Hi everyone
I've been using NFC on the S6 to transfer files and was wondering why the transfer speed is so slow. With my S4 I used to transfer large files in a matter of seconds... now with the S6 it takes me 10+ seconds to transfer a 2.5MB file to other Galaxy flagships (S3, S4).
I noticed we don't have the S-beam feature anymore in the new Touchwiz and Android Beam is used by default. In fact, that's the only option that appears in the NFC menu. That seems to involve using Bluetooth to transfer the files, hence the slow speed, as opposed to S-Beam that used Wifi-direct and allowed high transfer speeds. I've also noticed that the S-Beam apk is on the phone, but it doesn't seem to be a way to reach it.
Have anyone else noticed this? And does anyone know how -if possible- to get S-Beam back?
Any comment of the matter will be much appreciated
Have you tried using the 3rd party app SuperBeam? It uses WiFi to transfer the files so it's usually quite quick.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.majedev.superbeam
Haven't tried that. However, my guess is it's less straightforward than the original S-beam or Android Beam. Can't imagine bumping into a friend on the street and asking him to download the app before I can actually transfer pictures of last night's party I'll give it a shot, thanks. Although I'd wish there was a way to get back the actual S-beam from Samsung.
S-Beam feature is still there. I just experimented by transferring photos and videos from my old S4 to S6 Edge. The file transfer was fast. It's a mystery why Samsung decided to limit the feature to just receive files. IF anyone finds out how to re enable S-Beam for file transfer please share.
Superbeam on the other hand works quite ok but it needs 1 extra step before beaming files.
Wazabii said:
S-Beam feature is still there. I just experimented by transferring photos and videos from my old S4 to S6 Edge. The file transfer was fast. It's a mystery why Samsung decided to limit the feature to just receive files. IF anyone finds out how to re enable S-Beam for file transfer please share.
Superbeam on the other hand works quite ok but it needs 1 extra step before beaming files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case, it's even more intriguing. There must be a way to access the S-beam send function. Although I don't see many people interested in this, I hope someone comes up with it.
SBEAM for Galaxy 6 Edge
I love the SBeam feature & it is way faster than Bluetooth! Anyone that has a S3 or S4 or S5 I have sent pictures to. I love it. And the people who didn't know about are always so amazed when I show them the feature. PLEASE bring it to the Galaxy 6 Edge!!!! My work cell is a S3 and I just upgraded from a S4. Please, please bring it back!!!
There's a Wifi Direct option in the wifi settings (the page where you see all the available networks, next to 'More'). Haven't tried it as i'm using Superbeam, but i think this should be what you're looking for.
Alta1r said:
There's a Wifi Direct option in the wifi settings (the page where you see all the available networks, next to 'More'). Haven't tried it as i'm using Superbeam, but i think this should be what you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well S-Beam is practically using Wifi Direct to transfer files to other devices. The difference is the process is much simpler.
For example photo transfer. Instead of doing these steps with Wifi Direct:
1. Select photos
2. Tap Share
3. Tap Wifi Direct
4. Select Device
5. Wait for the other device to connect
6. Done
You just do this:
1. Select photos
2. S-Beam them by getting both devices together (NFC)
3. Tap the screen to send
4. Done
Problem with the current S6 is that S-Beam is functional only when receiving files.
I'm surprised most Samsung users don't know how to use S-Beam. It's been there for ages! (from S3 i believe?)
Wazabii said:
Well S-Beam is practically using Wifi Direct to transfer files to other devices. The difference is the process is much simpler.
For example photo transfer. Instead of doing these steps with Wifi Direct:
1. Select photos
2. Tap Share
3. Tap Wifi Direct
4. Select Device
5. Wait for the other device to connect
6. Done
You just do this:
1. Select photos
2. Beam them by getting both devices together (NFC)
3. Tap the screen to send
4. Done
I'm surprised most Samsung users don't know how to use S-Beam. It's been there for ages! (from S3 i believe?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. You can Beam them by getting both devices together. Beam them, not S-Beam them. As stated in the original post, this method engages the bluetooth transfer protocol used by Android Beam, there is no way to start S-Beam (that uses Wifi Direct) without using the Share+Wifi Direct method or the Quick Connect button on the notification panel.
