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Sony SmartWatch Impressions?

Has anyone bought the "updated" smart watch? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I might buy one from Expansys USA.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA

Early reviews online and on amazon are pretty positive. I purchased and returned the liveview due to connection issues. These seem to be a non-issue on the updated smartwatch. I ordered through expansys and will hopefully be receiving the unit this week. I can reply with my personal opinions.
I hope the xda devs pick this device up and come up with some great apps. One obvious one would be a timer/stopwatch app.

I just got it today, so my impressions are sort of limited to my limited use of it today...
I'd say overall impressions are "So far so good". Definitely feel this is a worthwhile device that will only improve with time.
Pros:
1. Much smaller than the MotoACTV and actually feels/looks like a normal wrist watch on your hand.
2. A much needed accelerometer screen activation was added I believe in the latest update (it doesn't mention this feature in the manual nor in any review I have seen). Basically all you do when the screen is off is tap the device anywhere twice really quick. I've noticed sometimes if you tap it too slow or not hard enough and then do it the right way immediately afterwards, that it won't register the correct way and you have to wait like 5 seconds to try again. Not that big of a deal.
3. Screen looks pretty good. A little pixelated due to the low resolution but text is still readable.
4. So far no problems losing sync with the phone.
Cons:
1. Smartwatch app notification icon ALWAYS stays on in the notification bar of your phone when the watch is connected. Needs to be an option to disable this.
2. The touch screen malfunctions with at least one default Sony app that I've seen so far: the Phonebook (Contacts) app. I think this must be something with how Sony designed the app, as other apps I've downloaded function perfectly normal with all the gestures (multitouch, swiping, taps). IT'S HORRIBLE. Can't swipe between screens at all with this. Actually accidentally texted someone on the first screen of contacts the default "Call me" message as I was swiping to the second screen of contacts. The text went through though, so I guess that's a plus because the person called me immediately lol.
3. The charging cable and the way it just fits in the clip to stay connected is probably the worst charging design I have ever seen... should have just used micro-usb... If you aren't careful when setting the watch down while it's plugged in, you could accidentally put an angle on the cable which will ensure that it doesn't make contact with the charging leads.
4. No default email app yet. Only one that exists is for Sony phones
5. Music player could be improved a bit. No control over albums/folders (at least with the Google Play Music app). Very generic play/pause, volume, and next/previous track options. Doesn't show album art with Play Music on ICS (really? This is the default app that probably the majority of Android users use!!).
6. Sometimes if the phone is busy doing other things, you will notice on the watch that the icons take a while to show up (generic icons are shown instead of the specific application ones), which basically is exposing the fact that the apps aren't stored on the Smartwatch itself... which means that if your phones processor is bogged down, so will app responsiveness on the watch itself.
7. No voice search app or widget! Whether we have the phone sitting in our car in speaker phone mode, or have a blue tooth headset on, we need a dedicated voice search activation button widget! I am planning on sitting down one day to make one. This will be especially handy once we have the Google Assistant app (Siri competitor), not to mention how useful this would be to initiate calls to people while driving instead of using the HORRIBLE touch screen contacts app.
8. No microphone in the hardware! This sort of goes with #7 above.

Just got this thing in the mail here at work, well FedEx. Haven't really messed around with it yet. Loaded a few apps, so far so good! Will report back later on anything else I find.

yeh i just got mine today
still fiddling around with it
i look forward to updates
i also noticed the messaging app doesnt sync up constantly
like in the events app,i can get a new message notice and read it,but go back to the messaging app,and it shows older texts....
and theres some other minor quirks,like when the phone rings you can mute it, hang up, but not answer it
would be cool if there was a microphone and i could carry on conversations like im james bond

Dude wait for the pebble: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android

