Gear S2 Wifi model: internet connectivity without smartphone? - Samsung Gear S2

Hi guys
I do not own the watch yet but have just been informed that apparently the WiFi model still relies on a smartphone to connect to the internet, is this true?
(I was told that the WiFi in the watch is simply a WiFi direct and that it will not work when the phone is off.)
My use case is the following: I wish to write my own applications for it that can connect to WiFi networks independently of the phone and can make API queries from Javascript
without using my phone's internet connection but instead directly connecting to,say, my company's wifi. Is this possible?
I know that without my smartphone active, the watch obviously won't have access to my smartphone notifications, but that is not what I am looking for in a watch anyway.
My ideas are going more in the direction of querying my own API for my server(via json) so I can keep an eye on its status. Does such a thing work with the smartphone being off, or is this something that works exclusively with the 3G version of the S2? I would love to get the 3G model, but it isn't being sold in my country.
Nik

Yes, it is possible. The watch connects to the WiFi by itself... You don't need the phone for that

endeebee said:
Hi guys
I do not own the watch yet but have just been informed that apparently the WiFi model still relies on a smartphone to connect to the internet, is this true?
(I was told that the WiFi in the watch is simply a WiFi direct and that it will not work when the phone is off.)
My use case is the following: I wish to write my own applications for it that can connect to WiFi networks independently of the phone and can make API queries from Javascript
without using my phone's internet connection but instead directly connecting to,say, my company's wifi. Is this possible?
I know that without my smartphone active, the watch obviously won't have access to my smartphone notifications, but that is not what I am looking for in a watch anyway.
My ideas are going more in the direction of querying my own API for my server(via json) so I can keep an eye on its status. Does such a thing work with the smartphone being off, or is this something that works exclusively with the 3G version of the S2? I would love to get the 3G model, but it isn't being sold in my country.
Nik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, using WIFI to connect other than the watch is doable, the problem that I had was the battery drain, it drained the battery in 3 hours when I have the WIFI set to on. so now I only use it Bluetooth to my phone, and with that, it lasts 2-3 days without a charge.

Related

[Q] Is it possible to have a Local WiFi Hotspot

Is it possible to have a Local WiFi Hotspot? I have a Galaxy S5 with Verizon. Ever since I upgraded I have been struggling on a 6gb data plan. I own an iPad and an Apple TV and wanted to do wireless airplay for presentations. Of course Apple TV requires a WiFi connection to airplay so I was wondering if there was a way to make a local wifi hotspot on a device without using the internet? It would be like having a wireless router that isn't plugged into a modem. I have never seen this brought up before so I figured I might as well see if it is even possible. What do you guys think?Am I crazy for wanting a local hotspot or does this peak anyone interest to explore?
sake40 said:
Is it possible to have a Local WiFi Hotspot? I have a Galaxy S5 with Verizon. Ever since I upgraded I have been struggling on a 6gb data plan. I own an iPad and an Apple TV and wanted to do wireless airplay for presentations. Of course Apple TV requires a WiFi connection to airplay so I was wondering if there was a way to make a local wifi hotspot on a device without using the internet? It would be like having a wireless router that isn't plugged into a modem. I have never seen this brought up before so I figured I might as well see if it is even possible. What do you guys think?Am I crazy for wanting a local hotspot or does this peak anyone interest to explore?
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Click to collapse
is is possible to have the hotspot running on the phone and data turned off, but i dont know what effect that would have on other transfers through the wifi.
only reason i know this is because i just started using ds battery saver app the other day, and i use the hotspot on my phone a lot. i have it set to turn off mobile data when the phone is off, well this poses a problem as the hotspot is still broadcasting but i have no internet connection. fortunately the developer had already thought of this (for streaming music etc, same issue) and put an adjustable bandwidth sensor on the app, so it wont cut off data when the screen turns off is there is a certain amount of transfer present.
i kinda went a little off your topic, but i thought it relevant to explain how i know it is possible for the nay sayers.
bweN diorD said:
is is possible to have the hotspot running on the phone and data turned off, but i dont know what effect that would have on other transfers through the wifi.
only reason i know this is because i just started using ds battery saver app the other day, and i use the hotspot on my phone a lot. i have it set to turn off mobile data when the phone is off, well this poses a problem as the hotspot is still broadcasting but i have no internet connection. fortunately the developer had already thought of this (for streaming music etc, same issue) and put an adjustable bandwidth sensor on the app, so it wont cut off data when the screen turns off is there is a certain amount of transfer present.
i kinda went a little off your topic, but i thought it relevant to explain how i know it is possible for the nay sayers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it out and I can get the hotspot to activate with data on and then go turn data off and it won't automatically turn off my hotspot. I will have to try it with the Apple TV in a few days and see how well it works.

What functions work in standalone mode?

