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Getting Gear 2 to work on non Samsung phones

Now that the whole gear series has gone all Tizen on us.. what is the chance that they will work with non Samsung phones?
Is it going to be like now where you just get the Gear Manager apk working on the other phones and you are good to go? or is it going to be more complicated?
Anyone know anything about this Tizen crap at all?

Shouldn't matter. The thing holding back compatibility is that touchwiz is required on phone

so it should work on non samsung phones just like gear 1?

It already works, only a few thing are missing.
Check gear2neo qa subforum for the working gear manager apk !

It works with my nexus but I dont see the camera app on my Gear 2 Neo and I cant install any 3rd party apps on my watch like evernote and zite.
A little useless...

If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?

EVOme said:
If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?
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My sister got an s5 and got it for only $50. She just gave it to me for free.

EVOme said:
If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?
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Moto360 is one of those things that will one day come but no one can say battery will be good. No speaker phone on the Moto360 either.

idle0095 said:
Moto360 is one of those things that will one day come but no one can say battery will be good. No speaker phone on the Moto360 either.
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By the time that notification-only watch comes out, the Gear 3 Solo will land. It's rumored to have its own cellular/data radios.

BlackZenith said:
By the time that notification-only watch comes out, the Gear 3 Solo will land. It's rumored to have its own cellular/data radios.
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Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol

GermanBrot said:
Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol
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Based on this video, I wouldn't wait on that if you're wanting a "full feature" smart watch. Besides, I think the resale value of the Gear 2 should be decent when they release another successor. So you could sell the Gear 2 just like you did the Galaxy Gear...

BlackZenith said:
Based on this video, I wouldn't wait on that if you're wanting a "full feature" smart watch. Besides, I think the resale value of the Gear 2 should be decent when they release another successor. So you could sell the Gear 2 just like you did the Galaxy Gear...
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You sound a lot like myself and enjoy all those features that others call "gimmicks". A watch with all the features is exactly why I stuck with the Gear. I wouldn't put it past them to include a front facing camera (even for just the Smart Stay feature alone). But then again, sometimes you have to just stick with something and enjoy what you have. A watch with an IR blaster, Camera, and handling phone calls is a great start for my first... um.. watch? lol... thanks for the advice! =D
p.s. The video just lost some of my interest for Android Wear... thanks for posting that! Im glad Samsung took it to the next level already.

GermanBrot said:
Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol
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Don't ask me why, but I believe that watch won't be a flagship product as Gear.
It would be like a WP-like device for Samsung. Samsung also makes WP devices, but they hardly give much attention to that compared to Galaxy devices. Why do you think that Samsung wants Android Wear devices to succeed? They have invested in Tizen, and they want to people to buy into that instead of Android Wear devices. This also gives them a big incentive to control the whole ecosystem with Tizen-based devices.

CLARiiON said:
Don't ask me why, but I believe that watch won't be a flagship product as Gear.
It would be like a WP-like device for Samsung. Samsung also makes WP devices, but they hardly give much attention to that compared to Galaxy devices. Why do you think that Samsung wants Android Wear devices to succeed? They have invested in Tizen, and they want to people to buy into that instead of Android Wear devices. This also gives them a big incentive to control the whole ecosystem with Tizen-based devices.
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Thats a good point, but on the other hand, the tables are turned in this case. WP has like what, 4% market share, while Android has around 54% or so? It makes sense not to put too much love into WP. In this case, its the opposite where Tizen is .001% (thats a random guess...lol) and Android is way in the lead.
Luckily they talk to each other nicely, and I am assuming Tizen relies mostly on HTML5 and CSS to run apps so its more widely compatible (correct me there if I am wrong). I just know as much time, money and development they have put into Tizen, I could guess (and this is a guess) that they have already spent at least double in android development. I cant see them dismissing this on the same level as WP.
You did make a good point though, we can all tell they really REALLY want Tizen to succeed. lol

