Possible way to get Android Wear onto Gear S2? - Samsung Gear S2

So, just out of curiosity and from a technical point of view: Would it in any way, shape or form be possible to run Android Wear on the Gear S2? Or, let's start by saying is it even "developer friendly" in that aspect?
I've never used a Tizen device so far and I don't know the technical aspects behind it but from what I've read and heard so far it's pretty limited in functions and so on.

EpicLPer said:
So, just out of curiosity and from a technical point of view: Would it in any way, shape or form be possible to run Android Wear on the Gear S2? Or, let's start by saying is it even "developer friendly" in that aspect?
I've never used a Tizen device so far and I don't know the technical aspects behind it but from what I've read and heard so far it's pretty limited in functions and so on.
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Click to collapse
Theoretically it should be possible, but a few guys have been trying to do this on the Gear S and haven't got it working right yet. They made progress though, so maybe one day but personally I wouldn't hold my breath.

if they ever got Android wear ported over to the Gear S2 and working in a reliable manner the S2 will be old and outdated.
in my own use case Android wear offered be very very little functionality that can't be matched or improved on when running Tizen on the S2. (better voice dictation, auto sending replies when replying to a hangouts message or something else)

Related

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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Click to collapse
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"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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?

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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Click to collapse
Thank you for the insight. Are you running with a galaxy phone or something else?
s7 edge
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---------- 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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Click to collapse
I have the Gear1, Gear2, GearS2 and use Tizen for about 3 years. I think I can count on the finger on ONE hand the new apps for Tizen since 3 years, so.......