I just hooked mine up today and had all kinds of problems keeping it connected. I am running a Galaxy Tab with the newly released CM-9 nightly. The apps I have tried work: in call control, missed call, audio control, message, and weather. The problem I have with the set up is that it keeps disconnecting as soon as you try and do anything. Originally it wouldn't re-connect reliably, I then found the Liveviewcharm application which allows it to reconnect all the time. So far, I would give it a C+ in my particular configuration but I am hoping.
YMMV, it seems people with other configurations are having less problems. It would be a good idea if people siad what kind of phone and what software they were running.
By the way, the reason the software leaves an icon in the status bar is so that the background app won't get shut down by the OS when it needs memory.
Fred

guih said:
Dude wait for the pebble: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android
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Click to collapse
ive seen the pebbles,plus if you donate u can get one now right?
but what makes it so better than the Sony?
like the pebbles watch is only black/white or monochrome?
---------- Post added at 09:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------
ffarber said:
I just hooked mine up today and had all kinds of problems keeping it connected. I am running a Galaxy Tab with the newly released CM-9 nightly. The apps I have tried work: in call control, missed call, audio control, message, and weather. The problem I have with the set up is that it keeps disconnecting as soon as you try and do anything. Originally it wouldn't re-connect reliably, I then found the Liveviewcharm application which allows it to reconnect all the time. So far, I would give it a C+ in my particular configuration but I am hoping.
YMMV, it seems people with other configurations are having less problems. It would be a good idea if people siad what kind of phone and what software they were running.
By the way, the reason the software leaves an icon in the status bar is so that the background app won't get shut down by the OS when it needs memory.
Fred
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what exactly is liveviewcharm? i find it on the net to download,but absolutely no description of what it is or what it does
Im using Samsung galaxy note with the watch. Stays connected fine unless im a ways away from the phone of course

Been very eager to get the original liveview, but heard about the various connection problems. Now this one seems to have that fixed Normally, I would have got this right away, but the pebble is quite interesting too. So since some of you have the smartwatch could you answer some of my questions please?
* Most importantly, how does this affect battery life? I pretty much destroy my battery in a matter of hours, I don't want this to turn my phone into a laptop where I'd need to charge it every 2-3 hours
* When the bluetooth connection drops, what happens? I know the smartwatch doesn't need the phone for clock functionality (unlike the liveview). So does it just show the time?
* I'm not good with coding and stuff, the smartwatch would be the better option for support right?
Thanks

FC1032 said:
Been very eager to get the original liveview, but heard about the various connection problems. Now this one seems to have that fixed Normally, I would have got this right away, but the pebble is quite interesting too. So since some of you have the smartwatch could you answer some of my questions please?
* Most importantly, how does this affect battery life? I pretty much destroy my battery in a matter of hours, I don't want this to turn my phone into a laptop where I'd need to charge it every 2-3 hours
* When the bluetooth connection drops, what happens? I know the smartwatch doesn't need the phone for clock functionality (unlike the liveview). So does it just show the time?
* I'm not good with coding and stuff, the smartwatch would be the better option for support right?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really comment on battery life as I am using a tab which has a battery that lasts 24 hours no matter how I use it. Having said that as I far as I can tell there is no difference. I suspect on a phone with a smaller battery your results won't be as good.
The watch tries to reconnect automatically when the connection drops. The Liveviewcharm (clicky) app makes the reconnections much more reliable. The description is in Japanese, you will have to cut and paste the text into Google translate if you can't read it (I couldn't). Basically it is an app that stays running and monitors Liveview connections (which the SmartWatch uses). I can't be any more detailed than that.
I doubt that Sony support will be terrific but there is nothing to code. It mostly just works the way the instructions say. You do have to download each app you want to run on the watch but that is straightforward.
Fred
---------- Post added at 09:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 AM ----------
SayWhat10 said:
ive seen the pebbles,plus if you donate u can get one now right?
but what makes it so better than the Sony?
like the pebbles watch is only black/white or monochrome?
---------- Post added at 09:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------
what exactly is liveviewcharm? i find it on the net to download,but absolutely no description of what it is or what it does
Im using Samsung galaxy note with the watch. Stays connected fine unless im a ways away from the phone of course
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my post above for a brief description of liveviewcharm, it does help. Good to hear the watch works well with a Note. Maybe subsequent releases of the CM-9 ROM will clean up whatever is wrong with the communications with watch.
One other thing, it is very hard to read in sunlight, one reason the Pebble could be better (when and if it is released).
In any event, I like the idea so much I signed up for a Pebble and may even buy a WIMM to give that a try. The problem for me is that I use the Tab as my only device and sometimes it is very cumbersome just to get out and see who is calling, etc.
Fred

Phone: Galaxy Note
Comment: This is my first smart watch.
And I love it. And guys this is Sony brand. It's important for lot of people. (Maybe is chip, but at least is Sony!)

