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[HOWTO] Disable camera?

Hi Folks,
Just a thought, for some of us who works at areas where cameras are not allowed. Instead of parting with our beloved Android babies even for just 5 hours, are there anyway we can remove / disable cameras in 32A/32B?

Chances are, if your job requires you to leave your phone at home because it has a camera, just disabling it wont be enough. You will most likely need to physically remove the camera module.

If you go ahead and install the 2.0 ROM for the 32A, the camera apk is not working. But more then likely that is not enough as your managers are more then likely going to believe that as much as you saying "I promise I won't take pictures with this".
Best bet would be to leave it in your car.

what we did at my company was, we took a nail and scratched the camera lens so badly, its useless to tace pictures with. So if you dont care if you can restore it or not, this could be a way. Ask your security team if they will allow you to use the phone before you scratch it thou

efex said:
what we did at my company was, we took a nail and scratched the camera lens so badly, its useless to tace pictures with. So if you dont care if you can restore it or not, this could be a way. Ask your security team if they will allow you to use the phone before you scratch it thou
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that is beyond retarded.
most people got it. cell phones are so advanced these days there's really no way to tell if your camera actually works or not without them personally knowing your phone as you do.

This question comes up a lot and I never see an actual answer. So is there basically no way to disable the camera service?
There is also a broader question regarding policy control of Android services. RIM, WinMo, even the iPhone, allow control via policy. IT groups and security groups are satisfied if the device can be controlled via policy and a service locked out. They don't get into 12 hour debates about how you can technically reflash the device, hack around the policy lock, how policy locks arent 100% effective, whatever. Basically, a device typically is going to need to have control through policy to be useful in an enterprise setting. Does Android really have no facility for this?

It is beyond simple to have a policy that disable the camera. All you need to do is remove/uninstall the camera app or drivers and if it were a corporate phone they would do this.
But by the same token it is equally simple to reinstall the camera app, or reflash the phone.
That is why the security people at places which have hard restrictions on cameras, typically military type places, are only satisfied with the 100% solution, i.e. no camera physically installed.

Found something new about the S4 just now!!

So like many others I'm sure I've been obsessing about the new S4. I pre-ordered mine yesterday and have been doing more research ever since.
While getting "lost" on the internet usually leads me to cats instead I found out about Mobeam.
It's basically a cool new feature that allows the S4 to project bursts of light from a LED or maybe IR which a POS system or traditional barcode scanner can read.
What does this mean? It means we should be able to scan coupons loyalty cards, gift cards etc and then when at the store have the cashier just scan the top of our phone to accept the barcode.
I'm probably getting excited of something I'll never use however I like surprises...

I wonder if that will help bridge the gap with physical retailers and online coupons. I use my phone a LOT when shopping because I can always find a deal and save some money, but it can be frustrating when you get a coupon and then the cashier has to verify that it's "legit". It would be simpler if all online coupons just came with simple bar codes that can easily be scanned and matched up in the computer. Some coupons do this already, but really every one of them should.

Sarcron said:
I wonder if that will help bridge the gap with physical retailers and online coupons. I use my phone a LOT when shopping because I can always find a deal and save some money, but it can be frustrating when you get a coupon and then the cashier has to verify that it's "legit". It would be simpler if all online coupons just came with simple bar codes that can easily be scanned and matched up in the computer. Some coupons do this already, but really every one of them should.
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I absolutely think it could bridge the gap, but this depends on the right environment.
1. Mobeam has patented this technology, as thus it's going to need to be affordable to license it to the masses. (Interestingly enough in Mobeams' FAQ section under investors, it lists Samsung Ventures among several others)
2. The companies that make the products we buy everyday will need to jump on board and work with retail stores and app devs to get these coupons seamlessly integrated to mobile phones.
The most important thing of all this is $$$. Basically every store already has the barcode system in place, so not having to upgrade all of those systems to use rfid or nfc (another way mobile coupons can be used) will be a huge cost savings.

