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Gear S2 app wish list

Alright guys, let's hear it. So far the app catalog on offer is quite simply appalling. Granted, you don't need a lot of apps on a smartwatch to provide a great experience, but there's some obvious things missing for now.
Here's my wish list for a full package.
Messaging apps: Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger. I don't need a fully fledged app, just the possibility to send a NEW message, not just reply.
Music apps: I use Spotify and would love to be able to scroll through my playlists and the other ways of selecting music. Not just basic music playback controls.
Sleep tracking: There is an app in the store, but looks so amateurish I find it hard to trust it.
Shazam: Would love it!
Google search...: I wouldn't even care that the speech to text would be handled by S-Voice, but give me a way to quickly search something online. Cortana/Siri/Google Now style

I would add these to the list:
Navigation: Being water resistant, this watch would be perfect to keep track of your speed and bearing while sailing. A GPS speed app and a simple Compass app would be lifesavers.
Web browser: One can dream...
Productivity: A decent pdf reader (the one in the story is nearly unusable)

semarac said:
I would add these to the list:
Navigation: Being water resistant, this watch would be perfect to keep track of your speed and bearing while sailing. A GPS speed app and a simple Compass app would be lifesavers.
Web browser: One can dream...
Productivity: A decent pdf reader (the one in the story is nearly unusable)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the Navigation and Productivity, but why would you want to browse the web on a tiny watch screen?

Willyman said:
I understand the Navigation and Productivity, but why would you want to browse the web on a tiny watch screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides the cool factor, i reckon having a web browser would reduce the need for some apps. For instance, we would be able to go on facebook and send messages, use online RSS feed readers like feedly, use WolframAlpha, browse forums, etc! Obviously, using a web browser on such a small screen is bound to be a cumbersome experience. However, on those rare occasions when you cant take your phone out of your pocket (either because it's inappropriate or because you're afraid it will get damaged or lost) having a web browser on the gear s2 would be pretty useful!

Navigation using Here Maps is readily available, but I hope we can get google map or waze available too for navigation....
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

Will receive the gear s2 in a week or two. Would love to have...
Paypal
Whatsapp and/or Line
Spotify
UBER

tasker (with widget), whatsapp (view conversations, reply, create), alarmpad (/set phone alarm, with tasker alarm) gmaps (preferably without companion app), google now Ù

I saw on the spec sheet it has a barometer, I have the 3G version on Verizon, I would love to have (as mentioned above on the first):
Speedometer - as I have an old diesel truck with a speedometer that doesn't work, been using Ulysses Pro
Better Weather App - Would be nice to see the barometer measurements within the weather app
Internet Browser - For those with the 3G version, would be nice on a rare basis, although I agree it would be cumbersome, having the functionality would be nice.
Google Play Music All Access - I pay $10/mo for Google Music, would be nice to have support for that, but I doubt it ever will since its not Android Wear
EDIT: Just looked through the Gear App Store, I see there is a barometer app now available, my bad.

Jesiah said:
Will receive the gear s2 in a week or two. Would love to have...
Paypal
Whatsapp and/or Line
Spotify
UBER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uber is now available on the gear app store (wasn't there a few hours ago, so seems like it was just launched). Just installed and seem to be working nicely (didn't book a car, just checked it's running, finding location etc)

Endomondo
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Guitar tuner. Since there is a mic, this will come in handy
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

bgoh82 said:
Guitar tuner. Since there is a mic, this will come in handy
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaah that's a great idea indeed.
---------- Post added at 11:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------
Avatiach said:
Uber is now available on the gear app store (wasn't there a few hours ago, so seems like it was just launched). Just installed and seem to be working nicely (didn't book a car, just checked it's running, finding location etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know! Thanks.