Willing to Pay for android wear port

Cut dry plain & simple.
Im offering anywhere between 300-$500 for someone to port android wear to the Gear S2 Classic and have it fully function.
Im tired of Tizen and if i gotta dish out some extra cash to get better functionality from my watch then i will. This is no joke. you can PM me, or just leave comments below. I need android wear and so does the community. :good:
Why you bought smartwatches with Tizen, if you want Android Wear? Sorry, I don't get it.
Obvious question: Why not buy a Android Wear watch with your money?
Less obvious question: Why do you have a payment range?
pRo_lama said:
Why you bought smartwatches with Tizen, if you want Android Wear? Sorry, I don't get it.
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i bought it because it was my first Samsung watch with tizen so i had no pre-experience with tizen and i wanted to give it a try. I like tizen, but there's limited functionality so i like android wear more, the watch has more than enough horse power to run android wear.
its like asking why do ppl buy touchwiz enabled phones just to use AOSP roms. people want what they want.
GodzillaMonster said:
Obvious question: Why not buy a Android Wear watch with your money?
Less obvious question: Why do you have a payment range?
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Click to collapse
well 1. because i wanna keep my watch and have android wear on it. i love the s2's design over anyother watch and its more than capable spec wise to run android wear.
2. because i understand how hard devs work and i also understand the time and effort it takes to make something like this and to have it work 100%. its not easy for all of them. so i figure offering a nice wad of cash would peek someones interest and motivate them to do it. devs work hard and alot of times for free to give us amazing things. so for someone to do that for me and an entire community at that? id be willing to pay.
none24 said:
well 1. because i wanna keep my watch and have android wear on it. i love the s2's design over anyother watch and its more than capable spec wise to run android wear.
2. because i understand how hard devs work and i also understand the time and effort it takes to make something like this and to have it work 100%. its not easy for all of them. so i figure offering a nice wad of cash would peek someones interest and motivate them to do it. devs work hard and alot of times for free to give us amazing things. so for someone to do that for me and an entire community at that? id be willing to pay.
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Click to collapse
Understood.
I also think the design is great - not sure what Android Wear function you'd want to have the navigation ring perform - is there a good equivalent in Android wear's UI?
I'm part of the community and don't really want Android wear on my S2 - so perhaps 'entire community' is an assumption or projection.
Your sentiment for remuneration is admirable - but I was curious about the range ($300-$500), not the cash itself. Under what criteria would you donate $300 as opposed to $500? The reason I ask is that you are effectively saying "Spend 500 hours on something for me and I'll pay you for between 4 and 6 hours of that time, depending on... ? ".
none24 said:
Cut dry plain & simple.
Im offering anywhere between 300-$500 for someone to port android wear to the Gear S2 Classic and have it fully function.
Im tired of Tizen and if i gotta dish out some extra cash to get better functionality from my watch then i will. This is no joke. you can PM me, or just leave comments below. I need android wear and so does the community. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got 50 on it thinking about sending biktor my s2 when I get my s3 if he's willing I'll pm him
What im saying is id donate that much to have a fully functioning version not just at whatever i see appear. Of course i dont mean the whole community wants it but if you look in the android wear for gear s2 thread there's a lot of ppl there that really want it. and i think it sucks that ppl cant enjoy one or the other. and the navigation ring should have scrolling features. in android wear you can go left right up and down in the menus, and in tizen you can do the same in certain menus, so the ring should be able to scroll left and right or up and down in the menus the same way. im in no way saying Tizen sucks, but i also dont see anything wrong with wanting extra functionality when almost all of us root our phones and install custom roms. almost every other gear watch has android wear whether its official or a dev ported it, i just wanna see it for my watch and for the others who do want it, have them enjoy they're watch even more than they do. I personally can get more out of my watch with android wear, and i love it already i just want to love it more lol
I definitely understand the OP's statement. I love my Gear S2 for casual wear (back and forth to work) and I use my Huawei Watch to go out.
Tizen vs Android Wear is a huge difference. I love how large the Android Wear development community is compared to Tizen. I love the hardware on the Gear S2, mainly the built in ambient light sensor and rotating bezel.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
none24 said:
What im saying is id donate that much to have a fully functioning version not just at whatever i see appear. Of course i dont mean the whole community wants it but if you look in the android wear for gear s2 thread there's a lot of ppl there that really want it. and i think it sucks that ppl cant enjoy one or the other. and the navigation ring should have scrolling features. in android wear you can go left right up and down in the menus, and in tizen you can do the same in certain menus, so the ring should be able to scroll left and right or up and down in the menus the same way. im in no way saying Tizen sucks, but i also dont see anything wrong with wanting extra functionality when almost all of us root our phones and install custom roms. almost every other gear watch has android wear whether its official or a dev ported it, i just wanna see it for my watch and for the others who do want it, have them enjoy they're watch even more than they do. I personally can get more out of my watch with android wear, and i love it already i just want to love it more lol