Pretty cool watch.

avetny said:
Phone: Galaxy Note
Comment: This is my first smart watch.
And I love it. And guys this is Sony brand. It's important for lot of people. (Maybe is chip, but at least is Sony!)
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Click to collapse
Apparently you didn't experience Sony Ericcson's epic abandonment of their MBW-150 watches. Everyone's display has faded to black and Sony refuses to repair or replace them.

JimSmith94 said:
Apparently you didn't experience Sony Ericcson's epic abandonment of their MBW-150 watches. Everyone's display has faded to black and Sony refuses to repair or replace them.
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DAAAMN !!!
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 PM ----------
Guys I need help !
When I shaking my watch the screen going to ON. It's supposed to be like that ?

avetny said:
DAAAMN !!!
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 PM ----------
Guys I need help !
When I shaking my watch the screen going to ON. It's supposed to be like that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean that the watch wakes when you shake it?
That's actually a feature I was hoping to see. I used to have a watch that would turn the light on when I flicked my wrist This would be a nice feature, since you won't need to have another hand to activate it.
So @owners of this watch, is that a feature of the watch?

FC1032 said:
You mean that the watch wakes when you shake it?
That's actually a feature I was hoping to see. I used to have a watch that would turn the light on when I flicked my wrist This would be a nice feature, since you won't need to have another hand to activate it.
So @owners of this watch, is that a feature of the watch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! I think you right! Its a cool future

Smart watches are gonna get out SONY from bankrupticy. Lool
They really suck past few years trying to build something special. but only they did good is Play Station

I don't like the look of the Sony smart watch, Pebble actually looks cool to wear and in the video on the website is an actual demo unit so it will happen and rock. Plus, they have nearly 6 million backers already, do you know what that is? Lol the development on that thing will be so strong and so good.

guih said:
I don't like the look of the Sony smart watch, Pebble actually looks cool to wear and in the video on the website is an actual demo unit so it will happen and rock. Plus, they have nearly 6 million backers already, do you know what that is? Lol the development on that thing will be so strong and so good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pebble got black and white screen. This is stupid.

avetny said:
Pebble got black and white screen. This is stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trade-off with battery life...
Fred

[Q] NFC Connection

I am using HTC ONE M8 and I want to know the setup procedure. Why is there a need to keep bluetooth on and how to pair it to nfc? The moment I disconnect bluetooth it disconnects the device. Please help with step by step what to do to use only via nfc. Bluetooth is eating up phone battery

The watch connects via bluetooth. Nfc only replaces the procedure for connecting and setting up the watch. Ie you turn your bluetooth on then use the nfc tap function to connect the devices. If paired it will of course connect automatically without the touch but not necessarily straight away. The bluetooth shouldn't use much battery as it low power bluetooth 4.0.
---------- Post added at 10:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 PM ----------
Essentially the nfc replaces having to use a bluetooth pass code of some kind.

This watch is bluetooth 3.0.

It doesn't make sense if I have to connect via bluetooth and they keep saying it has NFC. There is no point if anyways I am using bluetooth. It does drain battery for the phone. Spending so much and then keep an eye on the battery if it is enough to survive for the day or not.

skhan33 said:
It doesn't make sense if I have to connect via bluetooth and they keep saying it has NFC. There is no point if anyways I am using bluetooth. It does drain battery for the phone. Spending so much and then keep an eye on the battery if it is enough to survive for the day or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, NFC is not a means of communication over long distances between devices, i.e. more than a few millimeters. It is normal for a device such as this to connect via Bluetooth because it requires a continual connection to the host device (your phone). NFC is only used to pair the devices, through a tap-and-go procedure. The only other way to connect this type of devices would be Wi-Fi Direct which I think would use the same amount of battery...

