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why are there no TTS facilies for book readers?

I simply do not understand why at least one of the ebook suppliers dont develop TTS for their android apps. I have contacted both Amazon and Google and neither have short term plans to introduce this feature and nor do they seemingly allow the devlopment of 3rd party apps to provide additional functionality like this.
There are so many titles which are not published as audio books and in any event with audio books you arent able to switch between reading on screen and read aloud for the same book.
To be fair Google do provide a work around but only if I turn on accessiblity which of course gives annoying audio feedback for everything the phone does?
As well as asking developers if could be done (even in a premium app) I am also curious to know why this basic functionalitu missing because it is likely to drive users to resort to piracy to get text or non protected ePub formats - crazy?
I am not very good yet at working out which forum to post in - so if this is in the wrong place I am quite happy for it to be moved.

gbswales said:
I simply do not understand why at least one of the ebook suppliers dont develop TTS for their android apps. I have contacted both Amazon and Google and neither have short term plans to introduce this feature and nor do they seemingly allow the devlopment of 3rd party apps to provide additional functionality like this.
There are so many titles which are not published as audio books and in any event with audio books you arent able to switch between reading on screen and read aloud for the same book.
To be fair Google do provide a work around but only if I turn on accessiblity which of course gives annoying audio feedback for everything the phone does?
As well as asking developers if could be done (even in a premium app) I am also curious to know why this basic functionalitu missing because it is likely to drive users to resort to piracy to get text or non protected ePub formats - crazy?
I am not very good yet at working out which forum to post in - so if this is in the wrong place I am quite happy for it to be moved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pro paid version of Moon+ reader on google play does TTS.
The free version of Cool Reader also does TTS. Click the settings key then "MORE" then "READ ALOUD"
HTH

I'm using Google's 'Play Books' and it has read aloud. I don't have accessibility options enabled.
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Extreme_One said:
I'm using Google's 'Play Books' and it has read aloud. I don't have accessibility options enabled.
Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this - I found that Google Play Books worked with free books that I had stored on my device but when I downloaded a sample of a paid book it wouldnt read aloud unless I had accessibillity turned on.
Does it work with paid for books for you and on what device? If it does I may purchase a cheap one to fully test. Google were the ones who told me it wouldnt work.
Clive
Galaxy S3

Try app "Readboox" in google play....especially using the ivona free high quality text to speech voices such as Kendra US.

FBReader has a tts plugin on the market. I, for one, adore it.

Also worth bearing in mind that even if an app has TTS capabilities, it's down to the publishers whether they enable TTS for their books or not (well at least it's the case in the UK)
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gbswales said:
Thanks for this - I found that Google Play Books worked with free books that I had stored on my device but when I downloaded a sample of a paid book it wouldnt read aloud unless I had accessibillity turned on.
Does it work with paid for books for you and on what device? If it does I may purchase a cheap one to fully test. Google were the ones who told me it wouldnt work.
Clive
Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only installed free books so far but they all have TTS read aloud enabled. I use Ivona TTS if that matters.
Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using xda app-developers app

hiddenhandgun said:
FBReader has a tts plugin on the market. I, for one, adore it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, and it's completely free. :laugh: @ people who paid for Cool or Moon readers.
FBReader's TTS is crap, though. It reads too fast and it stumbles over words it shouldn't. I did this on a really crappy phone, though; I wonder if that had something to do with it. Also, a better TTS engine would have helped.
I'm currently reading Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy (e.g. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"). I won't even try letting anyone's TTS touch this. All those Swedish names? It's tough enough (as an American) to keep up with all the names. I've worked out the pronunciation myself; I shudder at the thought of TTS trying it.

Isadora said:
Also worth bearing in mind that even if an app has TTS capabilities, it's down to the publishers whether they enable TTS for their books or not (well at least it's the case in the UK)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure that this is the case since Google Reader does provide TTS on all books BUT only with accessibility talk back turned on. Also none of the suppliers that I have written to have argued this as the reason - not that any of them gave a sensible reason!

