 then it will be the best smartwatch but until then it's just the best hardware.

So what will android wear bring that the gear2 can't already do?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Qwallace70129 said:
So what will android wear bring that the gear2 can't already do?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maps maybe
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

juiceppc said:
GG2's hardware is better than the Gear 1 however the software is way limited compared to Null or the other options you can do with the gear. IMHO.
Once Android or Null or Android Wear is on the Gear 2 then it will be the best smartwatch but until then it's just the best hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember its still a fresh OS . In time we will see development. But honestly I had the gear 1 for a week decided to switch to the gear 2 . Null rom os cool and all but dont really see the need to root a watch . Battery life is way more important. And mind you I pretty much hack or mod anything hackable. From phone to my pc. Which benefit me and save me money but a watch on the other hand can do alot on its own. But we are entitled to our opinion. Price is steep though lol.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

diamantericos said:
Remember its still a fresh OS . In time we will see development. But honestly I had the gear 1 for a week decided to switch to the gear 2 . Null rom os cool and all but dont really see the need to root a watch . Battery life is way more important. And mind you I pretty much hack or mod anything hackable. From phone to my pc. Which benefit me and save me money but a watch on the other hand can do alot on its own. But we are entitled to our opinion. Price is steep though lol.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I think switching to Tizen was a mistake. Time will tell. As it is, the application selection is abysmal for a smart watch that's effectively been out for 8 months. And the quality/functionality of many apps is even worse. Just read some of the reviews. But I still love the Gear watches and think we are at the cusp of some pretty exciting developments within the next few years. When Apple releases the iwatch, that's when the technology is really going to heat up between the giants.

I agree Tizen was a mistake....because now I think they will be pressured into switching to Android Wear! This will really confuse and dilute the developer community

extremetm said:
Personally, I think switching to Tizen was a mistake. Time will tell. As it is, the application selection is abysmal for a smart watch that's effectively been out for 8 months. And the quality/functionality of many apps is even worse. Just read some of the reviews. But I still love the Gear watches and think we are at the cusp of some pretty exciting developments within the next few years. When Apple releases the iwatch, that's when the technology is really going to heat up between the giants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8 months??? Gear 2 is released just about a month ago.
Gear 1 runs android and soo will be updated to Tizen. Test builds has started sooo
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

It begins:
LG G Watch gets price, release date
Written by Andre Yoskowitz (Google+) @ 29 Apr 2014 22:29 User comments (1)
LG G Watch gets price, release date LG's upcoming G Watch smartwatch has finally been given a release date and price, at least for the European markets.
The watch will be the first to the commercial market using Google's Android Wear operating system for wearables when it hits in June. The watch has been priced at €199 for Europe, with an expected $199 price tag for the U.S., as well.
LG's new endeavor features a rectangular face, a 1.65-inch screen and 4GB internal storage.
Among the specs and features we know about is the fact that the device will have an "always-on" screen, will be dust and water proof and will be available in both black and champagne gold.
Android Wear, introduced by Google earlier this year, is built around the Google Now user interface and includes access to Google Maps and built-in voice controls.

Jeshter2000 said:
8 months??? Gear 2 is released just about a month ago.
Gear 1 runs android and soo will be updated to Tizen. Test builds has started sooo
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said "effectively." To the average consumer, they don't know from Tizen to Android to Playschool. All they know is that the 2 (the new version of the 1) is light on apps.

extremetm said:
I have a Gear 1 and just got a Gear 2 four days ago--I've been playing with it a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your problem... stop playing with it! Good grief, its a watch. Is your smartphone so bad that you are trying to replace it with the Gear?