There are some folks here trying to decide between getting the Frontier bluetooth/WiFi only vs the LTE model. There are others who are iPhone users. And there are probably a few folks, like me, who want to ditch (or significantly reduce) the use of their smartphone. For us, knowing what the LTE version can do on its own is important. Its clear that an Android phone is required for setup, but beyond that, how accessible does it need to be? What S3 functions/apps work without being connected to a smartphone?
You will be able to go to the gym or do other sporting activities such as hiking or snowboarding without a phone. take calls, texts and as of the middle december listen to Spotify.
You also cannot use the find my phone/find my gear feature if they are need to use the mobile network. If you're within Bluetooth range then it will work just fine though.
I have an LTE device and have noticed that Samsung Pay still requires the companion app on the phone. You can make up to 5 purchases (depending on card issuer) while disconnected from the phone, but after that you have to connect to the phone again to continue to use Samsung Pay. On a positive note, I have had great success using Samsung Pay on the watch and it works in many places that don't take NFC payment as well.
While connected via Bluetooth, the watch disconnects from the LTE network and works just like a Bluetooth version of the watch.

Whats the value of Wifi on a Gear S3 if you have your phone with you?

I believe the point of having Wifi at all on the gear S3 is so that your phone can continue to talk to your gear via the Samsung account over the internet (assuming both devices are on and connected to the internet over wifi)
Is this the only use case for Wifi being turned on?
Does this scenario only cover alerts, or will it also support calls texts and emails?
scoob101 said:
I believe the point of having Wifi at all on the gear S3 is so that your phone can continue to talk to your gear via the Samsung account over the internet (assuming both devices are on and connected to the internet over wifi)
Is this the only use case for Wifi being turned on?
Does this scenario only cover alerts, or will it also support calls texts and emails?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two devices will talk to each other whether wifi is turned on or off. Wifi comes in handy for apps like Spotify so you don't have to use up your data and apps like Kodi gear where you can control multimedia through your watch .
Sent from my SM-N915T using Tapatalk
scoob101 said:
I believe the point of having Wifi at all on the gear S3 is so that your phone can continue to talk to your gear via the Samsung account over the internet (assuming both devices are on and connected to the internet over wifi)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean while out of bluetooth range? If so yes, that is one of the usages of wifi.
scoob101 said:
Is this the only use case for Wifi being turned on?
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Click to collapse
No as @MobileUnlockBase pointed out already.
scoob101 said:
Does this scenario only cover alerts, or will it also support calls texts and emails?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Wifi mode you will keep receiving all kind of notifications including text, missing calls etc., but you can't make/receive phone call over wifi. Currently phone call over wifi is not available on this watch.
If you always have your phone with you (by definition this means within BT range) there is no reason to use WiFi. There is nothing that can be done via WiFi that can't be done via BT. But the reverse is not true.
So basically if you have your phone with you at all times, its a complete waste of battery. Turned off. Cheers.
10urshin said:
You mean while out of bluetooth range? If so yes, that is one of the usages of wifi.
No as @MobileUnlockBase pointed out already.
In Wifi mode you will keep receiving all kind of notifications including text, missing calls etc., but you can't make/receive phone call over wifi. Currently phone call over wifi is not available on this watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
I'm totally unclear on the purpose of Wifi on this watch! I turned off Bluetooth to use Wifi and it can't connect because the of "sign-in procedure not supported"! Does that mean it can only connect to an open network??? Those really don't exist these days.
Why is there such a big discussion about wifi on this watch? The watch has wifi because Samsung wanted to put it in there and most of us are grateful. Do you want a smart watch without wifi? Again, there are apps like Spotify that it is better to be on wifi instead of GSM, depending on what network you use.
Sent from my SM-N915T using Tapatalk
RaymondPJR said:
.
I'm totally unclear on the purpose of Wifi on this watch! I turned off Bluetooth to use Wifi and it can't connect because the of "sign-in procedure not supported"! Does that mean it can only connect to an open network??? Those really don't exist these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it can connect password protected networks, my watch is connected to my home wifi right now, password protected ofc. Try changing encryption protocol(i'm on TKIP+AES) of your access point or try to connect to another access point.
10urshin said:
No it can connect password protected networks, my watch is connected to my home wifi right now, password protected ofc. Try changing encryption protocol(i'm on TKIP+AES) of your access point or try to connect to another access point.
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Click to collapse
Lol, if i turn off password protection on my home network, then my neighbors will start using my Wifi! I can't believe Samsung overlooked this!! I'll just wait for a possible update???
I can confirm that it should connect to a wifi protected network. I use WPA2-PSK and it connects fine to my router.
MobileUnlockBase said:
Why is there such a big discussion about wifi on this watch? The watch has wifi because Samsung wanted to put it in there and most of us are grateful. Do you want a smart watch without wifi? Again, there are apps like Spotify that it is better to be on wifi instead of GSM, depending on what network you use.
Sent from my SM-N915T using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
The discussion is because people want to understand the uses of their watch. Having it is nice, but there aren't too many use case scenarios for it. Most of the time where WiFi is available, the phone will be close at hand and connected via BT. Streaming music (over WiFi or otherwise) is a very limited application because of the battery drain. If/when moreb Tizen apps are developed for the watch, using WiFi may become practical.
At home i do leave my phone in 1 place, keep my S3 on yes moving around its always BT, but moving further around the house when BT drops the WIFI takes over.
Also once i forgot my phone at home, but when i reached the gym (was registered for their WIFI) i still got my notifications etc.
But all in all no much use, but i left it on as could not discern much battery loss with it being on.
you have to sync the wifi from your phone to the watch then it will just connect.. look on the gear app settings> gear connection > Sync wi-fi profiles..
It's not about giving a use for WiFi all the time. Most of the time WiFi should be off to conserve battery. It is more about the one off scenarios like you forgot your phone at home, but you can connect to WiFi at work and tell your wife you are alive through a text... or for the tizen app developer, to test apps on your watch you need to connect to the watch via wifi... or for spotify.. there are several reasons to have it, but still it should be off Moore often than not
jestexman said:
you have to sync the wifi from your phone to the watch then it will just connect.. look on the gear app settings> gear connection > Sync wi-fi profiles..
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Click to collapse
10urshin said:
No it can connect password protected networks, my watch is connected to my home wifi right now, password protected ofc. Try changing encryption protocol(i'm on TKIP+AES) of your access point or try to connect to another access point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, now it's connecting without doing either of your suggestions!!? Confusing!
Sent from my SM-T377T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Well GWD needs the watch and PC connected to the same network (wifi) to get the faces from one place to another. Unless you get it into a store maybe, but having it on wifi is handy to test things out as you add them and modify themes.
Just to share my opinion. In my work I’m not allowed to have the phone with me. So the solution to continue receiving my notifications are through WiFi, and it works perfectly.
Streaming music from Spotify on my watch over Wifi.
scoob101 said:
I believe the point of having Wifi at all on the gear S3 is so that your phone can continue to talk to your gear via the Samsung account over the internet (assuming both devices are on and connected to the internet over wifi)
Is this the only use case for Wifi being turned on?
Does this scenario only cover alerts, or will it also support calls texts and emails?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi (WiFi Direct) is also used for syncing Images, songs and large apps over to your watch; these would otherwise take lots of time over Bluetooth.
After last update there is no connection via wifi with my phone.. Does someone experienced the same issue?