di you try Ivona TTS
Dark Reality said:
This, and it's completely free. :laugh: @ people who paid for Cool or Moon readers.
FBReader's TTS is crap, though. It reads too fast and it stumbles over words it shouldn't. I did this on a really crappy phone, though; I wonder if that had something to do with it. Also, a better TTS engine would have helped.
I'm currently reading Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy (e.g. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"). I won't even try letting anyone's TTS touch this. All those Swedish names? It's tough enough (as an American) to keep up with all the names. I've worked out the pronunciation myself; I shudder at the thought of TTS trying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that anything to do with stuttering is likely to be the TTS app rather than FBReader (TTS is just a plug in) as for pronounciation then I understand what you mean - however the new Ivona english Amy voice does the best job I have ever found, in the absence of foreign or very difficult words it is easy to forget that she is not a real person. I find my brain quickly adjusts and I dont think it matters if a name is mispronounced as along as the mispronounceation is the same each time it doesnt spoil the enjoyment of the story. My only problem with FB reader which I use for anything I can get in plain text format, is that it wont read copyright books that you have legitimately purchased from the likes of Amazon or Google.
In my humble opinion this is an example of encourgaing, rather than discouraging, piracy.

famewolf said:
Try app "Readboox" in google play....especially using the ivona free high quality text to speech voices such as Kendra US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion but the issue is that you will still not be able to read protected books which is the majority of paid for ePub's such as those from Amazon and other book outlets. There are plenty of apps that will read public domain books aloud and the one I use even works fine from plain text files.

gbswales said:
Thanks for your suggestion but the issue is that you will still not be able to read protected books which is the majority of paid for ePub's such as those from Amazon and other book outlets. There are plenty of apps that will read public domain books aloud and the one I use even works fine from plain text files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Moon+ should be able to read protected books. It's been a while since I used it, so I'm not entirely sure. Might be worth testing.

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
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bgoh82 said:
Guitar tuner. Since there is a mic, this will come in handy
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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).

Send messages without notification (WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Hangout....)

The problem: your smart Gear S2 can only reply to incoming notification. Not to mention that you can only send one message for each notification. Once a notification is dismissed, you have no way to send messages to your friend. What if you want to start the conversation first?
That's why I came up with an app to solve that problem.
It supports multiple apps: WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Google Hangout, Line, KakaoTalk, Skype, Telegram, BBM, Signal, Textra, GG Messenger, Go SMS and Chomp
*Telegram support is experimental.
* Viber dropped from the list due to being unstable.
What it offers:
- Sending messages directly to your friend whenever you want to. No notification? No problem.
- Using multiple services for chatting? You can control all of them in one list. Only chat threads you need will appear on the watch.
- No login required. Your accounts and info are safe. App has no access to storage or internet.
- Send and add new predefined messages for faster texting.
- Native interface. Bezel scrolling.
What it doesn't offer:
- Log of previous conversation.
- Not a client for any of those apps.
So, you can combine this app with the default reply to notification ability on the watch for a complete experience. I know for some apps like WhatsApp, you can view previous messages.
App will be available in the Gear store soon. Including a free version for testing.
Have questions about the app? Let me know

Looks cool. When you will be ready to publish the first beta version?

I got a couple questions, are you going to charge a fee on the Gear app store?
If you do any nonSamsung Galaxy phone user will not be able to use this app.
If you are set on charging a fee is it possible to do an app like the S2 Tasker app? It uses a companion Android app from the Play store that charges a fee so the developer still gets paid and the app is available to everyone.

supersoulfly said:
I got a couple questions, are you going to charge a fee on the Gear app store?
If you do any nonSamsung Galaxy phone user will not be able to use this app.
If you are set on charging a fee is it possible to do an app like the S2 Tasker app? It uses a companion Android app from the Play store that charges a fee so the developer still gets paid and the app is available to everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That restriction has actually been lifted as of a week or two ago - paid apps are now available for purchase by non-Samsung phone users. If you're not seeing paid apps, you might need to update your version of the Samsung Gear app or the associated plugins.

I think I figured out the misunderstanding. Probably the Korean market that I'm in that's stopping me from having access to paid apps.

Will for sure buy this app, when available in the Samsung Gear Store...
Maybe you could make a free AND paid version (free version i.e. only 1 service active (i.e. Hangouts butNOT WhatsApp!) and paid version unlocked!)
Please add "Telegram" too to your services

Another great app. Keep solving all the weak points of the Gear S2!