So Android Wear is heavily developed around Google Now which is not availanle in my Native language
What would be de benefit for me to have such a device??
Martin
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jonstatt said:
I agree Tizen was a mistake....because now I think they will be pressured into switching to Android Wear! This will really confuse and dilute the developer community
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they won't be pressured into anything, all samsung phones are moving to Tizen as well... possibly not all, but the galaxy S series is.

extremetm said:
I have a Gear 1 and just got a Gear 2 four days ago--I've been playing with it a lot. So far, I like the 1 better. Tizen may be a great OS but it has limited support/development compared to Android Wear. I can't (yet) side load apps and will likely never be able to use Wondershare MobileGo as I did with the 1. My ebay notifications don't work as they did flawlessly on the 1. The 2's vibrate is very weak even on the strong setting. Battery life is much better on the 2 but I never minded charging once a night. While I'm sure there is a CPU speed difference, I haven't noticed it at any significant rate. As far as looks go, I personally liked the quirkiness of the 1. It gave it personality. Having the home button on the front is more intrusive than on the side as it was on the 1, particularly since there's no lock screen. It was also nice to swipe down on the screen to get to the camera or whatever--now I have to hit the button twice.
The media hype made the 2 sound like it was the second coming. For me, it is far from being ready for prime time. In truth, the 2 is a version 1 with the obligatory bugs that will almost certainly be worked out in the near future. For those who have the patience to wait for new firmware, roots, etc. It will probably be a great device. I'll probably give it a few more weeks as I really want to like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I´m agree with your and my neo´s will come back to amazon, too! I have the first sonyericsson mbw-100, across the new other sony liveview (a disaster) , the gear original and de new gear 2 neo, and I´m thinking to return it and the the moto actv or wait to moto 360, even I can recover my old gear it was the best of all and almost I can flash and use the customised rom, till get a new one.

New OS and coming from samsung what stopped me from getting SG2 , samsung dont really care about updating software more than making more devices to sell, thats why my next device will be nexus. they make Great hardware but updating/improve software is their last priority.
Its not about rooting or pushing apps if its use android , but they dont fix many bugs , so if ya in android you may find devs to do it, but as new OS , few will find
Android are on Top, porting from other devices and making your device as what you want, samsung going wrong way by trying to get its own OS to be like Apple, will fail like nokia symbian i guess

mjrshark said:
New OS and coming from samsung what stopped me from getting SG2 , samsung dont really care about updating software more than making more devices to sell, thats why my next device will be nexus. they make Great hardware but updating/improve software is their last priority.
Its not about it rooting or pushing apps if its use android , but they dont fix many bugs , so if ya in android you may find devs to do it, but as new OS , few will find
Android are on Top, porting from other devices and making your device as what you want, samsung going wrong way by trying to get its own OS to be like Apple, will fail like nokia symbian i guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After using the G2 for another week, I've got most everything worked out. All alerts are working and I've kind of settled into it. I now like it better than the G1 in many respects. Most likely when the LG Android wear or something better is released, I'll sell the G2 and get something else. There's just too little support for Tizen and the apps aren't flying into the store. At least with Android you didn't have to depend on the store and could side load.

Qwallace70129 said:
So what will android wear bring that the gear2 can't already do?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps and Google Now. Both pretty huge as Google Now is far faster and more powerful than Samsung's solution. I'd have bought the Gear 2 today if Samsung had gone Android Wear. My experience with proprietary Samsung solutions such as "S-note" is that its sucks and it will continue to suck.
---------- Post added at 07:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 AM ----------
extremetm said:
It begins:
LG G Watch gets price, release date
Written by Andre Yoskowitz (Google+) @ 29 Apr 2014 22:29 User comments (1)
LG G Watch gets price, release date LG's upcoming G Watch smartwatch has finally been given a release date and price, at least for the European markets.
The watch will be the first to the commercial market using Google's Android Wear operating system for wearables when it hits in June. The watch has been priced at €199 for Europe, with an expected $199 price tag for the U.S., as well.
LG's new endeavor features a rectangular face, a 1.65-inch screen and 4GB internal storage.
Among the specs and features we know about is the fact that the device will have an "always-on" screen, will be dust and water proof and will be available in both black and champagne gold.
Android Wear, introduced by Google earlier this year, is built around the Google Now user interface and includes access to Google Maps and built-in voice controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG G with Android Wear only $199 US? Unless the quality is a complete crapfest sign me up. Wish it had a camera but for Google Now and Maps I can live without a camera.