imthatguy83 said:
I absolutely think it could bridge the gap, but this depends on the right environment.
1. Mobeam has patented this technology, as thus it's going to need to be affordable to license it to the masses. (Interestingly enough in Mobeams' FAQ section under investors, it lists Samsung Ventures among several others)
2. The companies that make the products we buy everyday will need to jump on board and work with retail stores and app devs to get these coupons seamlessly integrated to mobile phones.
The most important thing of all this is $$$. Basically every store already has the barcode system in place, so not having to upgrade all of those systems to use rfid or nfc (another way mobile coupons can be used) will be a huge cost savings.
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Was confused for a second so I went and looked up a video on on Mobeam, and wow, I didn't realize that was the full potential you referred to. That is actually really cool! I heard the HTC One also has an IR blaster, so couldn't it do this as well? Or is Mobeam's technology patent such that 3rd party developers couldn't really copy that feature, and for now it's exclusive to Samsung?

Sarcron said:
Was confused for a second so I went and looked up a video on on Mobeam, and wow, I didn't realize that was the full potential you referred to. That is actually really cool! I heard the HTC One also has an IR blaster, so couldn't it do this as well? Or is Mobeam's technology patent such that 3rd party developers couldn't really copy that feature, and for now it's exclusive to Samsung?
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I think it uses the notification LED on the phone. The video shows the scanner scanning the face of the phone which is where the LED is. The IR is on top by the audio jack. That leads me to believe that this could work with most phones.
I'm thinking that their patent would def protect them so as no other company can use this tech with out licensing it from them. What that costs who knows. The most interesting thing about this is that Samsung apparently invested in them, to what degree again who knows. If Samsung invested heavily then maybe they will get to have the tech for a while before the company licenses it to other vendors. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out..

I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?

imthatguy83 said:
I think it uses the notification LED on the phone. The video shows the scanner scanning the face of the phone which is where the LED is. The IR is on top by the audio jack. That leads me to believe that this could work with most phones.
I'm thinking that their patent would def protect them so as no other company can use this tech with out licensing it from them. What that costs who knows. The most interesting thing about this is that Samsung apparently invested in them, to what degree again who knows. If Samsung invested heavily then maybe they will get to have the tech for a while before the company licenses it to other vendors. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out..
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Click to collapse
The S4 has an IR sensor on the top of the phone as well (separate from the IR blaster on the front). It is used to detect hand gestures. I don't think many other phones have this technology yet.
Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
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Go to the site and watch the video...it explains why.

Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
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It's probably just as simple as the tech to read a smartphone screen is really expensive. The only other option is RFID and NFC all of these would require serious investments on the behalf of retail stores. This tech allows retail locations to use their existing laser scanners.

Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
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Basically MOST scanners in stores (laser scanners I think) can't read a glass screen it just sees reflections. Newer stores with newer/different scanners can read screens like the ones they use at starbucks...but the purpose of this is it can be used anywhere with ANY scanner. Pretty genius actually!

Sure, idea is cool, but given that scanners do a pretty awesome job with barcodes it is kinda redundant (I know, I used to test them on different surfaces at my old job just for fun)

Why I'm tired of the Gear 2 and why you should be too.

Hey guys, I am pretty much here to express why the Gear 2 was such a good idea on paper but terrible in reality. The fact of the matter is the Gear 2 sucks. The apecs are great the screen is beauitful the design isnt half bad if you ask me. But the sheer lack of apps is what makes the smartwatch so gimmicky. Yes I can pick up calls but I mean we can do the same thing with a pair if $20 headphones; so why did i buy a $300 'smart'watch? Well, here us the answer. I though it was better than android wear. For some reason I thought "hey, samsjng makes great products!" Which in reality it does, but Tizen was not the way to go. The sheer lack of apps makes this app a brick if you ask me. Also the lack of compatability! (What were they thinking?!) I mean have you seen how fast android wear is developing?! Its absolutely insane. I guess this a call to action if anythjbg for Samsung to either open up tizen or port Android Wear to the Gear 2 or make it incredibly easy for devs to use Tizen because if it doesn't itll suffer the same fate as any other OS besides Android or Apple (not a threat LOL.)
Post your ideas below.