skhan33 said:
It doesn't make sense if I have to connect via bluetooth and they keep saying it has NFC. There is no point if anyways I am using bluetooth. It does drain battery for the phone. Spending so much and then keep an eye on the battery if it is enough to survive for the day or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you glue the watch to the back of your phone if NFC would work for data transmission? )
Sent from my Xperia V using Tapatalk

vrl13 said:
Would you glue the watch to the back of your phone if NFC would work for data transmission? )
Sent from my Xperia V using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
:laugh::laugh::laugh:
I literally can't stop laughing... :laugh:

kill_dano said:
This watch is bluetooth 3.0.
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Click to collapse
So it is! I stand corrected!
---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------
skhan33 said:
It doesn't make sense if I have to connect via bluetooth and they keep saying it has NFC. There is no point if anyways I am using bluetooth. It does drain battery for the phone. Spending so much and then keep an eye on the battery if it is enough to survive for the day or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using my watch with a Nexus 5. Prior to getting the watch I left bluetooth off at all times. Now I have it on all day with watch connected. Bluetooth doesn't show up at all in battery stats (as it's usage is very small in comparison to other bits.). I estimate with roughly with comparable usage it only reduces the time my phone lasts by about 30 mins.

Kingzone K1 Turbo / K1S Video Review - MT6592 - NFC - Wireless Charging

Hi guys
I just got this phone and I wanted to share this with you:
Specs:
5.5" inch capacitive 5-Point Multi Touch Screen
Display 1920x1080 pixel Full HD resolution, IPS-Display, LTPS-technology
CPU: MTK6592 true octa-core @1.7GHz
GPU: Mali 450-MP
Android 4.2.x Jelly Bean
2GB RAM / 16GB of internal memory / TF-card support
Quadband, unlocked, 3G / UMTS / HSDPA+ / WCDMA
Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, g-sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, magnetic field sensor, gyro sensor, notification LED
OTG - USB on the go
NFC - Near Field Communication
Air Gesture Control
Wireless charging (with smart cover)
OTA - Over the Air firmware updates
Main camera: 14MP output ,autofocus, LED flash, F2.2
Front camera: 8MP output , autofocus, F.2.4
Dual Sim - Dual Standby (regular size and Micro Sim)
More pictures to be found here: http://colonelzap.blogspot.de/2014/05/kingzone-k1-turbo-video-review-mt6592.html
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

I get this, too. The metal chassis feels premium. A little bit expensive though.

I too received mine last week.
overall this is a really good phone , nicely built , beautifull full hd screen , very fast.
only negative point , but i don't know if this come from my unit or if its general issue from this phone,
the WIFI and Bluetooth signal are weaker than my other phone ( Samsung Omnia 7 / Sony XPERIA U )
if i stand in my rooter room i got no problem , but if i go in my kitchen , i lose signal while the 2 other phone have very low but some signal still.
And about bluetooth , when i connect my audio headset , and put the phone in my pocket it sometimes disconnect when i turn my head in the opposite direction of my holster .
that never happended with my Omnia7.
Actually i can live w/o bluetooth but the WIFI signal at my job is low in my office as being far from rooter and i get trouble connecting
Can you guys test your WIFI and bluetooth signal ? against other smartphone ?

everything is just works fine , only we need custom roms

platypus2308 said:
And about bluetooth , when i connect my audio headset , and put the phone in my pocket it sometimes disconnect when i turn my head in the opposite direction of my holster .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK every Mediatek phone with Android 4.2.2 suffers from that issue. Might be better with the upcoming 4.4 ... hopefully.

Ulster94 said:
AFAIK every Mediatek phone with Android 4.2.2 suffers from that issue. Might be better with the upcoming 4.4 ... hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this phone runs android 4.3.9 but it might be the same . i hope it software or firmware related .
i contacted the shop but i doubt they will do anything as it does works but the signal is just a bit weak IMHO.
and i guess the chip is the same for bluetooth and wifi ... so same problem.
edit: made a picture but can't link it here due to being newbie

platypus2308 said:
this phone runs android 4.3.9 but it might be the same .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely does NOT run on Android 4.3.9, an Android version like that does not exist!
As I said in my video, I am sure it runs on 4.2.x, probably 4.2.2
I also don't have any problems with Wifi at all, with MY setup, this phone has a very powerful wifi reception, a LOT better than most of the other phones I had so far

ColonelZap said:
It definitely does NOT run on Android 4.3.9, an Android version like that does not exist!
As I said in my video, I am sure it runs on 4.2.x, probably 4.2.2
I also don't have any problems with Wifi at all, with MY setup, this phone has a very powerful wifi reception, a LOT better than most of the other phones I had so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i received a message from the shop this morning to send the device back.
guess i'll send it back as it seems my device is faulty.