mitchellvii said:
Google Maps and Google Now. Both pretty huge as Google Now is far faster and more powerful than Samsung's solution. I'd have bought the Gear 2 today if Samsung had gone Android Wear. My experience with proprietary Samsung solutions such as "S-note" is that its sucks and it will continue to suck.
---------- Post added at 07:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 AM ----------
LG G with Android Wear only $199 US? Unless the quality is a complete crapfest sign me up. Wish it had a camera but for Google Now and Maps I can live without a camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the Turn By Turn app on my Gear 1 and found a major major problem with GPS based apps on a watch! If they don't put a GPS receiver in the watch and your phone is in your pocket....then nothing will work! So if, for example you wanted to have a walking aid in London to find an address, you would have to be holding your phone in your hand anyway!

mitchellvii said:
Google Maps and Google Now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now is totally useless in Finland so I'm afraid that Android Wear will be pretty useless if it's Now in a watch.

Would you like Gear S2 to be a Android wear device?

This is a first time I use Tizen wearable and I'm kinda disappointed with poor appstore. I'd like to reflash my gear s2 with Android Wear (if/when avaliable).
How about you?

Nope. If i wanted Android Wear I would have bought it. If Im gonna lose support for the bezel, nfc payments, tizen battery life, etc.... What's the point of owning an S2? Should have just bought a Moto 360.

No. Android wear has a better app selection for sure, but Tizen handles most of the core functionality a lot better. OK so android wear links well with fart apps on my phone to amuse my kid, but it gives me less powerful options for handling email and text notifications...
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I see your POV, maybe Tizen is better choice for particularly this device in terms of optimization, but on the other hand it's a huge lack of Android Wear and its market.
The reasons you've marked is correct and makes sense, but can be easily fixed by Samsung if they will.
I'm sure we will see rotaty bezel devices on Android Wear in nearest future and Google have to optimize their wearable OS in that direction anyway.

The android wear ui is a mess as well. Samsung did a fantastic job with the gear s2. Hopefully some guys at Google use the s2 and do some serious thinking about android wear. Samsung did a lot of things better. Like almost everything having to do with notifications and how I can respond to them, the widgets, the consistent ui, the bezel.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Keep the Tizen
Samsung needs to continue with their Tizen OS for Gear series.
They are doing many things right now. Personally I don't see many advantages of Wear over Tizen on Gear.
They don't even need many more apps if they can get some of the major ones well supported.
If they can open up a bit and better support more apps creation and Google Now voice support, I don't see why they need to use Android Wear for Gear series. They can also improve S-Voice and not be dependent on Google Now voice support as well, which would be even better.

I would never get an Android Wear device. I do not want to tie myself to Google that much. One goal of mine is to have as little Google in my life as possible: I am down to Android (with the most minimal gapps that will allow the phone to operate) because the other alternatives are worse and an email address that I use for web related commerce. As far as Smart Watches go, I have been using them since I got a WIMM (Mine actually still works which is more than I can say for my Kickstarter edition Pebble) and the S2 is by far the best watch I have had for what I want: notifications without having to look at my phone, something to tell me the TOD, and a countdown timer. I know I am a curmudgeon but there you are.
Fred

kornelius1982 said:
I'm sure we will see rotaty bezel devices on Android Wear in nearest future and Google have to optimize their wearable OS in that direction anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not so sure the rotating bezel will come to other watches anytime soon. I really hope it does (really is a great input method) but Samsung has it patented from what I understand. Guess we'll see.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/samsung-patents-bezel-spinning-smartwatch-input

supersoulfly said:
I'm not so sure the rotating bezel will come to other watches anytime soon. I really hope it does (really is a great input method) but Samsung has it patented from what I understand. Guess we'll see.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/samsung-patents-bezel-spinning-smartwatch-input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol! Sammy pulled an apple. Patent does not automatically mean exclusive. It just means other OEM's will have to pay to add it to their devices. Might be worth it.