adr14ng said:
Hey guys, I am pretty much here to express why the Gear 2 was such a good idea on paper but terrible in reality. The fact of the matter is the Gear 2 sucks. The apecs are great the screen is beauitful the design isnt half bad if you ask me. But the sheer lack of apps is what makes the smartwatch so gimmicky. Yes I can pick up calls but I mean we can do the same thing with a pair if $20 headphones; so why did i buy a $300 'smart'watch? Well, here us the answer. I though it was better than android wear. For some reason I thought "hey, samsjng makes great products!" Which in reality it does, but Tizen was not the way to go. The sheer lack of apps makes this app a brick if you ask me. Also the lack of compatability! (What were they thinking?!) I mean have you seen how fast android wear is developing?! Its absolutely insane. I guess this a call to action if anythjbg for Samsung to either open up tizen or port Android Wear to the Gear 2 or make it incredibly easy for devs to use Tizen because if it doesn't itll suffer the same fate as any other OS besides Android or Apple (not a threat LOL.)
Post your ideas below.
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Click to collapse
I agree with you, the potential is extraorinary with this watch, but Samsung is failing to use this potential. I really hope we get an android wear update some day.

Interesting but I just bought a Gear 2 after selling two Gear Neo and trying Android Wear and also a Sony - for me the simplicity of the Gear is just right.
It's a notification device not a replacement for your mobile.
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app

Guys I know you might not want to here this but after coming full circle back, I setup my Gear today (this time the Brown/Gold), absolutely loving it.
The grass always seems greener ...
But guess it depends on expectation.

had the original gear then the sony but once wear came out I grabbed myself a lg g watch which i liked but missed the camera all the way through all of them. Picked up a gear 2 changed the strap for metal one and could not be happier Love the camera which is a major need for me and function wise its fine although I'll admit the notifications are not on par with my lg but I prefer a peep to a vibrate too
In short .... I love mine and trust me it turns heads when people notice it.

it might be good on paper but it depends on how someone use a device. I got a free Gear 2neo when I bought my Tab S 8.4, sold the neo and bought myself a gear 2 basically for the camera, and the love-love (no love-hate here for me) relationship began, installed fleksy keyboard and i never have to pull out my tablet when travelling (i commute to one of the most dangerous place in the world LOL) added a few needed apps by editing my tab S build prop so I have the latest gear app list. answering calls with this looks a bit odd but awesome to others, although you hate it when people eavesdrop, so got me-self a gear circle, paired everything up and im a happy man.
camera wise, 2mpxl is enough for those quick snaps, like when a cool lambo stops beside you and you want a quick snapshot.
in the end, it all boils down on how you use it, it may not have all the bells and whistle that other platform has, still.. worth every penny i invested in.

As an owner of the gear 2 neo I feel this device is nearly useless. Unfortunaltey, I couldn't choose the smartwatch as it was a present..
Right now I'm just using it to quickly check notifications, nothing else. Why? Because I hate Touchwiz so:
I don't use their email app -> can't use email feature on the gear
I don't use their sms app -> can't really reply to any message if not through SVoice (but that doesn't work that good)
Can't reply to most of the messages on whatsapp/telegram: maybe with flesky you can but since I'm not english mothertongue, I need to write into another language and I read it's a pain replying this way (if possible, haven't tried).
SVoice is SLOW: you ask for something, it spends too many seconds processing; try google now and you'll see the difference.
Now I'm using a touchwiz based custom rom on my GS4 to take advantage of the little things I can do (read notifications, check calendar, use svoice for replying to sms, check time!) but TW is sluggish and it's just not a good experience.
Also the total lack of any useful app for this smartwatch make it even more useless if possible.
Months have passed since the release of this product and there is no real development, so to me this is a dead product.
OP is partially right, if Samsung ports this to android wear we can still save something, otherwise Tizen isn't going anywhere and this watch will be just junk...