You can try transfering a large file with the second method you proposed, you'll see it takes way longer than with the original S-beam. This happens when transfering files from an S6 to other devices. Transfering files from other S devices (S3, S4, for instance) to an S6 remains unchanged.
Wazabii said:
I'm surprised most Samsung users don't know how to use S-Beam. It's been there for ages! (from S3 i believe?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda assumes that the person you want to share pictures with is physically there and has a Samsung phone.
That for me is basically never. I use other methods like Hangouts. Do it every day many times a day without issue.
Not all features are useful to all people.
Cloxed said:
That's right. You can Beam them by getting both devices together. Beam them, not S-Beam them. As stated in the original post, this method engages the bluetooth transfer protocol used by Android Beam, there is no way to start S-Beam (that uses Wifi Direct) without using the Share+Wifi Direct method or the Quick Connect button on the notification panel.
You can try transfering a large file with the second method you proposed, you'll see it takes way longer than with the original S-beam. This happens when transfering files from an S6 to other devices. Transfering files from other S devices (S3, S4, for instance) to an S6 remains unchanged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Edited my earlier post for better understanding.
---------- Post added at 09:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 AM ----------
krelvinaz said:
Kinda assumes that the person you want to share pictures with is physically there and has a Samsung phone.
That for me is basically never. I use other methods like Hangouts. Do it every day many times a day without issue.
Not all features are useful to all people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everybody has a fast enough internet or quota to be wasted on huge file transfers. I can even S-Beam my 15mins long video in less than 1 minute transfer. Or Even a full length 720p movie in less than 15mins without wasting my internet quota. I know it can be done by manually connect to other phones by Wifi-Direct but why remove a great feature when it's working so well?
Yes. not everybody uses Samsung phone. Not everybody uses an iPhone or LG too. All my family uses Samsung phone so it's an awesome feature to have. Not useful to "all people" doesn't mean "some people" don't need it.
My husband has an S4, I have an S6. He transferred files to me (S4 to S6) by using the S Beam, which is turned on in his settings. We simply put the phones together and they transfer automatically. When I want to send files to him, (S6 to S4) I get the photo or file on my screen, I click on the bottom under the photo and when Share comes up, I click on share and icons come up, like Facebook, Messages (such as if you want to share the photo on Facebook or attached it to a text message) but also Android Beam is a choice. Click on Android Beam, touch your two phones together and just follow the instructions on your screen. When it says touch to transfer, do it.
Lori531 said:
My husband has an S4, I have an S6. He transferred files to me (S4 to S6) by using the S Beam, which is turned on in his settings. We simply put the phones together and they transfer automatically. When I want to send files to him, (S6 to S4) I get the photo or file on my screen, I click on the bottom under the photo and when Share comes up, I click on share and icons come up, like Facebook, Messages (such as if you want to share the photo on Facebook or attached it to a text message) but also Android Beam is a choice. Click on Android Beam, touch your two phones together and just follow the instructions on your screen. When it says touch to transfer, do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated before, Android Beam engages the bluetooth transfer protocol (in this case, instead of selecting a device to send to, you just put the phones together), with slower transfer speeds. S-Beam used to engage Wifi-Direct (which is now used by Quick Connect, by selecting a device and not by putting the devices together) with transfer speed far greater than bluetooth.
The thing is that now there is no way to make Wifi-Direct work as it once did, by putting the phones together (aka S-Beam).
Related
[HOW-TO] Enable Wifi and USB Tethering on AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 4.3 MK2
After some research on various forums including this one, I got both Wifi and USB Tethering working on my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 4.3 (build MK2). Figure others may look for similar solutions so I put together the steps I used in this post.
1. Background
I have been tethering with SVTP (paid version) since acquiring the Galaxy S4 in June 2013, with my unlimited data plan. Then it stopped working after a week when AT&T pushed out the software update. Furious, I googled around and found the "Click the home button when the checking popup appears" trick, and had been happily tethering, until AT&T push another update (MK2) two weeks ago. It defeated that trick and none of the tethering apps work. Oh man, not again!
I googled again and found FoxFi. The wifi tethering didn't work (it only work on Verizon as reported(), but the USB and Bluetooth tethering do work. I am relived as I had a temporal solution. However, both the USB and Bluetooth tethering drop and resume the internet connection every minute. Very annoying when downloading a bigger file, or playing online games that require constant connection. Finally can't stand it anymore. I keep googling around and found there's no other solution except rooting the device. And I decide to take the risk and give it a shot.