The watch faces with android wear are loads better, such a simple thing to be limited on with tizen..love the os though

I would love to have something as functional as Google now on my watch. If s-voice was half as functional then I would be quite a happy camper. But I agree that all the basic functionality is working quite nicely. Love not having to bring my phone around to make quick runs to the store or lunch etc. Still get my hangout, whatsapp, email text calls etc and I can reply to them right on my watch

Definitely not, I've had a android wear watch for the past year and their was no way in hell I would buy another one.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

My issue with Android wear is that sometimes I wanted to go back and look at my sms history and I couldn't. Once you dismiss a notification it is dismissed and you can look at it again ...
Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk

le0.br4zuc4 said:
My issue with Android wear is that sometimes I wanted to go back and look at my sms history and I couldn't. Once you dismiss a notification it is dismissed and you can look at it again ...
Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the problem we have with apps like hangouts and whatsapp. We can reply but not get any history. But we can get text and email history :good:

Lancerz said:
Definitely not, I've had a android wear watch for the past year and their was no way in hell I would buy another one.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto

The problem of tizen for me is the really limited app store ... The bezel is amazing , but i would be able to use it to surfing on web ( for exemple on opera mini ...) or zoom in a photo .... And i cannot do anything of that ... There is a giant potential in this watch , but userfull is less than a china watch like the no.1 d5...

One part of my decision which watch to choose was, that I dislike Android Wear because its way to googly in there (if you know what I mean ;D). I spent much hours of keeping Google out as much as possible out of my phone without loosing the Play Store but on the watch basic apps like messages, mails, calendar, health, calc, alarm,... are more than enough. I also stick with one of the stock watch faces. Tizen is a new way to think and do and I like that way. So up with Tizen! Also Android had to start in a small way.

Maybe I'm missing something, but:
No Hangouts support
No sleep tracking
No connection to MyFitnessPal
Very limited watch face selection
I'm really disappointed in what I thought would be basic functionality of my Gear S2 and I could seriously use some Wear support.

The battery life is really better than Android wear. The core function is good.
But I really love the google now, wish samsung or some one can make google now run on the gear s2.
I also want my gear can run android wear app

h2n2102 said:
The battery life is really better than Android wear. The core function is good.
But I really love the google now, wish samsung or some one can make google now run on the gear s2.
I also want my gear can run android wear app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I would like to Have Google now, shazam and spotify (view the playlist, not only change song and sound)... I'm waiting for that!
Enviado desde mi SM-N920C mediante Tapatalk

Android Wear vs Tizen

I'm planning to buy either a Huawei Watch or a Samsung Gear S2 Classic soon, and the one piece of information I seem to be unable to find is a decent list of what apps are available for each?
Based on watching youtube videos I really prefer the interface on the S2, seems far more intuitive, but I don't want to find myself missing apps that I would find useful...
Anyone got one and find anything missing or know where I can find a list - google is failing me! Having come from Windows Phone to Android recently I dont want to back myself into an app hole again

http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-gear-s2/599771-list-apps-work-gear-s2-please-add-here.html

tstreete said:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-gear-s2/599771-list-apps-work-gear-s2-please-add-here.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that list is really handy, thanks, but does seem to be 6months old...
Also, it doesnt help me by comparing to what Android Wear has - I havent used either, so I don't know what i'm missing out on if you know what i mean...
e.g. can i do turn by turn directions on wrist with google maps on either device? Can i get Waze running on either device? That article mentions e-mails and messaging with Samsung apps on their phones, what about on my Z5? Do i need to find a third party in that case?