Kwbmm said:
As an owner of the gear 2 neo I feel this device is nearly useless. Unfortunaltey, I couldn't choose the smartwatch as it was a present..
Right now I'm just using it to quickly check notifications, nothing else. Why? Because I hate Touchwiz so:
I don't use their email app -> can't use email feature on the gear
I don't use their sms app -> can't really reply to any message if not through SVoice (but that doesn't work that good)
Can't reply to most of the messages on whatsapp/telegram: maybe with flesky you can but since I'm not english mothertongue, I need to write into another language and I read it's a pain replying this way (if possible, haven't tried).
SVoice is SLOW: you ask for something, it spends too many seconds processing; try google now and you'll see the difference.
Now I'm using a touchwiz based custom rom on my GS4 to take advantage of the little things I can do (read notifications, check calendar, use svoice for replying to sms, check time!) but TW is sluggish and it's just not a good experience.
Also the total lack of any useful app for this smartwatch make it even more useless if possible.
Months have passed since the release of this product and there is no real development, so to me this is a dead product.
OP is partially right, if Samsung ports this to android wear we can still save something, otherwise Tizen isn't going anywhere and this watch will be just junk...
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Click to collapse
I think everything is relative. I love my Gear 2 Neo. I initially was not so sure (have also a pebble) - but now, after wearing it for a couple of days I will be selling the Pebble.
I love the amazing screen - with long battery life (do not want to charge daily - like android wear), the very fast notification; the good selection of useful apps (IR remote; remote view of phone camera; calendar; fitness apps; simple games; many many good watchfaces etc.); the ability to take a quick call on the watch itself...
Also, being able to send SMS messages directly from the watch is in many cases very handy.
I have shown the watch to a few colleagues of mine - now they also want one...
I understand you dont like it - I do. So do people I have showed mine to. ( I do not use Svoice - see no need for it; so I cannot comment on how good or bad it is)
Android Wear may have more apps - but the short battery life and lack of some features (use the watch as a phone, IR blaster etc.) - make Android Wear (for me) quite inferior to the Gear 2 Neo
If Samsung would port Android Wear to the gear 2 neo, so we can keep the features we have AND have the more apps: that would be of course best. But I would think that Android Wear would bring us the "feature" of needing to charge once per day - and that is not a feature I would want

adr14ng said:
Hey guys, I am pretty much here to express why the Gear 2 was such a good idea on paper but terrible in reality. The fact of the matter is the Gear 2 sucks. The apecs are great the screen is beauitful the design isnt half bad if you ask me. But the sheer lack of apps is what makes the smartwatch so gimmicky. Yes I can pick up calls but I mean we can do the same thing with a pair if $20 headphones; so why did i buy a $300 'smart'watch? Well, here us the answer. I though it was better than android wear. For some reason I thought "hey, samsjng makes great products!" Which in reality it does, but Tizen was not the way to go. The sheer lack of apps makes this app a brick if you ask me. Also the lack of compatability! (What were they thinking?!) I mean have you seen how fast android wear is developing?! Its absolutely insane. I guess this a call to action if anythjbg for Samsung to either open up tizen or port Android Wear to the Gear 2 or make it incredibly easy for devs to use Tizen because if it doesn't itll suffer the same fate as any other OS besides Android or Apple (not a threat LOL.)
Post your ideas below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see the point you are making, you expected a james bond type watch and got somthing far from it. but your conclusion for it terrible is because of your expectations. I see i a lot of people saying lack of apps is a factor that gear 2 is no good, have you seen android wear it does not have any apps, it only works as an extension to your existing apps. the only thing good about the android wear is the OK Google hot word, and as much as it sounds and looks good in the videos it just doesnt work when you want it to.
Also what do you want from a smart watch, give me an example of an app that is so badly needed on the watch and it does not exist?
and finally its a watch you are not suppose to spend time on it its just there to make little things easier, you dont want to be engaged with it for more than 10-20s.
Also as far as my knowledge goes gear 2 fit perfectly in the middle of being a long lasting eink watch (pebble) with very little things and the android wear that has the "ok google" thing and always on display but last at max 2 days). my experience with gear 2 has been 5 days of use and i am very happy with it.
I see it as something of a conversation starter among friends and keeps my phone in the pocket to experience the real world more.
here are examples of some apps you might like,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-2/themes-apps/nownotifier-development-t2914013
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearablewidgets

I agree with Wear, but it is still great for me!
I love my Gear 2. I do agree that Wear is probably better in many ways, and I may go for a Wear next time, but this is far from useless. I use it for:
Shows my next appointment when I look at the time - this is the most used and useful of all IMO.
Notifications of email and SMS
Possible reply to SMS (rare)
Control of media (often, and it avoids the need to take the phone out or keep it out when travelling)
Locking my phone if I leave or lose it
Finding my phone or watch when I lose them
To Do list (not that useful, sometimes as a short shopping list)
Voice memo - great to record fleeting ideas
Remote for TV in case I lose it
Turning off TVs in public (without being obvious) - I love that!
Simple Italian phrases with sound - a quick and easy reminder
answering the phone without getting the phone out and missing the call (all too often)
answering my phone from the pool - I love being able to do that!
I have tried a lot of other apps, all sorts of games and drawing/writing apps, but the screen is too small. I use the camera occasionally, but not for much. I like it for what it is and am more than happy with it. Battery life is amazing, too. I get the feeling that some people just expect too much from smart watches.