2. Result
After following the steps, I was able to get all tethering apps works. Specifically all these works;
SVTP
ES File Manager
FoxFi
And, the native Tethering from the phone also work. This give me the hint that probably most, if not all, tethering apps should work.
Furthermore,the built-in USB tethering also work! Unlike the one from FoxFi, this one work continuously without dropping/resuming the connection every minute. This can be handy as you can charge your phone while tethering. Pretty cool, uh?
Last but not least, I disable the AT&T Software update, so I don't have to do this again
3. Steps
Here's the steps I used. I piece them together from various sources. Many thanks to the folks who put them together, and to the folks who tried before me and post the positive result. Basically you need do to a few things:
a. Root the device
b. Modify the tethering file
c. Turn on tethering and verify it works
d. Disable the AT&T Software update (Optional)
Please see the next post for details.
Steps
a. Root your device
Scary, isn't it? I was in the same boat and really hesitated to do it. However with no other option available it may worth a try. It does work well and give you good control of the phone. Worthy in my opinion, especially when it allows you to do what you want to do.
a1. If you are new to rooting your phone like me, some background reading may help:
http://www.kingoapp.com/help/android-rooting.htm
https://sites.google.com/site/tomsgt123/all-videos/samsung-galaxy-s4
a2. Watch this video as a preparation and confidence building:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uii_mYm8IGE&feature=youtu.be
a3. Root your device using the steps here. It echoes the steps in the video. Even though it is made for the Verizon model, it works on AT&T too:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
b. Modify the tethering file:
b1. Follow the steps in the post. It works:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2535141
b2. Pay attention to the mount /system as RW mode step. It is missing in the original post:
"I was not able to rename files or copy until I change 'Mount R/W'.
To do this, you click on globe/phone on top left corner.
Scroll down to "Root Explorer" and hold for a second or two.
When you let go, a pop-up screen appears. Click on Mount R/W,
and change "/system" from OR to RW."
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48950107&postcount=87
c. Verify tethering works
c1. Use your favorite tethering app, it should work. Just disregard the AT&T Popup (click OK).
And if you don't use any tethering app before, rest at ease. Your phone's native Wifi and USB tethering also work. That maybe the best part as you don't need to purchase any "unlocked" version of those apps. Just go to "Settings->More networks->Tethering and portable hotspot". Turn on Mobile Hotspot and you can use Wifi tethering as usual.
c2. Or while at the same screen, connect your phone to the laptop with a USB cable and enable "USB tethering". Your laptop will automatically install a USB driver and you will be connected to the internet via USB. This option works especially well when all you need is connect one laptop to the internet. It not only saves the battery of your phone by not using Wifi, but also charge your battery while tethering!
c3. Stil not enough? How about make your laptop a wifi hotspot? Follow the steps here:
http://lifehacker.com/5369381/turn-your-windows-7-pc-into-a-wireless-hotspot
This way, you charge your phone while tethering using USB, your laptop is on the web, and others can connect to the internet via the Wifi hotspot on your laptop. It is a win-win-win situation
d. Finally, if you don't want to be annoyed in the future and redo all these again (which may or may not work anymore as they may close the door), turn of AT&T Software update. Follow the steps here:
Stopping AT&T Auto Software Update
Download and install "App Quarantine ROOT/FREEZE" from Play Store.
Open the app and go to settings by tapping on the wrench icon at the top right of the screen.
Uncheck the "Hide system services" option.
Go back to the app and select "AT&T Software update".
Tap on the lock icon on the top right of the screen.
It may ask you to enable the USB debugging.
Feel safe from AT&T's new attack
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
Again, many thanks to those who put the information together, and to those who tried it and proved it worked. You guys are great! Happy new year and happy tethering!
Good job!
I'm sure a lot of people will benefit from this.
I can verify that this method works perfectly for my ATT S4 Active ML2 - thank you!!!
Just found this thread today, I've been planning on rooting my phone for some time now and tethering is one of the biggest reasons why.
I just wanted to confirm that this fix has allowed you to tether using the native tethering function in android with an unlimited (grandfathered) AT&T data plan and you haven't had any problems with AT&T harassing you about it. I'm in the same boat and don't want to lose my unlimited data as I've heard as happened to some people.
Also thanks for the guide!