I've updated that Gear s2 list on and off for the last six months, so while it's not comprehensive, it's up to date as far as it goes. I don't have a google wear watch to compare, but unlike Samsung, google let's you browse android wear apps on the web: https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/ANDROID_WEAR
It's generally agreed that android wear has way more apps than Tizen (and that apple has even more apps than Wear.) There's not a lot of agreement about how important that fact is. Some smartwatch users stick mostly to notifications, which are good for things like getting messages and for quick, simple replies; saves you from digging your phone out of your pocket all the time. Others care more about specific apps. The general feeling seems to be that the Gear S2 has maybe the best hardware and interface (and many like its looks), but that apps for the Gear S2 are a weak link. So, for example, the Gear S2 has a couple of options for turn-by-turn directions, one that comes with the watch called Here maps, and another 3rd party app called Gear Navigator; both are a little funky in my experience. Over on Android Wear, I'm guessing you'll have many more options to try from. On the other hand, the only circumstance in which I've found watch-based turn by turn directions useful is on a bicycle; in a car, the tiny screen just doesn't match up to having a full-sized smartphone screen on your dash. (I'll have to let someone else with experience let you know about what works and what doesn't with a Z5.)

Thanks for that. I had an MS band before and basically used it for notifications and telling the time!
I guess I'm worried that there will be some app I realise I want and can't get on Tizen , which knowing how that felt on WP is a concern...
But as you say, Gear S2 classic is the best looking smart watch out there (imho) for the price (huawei is nearly £100 more) so might be worth the shot since the interface appeals much more...
Hopefully someone with one and a Z5(or anything but a Samsung) can tune in and tell me how crippling it is to not be on Samsung's infrastructure

I've just sold my Huawei Watch and am currently using a s2 classic, my thoughts....
never installed any apps on my Huawei barring watch faces and an app to ajdust screen on time, all I needed and I guess wanted was the stock apps.
Gear s2 is IMO a better watch and the interface is so intuitive, of it could swap S voice for Google then I'd be even happier , so far the s2 does all I need and I love the extra run time I get compared to android wear.
I also have a gear S running biktors wear port so I still have option to use android wear whenever I choose.
BTW I got my s2 classic on eBay for £110 so this is based on my thoughts and this price point.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

gingerdude said:
I've just sold my Huawei Watch and am currently using a s2 classic, my thoughts....
never installed any apps on my Huawei barring watch faces and an app to ajdust screen on time, all I needed and I guess wanted was the stock apps.
Gear s2 is IMO a better watch and the interface is so intuitive, of it could swap S voice for Google then I'd be even happier , so far the s2 does all I need and I love the extra run time I get compared to android wear.
I also have a gear S running biktors wear port so I still have option to use android wear whenever I choose.
BTW I got my s2 classic on eBay for £110 so this is based on my thoughts and this price point.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the insight. Are you running with a galaxy phone or something else?

s7 edge
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 01:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 PM ----------
Honestly I don't think either are worth their retail price, be patient and grab a mint 2nd hand one and let someone else take the hit.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

It should be no problem getting the S2 to link to a Z5, I am running on a Nexus 6 with a CM-based custom ROM with no problems. Apparently, you can do more with an S2 and a Samsung phone but I am not missing anything I want.
I try to keep Google out of as much of my life as possible so the idea that Tizen is not integrated into the Google infra-structure is a plus for me. I know I am in the minority but you couldn't pay me to use Android Wear (or Apple for that matter).
Fred

Well, despite leaning towards the Gear I just got a deal on Prime Day for the Huawei for under £200 so have sumped for that. Figure if I don't like it I can probably break even on selling on anyway