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Click to collapse
I understand the issue better now. Thanks.
Perhaps I am not a typical user - I use my watch to view notifications, set timers, track steps walked, check the weather and of course tell the time. This is a lot of functionality, it all works, and it pretty sufficient (for me) for a single device.
You say you 'need' Android Wear and will be able to get more out of your watch. What will the new OS specifically let you do? If it is install more apps, specifically which AW apps will you install?
GodzillaMonster said:
I understand the issue better now. Thanks.
Perhaps I am not a typical user - I use my watch to view notifications, set timers, track steps walked, check the weather and of course tell the time. This is a lot of functionality, it all works, and it pretty sufficient (for me) for a single device.
You say you 'need' Android Wear and will be able to get more out of your watch. What will the new OS specifically let you do? If it is install more apps, specifically which AW apps will you install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install more apps and to answer the question of specifics, there are none in specific, people have apps in the android wear section that they personally love, where as tizen has a lack of. it also makes things like creating my own watch faces & installing them easier, and you can also make certain apps compatible with your watch that are not. and because my watch has 4G I can also install a web browser. thats just scratching some surfaces. side loading apps that devs make is another big thing. i buy android phones because i can customize them however i want to make my experience better and I feel like Tizen is too restricting and not too much supported with the lack of apps as well as not really being able to be modded. It works, but i would much rather have android on my watch where i could do more and make things easier and get more bang for my buck.
none24 said:
Install more apps and to answer the question of specifics, there are none in specific, people have apps in the android wear section that they personally love, where as tizen has a lack of. it also makes things like creating my own watch faces & installing them easier, and you can also make certain apps compatible with your watch that are not. and because my watch has 4G I can also install a web browser. thats just scratching some surfaces. side loading apps that devs make is another big thing. i buy android phones because i can customize them however i want to make my experience better and I feel like Tizen is too restricting and not too much supported with the lack of apps as well as not really being able to be modded. It works, but i would much rather have android on my watch where i could do more and make things easier and get more bang for my buck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. I guess my understanding fails here.
It seems to be that you want the flexibility to do things that you can't really specify, but feel there is potential there and you would like to have that potential, regardless of how useful it is will be, and with no particular personal usage problem to solve.
Ah, first-world problems are fascinating
Best of luck with the search for purposeless flexibility!
Google Now! Google maps!
S voice is terrible
Lot of various reasons to want android wear
The S2 might be lacking in the app department, but I think Android Wear is just decent at best, and Google Cards are annoying as hell. A good portion of Wear apps don't work as flawless as people make it out to be. Grass is always greener.
What I would like is for Samsung to get serious and get Bank, Credit Card, Social Media, and other misc services to develop apps for Samsung Tizen watches, like Apple does.
Google now! To hell with the cards just want the voice capabilities. If this watch had that it would be perfect even without android wear
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
LIVEFRMNYC said:
The S2 might be lacking in the app department, but I think Android Wear is just decent at best, and Google Cards are annoying as hell. A good portion of Wear apps don't work as flawless as people make it out to be. Grass is always greener.
What I would like is for Samsung to get serious and get Bank, Credit Card, Social Media, and other misc services to develop apps for Samsung Tizen watches, like Apple does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you OWN an Android wear watch? I own both the Gear S2 and Huawei Watch and the software on the Huawei Watch is way more intuitive and it has a ton more of 3rd party development.
FYI I wear my Gear S2 as my daily driver because I don't mind scratching/damaging it. It definitely works. My biggest gripe is lack of development and the placement of the back button vs the home button.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
OuncE718 said:
Do you OWN an Android wear watch? I own both the Gear S2 and Huawei Watch and the software on the Huawei Watch is way more intuitive and it has a ton more of 3rd party development.
FYI I wear my Gear S2 as my daily driver because I don't mind scratching/damaging it. It definitely works. My biggest gripe is lack of development and the placement of the back button vs the home button.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have owned the Gear Live and still have the 360(first smart watch I've owned). The last 2 years I've been wearing a Gear Neo 2 almost daily. And now the S2. Barely wore the Gear Live or 360. I just don't like the way Android Wear works for me. As much as I hate the "walled garden approach", I think it works great on a smartwatch.