Does anyone know if this will work on non samsung AT&T phones. Like the HTC M8?
ProdigalHacker said:
Just found this thread today, I've been planning on rooting my phone for some time now and tethering is one of the biggest reasons why.
I just wanted to confirm that this fix has allowed you to tether using the native tethering function in android with an unlimited (grandfathered) AT&T data plan and you haven't had any problems with AT&T harassing you about it. I'm in the same boat and don't want to lose my unlimited data as I've heard as happened to some people.
Also thanks for the guide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it works fine with the AT&T unlimited data plan.
So have a tmo note 3 and a dell xps 12. Both have nfc and can detect when they get close to each other.... this is where my knowledge ends. I have googled with no luck so would appreciate more than "just search". Giving me keywords to search for is a good option too.
So what I want to happen is phone and pc unlocks when I bring them together. And possibly connect airdroid or something similar between them so I can use my phones features on my pc without plugging in anything. If anyone wants to just point me in the direction of some cool programs that use nfc for windows that would be great also.
rans0m00 said:
So have a tmo note 3 and a dell xps 12. Both have nfc and can detect when they get close to each other.... this is where my knowledge ends. I have googled with no luck so would appreciate more than "just search". Giving me keywords to search for is a good option too.
So what I want to happen is phone and pc unlocks when I bring them together. And possibly connect airdroid or something similar between them so I can use my phones features on my pc without plugging in anything. If anyone wants to just point me in the direction of some cool programs that use nfc for windows that would be great also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NFC available bandwidth is pretty limited I believe. The features that let you direct-transfer files between Android devices by touching them uses NFC to set up Wifi Direct connections, so all the *cool* apps like Airdroid just use wifi.
apraetor said:
The NFC available bandwidth is pretty limited I believe. The features that let you direct-transfer files between Android devices by touching them uses NFC to set up Wifi Direct connections, so all the *cool* apps like Airdroid just use wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep yep I meant more like them telling each other "Hey! He is using both of us... thats silly.... why don't I load up airdroid so he can quit wasting battery life on both of us?" Without me having to do anything except initially set them up to do that.... just cant figure out anything when it comes to the nfc between the two.
rans0m00 said:
Yep yep I meant more like them telling each other "Hey! He is using both of us... thats silly.... why don't I load up airdroid so he can quit wasting battery life on both of us?" Without me having to do anything except initially set them up to do that.... just cant figure out anything when it comes to the nfc between the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Airdroid itself can be configured to start automatically when a specified wifi SSID is present.
If you really want to use NFC for unlocking, then you need to read these instructions.
Wasnt sure where to put this, seems like the Mini is usually included with things involving the Ultra.
So I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the Droid Mini with Verizon. Thankfully the onscreen keyboard is far superior to my Droid 4.
It is currently unhacked, rooted, etc...All stock, aside from the handful of apps I installed for regular use.
1. my D4 I could freely turn the GPS/Location off/on with the power bar. Turning it back on just sent it right back into working operation. On my Mini it will not let me turn it off completely with the power bar, instead I am forced to go into settings and disable it. That then prompts warnings about how the world will blow up if my phone doesnt know my location. I am then prompted to agree to the notices every time I re-enable GPS/Location. Is there any way to make it behave "silently" like on my D4?
2. Sync and data seems "spotty". The Mini will show full 4g connection, but apps will not sync or update like they would on my D4. Gmail, G-Voice, Facebook, etc. I have to go in and manually update them or I will recieve notifications hours afterwards, and usually all at once. Even browsing Facebook via the browser is spotty. Is there some way to force these things to stay up to date like on my D4? Texting with g-voice and FB worked nearly instantly on the D4. I'm assuming there is some sort of data and battery preservation going on that might need disabled? I do notice that when I drag the menu down from the top it shows my "4g" in Orange, not sure what that means?
3. Chrome browser doesnt seem "touch-friendly". I preferred using the android browser on my D4, and it had the touch menu that would pop up from the sides and allow me to easily move around the web. Chrome seems to browse the web much much bettter, but lacking those touch controls is annoying.
4. The camera app is lacking in options that my D4 had, is an aftermarket camera app my only option?
5. I had an app on my D4 that is apparently no longer available. Is it possible to save it from the D4 and then install it on the Mini?