Tizen vs android
vaderag said:
I'm planning to buy either a Huawei Watch or a Samsung Gear S2 Classic soon, and the one piece of information I seem to be unable to find is a decent list of what apps are available for each?
Based on watching youtube videos I really prefer the interface on the S2, seems far more intuitive, but I don't want to find myself missing apps that I would find useful...
Anyone got one and find anything missing or know where I can find a list - google is failing me! Having come from Windows Phone to Android recently I dont want to back myself into an app hole again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Tizen will improve in future and will add some best stuffs like android. I read here (Tizen vs android difference - .mindxmaster.com/2017/01/samsung-tizen-vs-google-android-compaision.html) Tizen is using HTML 5 apps and has better flexibility than android. Android has lots of apps in Google play store, which is an advantage over Tizen.

himanshux22 said:
I think Tizen will improve in future and will add some best stuffs like android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Gear1, Gear2, GearS2 and use Tizen for about 3 years. I think I can count on the finger on ONE hand the new apps for Tizen since 3 years, so.......

Should I purchase a DZ09 smartwatch or..?

Hello. I'm looking for a budget friendly smartwatch. The only functions I'm looking for is to be able to read notifications (and if available whatsapp messages) as well as being able to play music on my phone. With that being said, I looked at the DZ09 as a nice candidate, but I was overwhelmed with all the different variants that could happen when buying one (some not being able to read applications, different versions, fake ones, etc etc) so I'd like to know if it'd be a good idea to buy this watch knowing the functions I'm looking for. I don't really want to try flashing it. Is there a smartwatch in a similar price range that could manage to accomplish those tasks? Will even the worst case DZ09 be able to do those things too? Thanks in advance!

I would recommend an original pebble as they are now going for as little as 18$ for refirbs. The dz09 is a fun watch to play with but and looks cool but the pebble Is just built better.
Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

psiphi said:
I would recommend an original pebble as they are now going for as little as 18$ for refirbs. The dz09 is a fun watch to play with but and looks cool but the pebble Is just built better.
Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the answer. It sure does look a bit more interesting. Sadly where I live a Pebble is not a choice; "sales" isn't a common word here. It literally costs 4 times as a DZ09. What I have as other choices are: "W8", "U8", "M26" (which honestly doesn't look too appealing), and "GT08" (which I guess is just another name for a previous mention), and I think not much else, really.
Edit: Also APLUS GV18 and U10.

The dz09 is okay as a smartwatch and great for the price. There is a 99.99% chance what you would get will be a clone. The clones work except for internet apps [because the clone only have a fraction of the ram of the originals.]
It's rare to find a better rom than what is built in so don't recommend flashing.
You will need to charge the watch daily which is normal for most smart watches.
You need to manually turn on the pedometer but it works.
Lastly, works best with an Android phone if you want full notifications and such. Apple has very limited support for anything not built by Apple.
Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

psiphi said:
The dz09 is okay as a smartwatch and great for the price. There is a 99.99% chance what you would get will be a clone. The clones work except for internet apps [because the clone only have a fraction of the ram of the originals.]
It's rare to find a better rom than what is built in so don't recommend flashing.
You will need to charge the watch daily which is normal for most smart watches.
You need to manually turn on the pedometer but it works.
Lastly, works best with an Android phone if you want full notifications and such. Apple has very limited support for anything not built by Apple.
Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! Thanks for the answer, it's really informative for me. I've had Sony Smartwatch 2, but I ended up selling it because I think it was too expensive for what I used it for. Even if it's a clone, will I be able to see my phone notifications and change the songs/volume on my mobile device?

It will receive notifications after you install the notifications app on the phone. Music is more complex. A feature of the dz09 is it has both a speaker and a mic built in and all sound comes out of the watch instead of the phone by default. You can control music on your phone but it plays out of you watch. So do your phone calls. I THINK you can simply turn off the watch's bluetooth speaker and mic on the phone side and have everything else work as expected only through the phone but have not tested this.
Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

Thanks a lot guys! I think I may aim for the GT08 since it's apparently also water resistant, and is pretty much the same thing.
Can there be fakes of the GT08 too?