When will this be released @tipztv
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Benni_OK said:
Looks cool. When you will be ready to publish the first beta version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If everything goes well, I will release it in a couple of days
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supersoulfly said:
I got a couple questions, are you going to charge a fee on the Gear app store?
If you do any nonSamsung Galaxy phone user will not be able to use this app.
If you are set on charging a fee is it possible to do an app like the S2 Tasker app? It uses a companion Android app from the Play store that charges a fee so the developer still gets paid and the app is available to everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still unsure about it you don't see any paid apps in the gear store?
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henklbr said:
Will for sure buy this app, when available in the Samsung Gear Store...
Maybe you could make a free AND paid version (free version i.e. only 1 service active (i.e. Hangouts butNOT WhatsApp!) and paid version unlocked!)
Please add "Telegram" too to your services
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Telegram works, but the main telegram app sometimes kick me out. Not sure if it is a bug in the app or a security measure to prevent unofficial access
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davy4475 said:
When will this be released @tipztv
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ETA is friday next week
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tipztv said:
I'm still unsure about it you don't see any paid apps in the gear store?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see any. Probably has to do with me using the Korean app market.

I would find this app useful. Great work. Please let us know when it's live.

Good initiative! I will certainly monitor developments as this seams to be a very promissing and useful app!

tipztv said:
I'm still unsure about it you don't see any paid apps in the gear store?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see any paid apps either. I'm in Malta, Europe. Not sure if it has to do with my region. I have all softwares up to date and created a new Samsung account from scratch just to be sure. I was never asked to enter a credit card number, and I registered from a PC just to be double sure.
If anyone has any ideas it would be great. And to the author of the app, please make it free on Samsung Store and do a paid companion app on Play store like tipztv has done with his tasker app [emoji6] Thanks
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I have google play credit so I would love for it to be in the play store also but will buy it no matter where it is .
Sidenote: I was looking into starting a full hangouts app for Tizen, I know there is no API but I found a github where a group has decompiled and created the hangouts app in python. I could either create an API from it and package it or try to convert it. But in no way would it be a quick or easy task... Have you looked into doing this at all?

This sounds great. Looking forward to seeing it in the store.
Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk

App looks awesome and very useful, especially for Hangouts. My only concern is privacy. What type of access would this app have to my Hangout password, contacts info, etc

OnnoJ said:
Good initiative! I will certainly monitor developments as this seams to be a very promissing and useful app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BibiMaghoo said:
I would find this app useful. Great work. Please let us know when it's live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I will let you guys know when it's live
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How to get vanilla Google Voice search shortcut/widget back?

I hope I'm starting this thread in the right section, if not apologies in advance.
I updated the apps on my Samsung Note 4 a few days ago and found all my Google voice search requests being directed to Google assistant, which is slow and useless if all you want to do is search the internet. I have Nova launcher installed and all their Google search widgets and actions are also being redirected to Assistant.
Seems this issue is related to this development:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...s-voice-search-completely-switches-assistant/
If I open the Chrome browser on the phone the Google Voice search action is still working when you press the mic icon in the address bar, they obviously can't terminate the service there.
My question is how can I get back a widget or homescreen shortcut to trigger a vanilla voice search(I'm assuming via Chrome) without the assistant barging in and making my life a misery?

If anyone can also point me to the best way to find a solution, hacking something together?

Am I the only one that is disappointed to see the demise of Voice search??

Bulletinabluesky said:
I hope I'm starting this thread in the right section, if not apologies in advance.
I updated the apps on my Samsung Note 4 a few days ago and found all my Google voice search requests being directed to Google assistant, which is slow and useless if all you want to do is search the internet. I have Nova launcher installed and all their Google search widgets and actions are also being redirected to Assistant.
Seems this issue is related to this development:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...s-voice-search-completely-switches-assistant/
If I open the Chrome browser on the phone the Google Voice search action is still working when you press the mic icon in the address bar, they obviously can't terminate the service there.
My question is how can I get back a widget or homescreen shortcut to trigger a vanilla voice search(I'm assuming via Chrome) without the assistant barging in and making my life a misery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the Google Now launcher? Some devices can enable Google Now to use "Ok Google" from any screen.
My wife uses it, when she says "ok Google", it comes to attention, then she calls '"Assistant" to attention, then she can make requests to initiate any action that she wants such as: a Google search, open or close apps, send and read texts by voice command, make calla by voice command, etc...
The Google Now launcher does use more battery though.
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Droidriven said:
Have you tried the Google Now launcher? Some devices can enable Google Now to use "Ok Google" from any screen.
My wife uses it, when she says "ok Google", it comes to attention, then she calls '"Assistant" to attention, then she can make requests to initiate any action that she wants such as: a Google search, open or close apps, send and read texts by voice command, make calla by voice command, etc...
The Google Now launcher does use more battery though.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Droidriven, thanks for the reply that may be a work around but I can't drop Nova launcher.
I also have no need for "Ok Google" voice activation, all I need is a homescreen shortcut that when pressed directly opens the Voice search mic and listens for your voice and then immediately thereafter shows the Google search results. I tried using Nova Actions to try find the voice search command within the Google apps but as yet I haven't found it yet.
Even though Google has removed easy access to Voice search it must be possible to hack together a shortcut because the direct voice search functionality is still in the Chrome app. I'm hoping that one of the Devs on XDA may have pity on me and help to cobble something together