My first post here, and I'd like to express some frustrations with the Gear 2 as well. I got it as a xmas present from my wife and initially, I really liked it.
After a couple of updates though, it seems like Samsung has made this "smart" watch a bit less smart. I was once able to tell S-Voice not to "talk" after giving it a command, but now that's no longer an option and can only reduce the volume down to "1".
Instead of increasing the level of tweaks in the app, they've removed a lot of them (running it on an S5).
Every time there's a software update, some of the apps stop working and I have to re-install them.
Creating tasks on the watch works great, but I only get reminders on my phone.
Does anyone know if there are plans to continue developing the Gear app for this watch? It almost seems like they're abandoning it as far as I can tell.
OTOH, I realize these types of devices are still in their infancy, so I'm not expecting this to be perfect, but my point is that in the last four months that I've had this thing, it keeps getting less and less useful after every update!

LuiFranco said:
My first post here, and I'd like to express some frustrations with the Gear 2 as well. I got it as a xmas present from my wife and initially, I really liked it.
After a couple of updates though, it seems like Samsung has made this "smart" watch a bit less smart. I was once able to tell S-Voice not to "talk" after giving it a command, but now that's no longer an option and can only reduce the volume down to "1".
Instead of increasing the level of tweaks in the app, they've removed a lot of them (running it on an S5).
Every time there's a software update, some of the apps stop working and I have to re-install them.
Creating tasks on the watch works great, but I only get reminders on my phone.
Does anyone know if there are plans to continue developing the Gear app for this watch? It almost seems like they're abandoning it as far as I can tell.
OTOH, I realize these types of devices are still in their infancy, so I'm not expecting this to be perfect, but my point is that in the last four months that I've had this thing, it keeps getting less and less useful after every update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately they moved to Android wear, and you're right in thinking they basically abandoned tizen development. My issue is that the three key "bonus" features for me were : speaker phone, ir remote, and camera and I can't find those things on any other device! Otherwise only looks seem to set apart the other watches

I agree .... I loved my gear 2 with all its camera goodness but had to move onto wear when I changed to a nexus 6 still miss her even though I would change my nexus for anything .....

Since this update I got a 360 and honestly. Wear does notifications better. They have the whole thread of messages and it doesn't get mixed up no matter what client you use. I'll admit I miss the tizen battery life. But I will say both are giving me issues with fitness tracking, the fit app is incompatible with my s5 and s health is always a mess if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app

I entirely agree with you.
adr14ng said:
Hey guys, I am pretty much here to express why the Gear 2 was such a good idea on paper but terrible in reality. The fact of the matter is the Gear 2 sucks. The apecs are great the screen is beauitful the design isnt half bad if you ask me. But the sheer lack of apps is what makes the smartwatch so gimmicky. Yes I can pick up calls but I mean we can do the same thing with a pair if $20 headphones; so why did i buy a $300 'smart'watch? Well, here us the answer. I though it was better than android wear. For some reason I thought "hey, samsjng makes great products!" Which in reality it does, but Tizen was not the way to go. The sheer lack of apps makes this app a brick if you ask me. Also the lack of compatability! (What were they thinking?!) I mean have you seen how fast android wear is developing?! Its absolutely insane. I guess this a call to action if anythjbg for Samsung to either open up tizen or port Android Wear to the Gear 2 or make it incredibly easy for devs to use Tizen because if it doesn't itll suffer the same fate as any other OS besides Android or Apple (not a threat LOL.)
Post your ideas below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy that you wrote it.