6. FoxFi wifi no longer works, but it seems to be a known issue at this point.
Overall I'm very happy with the Droid Mini, great performance. I wish it had an SD slot, but otherwise quite happy!
rubenk_ said:
Wasnt sure where to put this, seems like the Mini is usually included with things involving the Ultra.
So I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the Droid Mini with Verizon. Thankfully the onscreen keyboard is far superior to my Droid 4.
It is currently unhacked, rooted, etc...All stock, aside from the handful of apps I installed for regular use.
1. my D4 I could freely turn the GPS/Location off/on with the power bar. Turning it back on just sent it right back into working operation. On my Mini it will not let me turn it off completely with the power bar, instead I am forced to go into settings and disable it. That then prompts warnings about how the world will blow up if my phone doesnt know my location. I am then prompted to agree to the notices every time I re-enable GPS/Location. Is there any way to make it behave "silently" like on my D4?
2. Sync and data seems "spotty". The Mini will show full 4g connection, but apps will not sync or update like they would on my D4. Gmail, G-Voice, Facebook, etc. I have to go in and manually update them or I will recieve notifications hours afterwards, and usually all at once. Even browsing Facebook via the browser is spotty. Is there some way to force these things to stay up to date like on my D4? Texting with g-voice and FB worked nearly instantly on the D4. I'm assuming there is some sort of data and battery preservation going on that might need disabled? I do notice that when I drag the menu down from the top it shows my "4g" in Orange, not sure what that means?
3. Chrome browser doesnt seem "touch-friendly". I preferred using the android browser on my D4, and it had the touch menu that would pop up from the sides and allow me to easily move around the web. Chrome seems to browse the web much much bettter, but lacking those touch controls is annoying.
4. The camera app is lacking in options that my D4 had, is an aftermarket camera app my only option?
5. I had an app on my D4 that is apparently no longer available. Is it possible to save it from the D4 and then install it on the Mini?
6. FoxFi wifi no longer works, but it seems to be a known issue at this point.
Overall I'm very happy with the Droid Mini, great performance. I wish it had an SD slot, but otherwise quite happy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my "no root" links. Start with notification toggles for easy settings access. My signature button.
aviwdoowks said:
See my "no root" links. Start with notification toggles for easy settings access. My signature button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Anybody else have some input please?
rubenk_ said:
Wasnt sure where to put this, seems like the Mini is usually included with things involving the Ultra.
So I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the Droid Mini with Verizon. Thankfully the onscreen keyboard is far superior to my Droid 4.
It is currently unhacked, rooted, etc...All stock, aside from the handful of apps I installed for regular use.
1. my D4 I could freely turn the GPS/Location off/on with the power bar. Turning it back on just sent it right back into working operation. On my Mini it will not let me turn it off completely with the power bar, instead I am forced to go into settings and disable it. That then prompts warnings about how the world will blow up if my phone doesnt know my location. I am then prompted to agree to the notices every time I re-enable GPS/Location. Is there any way to make it behave "silently" like on my D4?
2. Sync and data seems "spotty". The Mini will show full 4g connection, but apps will not sync or update like they would on my D4. Gmail, G-Voice, Facebook, etc. I have to go in and manually update them or I will recieve notifications hours afterwards, and usually all at once. Even browsing Facebook via the browser is spotty. Is there some way to force these things to stay up to date like on my D4? Texting with g-voice and FB worked nearly instantly on the D4. I'm assuming there is some sort of data and battery preservation going on that might need disabled? I do notice that when I drag the menu down from the top it shows my "4g" in Orange, not sure what that means?
3. Chrome browser doesnt seem "touch-friendly". I preferred using the android browser on my D4, and it had the touch menu that would pop up from the sides and allow me to easily move around the web. Chrome seems to browse the web much much bettter, but lacking those touch controls is annoying.
4. The camera app is lacking in options that my D4 had, is an aftermarket camera app my only option?
5. I had an app on my D4 that is apparently no longer available. Is it possible to save it from the D4 and then install it on the Mini?
6. FoxFi wifi no longer works, but it seems to be a known issue at this point.
Overall I'm very happy with the Droid Mini, great performance. I wish it had an SD slot, but otherwise quite happy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you requested additional input...
1. Without root, there is no "silent" method of doing this. If you were rooted - easy.
2. No idea. I've heard of a few people having such "sync" issues, and a full reset or a full SBF to stock solved it for them. Haven't had any sync issues personally.