Turn off Cell data to connect to certain devices (DJI Osmo/Osmo+, Waylens Dash Cam)

So this has been one of the annoyances I've had with android for awhile but never really put any research in to it to know if its normal, or more so - why this would be normal. If I want to connect to certain devices that run as a wifi hotspot, but don't provide internet access - android does not appear to use those connections. The workaround seems to be to disable cell data and then I can connect to the device. Currently on a Nexus 6p on 7.1.1. The wifi will connect, but i can't hit the device unless I wack cell data. I guess really the two questions that matter are 1) is this normal? and 2) is there a workaround? Tried it on the fiance's iphone and it works without issue.
-Chris

Question AutoWear for turning on LTE only when Galaxy Watch 4 is disconnected from Wifi/ Bluetooth

Hello everyone,
Is there a possibility to use AutoWear to turn on LTE only when the watch is no longer connected to the phone via bluetooth or wifi? I'm sure this will save battery life. One presumption is that calls over wifi to the watch would work. If they don't, not much point of turning off LTE.
I read a few posts stating that AutoWear for Wear OS 3 may not be properly optimized. Is this still the case?
I found a similar topic posted in r/AndroidWear 4 years ago and at that time, the developer had said that this isn't possible as they didn't have access to the LTE radio. Does anyone know if that's how things still are?
Thank you
No need for this. There is an "auto" option under mobile networks on the connection settings on the watch that does exactly what you say.
Oh that's brilliant!
Does it still stay connected to the network and turn off mobile data or does it pretty much go on airplane mode with only wifi and bluetooth being on?
vigneshnm said:
Oh that's brilliant!
Does it still stay connected to the network and turn off mobile data or does it pretty much go on airplane mode with only wifi and bluetooth being on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It disables network connection shortly after you are connected to your phone via Bluetooth or Wifi.
Just to add that the same happens with Wifi. You can either fully deactivate it or have it on an auto setting where it turns on only if you are not connected to your phone via BT or for apps that required Wifi such as downloading songs on Spotify
That's exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks a lot for confirming this.
So essentially, if the watch is always connected to the phone, there shouldn't be much of a difference in the battery life between the LTE and non-LTE versions
There is only one problem - for me, setting LTE to car consumed 30% of the battery in 1 day, even though it did not lose the BT connection for a moment (maybe max 5 minutes).
SebaRoz said:
There is only one problem - for me, setting LTE to car consumed 30% of the battery in 1 day, even though it did not lose the BT connection for a moment (maybe max 5 minutes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't understand. Setting LTE to car? What does that mean?
vigneshnm said:
Sorry, I didn't understand. Setting LTE to car? What does that mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure the author of the posts made the mistake. he wanted to say that the galaxy watch 4 has an error at the moment (01/21/2022)? at least for me, the bluetooth is connected, but the LTE connection stays connected as well, so the battery uses both BT and LTE, although my active2 when BT is connected, the LTE connection disconnects automatically ... although on the galaxy watch 4 the LTE connection is set to connect / disconnect automatically

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