Worse thing i did with my life is probably buying this watch. After using it a few months I threw it away. Its sitting in its box. I bought a LG G Watch for 70€ (was on discount for 1 day) it has 5000 times more features you can use

kadeve said:
Worse thing i did with my life is probably buying this watch. After using it a few months I threw it away. Its sitting in its box. I bought a LG G Watch for 70€ (was on discount for 1 day) it has 5000 times more features you can use
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Click to collapse
"5000 times more features" bit of an exaggeration and purely your opinion, if that is the worse thing in your life then you must have a great one or sit at home doing nothing.
For the added advantages of android I saw none that made me want to change, major one was lack of camera.

jeffnz said:
"5000 times more features" bit of an exaggeration and purely your opinion, if that is the worse thing in your life then you must have a great one or sit at home doing nothing.
For the added advantages of android I saw none that made me want to change, major one was lack of camera.
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Click to collapse
with all due respect jeffnz but I think you are an entry level user. Even the comparasion between Tizen and Android Wear is unfair. Tizen is stuck with poor SDK and HTML5 only support. If your user experience has been limited you wont see the difference because you are using the smartwatch just as a regular watch.
Android Wear has Tasker support and by using AutoApps you end up having infinite amount of features. But again I think you are an entry level user. I have a server and a raspberry pi that I use for my projects and home automation.
Just a few simple examples so you could maybe understand.
- When a video is played on computer lights go off, ambient light is set to match the video (ambilight) , Watch gets a Controller screen that has basic play/pause next fullscreen etc. buttons on low level brightness.
- When phone is charged , I get a notification and the smart wallplug cuts off the electricity that feeds the adapter. This is done by a raspberry pi with 433Mhz Receiver/transmitter kit ( which allows me control wall plugs individually)
check youtube for AutoWear app and you will understand better what you are missing.
I am an mechanical engineer, electrical engineer and a programmer. I am trying to make use of my skills at home as well as my professional life. Yeah android wear cant take a goddamn photo but I can give chain voice commands to start the freaking oven downstairs meanwhile the amblight is in disco mode...

kadeve said:
with all due respect jeffnz but I think you are an entry level user. Even the comparasion between Tizen and Android Wear is unfair. Tizen is stuck with poor SDK and HTML5 only support. If your user experience has been limited you wont see the difference because you are using the smartwatch just as a regular watch.
Android Wear has Tasker support and by using AutoApps you end up having infinite amount of features. But again I think you are an entry level user. I have a server and a raspberry pi that I use for my projects and home automation.
Just a few simple examples so you could maybe understand.
- When a video is played on computer lights go off, ambient light is set to match the video (ambilight) , Watch gets a Controller screen that has basic play/pause next fullscreen etc. buttons on low level brightness.
- When phone is charged , I get a notification and the smart wallplug cuts off the electricity that feeds the adapter. This is done by a raspberry pi with 433Mhz Receiver/transmitter kit ( which allows me control wall plugs individually)
check youtube for AutoWear app and you will understand better what you are missing.
I am an mechanical engineer, electrical engineer and a programmer. I am trying to make use of my skills at home as well as my professional life. Yeah android wear cant take a goddamn photo but I can give chain voice commands to start the freaking oven downstairs meanwhile the amblight is in disco mode...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for telling me all about yourself but isn't necessary as I stand by what I said it is purely your opinion and to you it may be 5000 times better in your mind but to most a gross exaggeration.
Also please don't try and guess what i am as you do not know me and it is clouding your judgement ven if you prefix your post with "all due respect" which is usually the opposite.
oh and I know tasker but just because you cuan run on Android wear doesn't mean it is a great reason to dis Tizen, once again that is the way you use your watch not all will do that. One size does not fit all