3. Try another browser. Lots of people recommend "Boat browser"
4. AFAIK, no aftermarket camera will be one bit better than the stock camera app.
5. Try to download the APK from somewhere online and manually install it with ADB... Again, if you were rooted, you could easily backup the app from your old phone and restore with TiBu or similar.
6. Nothing you can do about this without root. You can use USB tethering - PDAnet or Clockworkmod tether will work for you.
Good Luck
samwathegreat said:
Since you requested additional input...
1. Without root, there is no "silent" method of doing this. If you were rooted - easy.
2. No idea. I've heard of a few people having such "sync" issues, and a full reset or a full SBF to stock solved it for them. Haven't had any sync issues personally.
3. Try another browser. Lots of people recommend "Boat browser"
4. AFAIK, no aftermarket camera will be one bit better than the stock camera app.
5. Try to download the APK from somewhere online and manually install it with ADB... Again, if you were rooted, you could easily backup the app from your old phone and restore with TiBu or similar.
6. Nothing you can do about this without root. You can use USB tethering - PDAnet or Clockworkmod tether will work for you.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!! I am not opposed to rooting the D4 or the Mini. I had my Moto Droid rooted and rommed, so its not completely new territory, i'm just out of the loop lately.
My data seems to have stabilized, think it was just a few reboots needed, but still not trusting it yet. I'll look into the other items you mentioned as well.
4. The google camera app is quite good, and has exposure controls, etc., that the stock Moto camera lacks. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.GoogleCamera
doogald said:
4. The google camera app is quite good, and has exposure controls, etc., that the stock Moto camera lacks. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.GoogleCamera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree I use this app on almost all my devices.
Is anyone else having trouble with getting this feature to work? I have my android watch paired, and my home set as a trusted zone, but still have to enter my pin every time.
Works fine with my watch and car. I don't use location based, so I can't comment there.
This is an android feature I beleive. The "home" location address never worked on my s5. So I never bothered with it on this note5. So I just used the other options.
On another note (pun) samsung has a widget that will display apps based on where you are, and you can set that up with wifi networks! Which is so much better. Hopefully either they, or google, move in this direction.
On another note (pun#2) there's always tasker.
I have the watch and home location function working on Note 4
Sent from my Samsung Note 4
I was looking to get an S3. What I wanted to know is can the watch be connected to the app store and download faces/apps without a phone either over wifi or if an LTE version over the network? Such as if you get a tablet, you can use it fine with just a wifi connection, you don't need to pair those to a phone. I ask because for one I don't have the latest phone of the month (Sammy seems to snub those with phone models older than a year - slight exaggeration but not much). The other thing is that I want to be able to leave the phone home at times and still be able to browse for watch faces etc over wifi.
I really don't care about notifications or email (I don't get that many) nor to I want to pay for things with the watch. When I really need to do those things I don't find using the phone that much work. I just want the watch to use as a watch, and have some helpful apps to use when not carrying my phone, is it possible?
Out the box, the Gear S3 can be setup and used by itself, without ever connecting to a smartphone. I call this independent mode. It can make and receive phone calls and messages, tell time, date, and weather, be an alarm clock, set reminders, and monitor fitness (i.e. sleep, HR, steps). I operated this way for a couple of weeks after getting the watch.
Additional functionality is gained if you have a phone (tablets won't work) that is capable of running Gear Manager. This is necessary if you want to install and apps including watchfaces. The watch doesn't need to be constantly connected to the phone. There are two ways additional ways to leave the phone behind. In standalone mode, the watch is disconnected from the phone, but downloaded apps remain available. In remote connect mode, the phone communicates with the watch via cellular network, allowing notifications to pass through.
I use the S3 as my primary phone. I have a cheap Samsung phone that's used exclusively for the setup and management of the watch. I use a tablet for tasks (ie. content creation, computing, media consumption) that require a larger screen.
afblangley said:
Out the box, the Gear S3 can be setup and used by itself, without ever connecting to a smartphone. I call this independent mode. It can make and receive phone calls and messages, tell time, date, and weather, be an alarm clock, set reminders, and monitor fitness (i.e. sleep, HR, steps). I operated this way for a couple of weeks after getting the watch.