GermanBrot said:
Thats a good point, but on the other hand, the tables are turned in this case. WP has like what, 4% market share, while Android has around 54% or so? It makes sense not to put too much love into WP. In this case, its the opposite where Tizen is .001% (thats a random guess...lol) and Android is way in the lead.
Luckily they talk to each other nicely, and I am assuming Tizen relies mostly on HTML5 and CSS to run apps so its more widely compatible (correct me there if I am wrong). I just know as much time, money and development they have put into Tizen, I could guess (and this is a guess) that they have already spent at least double in android development. I cant see them dismissing this on the same level as WP.
You did make a good point though, we can all tell they really REALLY want Tizen to succeed. lol
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NOTE: This discussion might be OT, but I feel it's important.
You bring up very valid points, I appreciate that. It's good to have such discussions. BTW, Android has around 81% market share (worldwide) according to last IDC numbers.
Yes, Tizen relies of HTML5 and CSS. You have the option to make web apps and also native apps. Gear will (atleast initially) use Web runtime.
The reason why Samsung is investing in Tizen is purely from future perspective. Android doesn't give them total control of the ecosystem. Just have a look at present Android -- Google control Android. If I am brutally honest - the best parts of Android are not open. Google services, apps, maps, youtube, search are not open. You just can't have app store without taking all other google services along with that. Samsung doesn't like that as it limits their chances to create a serviceline of their own. Samsung would love to have have users do everything within their ecosystem. Like after getting a Samsung phone, they would want the users to buy the apps from their store (not Google Play), purchase music from them, rent videos from them etc., So how they plan to do it? They have now tie-ups with Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc., Samsung also have to think what happens if google decides to keep Android for themselves? or start putting strict conditions to use their services?
Check this Tizen Whitepaper. Some very interesting statements --
Tizen’s open governance – which is designed to prevent any single entity from controlling the platform – will help it avoid the pitfalls of previous broad-based industry initiatives, which ultimately suffered from perceived vendor control.
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Tizen is designed to fill an important gap in today’s smartphone landscape: namely the perceived need for an open platform free from control by a single entity.
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It's not Apple or Microsoft that they are targeting, Google/Android is the target.

Works with Sony Xperia Z Ultra
I can connect with My Sony Z Ultra which is Android 4.3.
But, some functions are not working.
I used Gear Manager from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2677686

CLARiiON said:
NOTE: This discussion might be OT, but I feel it's important.
You bring up very valid points, I appreciate that. It's good to have such discussions. BTW, Android has around 81% market share (worldwide) according to last IDC numbers.
Yes, Tizen relies of HTML5 and CSS. You have the option to make web apps and also native apps. Gear will (atleast initially) use Web runtime.
The reason why Samsung is investing in Tizen is purely from future perspective. Android doesn't give them total control of the ecosystem. Just have a look at present Android -- Google control Android. If I am brutally honest - the best parts of Android are not open. Google services, apps, maps, youtube, search are not open. You just can't have app store without taking all other google services along with that. Samsung doesn't like that as it limits their chances to create a serviceline of their own. Samsung would love to have have users do everything within their ecosystem. Like after getting a Samsung phone, they would want the users to buy the apps from their store (not Google Play), purchase music from them, rent videos from them etc., So how they plan to do it? They have now tie-ups with Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc., Samsung also have to think what happens if google decides to keep Android for themselves? or start putting strict conditions to use their services?
Check this Tizen Whitepaper. Some very interesting statements --
It's not Apple or Microsoft that they are targeting, Google/Android is the target.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW ...kinda speechless on that white paper. It makes sense... so many are putting all their eggs in one basket. That was the semi beauty of Android... you dont like Samsung, and you can leave that brand and as long as your on Android, all the apps and etc you paid for follow you.
Do you think the entire reason Android Wear exists is because it (Tizen) scares the fire out of Google? I mean look at what all Tizen is capable of running from the G1 to G2/N ...the exact same CPU, and hardware... I think this even has a smaller battery than the previous with nearly double battery life. The dots are starting to connect! ...Let the content owners keep the data...(Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc.,) and not depend on 1 "play/app store" ...regardless of OS...
I almost want to believe Android is so heavy on the resources that this is why they are wanting to "keep it simple"?