Questions from a android wear user

So I am a first gen moto 360 user till this day. Unfortunately the battery, fragile band and overall watch is seeming to show its age to me finally. I am currently using a nexus 6p and have no intention of jumping over to a samsung device as I dont quite enjoy touchwiz or the update cycles outside of direct google devices. While shopping around for options I keep finding myself drawn to this watch which doesnt seem out of the ordinary since they are pretty difficult to come by outside of ebay here in the states at the moment. I do have some questions since I do use a few of what I consider the basics of the google ecosystem daily and the samsung reps at the few bestbuys I visited were less than helpful in solving my problems (surprising I know).
- I am a big google now user with my moto 360 and phone, I know s voice doesnt come close but how does it react with commands like "what time is **** open until" or "call **** on 123 main street". Specifics like that are what I love. Or simply the reminder feature based on location and not simply time.
- I am also worried about how it will handle or if it can even handle the notifications and controls for my google music or google messenger since from what I gather anything outside of samsung apps can be a bit spotty.
- I just read in another thread that google maps does exist on the samsung app store so if thats true would it sync up with my phone navigation or work independently (I dont plan to get the lte model or if I do, I dont plan on using it stand alone since I am on verizon).
I find myself at a crossroad since I really enjoy the idea of samsung pay on my watch since that is one of if not the main feature I am jealous of the samsung devices for, but to give up all the other android wear features I seem to live with seems like more cons than pros at this time. I dont seem too thrilled with any of the other android wear watches and with their future looking grim I fear the pickings are becoming more and more slim as time progress'.

My first smart watch was the original Moto 360 as well. Like you, I was hesitant to move to a Tizen based smart watch. After owning the Fro tier for almost a month now, I can say this watch is a significant upgrade over the Moto 360, and the Tizen operating system has several advantages over Android Wear.
1. Battery life is significantly better. I can get two days with AOD on, and 3-4 days with AOD off.
2. Samsung Pay alone is worth the upgrade.
3. The UI and rotating bezel are superior to Android Wear.
Cons:
1. S Voice isn't as good as Google Now. I am not able to to the things you like to do with Google Now. To be honest, I didn't use Google Now as much as you do. While I may not be able to find out when a particular place closes, it is adequate enough to send a text or call someone using my voice. As a side note, I changed my command to respond to "Hey Google." I wanted to make it different than my phone, so I wouldn't trigger both.
2. Boy, I can't think of anything else. Just get the Gear S3. You won't regret it.

ttown said:
My first smart watch was the original Moto 360 as well. Like you, I was hesitant to move to a Tizen based smart watch. After owning the Fro tier for almost a month now, I can say this watch is a significant upgrade over the Moto 360, and the Tizen operating system has several advantages over Android Wear.
1. Battery life is significantly better. I can get two days with AOD on, and 3-4 days with AOD off.
2. Samsung Pay alone is worth the upgrade.
3. The UI and rotating bezel are superior to Android Wear.
Cons:
1. S Voice isn't as good as Google Now. I am not able to to the things you like to do with Google Now. To be honest, I didn't use Google Now as much as you do. While I may not be able to find out when a particular place closes, it is adequate enough to send a text or call someone using my voice. As a side note, I changed my command to respond to "Hey Google." I wanted to make it different than my phone, so I wouldn't trigger both.
2. Boy, I can't think of anything else. Just get the Gear S3. You won't regret it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the input. How about the maps navigation connection? Also I see they are just now getting Spotify to work but it seems more stand alone. Know if other apps like Google play music work well enough with controls?

NyPlaya513 said:
Appreciate the input. How about the maps navigation connection? Also I see they are just now getting Spotify to work but it seems more stand alone. Know if other apps like Google play music work well enough with controls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google maps doesn't work (at least not right out of the box), but there is an app you can download. I thought I would miss this since I use my phone for navigation, but I haven't missed it one bit. Now that Android Auto works on the phone, I have been using that. I think I used the Motorola 360 for navigation while I was walking twice in two years.
I haven't tried Spotify because I use Google Play Music. The controls for GPM work the same they do on the Moto 360. The music is played through the phone, not the watch just like in the Moto 360.
One more thing that was a concern for me before buying. I use Verizon Messages+ instead of the Samsung Messages app and was concerned I wouldn't be able to reply to messages. I am able to reply and create texts from the watch using Verizon Meaages+ without an issue. I created a thread walking you through how to make this work. It is very easy.

Alright well you talked me into it. Luckily today Best Buy got both models back in stock. I ordered the classic to be here on Friday and although I like the grip on the bezel for the Frontier Model better, I do like the stylish and more professional look in my opinion of the classic Model. Luckily if I don't like the classic after a few days I am a silver member and can simply swap with the frontier LOL.