As ColonelZap wrote - it is definitively Android 4.2.2 and not 4.3.9. There are currently no drivers from Mediatek for Android 4.3.x.
I have two other phones with a Mediatek cpu and both have the same BT issues like the K1, not with a headset (never tried) but with car connections (different cars verified). Establishing a connection is never an issue but any transmission is interrupted. Sometimes earlier sometimes later (1 min upto 5 min.)
But the WLAN connection of my K1 is pretty fine.So maybe your device has a hardware issue in addition.

Ulster94 said:
But the WLAN connection of my K1 is pretty fine.So maybe your device has a hardware issue in addition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah , i think that too , but what worries me is that the WIFI does works , just not so well , so i hope they don't send the same unit again...
well i will write down the serial number and IMEI and see
thanks for the feedback guys.

Just ordered this phone, i hopes everything runs well, waiting for another review or issues of the batteries, gps and etc?
@colonel zap can you share with us what you are doing with this phone until it's so powerful like that?
Thanx in advance :good:

maxilimian said:
@colonel zap can you share with us what you are doing with this phone until it's so powerful like that?
Thanx in advance :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What am I doing with this phone? Not much, so far I only "tested" it
I made a little "update" video:
And I also uploaded a few camera test pictures on my blog:
http://colonelzap.blogspot.de/2014/05/kingzone-k1-turbo-video-review-mt6592.html

terrible phone call quality
Hello I had 6 chinese MTK phones in the past 3 years. This one has the best build quality. Howeve it has ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE voice/call quality, the other side can hardly understand me over all the humming, hissing, parts of words missing. So far I have not been able to complete a single phone call without the óther person saying "I can hardly understand you and what is all the noise and humming" This occurs in areas with very strong signal and gets even worse with weaker signal. It is impossible to make the phone call with less than 4 signal bars out of 5.
So far terrible experience at this price.
---------- Post added at 11:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
maxilimian said:
Just ordered this phone, i hopes everything runs well, waiting for another review or issues of the batteries, gps and etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS locks fast and has strong reception - NO GLONAS SUPPORT (or at least during the testing I did not receive a single GLONASS sattelite) contrary to what is sometimes mentioned on certain chinese sites.
With 1-2 phone calls, hour of wifi and hour od GPS battery has about 40% at the end of the day.

tomisdn said:
Howeve it has ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE voice/call quality, the other side can hardly understand me over all the humming, hissing, parts of words missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure your microphone is o.k.? Have you tested a voice recorder? So far nobody I had on the phone has complained to me that they can't hear me well?!?

ColonelZap said:
Are you sure your microphone is o.k.? Have you tested a voice recorder? So far nobody I had on the phone has complained to me that they can't hear me well?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Voice recorder as well as VOIP (Skype test service). Standard and OK sound quality.
Only occurs during phone calls. I have not yet had one without the person saying he/she can't hear me well or at all...

tomisdn said:
Voice recorder as well as VOIP (Skype test service). Standard and OK sound quality.
Only occurs during phone calls. I have not yet had one without the person saying he/she can't hear me well or at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only made a couple of phone calls so far and for "testing purposes" I always leave myself a message on my machine, sound quality was just fine! My service provider operates on GSM1800 (eplus Germany).

ColonelZap said:
I only made a couple of phone calls so far and for "testing purposes" I always leave myself a message on my machine, sound quality was just fine! My service provider operates on GSM1800 (eplus Germany).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is clearly related to the HW/FW of this one phone. It occured right out-of-box during first call and persisted ever since. It is not related to the GSM signal, location, provider (tested 2 different providers), contact I am calling.... Second phone I have in identical situation work jsut OK.
Not saying this affects all units, just sayng to be careful when buying.
Support from Kingzone is ZERO (sent 3 requests for advice and/or firmware file to try reflash)
If someone finds or gathers stock ROM let me know.
Tomas

I made some sample camera pictures:

Does anybody in the USA have this phone? If so, what service are you using it on and what kind of data speeds are you seeing?