GermanBrot said:
WOW ...kinda speechless on that white paper. It makes sense... so many are putting all their eggs in one basket. That was the semi beauty of Android... you dont like Samsung, and you can leave that brand and as long as your on Android, all the apps and etc you paid for follow you.
Do you think the entire reason Android Wear exists is because it (Tizen) scares the fire out of Google? I mean look at what all Tizen is capable of running from the G1 to G2/N ...the exact same CPU, and hardware... I think this even has a smaller battery than the previous with nearly double battery life. The dots are starting to connect! ...Let the content owners keep the data...(Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc.,) and not depend on 1 "play/app store" ...regardless of OS...
I almost want to believe Android is so heavy on the resources that this is why they are wanting to "keep it simple"?
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It's an interesting topic, but I sometimes feel it could get boring for other folks. But following are my own views in this topic:
1] Google would want all vendors simply following their guidelines and simply fighting on the basis of price (similar to laptop vendors). Just look at computers - everything runs Windows and with very little chance of customization. Vendors like HP/Lenovo/Dell simply compete on price or or make more powerful hardware. But look at the profit margin in that industry. Only Microsoft makes money from PC business! That's a cold hard fact. Google wants to do same in mobile space what MS did to desktop computers. Difference is that MS sold software, google wants to engulf everyone in their web services.
2] Samsung doesn't want to be a generic mobile vendor, say like those Chinese companies. The moment Samsung become like everyone else, why would you pay premium for Samsung phones?? That's exactly how Apple is able to always demand premium price for their hardware. At all times, they sold decent hardware with unique software. Samsung knows if you can't be different/unique in this market, you would be left to play the price game. And very soon, the profit margin will decrease to bare minimum.
On Tizen, I think it's pretty good foundation that they have. If you check Tizen 3.0 UI, you will see that they have also adopted flat UI design (Sept 2013 information). We will know which way this is going by Q2. First Tizen phone is supposed to come out by that time.
This is Tizen 2.2. 3.0 is supposed to be come by Q3.

Johnnynho said:
I can connect with My Sony Z Ultra which is Android 4.3.
But, some functions are not working.
I used Gear Manager from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2677686
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Click to collapse
Have you gotten 3rd party apps to work on your Gear 2? I mean do you have access on your device to Samsung Apps so you can download apps made for gear 2? I got Nexus 5 and all i can use are the default pre installed apps.

hawksking said:
Have you gotten 3rd party apps to work on your Gear 2? I mean do you have access on your device to Samsung Apps so you can download apps made for gear 2? I got Nexus 5 and all i can use are the default pre installed apps.
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No. Haven't got 3rd arty apps to work as I also don't have Samsung Apps on my Sony Z Ultra.
For me, some pre-installed apps are missing such as Call Log and Media Control. Do you have on your Gear 2?

Samsung Gear VR App store - why is it so limited??

Its been out since december, where are all the developer apps? I notice that the app store seems to be limited only to Samsung apps and apps they seem to have their stamp on. Am i guessing correctly that Samsung has NOT opened up the vr shop to open development?
When will we start seeing an influx of apps? And beyond that, when will we start seeing actual GAMES instead of free demos? (like outlast etc. would be amazing on this device!)
thoughts??

p64imp said:
Its been out since december, where are all the developer apps? I notice that the app store seems to be limited only to Samsung apps and apps they seem to have their stamp on. Am i guessing correctly that Samsung has NOT opened up the vr shop to open development?
When will we start seeing an influx of apps? And beyond that, when will we start seeing actual GAMES instead of free demos? (like outlast etc. would be amazing on this device!)
thoughts??
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No offense, but you just said that it's been open since December. It's only the beginning of February. It isn't enough time for stuff to be made and tested yet, not to mention that VR is also new and not widely popular yet.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (sm-910a) using Tapatalk

Paid apps

I keep seeing people talking about paid apps on the gear app store, but all I see is free ones. What exactly does one have to do to get paid apps to show up?