I wish for the ability to sideload apps, especially Google Apps ie:Android pay, to take advantage of nfc! ! The ability to stream Google music, I have the 4g version! I'm just saying!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

For those interested, eBay app is now also available at the store

Unit converter, currency converter. Currency converter is helpful during travel to convert prices with ease
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

remote camera control

i only wants a countdown app, like the "final countdown" on android.
plus one (or more) watchface, witch count down till the date / time witch i added.
It would be pretty useful for me.

remote camera control. I also use Handcent and currently the app isn't compatible with the S2. I get the notification but have to read it and reply from the phone. For that reason, I had to switch back to the stock messaging app which I hate. Handcent is totally non-responsible on the issue (well on any issue it seems). They quit answering questions/concerns on their facebook page. They now have a google page but you have to request to join. Been waiting 2 1/2 days to get approved to make a comment.

Better KeyBoard

maybe not considered apps, but...
have Wake Up Gesture option: Last Viewed.
ability to add custom ringtones (for 4g model).

New apps impossible to find

The Sansung Gear Apps app is much improved, but it is frustrating for a seller like me. I create an app and upload. Then I sit and wait for weeks for someone to discover it by accident.
Example: I have a novelty watchface that shows the time in a cipher -- a code that looks like gibberish, but if you know how to "decode" it, you can tell the time, date, battery power, etc. pretty easily. Sure, it's geeky, but it's unique as far as I can tell.
The problem is that even with the new "New" apps list, it does not appear in the 350 app list (I think that is how many there are. Not sure.)
I sent feedback to Samsung and they explained:
"Regarding your inquiry, we would like to inform to inform you that our store is operated as 'Curated Store', it means all applications cannot be displayed under each category.
"The applications are displayed on the list based on the number of downloads, price’s value and sales period, so please understand our store concept."​
How can a new app that no one knows about be downloaded if it doesn't appear in the available lists?
In my case, the app is called "Alien Invasion Cypher" and I now have one download after many weeks. The guy must have searched on one of those words from the app name and my app popped up. Otherwise he never would have seen it.
There's got to be a better way. Why not a web site with unlimited lists of apps? Or a new app list that shows new apps, not new apps that have been downloaded?

While it seems no one is interested, I have an update. The new Gear App shows new apps even if they have not been purchased yet. Thanks, Samsung!

yeah I think absolutly the same as you...the gear store is such a chaos...and very hard for new developer so for examples I made some watchfaces and some has still only 10 download after a month...and it is really too hard to find new good apps like your new app :/

Removing Bloatware, how to?

Hey everyone, first post.
I just picked up a Gear S2 classic. I started playing around with it and so far I have a few questions and issues with a couple things. I'm pairing it with my Galaxy S7.
My first and foremost concern is the removal of the stock and bloatware apps. I realize most people may use the fitness aspect of the watch, or its other built-in features, but I won't. All of the pre-installed apps are cluttering the watch for me. For example, I won't be using the email app (I use Gmail solely), Buddy, Find My Phone (I have location turned off), S Health, Running, S Voice (I thoroughly prefer Google), Samsung Pay, World Clock (it's really irritating and pointless to have 4 different clock apps on the watch. They should be lumped into one like on the phone), Messages (unless this can work with Textra), Music Player (I use another music app on my phone, although I do appreciate that this one somehow controls the music once it's started on that app on my phone). This is a make or break point for me as far as keeping or selling the watch.
Next, is the only way to use the Galaxy Apps store to have to sign into your phone with your Samsung account? I absolutely don't want to be connected to the Samsung Cloud. This is the only reason I'm not using Samsung Pay. If I sign into anything on my phone with my Samsung account, it signs my whole phone in and connects me to the darned Samsung Cloud. Many people have their information synced up there even with all sync options off, so I want to avoid this.
Third, some notifications like the ones from Snapchat are not being acknowledged by the watch at all. And yes, all notifications are selected to appear from the Gear App (Snapchat included). And no, I don't have the blacklist setting on.
I appreciate everyone's help with this, thank you so much. As much info as possible would be wonderful.