Bulletinabluesky said:
Hi Droidriven, thanks for the reply that may be a work around but I can't drop Nova launcher.
I also have no need for "Ok Google" voice activation, all I need is a homescreen shortcut that when pressed directly opens the Voice search mic and listens for your voice and then immediately thereafter shows the Google search results. I tried using Nova Actions to try find the voice search command within the Google apps but as yet I haven't found it yet.
Even though Google has removed easy access to Voice search it must be possible to hack together a shortcut because the direct voice search functionality is still in the Chrome app. I'm hoping that one of the Devs on XDA may have pity on me and help to cobble something together
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this, try the instructions in the last post, if you haven't already tried.
https://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-g6/858333-help-voice-search-toggle.html
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Droidriven said:
Read this, try the instructions in the last post, if you haven't already tried.
https://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-g6/858333-help-voice-search-toggle.html
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, unfortunately that won't help because I have been using Nova to make the Voice shortcut on the home screen but after my recent updat of the Google apps those shortcuts that were previously activating a Voice search now are forced to activate the Google Assistant.
With the latest updates Google is obviously redirecting all legacy requests for a Voice search to the Assistant, which sucks balls
:crying:

Bulletinabluesky said:
Thanks, unfortunately that won't help because I have been using Nova to make the Voice shortcut on the home screen but after my recent updat of the Google apps those shortcuts that were previously activating a Voice search now are forced to activate the Google Assistant.
With the latest updates Google is obviously redirecting all legacy requests for a Voice search to the Assistant, which sucks balls
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall the updates and revert back to the versions that you had before the update, then don't update the apps unless the older versions no longer work correctly.
Also, on my device, I have a Voice Search icon in my app drawer that I can drag to home screen to do what you are trying to do. Do you have this? If not, see if there is a Voice Search app that can be installed from PlayStore, it may install over the existing voice search and show the icon in app drawer like it does on mine.
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Droidriven said:
Uninstall the updates and revert back to the versions that you had before the update, then don't update the apps unless the older versions no longer work correctly.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would work for a while but seeing it's googles core apps that are doing it not really feasible, I've tried doing something like that in the past and it's a real pita. I need a solution that will work now and going ahead, it is possible.

Bulletinabluesky said:
That would work for a while but seeing it's googles core apps that are doing it not really feasible, I've tried doing something like that in the past and it's a real pita. I need a solution that will work now and going ahead, it is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my previous post to add more info.
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Droidriven said:
I edited my previous post to add more info.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately that Voice search shortcut which you are referring to, and it is a native Google shortcut, now also defaults to the Assistant and doesn't trigger a voice search like it used to.

Bulletinabluesky said:
That would work for a while but seeing it's googles core apps that are doing it not really feasible, I've tried doing something like that in the past and it's a real pita. I need a solution that will work now and going ahead, it is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, yes, sometimes workarounds are a pita, but we have to learn to go ahead and settle for what we can get in the now until we can get another solution figured out, even if it isn't specifically what we want at the time. There is nothing that says you have to permanently settle for the workaround, you might find an alternative that is better than the workaround, but you can at least get some kind of functionality at this time but continue the search for a better solution.
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---------- Post added at 06:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------
Bulletinabluesky said:
Unfortunately that Voice search shortcut which you are referring to, and it is a native Google shortcut, now also defaults to the Assistant and doesn't trigger a voice search like it used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try finding a way to disable/remove assistant. I don't have assistant and I'm using the current Google apps, but I'm on 7.0, not 8 or 9.
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Droidriven said:
Also, yes, sometimes workarounds are a pita, but we have to learn to go ahead and settle for what we can get in the now until we can get another solution figured out, even if it isn't specifically what we want at the time. There is nothing that says you have to permanently settle for the workaround, you might find an alternative that is better than the workaround, but you can at least get some kind of functionality at this time but continue the search for a better solution.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true but I need something that will be futureproof, whether I roll back the google apps now or not I still need to find a way around this issue. Hoping to hunt down an existing app that can do it

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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.