Additional functionality is gained if you have a phone (tablets won't work) that is capable of running Gear Manager. This is necessary if you want to install and apps including watchfaces. The watch doesn't need to be constantly connected to the phone. There are two ways additional ways to leave the phone behind. In standalone mode, the watch is disconnected from the phone, but downloaded apps remain available. In remote connect mode, the phone communicates with the watch via cellular network, allowing notifications to pass through.
I use the S3 as my primary phone. I have a cheap Samsung phone that's used exclusively for the setup and management of the watch. I use a tablet for tasks (ie. content creation, computing, media consumption) that require a larger screen.
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So unlike a tablet Samsung locks you out of the app store on the actual watch even if LTE if you don't have a phone connected? That seems kind of dumb and limiting especially since the supported phone list is so small. Is it just because browsing apps on the watch is too difficult maybe?
I wonder if this will change, I can get apps on a tablet through wifi I don't see why not with the watch. This watch seems like a mini tablet that tells time.
afblangley said:
Out the box, the Gear S3 can be setup and used by itself, without ever connecting to a smartphone. I call this independent mode. It can make and receive phone calls and messages, tell time, date, and weather, be an alarm clock, set reminders, and monitor fitness (i.e. sleep, HR, steps). I operated this way for a couple of weeks after getting the watch.
Additional functionality is gained if you have a phone (tablets won't work) that is capable of running Gear Manager. This is necessary if you want to install and apps including watchfaces. The watch doesn't need to be constantly connected to the phone. There are two ways additional ways to leave the phone behind. In standalone mode, the watch is disconnected from the phone, but downloaded apps remain available. In remote connect mode, the phone communicates with the watch via cellular network, allowing notifications to pass through.
I use the S3 as my primary phone. I have a cheap Samsung phone that's used exclusively for the setup and management of the watch. I use a tablet for tasks (ie. content creation, computing, media consumption) that require a larger screen.
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Are you sure my friend that it can make and receive calls and send messages without it being connected to the phone via bluetooth??i got mine s3 a week ago...i love it really, but it doesn't do these things when not connected ro the phone (s6 edge plus)...
Just saw, i have the bluetooth s3 frontier version and not the LTE version...so i guess that's why it has to be connected to the phone via bluetooth...
My only problem is that i can not connect to my phone via wi-fi...whenever i activate this option on my phone, it crashes with the message gear S pluggin has stopped working...any clues ?
Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk
afblangley said:
Out the box, the Gear S3 can be setup and used by itself, without ever connecting to a smartphone. I call this independent mode. It can make and receive phone calls and messages, tell time, date, and weather, be an alarm clock, set reminders, and monitor fitness (i.e. sleep, HR, steps). I operated this way for a couple of weeks after getting the watch.
Additional functionality is gained if you have a phone (tablets won't work) that is capable of running Gear Manager. This is necessary if you want to install and apps including watchfaces. The watch doesn't need to be constantly connected to the phone. There are two ways additional ways to leave the phone behind. In standalone mode, the watch is disconnected from the phone, but downloaded apps remain available. In remote connect mode, the phone communicates with the watch via cellular network, allowing notifications to pass through.
I use the S3 as my primary phone. I have a cheap Samsung phone that's used exclusively for the setup and management of the watch. I use a tablet for tasks (ie. content creation, computing, media consumption) that require a larger screen.
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Are these stand alone functions also available if you have the wifi version and no LTE?
I don't have any experience with the S3 BT model. I can only speak to the capability of the Frontier LTE. This watch is a phone. It has functionality that's probably comparable to a basic flip phone. It comes preloaded with apps for phone, messaging, contacts, S Health, weather, reminders, and a few others. When the eSIM is activated, it can perform tasks associated with these apps immediately upon startup. No phone is required.
When the watch is setup via Gear Manager, it installs software that enables additional apps to be installed and gains greater functionality. Most of which remains even when the watch is disconnected from the phone.
Gear Manger compatibility isn't limited to Samsung phones, it can be installed many Android phones, but not tablets. Not even Samsung tablets.
afblangley said:
I don't have any experience with the S3 BT model. I can only speak to the capability of the Frontier LTE. This watch is a phone. It has functionality that's probably comparable to a basic flip phone. It comes preloaded with apps for phone, messaging, contacts, S Health, weather, reminders, and a few others. When the eSIM is activated, it can perform tasks associated with these apps immediately upon startup. No phone is required.