I am just wondering why you bought this watch if you don't want any of the connected features that come with it? . In any event I don't know of any way to remove pre-installed apps
Sent from my SM-T377P using XDA-Developers mobile app

cwb1231 said:
I am just wondering why you bought this watch if you don't want any of the connected features that come with it? . In any event I don't know of any way to remove pre-installed apps
Sent from my SM-T377P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, it's supposed to be something like the best smartwatch out there in a lot of ways, and I wanted essentially an extension of my phone on my wrist that could function on its own too. I also have a Moto 360 first gen I play around with here and there, and for a first generation smartwatch, it does well. So far, with the issues outlined above, I can't really say the same about the Gear S2.

Question How to backup Watch4 app data and downloaded watch faces?

Hello community!
The built-in backup feature is extremely limited, and almost useless because it essentially backs-up only the Quick Settings screen and a handful of other Settings.
All downloaded watch faces as well as other apps (and app data) are excluded from the backup.
I have sideloaded this File Manager using EasyFireTools.
File Manager - Apps on Google Play
Fast, easy-to-use and full-featured file manager app with cloud integration.
play.google.com
This file manager allows me backup all apks, as well as connect to my phone and PC wirelessly over the network.
But the main issue is app data. None of the watch faces come with a configuration file that can be exported/ imported, so every watch face has to be setup from scratch each time.
Is there a simpler way to backup watch face configurations as well as other Apps'data?
Thanks.
RELATED POSTS
You'll find more info and related links here:
Wear OS - Facts
Hello community! In this post, I am giving you info on some aspects of Wear OS, which you may or may not know. All the details presented are based on my experience with Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (WiFi model), running on Wear OS 3.x. So they may not...
forum.xda-developers.com

I use thema watch faces (for example I use this Chrono) and it comes with a partner app on your phone to customize more settings and it has a built-in setting saver. While not all watch faces have this, it is amazing and thema has a ton available on the playstore. They're all free with limited options but the settings save options are free and a single iap for unlocking all options.

spart0n said:
I use thema watch faces (for example I use this Chrono) and it comes with a partner app on your phone to customize more settings and it has a built-in setting saver. While not all watch faces have this, it is amazing and thema has a ton available on the playstore. They're all free with limited options but the settings save options are free and a single iap for unlocking all options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen some of the watch faces from thema and others like RichFace, whose phone apps look similar.
Most of the features are locked behind a paywall. Does one have to buy each feature separately or buying once unlocks all features?
On the Play Store, they say x dollars per item. So not sure what exactly that means.

It is per watchface for thema unfortunately. But it's not unreasonable to me. Less than $2 and I use Google opinion rewards and I get $2 worth of credits in less than a month for Google play so like I said imo I don't think it's much.

spart0n said:
It is per watchface for thema unfortunately. But it's not unreasonable to me. Less than $2 and I use Google opinion rewards and I get $2 worth of credits in less than a month for Google play so like I said imo I don't think it's much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, the payment for each watch face is separate. That is obvious.
My question is regarding features inside each watch face. For example, weather update, Google Fit integration, Samsung Health integration, AOD customisations, etc. are all locked behind a paywall.
Is the payment for each of these features separate, or just a single payment is required to unlock all premium features inside the watch face?
The 'Buy premium' option is shown separately against each of the premium feature. That is what is confusing. Does the 'Buy premium' unlock all premium features inside the watch face, or just that particular feature?

TheMystic said:
Sure, the payment for each watch face is separate. That is obvious.
My question is regarding features inside each watch face. For example, weather update, Google Fit integration, Samsung Health integration, AOD customisations, etc. are all locked behind a paywall.
Is the payment for each of these features separate, or just a single payment is required to unlock all premium features inside the watch face?
The 'Buy premium' option is shown separately against each of the premium feature. That is what is confusing. Does the 'Buy premium' unlock all premium features inside the watch face, or just that particular feature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH I did not understand your question. Yes it's 1 payment for all features. 1 iap for everything.

spart0n said:
OH I did not understand your question. Yes it's 1 payment for all features. 1 iap for everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They should make that clear on the store description. They say x dollars per item, hence the confusion.
Thanks for clarifying this.

spart0n said:
It is per watchface for thema unfortunately. But it's not unreasonable to me. Less than $2 and I use Google opinion rewards and I get $2 worth of credits in less than a month for Google play so like I said imo I don't think it's much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch faces from RichFace, Thema, and others have pretty much everything locked behind a paywall. There is no way to test and see how the watch face would look after the user configures it the way he likes.
Going through the refund process of in-app purchase is a pain. Plus there are often licence verification issues on devices with multiple Google accounts.
I would rather install a paid app, see how it looks, and opt for refund with a single click if I don't like it.