ColonelZap said:
What am I doing with this phone? Not much, so far I only "tested" it
I made a little "update" video:
And I also uploaded a few camera test pictures on my blog:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already watch it before posting so you only root it?hehe
Waiting for availability of the cwm or twrp that might works?
tomisdn said:
Hello I had 6 chinese MTK phones in the past 3 years. This one has the best build quality. Howeve it has ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE voice/call quality, the other side can hardly understand me over all the humming, hissing, parts of words missing. So far I have not been able to complete a single phone call without the óther person saying "I can hardly understand you and what is all the noise and humming" This occurs in areas with very strong signal and gets even worse with weaker signal. It is impossible to make the phone call with less than 4 signal bars out of 5.
So far terrible experience at this price.
---------- Post added at 11:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
GPS locks fast and has strong reception - NO GLONAS SUPPORT (or at least during the testing I did not receive a single GLONASS sattelite) contrary to what is sometimes mentioned on certain chinese sites.
With 1-2 phone calls, hour of wifi and hour od GPS battery has about 40% at the end of the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A-GPS support? wondering the battery durability with the 3G signal on the whole days ...
tomisdn said:
This is clearly related to the HW/FW of this one phone. It occured right out-of-box during first call and persisted ever since. It is not related to the GSM signal, location, provider (tested 2 different providers), contact I am calling.... Second phone I have in identical situation work jsut OK.
Not saying this affects all units, just sayng to be careful when buying.
Support from Kingzone is ZERO (sent 3 requests for advice and/or firmware file to try reflash)
If someone finds or gathers stock ROM let me know.
Tomas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow i think it's hardware problem if colonel zap or other didn't have the same problem, or maybe the problem is with another person phone/provider which made a call with you? since you didn't have problem hearing the calls from her/him?
Ulster94 said:
As ColonelZap wrote - it is definitively Android 4.2.2 and not 4.3.9. There are currently no drivers from Mediatek for Android 4.3.x.
I have two other phones with a Mediatek cpu and both have the same BT issues like the K1, not with a headset (never tried) but with car connections (different cars verified). Establishing a connection is never an issue but any transmission is interrupted. Sometimes earlier sometimes later (1 min upto 5 min.)
But the WLAN connection of my K1 is pretty fine.So maybe your device has a hardware issue in addition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the articles on another sites, that i think JB 4.3.9 is somekind of CusROM called Ali Cloud OS .. similar thing like AMIGO OS JB ?

Using a galaxy s6 like desktop pc.

Hello everyone. Recently I was tasked at work to redesign and office space and attempting to use a program to lay out and then provide a 3d rendering of the proposed space. turned out to be a nightmare for me. I work in a facility that is not updated their computer systems since 2005 I ended up making everything work but I had to do it on my phone. My question without HML support is there any way to turn a smartphone reasonably to function like a desktop PC?
So far all I have found is Microsoft's miracast. Most likely have to buy a bluetooth keyboard mouse.
But I want to know if anybody else has tried this what worked what didn't. My goal would be to plug my phone into my monitor at work so I can actually do something. so HDMI is a must.
Hardware found:
https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wireless-display-adapterPlease help
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Miracast-Video-Adapter-Supports/dp/B00HFAEBWG

what do you need to do at work and why didnt you onsider a hromeast?

Chromecast requires a wifi router. Miracast the phone communicates to the dongle directly. This removes some variables you can not plan for ie. Crappie or no wifi. I only need an HDMI display, a miracast device and my phone and I can work, display, present. Ideally with the two items that fit in my pocket. Especially without having to try and sign on to a WiFi network that may or may not work. Making it so I could walk into any room plug it into the TV connect with my phone and begin.

To be honest with you I recently got into it with my boss. I told him that I can do more on my phone than on the s*** computers they give us. And I kind of want to prove it.

jpetrach said:
Chromecast requires a wifi router. Miracast the phone communicates to the dongle directly. This removes some variables you can not plan for ie. Crappie or no wifi. I only need an HDMI display, a miracast device and my phone and I can work, display, present. Ideally with the two items that fit in my pocket. Especially without having to try and sign on to a WiFi network that may or may not work. Making it so I could walk into any room plug it into the TV connect with my phone and begin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with the new guest mode on hromeast you an ast diretly without needing to be onneted to a wifi network

godutch said:
with the new guest mode on hromeast you an ast diretly without needing to be onneted to a wifi network
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What? Haha
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mentalmuso said:
What? Haha
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Something about sniffing crack out of a
....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ

This would be really cool. Only phone I have known of that has these features is the old Motorola atrix. Maybe look into one of those new devices like IBM's pc stick. It's basically a donggle that plugs in via hdmi and as a full OS installed on it.