When the watch is setup via Gear Manager, it installs software that enables additional apps to be installed and gains greater functionality. Most of which remains even when the watch is disconnected from the phone.
Gear Manger compatibility isn't limited to Samsung phones, it can be installed many Android phones, but not tablets. Not even Samsung tablets.
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If the watch is basically a phone then why couldn't I directly install apps/faces etc from the watch? It doesn't make much sense to me. If I install apps on a phone I do't need another phone to install things on the first one. It seems like Samsung is just too lazy to make an app on the watch to do it, or they want everyone to have to buy a new phone to use the watch (and hopefully a big percentage will buy a Samsung phone wink wink).
I wonder what the free space on the watch memory/storage is between the BT and LTE versons? If the LTE has more stuff installed I wonder if user memory is less?
I'm one of the few who use an S3 as my primary phone. I too wish that the S3 was a more independent device. But as it stands right now, it's the most capable smartwatch available (excluding watches running full Android made by a few small manufacturers). I hope that it paves the way for more standalone offerings by Apple and Android Wear watch makers.
I have a gear s3 lte Att e-sim unlocked. How can I activated with ATT GO PHONE or any other carrier Cricket,Tmobile? I am not an att customer. Thank you!
handrade773 said:
I have a gear s3 lte Att e-sim unlocked. How can I activated with ATT GO PHONE or any other carrier Cricket,Tmobile? I am not an att customer. Thank you!
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Since the eSIM is provisioned via programming, Cricket and MVNOs don't have the system to do it. So that's a no go.
Theoretically, T-Mobile should be able to do it because they also sell the watch. The difficulty is finding an employee who knows how to do it, since the IMEI won't be in their database. Getting it on a wearable line instead of a smartphone (more expensive) or tablet (no talk) plan will be an additional obstacle.
Putting the watch on GoPhone is also technically doable, someone on this forum or Android Central said they did it. I think they called CS with the IMEI and ICCID. Perhaps they will chime in on exactly how they were able to get it done.
I called ATT CS and I was able to activated on $30 plan ($25 Auto).
AFBLANGLEY, does the phone that you use to set up and manage the watch with, does that phone need to have a service plan?
Thanks, Dan
Dudical said:
AFBLANGLEY, does the phone that you use to set up and manage the watch with, does that phone need to have a service plan?
Thanks, Dan
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No, it doesn't need a SIM. As long as the phone is connected to a WiFi network, the watch can remotely connect to it. My phone sits docked permanently, right next to the router.
afblangley said:
No, it doesn't need a SIM. As long as the phone is connected to a WiFi network, the watch can remotely connect to it. My phone sits docked permanently, right next to the router.
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Are you able to utilize apps like spotify and audible from the phone that is connected back home? I am going to attempt to use the same set up as you and keep my Iphone as primary phone. I just would like to get all notifications and be able to respond with the GS3 as well.
jmr5x said:
Are you able to utilize apps like spotify and audible from the phone that is connected back home? I am going to attempt to use the same set up as you and keep my Iphone as primary phone. I just would like to get all notifications and be able to respond with the GS3 as well.
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It's my understanding that if you have a Spotify premium account, you can stream directly to the watch, but I'm not a Spotify user. I don't believe that there is an Audible app for Tizen.
In terms of messages, email and notifications, yes they will be passed through as long as the watch is remotely connected to the "host" phone.
What you're wanting to do will work fine. The reason I have the setup is because I use a tablet and it is incompatible with the S3.
afblangley said:
It's my understanding that if you have a Spotify premium account, you can stream directly to the watch, but I'm not a Spotify user. I don't believe that there is an Audible app for Tizen.
In terms of messages, email and notifications, yes they will be passed through as long as the watch is remotely connected to the "host" phone.
What you're wanting to do will work fine. The reason I have the setup is because I use a tablet and it is incompatible with the S3.
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This is exciting news. Do you happen to have a link that describers your experience using the setup with additional phone? I would be interested to know some details but hate to pick your brain if its already out on the interwebs.
Im guessing that the tablet has no connection and never has to the GS3?
Are you using the tablet with google voice number for calls and messaging? I was contemplating on how I could link my Verizon number on the iPhone to the android at home near the router.
Does your gear s3 still count the steps without connection with the phone? Mine stops with bt and wifi turned off.