TheMystic said:
Hello community!
The built-in backup feature is extremely limited, and almost useless because it essentially backs-up only the Quick Settings screen and a handful of other Settings.
All downloaded watch faces as well as other apps (and app data) are excluded from the backup.
I have sideloaded this File Manager using EasyFireTools.
File Manager - Apps on Google Play
Fast, easy-to-use and full-featured file manager app with cloud integration.
play.google.com
This file manager allows me backup all apks, as well as connect to my phone and PC wirelessly over the network.
But the main issue is app data. None of the watch faces come with a configuration file that can be exported/ imported, so every watch face has to be setup from scratch each time.
Is there a simpler way to backup watch face configurations as well as other Apps'data?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will never be able to backup app data without root. Just to put that to bed.

73sydney said:
You will never be able to backup app data without root. Just to put that to bed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pathetic despite Android now being over 12 years old in commercial business. This is one area where Apple products are clear winners. They allow you to backup ALL app data, even if not the app themselves.
With Wear OS, the backup doesn't even include the downloaded watch faces themselves. One can't even unpair the watch without factory resetting it. When there are such limitations, the backup should be more elaborate and include the app data, including for downloaded apps and watch faces.

TheMystic said:
That's pathetic despite Android now being over 12 years old in commercial business. This is one area where Apple products are clear winners. They allow you to backup ALL app data, even if not the app themselves.
With Wear OS, the backup doesn't even include the downloaded watch faces themselves. One can't even unpair the watch without factory resetting it. When there are such limitations, the backup should be more elaborate and include the app data, including for downloaded apps and watch faces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to find any useful information on trying to backup my Facer and WatchMaker face files to a microSd card because faces on the app I've download seem to dissappear. If I've paid for a membership I'd think I'd have the right to back them up but I haven't been able to find anything. Searching through my file manager trying to even find anything resembling watch faces or the apps themselves is like looking for a UFO at Walmart. What the heck. There has to be a way to back them up. Anyone?

According to some info people gleemed in the files in a recent Google play services update, Google is working on a more thorough backup feature for wear os but I wouldn't count on it to backup everything

I am also now trying to find this, because I had purchased watch faces that for some reason unknown have now been removed from the playstore after being there for years, I wasn't expecting to loose a number of my watch faces, wouldn't have cared so much if they were free the face was from watchfacestudio com.watchfacestudio.tagcarrera. I have now purchased another however I am worried that this will get pulled as well, and no backup.
Does anyone know any ADB or ROOT methods to backup securely these faces?
Do they work like an apk following these methods?
Watch4 ADB Commands - Disable/Enable/Uninstall/Restore system app, Install/pull Apps
Hello Everyone, I hope you all are good, So I see some on you wondering about how to uninstall, reinstall, install, pull, enable and disable apps for the watch, so I decided to make this thread to address these different scenarios, this is based...
forum.xda-developers.com

danw_oz said:
I am also now trying to find this, because I had purchased watch faces that for some reason unknown have now been removed from the playstore after being there for years, I wasn't expecting to loose a number of my watch faces, wouldn't have cared so much if they were free the face was from watchfacestudio com.watchfacestudio.tagcarrera. I have now purchased another however I am worried that this will get pulled as well, and no backup.
Does anyone know any ADB or ROOT methods to backup securely these faces?
Do they work like an apk following these methods?
Watch4 ADB Commands - Disable/Enable/Uninstall/Restore system app, Install/pull Apps
Hello Everyone, I hope you all are good, So I see some on you wondering about how to uninstall, reinstall, install, pull, enable and disable apps for the watch, so I decided to make this thread to address these different scenarios, this is based...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned in the OP, you can install the file manager linked there and backup the watch faces you want, just as would backup any app on the phone. If the watch faces get booted from the Play Store or you don't find them from their original source, you can simply reinstall the apk from your backup above and it will work just fine.
No need for root to backup (and reinstall) just the watchface apk.