Future of Gear S series and Tizen

So my question is basically will the future watch (or watches) from Samsung will be also using the Tizen system and will Samsung continue to support and the devices?
Or will it be like in other experiments where after a couple of versions the company moved to a different system and abandoned the old one.
I am asking this because i have been burned before with the HTC HD2 (LEO) that came with win6.5 and lost support after about a year (give or take) luck would have it that it could be outfitted with android and be used for a few more years but i don't think that this will be the case with watches.
So do you guys think that there is a future to Tizen and that the app store will continue to grow and improve and Samsung will continue to update the software? or will it switch for example to androidware next year and we might be stuck with a 400$ unsupported outdated watch that gets no new apps what so ever. (windows even closed down the app store for the win 6.5 at some point)..........
Hope to hear your thoughts o the matter before I go and buy one
It's tough to say... We're in a very weird spot. I would guess the Gear S3 is probably the best selling wearable, most desirable and IMO, most well rounded smartwatch. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like developers are knocking the door down to create apps. The scary part is, the S2 has been out for a while and it doesn't seem like much has been accomplished. Let's hope that these developers see the value in the S3 and we can get some basic apps added.
tnt2sniper said:
It's tough to say... We're in a very weird spot. I would guess the Gear S3 is probably the best selling wearable, most desirable and IMO, most well rounded smartwatch. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like developers are knocking the door down to create apps. The scary part is, the S2 has been out for a while and it doesn't seem like much has been accomplished. Let's hope that these developers see the value in the S3 and we can get some basic apps added.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tizen is an experiment - not much promotion by Samsung. The watch is a beautiful piece of hardware but as usual, Samsung is being devious - there is NOT 4 Gb of memory available but only 1.5 Gb - the rest is taken up by bloat - watchfaces that many won't use, S-Health that cannot be removed, etc.
Typical - they think they know what we want and never listen to customers - IMHO, these watches will (are?) not gaining market traction and are a solutoion looking for a problem to solve. Maybe some folks just want notifications, SMS, Email and not how many steps they walked today?
docfreed said:
Tizen is an experiment - not much promotion by Samsung. The watch is a beautiful piece of hardware but as usual, Samsung is being devious - there is NOT 4 Gb of memory available but only 1.5 Gb - the rest is taken up by bloat - watchfaces that many won't use, S-Health that cannot be removed, etc.
Typical - they think they know what we want and never listen to customers - IMHO, these watches will (are?) not gaining market traction and are a solutoion looking for a problem to solve. Maybe some folks just want notifications, SMS, Email and not how many steps they walked today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my S3 for a few weeks now and love it but I have to admit that after having several Android watches, the support for apps is so much better. With the S3, you are pretty much stuck using all Samsung apps which sucks.
docfreed said:
Tizen is an experiment - not much promotion by Samsung. The watch is a beautiful piece of hardware but as usual, Samsung is being devious - there is NOT 4 Gb of memory available but only 1.5 Gb - the rest is taken up by bloat - watchfaces that many won't use, S-Health that cannot be removed, etc.
Typical - they think they know what we want and never listen to customers - IMHO, these watches will (are?) not gaining market traction and are a solutoion looking for a problem to solve. Maybe some folks just want notifications, SMS, Email and not how many steps they walked today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it is not just Samsung that does crap like that (forced apps etc). Even Pebble had watch faces that you couldn't remove if you wanted. Most every phone/tablet has bloat you can't remove. I don't understand this mentality and why they won't let the user make their own decisions, I guess they think we are all too dumb to know what we want. Maybe users aren't vocal enough and since no one complains they keep doing what they do thinking everyone likes it.
I have an issue with the S3 where when not connected to phone I get that distracting watch icon that ruins the look of watchfaces and can't be turned off. I guess Samsung never thought anyone would use the watch without being tethered to the phone constantly even though they allow it to be used standalone. I suppose they also never thought putting a big white icon over the 12:00 position on all faces would bother anyone, go figure.
As far as Tizen who knows I guess it depends on how easy it is to port to it from android and how popular it gets. Apple watch OS is only Apple and they succeeded being a separate OS.
I have been wondering the same. Whats the future of this platform? The gear s2 has been out for a while, and still pretty much the same. I mean not even google has any apps for tizen. What if this is a dying platform? What if once android wear gets next big release, samsung decides, oh we are done with tizen?
Sent from J's Droid
InfiniteDrag said:
I have been wondering the same. Whats the future of this platform? The gear s2 has been out for a while, and still pretty much the same. I mean not even google has any apps for tizen. What if this is a dying platform? What if once android wear gets next big release, samsung decides, oh we are done with tizen?
Sent from J's Droid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Blackberry OS10 and Windows Mobile!
That is exactly my point...
I mean the watch looks beautiful and I think it's one of the best looking smart watches out there, and I also love the bezel use.
I had experience with Windows Mobile and Windows 8 rt and this is why I am not buying the watch yet.
I don't buy and don't intend to buy a new watch every year, I replace watches only when needed or every several years and I am kinda of scared on spending almost 400€ ( I live in germany) on a watch that will become irrelevant and not useful in a year or less.
Just like the HTC hd2 was replaced by an android version after less then a year ....
A big problem I see is our community is very scattered. Basically, I migrate between xda and android central. I've had android wear and after having this watch, I really don't want to go back, but unfortunately will have to of the app selection doesn't grow. I use this watch as a standalone sometimes and I need certain apps.
Man i dunno. I guess we probably have to just wait and see. If samsung sees money in this thing, they might invest enough. And who knows. Wish we had a way to attract developers for tizen.
Thank you all for the answers
I guess that at least for now i will remain on the fence.....
I cant afford and nor do I want to spend almost 400Euro's on a watch that I will need to replace in a year because of lack of support and lack of development......