Today I tested the screenbeam 2 http://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-ScreenBeam-Wireless-Receiver-SBWD60A01/dp/B00O14JG2Y
Watched transcendence and great picture only got jumpy 2/3 times. Very minor lag. Some ppl reported the dongle gets hot this is true. Uses a lot of battery wifi direct phone was placed on a wireless charger and still dropped 20% during the hour plus movie. Tomorrow I'm testing a method of making the display more "desktop like" for my proposed use at work. Need to connect bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Along with some phone system tweeks. I could not get connected to my chromecast without the router.
Still looking for input from anyone who has tried this.

Mentalmuso said:
What? Haha
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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His "c" key must not be working

jpetrach said:
His "c" key must not be working
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Indeed

Hands On Reports?

I'd love to hear some hands on reports from those that have received their S3. What are your initial impressions? Anyone using it with a non Galaxy companion phone? How well does Samsung Pay MST work? How's the battery life?

Top quality build and feels really great on the wrist. I have let the default face time out, just to see how long the battery will last. It came 87% battery charge and I charged it to 100% before I switched it on. It runs fast with only a little lag on Navigation Here, maybe it was setting things up in the background? If you can afford a top quality watch go for it.
With Samsung Galaxy S3 running Android 4.3 and all notifications passed to the gear S3.

My impressions, from another thread.
First thoughts:
ReformedAppleFan said:
Key impressions:
Solid, quality build. Reassuring weight. Precise finish.
Perhaps the screen resolution could be slightly improved but then I guess I'm spoiled by the s7 edge (and the note 7 before it, RIP).
Very pleased.
When I bought the Gear S a couple of years ago, it felt like the money had gone on the technology required to miniaturise. The build was relatively cheap.
But this time I feel I've paid for a quality watch that happens also to be hi-tech.
:good:
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Responding to a question on the strap:
ReformedAppleFan said:
Black or maybe very, very dark grey.
It feels good too. Rubberised but very strong. Premium.
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On the free headphones:
ReformedAppleFan said:
Nothing to do with the watch but one thing I'm not impressed with is the Level Active bluetooth headphones. Tinny and quiet.
And I'm pretty easy to please - certainly no audio connoisseur.
Maybe I set them up wrong. I'll be switching back to the wired headphones that came with my phone unless I work out a way to improve the sound on these drastically.
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Battery life:
ReformedAppleFan said:
Very early impression on the battery life:. It SUCKS!
Fully charged for the first time, when I woke at 0530. Now down to 68%, a little more than 4 hours later.
It's Bluetooth connected to my phone.
Brightness is just over half way.
Screen timeout 15 seconds.
Always on display enabled.
Use has been fairly limited because I've been working since 7am.
Bedding in period required, maybe...
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---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 AM ----------
Having owned the Frontier for 24 hours, I love it.
The battery is the only concern but I'm pretty sure either (1) it'll improve after the first few charges or (2) it's faulty and I'll get a replacement. Not too worried about it at the moment.

Battery life on mine seems OK so far. After 12 hours off charge I'm down to 94%. Thought it at includes 7 hours in do not disturb mode (only dropped 3%).
Not using always on display but have the wake motion active.

Just used the Navigation Here app and looks like I will have to throw away my old sat nav. A vibration and a glance down.
---------- Post added at 11:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 AM ----------
Been 24 hours and 42% battery with screen set to switch off after 15 secs, low brightness to low.

Down to 55% after 7.5 hrs, with only 13% of the drain in the past 3.5 hrs.
So it's getting a lot better.

Gear s3
jb.traveller said:
Just used the Navigation Here app and looks like I will have to throw away my old sat nav. A vibration and a glance down.
---------- Post added at 11:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 AM ----------
Been 24 hours and 42% battery with screen set to switch off after 15 secs, low brightness to low.
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Hi how do u use gps without phone cant seem to use mine keeps asking for wifi or location on phone?

Not sure did have the phone in my pocket in standby. Didn't look at it. Just typed in my home address on my gear and it just worked, wasn't thinking about the phone at all. The gear does have GPS built in so I assumed it was that, maybe it was?