General What can your smartwatch do?

Hello community!
This is an idea gathering exercise.
For a while since I purchased it, I never bothered with my Galaxy Watch4 (my first smartwatch). But as I'm now tinkering with it, I find it quite interesting. Here is a list of what my watch can do:
01. Show me a whole lot of information. I have 3 favorite watch faces, each configured to give me a different set of information. All I have to do is simply change the watch face and they tell me much of what i want to know. Actually, this one watch face tells me pretty much everything I need to know.
02. Navigation on the wrist.
03. Notifications from my phone.
04. Managing phone calls.
05. Wirelessly transfer files among all my devices like watch, phone, laptop and NAS. I use the following two apps for this purpose:
1. File Manager
2. WiFi Pro FTP server
06. Listen to music using Samsung Music app. I haven't had the need to install another music app.
07. Watch videos using the watch companion of this app: Sun Player. You don't need this app on your phone.
08. Stream YouTube videos using NewPipe.
09. Manage my emails. I have installed Microsoft Outlook, Samsung Email, FairEmail and K-9 email apps. But I haven't configured any yet, except for Microsoft Outlook.
10. Browse the internet using Samsung Internet browser.
11. Read PDF using built-in PDF reader of X-Plore File Manager.
12. Read e-books using AIReader.
13. Control the basic functions of my Samsung TV using SmartThings app.
I know I have left out the single biggest thing that most people use a smartwatch for: Health Tracking. I don't use it because much of that is gimmicky stuff and one must not rely on the number game when it comes to health matters. Things like an app reminding one to drink water is one of the most absurd things that people would use.
Some of the apps are Android apps meant for the phone. But they are quite usable on the watch too. I sideload them using one of the following apps:
1. Easy Fire Tools
2. Bugjaeger
The following tutorials illustrate how to sideload apps on watch running Wear OS:
How to Sideload Apps on Samsung Galaxy Watch Wear OS - DroidWin
How to Sideload Apps on Samsung Galaxy Watch Wear OS
In this comprehensive tutorial, we will show you detailed steps to sideload any app on your Samsung Galaxy Watch running Wear OS.
www.droidwin.com
3 Ways to Install Apps or APK on Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 - wearablestouse.com
3 Ways to Install Apps or APK on Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & 5 - wearablestouse.com
Want to download or sideload apps on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch? Here's how to install apps and APK on Galaxy Watch 4.
wearablestouse.com
What are the things you use your watch for?
RELATED POSTS
You'll find more info and related links here:
Wear OS - Facts
Hello community! In this post, I am giving you info on some aspects of Wear OS, which you may or may not know. All the details presented are based on my experience with Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (WiFi model), running on Wear OS 3.x. So they may not...
forum.xda-developers.com

Telling time... after all, it is a watch.

see the date, time and weather

Start my car, open the garage door and control all alexa enabled devices plus all of the usual stuff...

It does so many things. But my life is also just fine without it.

TacoDeMuerte said:
Telling time... after all, it is a watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have edited the title of the post to now read 'smartwatch'.
AwaKeN said:
see the date, time and weather
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have edited the title of the post to now read 'smartwatch'.
larryk said:
Start my car, open the garage door and control all alexa enabled devices plus all of the usual stuff...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me guess: you have setup Alexa or Google Assistant on your phone and use voice commands on your watch. These things are quite impressive, but personally I'm not comfortable in allowing apps to constantly keep listening to my conversations.
Virgo_Guy said:
It does so many things. But my life is also just fine without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. They are just too far from being a necessity. On the contrary, they are more of a distraction and contribute to loss of application of human faculties.

I shut off the listening part in both Alexa and Google Assistant, and just use the buttons to start the app...