Apparently you can see paid apps only if you have an Samsung account. That's a big let down for non Samsung phone users including myself. Hope they rectify that in the upcoming updates.

OK, I have Samsung account, Gear App Manager and can see only free apps. What do I have to do to buy and install paid apps, like My Notes? BTW, I'm using Moto X 2gen.

I'm sorry, correction to the earlier reply. You can see paid apps only if you have an Samsung phone not an Samsung account. Sucks big time. Gonna try installing gear plugin apk downloaded from Samsung phone and see if that works.

Any news in this? Is it confirmed that you can only use paid apps together with a Samsung phone? Anything official in this?

I wrote Samsung support today to get an answer.
Gesendet von meinem PLK-L01 mit Tapatalk

Dies anyone know how the Gear Store behaves when using a Samsung phone with a TW-based custom Rom? I.e. Stock based, but rooted, modified and debloated?

i only could say, that with CyanogenMod on a Galaxy s4 it won't work. have u delete the samsung appshop? This one is needed in my case to get the gear manager app.

This was more of a "what if" kind of question. I do not own a samsung phone right now, but I'll be getting a S5+ in a couple of days. I did not think it would work with CM though, but probably with a stock rooted and somewhat modified rom it would be okay. Do Gear Shop or Samsung appshop care about Knox-flags?

It's not just paid apps. I have a samsung note 5 that I have been using the the S2 watch for the past week. I love it. Yesterday I got a new Blackberry Priv. The number of apps, including free apps, available in the Gear app store is much less than on my note 5. This is especially true of watch faces. I was extremely happy with my watch before because I had a few watch faces I loved. But now that I can't seem to get those when paired with my new phone, I don't know if I will keep it. does anyone know how to extract a watch face from one phone to another?

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
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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
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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.
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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.......

Does the Gear S3 Frontier work with the Nokia 6.1(2018)?

Hello! I have a Nokia 6.1, the 2018 model. I'm looking for a smartwatch and so far this is the best one. I found one at a really good price and I want to buy it. However I was scrolling through the compatibility list on the Samsung Gear website, and I couldn't find any Nokia devices. To my surprise, there was no Google phone as well. I have seen tho Pixel 3s connecting to the Gear S3. My question is, will the device work with my phone, or will I get "scammed" and I'll lose aprox. 200$? There are some ancient smartphones on the device list, like the Sharp Aquos? ( how many ppl do use that?). Thanks

mattdiamond17 said:
Hello! I have a Nokia 6.1, the 2018 model. I'm looking for a smartwatch and so far this is the best one. I found one at a really good price and I want to buy it. However I was scrolling through the compatibility list on the Samsung Gear website, and I couldn't find any Nokia devices. To my surprise, there was no Google phone as well. I have seen tho Pixel 3s connecting to the Gear S3. My question is, will the device work with my phone, or will I get "scammed" and I'll lose aprox. 200$? There are some ancient smartphones on the device list, like the Sharp Aquos? ( how many ppl do use that?). Thanks
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I don't see why any Android phone wouldn't work. Nevermind they aren't updating the compatibility list this late in it's life and I'd imagine it wasn't updated at all since the device was first released. One issue you may have is the native texting app not working with the watch but the fix is using something like Textra or Google Messages.

I'm using the S3 with a Nokia 7 plus, and it runs perfectly.
My guess is that it will also work well with the 6.1

pcriz said:
I don't see why any Android phone wouldn't work. Nevermind they aren't updating the compatibility list this late in it's life and I'd imagine it wasn't updated at all since the device was first released. One issue you may have is the native texting app not working with the watch but the fix is using something like Textra or Google Messages.
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Click to collapse
Oh okay thanks. Well the phone has Android One, which means it runs the same as the Pixel. So it should work right? I'm asking because I saw some threads here on XDA about people having problems with Nokia devices and the gear S3. Well then I'll go ahead and buy it!