Is there any cutom ROM development for the Gear S3? If not, why not?

I have browsed around briefly in the Gear S3 section of the xda Forums but in general, there does not seem to be much activity in the area of ROM development for the Gear S3. (Just official ROMs?)
Is there such as a thing as "root" for the S3 and and any sort of development like we see on Android based phones?
It seems that Samsung has little interest in listening to their customers and bringing missing functionality to their Tizen based watches, or at least addressing some of the issues that some of us have.
It would be great to see custom ROM development for the S3 as this might allow Devs to bring additional functionality and also to address some of the issues that some of us have.
Byte_76 said:
I have browsed around briefly in the Gear S3 section of the xda Forums but in general, there does not seem to be much activity in the area of ROM development for the Gear S3. (Just official ROMs?)
Is there such as a thing as "root" for the S3 and and any sort of development like we see on Android based phones?
It seems that Samsung has little interest in listening to their customers and bringing missing functionality to their Tizen based watches, or at least addressing some of the issues that some of us have.
It would be great to see custom ROM development for the S3 as this might allow Devs to bring additional functionality and also to address some of the issues that some of us have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There wasn't even any development for the original gear. The closest we got was getting a CM version of android on the watch. I doubt there will be any development for the s3.
Being a smartwatch, therefore having limited application compared to a smartphone, I don't expect much in terms of custom ROMs.
One thing I'm starting to ask myself is whether the hardware would support an Android Wear OS, considering that AW 2.0 has just been released.
Not that I'm unhappy with Tizen (I have the Gear S3 since three weeks only after all); the available apps satisfy my current needs, and I have no software issue at all. I'm just curious.
BTW what would a Tizen rooted smartwatch do, compared to a non-rooted one ?
sandrinopi said:
Being a smartwatch, therefore having limited application compared to a smartphone, I don't expect much in terms of custom ROMs.
One thing I'm starting to ask myself is whether the hardware would support an Android Wear OS, considering that AW 2.0 has just been released.
Not that I'm unhappy with Tizen (I have the Gear S3 since three weeks only after all); the available apps satisfy my current needs, and I have no software issue at all. I'm just curious.
BTW what would a Tizen rooted smartwatch do, compared to a non-rooted one ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, at some point people will start talking about android wear on the gear s3 but i doubt that kind of port will be successful. It hasn't been in the past and also consider that Google said that android wear 2.0 will not work with android pay "if you use nfc payments" if you have a rooted phone. Samsung Pay may not even work since it's baked into the Gear app and will probably experience syncing problems. Rooting Tizen wont give you much more than the capability of adding custom ringtones, nothing major at this point
We don't need a different rom for the gear s3, we need apps and at some point Samsung has to pay some attention to this because i'm tired of supporting this company and not being able to do some very basic things that a smart watch like this should be able to do.
sandrinopi said:
One thing I'm starting to ask myself is whether the hardware would support an Android Wear OS, considering that AW 2.0 has just been released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone is going to invest the time trying to port AW into the S3, because it's easier to do the reverse- copy the S3 form factor. I predict one of the major watch manufacturers is going to release an AW 2.0 watch that looks like the S3, including the rotating bezel (since 2.0 easily accommodates that).
sandrinopi said:
Being a smartwatch, therefore having limited application compared to a smartphone, I don't expect much in terms of custom ROMs.
One thing I'm starting to ask myself is whether the hardware would support an Android Wear OS, considering that AW 2.0 has just been released.
Not that I'm unhappy with Tizen (I have the Gear S3 since three weeks only after all); the available apps satisfy my current needs, and I have no software issue at all. I'm just curious.
BTW what would a Tizen rooted smartwatch do, compared to a non-rooted one ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A rooted device would basically let the user do what they want with the watch. Basic annoyances could be corrected. Things like getting rid of pre installed apps/watch faces you don't use, get rid of standalone icon on watch faces, being able to re arrange ALL icons to where you want etc could then be done. So instead of Samsung dictating what and how things are installed you could have more flexibility to do what you want how you want.
That's all I want. Root, removal of stock apps, replace with the ones I want.

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