Ok got mine up and running (Frontier).
OVERALL
Somewhat undecided, dare i say i always thought the S2 was too small, i find the S3 too big. UI not much difference vs S2, to test more but battery is way better (usage & standby drain)i do find it very nice to wear, hardly notice it is now, but then not premium enough for £349.
Be interesting on hearing from anyone with the classic (I opted for Frontier for the rubber strap, as on my S2 Classic I found to get the HR sensor to work I had to wear it snug, result was the strap was smelly and disgusting)
I have upgraded from each preceding Samsung watch to the S3 (last one was the S2 Classic).
POSITIVE
- Speaker and calling function, really missed this.
- Lightweight feel
- Watch sits perfect on my wrist, the S2 always felt like it was perching on my wrist
- Like that some though has gone into the bezel, now use it to dismiss notifications
- Like the app info/setting, give allot more control
- My S2 battery I could get 3-4 days, this after allot of setup play around lost only 7%, I reckon I will get a week : )
NEGATIVE
- Feels cheap
- Lost some minor function, like adjust font size
- Watch faces are poor, in particular the chrono version
- Dislike the recessed display, make finger swiping trickier
- SPOTIFY, again robbed as the S2, advertised globally, but not for the UK !!!
- SAMSUNG PAY, beyond a joke, a year on promised on the S2, the S3, nothing again.

Jaybo72 said:
Hi how do u use gps without phone cant seem to use mine keeps asking for wifi or location on phone?
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You can't. The maps aren't downloadable on the watch which would be required to use only GPS to navigate. On the 3/4G watches past and present carrier wireless is what provides the data feed for the watch in stand-alone mode. For Wi-Fi only devices no wireless connection (stand-alone or via a connected phone) means no stand-alone navigation.

Only reason i got watch was gps silly me

Jaybo72 said:
Only reason i got watch was gps silly me
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Really i thought it was the hi tech / build, for me it was GPS plus and the other things.

Jaybo72 said:
Only reason i got watch was gps silly me
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More standalone navigation is supposed to be coming soon. Here need to launch their new app: http://360.here.com/2016/09/01/introducing-here-wego-for-samsung-gear-s3/

What version u got? I presumed this watch would use its own gps thats why its got the gps chip in it for jogging without phone didnt realise u couldnt use that feature without phone so why did they put gps chip in gear if u cant use it as standalone device

I'm waiting for my Frontier (no LTE) version to come but not until december.
Has anyone used Gear S3 with Oneplus 3 and if does it work with all notifications and everything?
Would Frontier work with separate 4g/LTE wlan hotspot (not through phone) so u could go for a run and listen to Spotify?
Is there any apps for Whatsapp? Just that it would be smaller device to carry with than phone.
No LTE version...GPS...should it work when running without phone?

There is an option on the watch to turn on internal gps. I believe as standard it will use the phones gps for location services.

Battery, 32 hours and 16%, used as above. Says 7 hours left but will charge it overnight.
---------- Post added at 07:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 PM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaybo72
Only reason i got watch was gps silly me
More standalone navigation is supposed to be coming soon. Here need to launch their new app: http://360.here.com/2016/09/01/intro...msung-gear-s3/
I think that is the version I am running and have downloaded UK maps onto my Galaxy S3 and ticked stand alone.

obsydian said:
- Feels cheap
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If the S3 feels cheap, you must have hated the Gear S!
I suppose it's subjective - I think for 300 odd quid, the S3 feels really well made. I was pleasantly surprised by that.
Apart from the Gear S though, I've never worn a watch so have little to compare it with. You may be used to expensive, traditional watches and therefore have higher standards than me.
obsydian said:
- Lost some minor function, like adjust font size
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Click to collapse
You can change the font type and size in settings/style. There are only three font sizes to choose from though - is that different from the S2?

ReformedAppleFan said:
If the S3 feels cheap, you must have hated the Gear S!
I suppose it's subjective - I think for 300 odd quid, the S3 feels really well made. I was pleasantly surprised by that.
Apart from the Gear S though, I've never worn a watch so have little to compare it with. You may be used to expensive, traditional watches and therefore have higher standards than me.
You can change the font type and size in settings/style. There are only three font sizes to choose from though - is that different from the S2?
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Cheap compared to my prior Gear S2 Classic.
Thanks for the font help, used to help under display.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

So are the only apps available the ones in the galaxy app store? Pretty poor really, just lots of different watch faces. I was hoping for more apps to control my phone and the apps on it.