Coming from a Moto360 1st gen too.
Owning a Nexus 6p too!
Heavy Google Now user too!!!!
So I guess we share something.
I was also hesitant but finally decided to buy it. So now I own a Gear S3 Frontier.
1- S Voice? Almost useless. I am so disappointed about this. My only hope is that software related issues eventually get a solution.
2- Notifications and control handling is superb. Not only for Spotify (recently added to Tizen market) but Google Play music or whatever you may be streaming to your Chromecast.
3- Maps? I still don't see the point using a map on the wrist. Never used it on my Moto360 (probably due to the overwhelming battery drain issue).
That's what I can tell after a month.
Sorry if I am late and I hope you find my comments useful.

flasflus said:
Maps? I still don't see the point using a map on the wrist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As wrist based GPS for pedestrian use is very useful for directions when waking around on foot. It's better than walking around holding your cellphone out in front of your face in order to refer to directions.

LG G watch Sport

Looks like a good replacement for the Gear S3. Hopefully some decent apps for wear 2.0 as well. I have basically given up all hope of Tizen ever attracting any decent apps.
Downside will be shorter battery life and worse navigation (no bezel) tempted to get my S3 on ebay now before the flood!
Like the fact that the LG sport will take a nano sim so it will work in the UK on 4G. All for £349 which is what I paid for wifi only gear s3.
Nigel

Yup, I saw that Strava is releasing their app for wear. You won't see Strava ever on a Tizen watch
Swordfish

Just curious what apps you're planning on with Wear. I really can't think of much more I want my watch to do. Also looking forward to the Under Armour suite of apps for health/fitness. But I can't think of anything right now that would make me switch interfaces.
Looks like you're right Swordfish. I did see this for what it's worth.
https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/218887007-Samsung-Gear-and-Strava

Erm google fit (s-health is buggy rubbish), android pay (samsung pay not available outside us), strava, google music, decent implementation of google maps, a voice assistant that actually works! Remote connection (via wifi to phone) that actually works (samsung fails all the time), less buggy app store, app store integration on watch, outdoor GPS app, store cards app (that works). Facebook app, twitter app, ability to create emails via gmail from the watch (not supported on non samsung devices with S3), oh, and an ecosystem used by many different manufacturers which means that apps will always appear first on wear. Samsung is great at hardware, but god-awful at software.
Nigel
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk

veletron said:
Erm google fit (s-health is buggy rubbish), android pay (samsung pay not available outside us), strava, google music, decent implementation of google maps, a voice assistant that actually works! Remote connection (via wifi to phone) that actually works (samsung fails all the time), less buggy app store, app store integration on watch, outdoor GPS app, store cards app (that works). Facebook app, twitter app, ability to create emails via gmail from the watch (not supported on non samsung devices with S3), oh, and an ecosystem used by many different manufacturers which means that apps will always appear first on wear. Samsung is great at hardware, but god-awful at software.
Nigel
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I appreciate the detailed response since I'm honestly kind of ignorant of what else is out there, and I've been generally satisfied with my S3. I think it's definitely personal preference, and obviously depends on what you're looking for in a watch. I did see a comparison video of the S3 vs Android Wear, and I liked the Tizen UI way better - especially using the bezel. Android Wear 2.0 sounds to be much better (but then again, maybe the next version of Tizen will improve too). In any case, I'm liking the S3 interface for now.
To your points - for me:
- I haven't hated S Health like you seem to. But I don't do extensive workouts with it - haven't been running due to an injured knee. I just track steps, floors, heart rate, and sleep (sometimes). For that, it hasn't been buggy at all for me.
- Android Pay with MST is awesome. That sucks they don't have it working outside the US - doesn't make any sense to me. But I'm in the US, I use it all the time, and I love when people say, oh - this one doesn't support Apple Pay, and I say, I know. I even used it on a credit card reader on a vending machine - pretty cool.
- Strava - I don't use it. If that's important to you, that could be a dealbreaker right there - Strava's website even says they're not supporting it. It offers a workaround to pull from S Health, but if you've already had a bad experience there, using it as a pass-through probably won't make you any happier! Gotta get what works for you!
- I'm not using my watch for music or maps, (although I have Here We Go, and it seems pretty good for my purposes.) Sounds like you're looking for running apps. Hopefully, the Under Armour partnership with Samsung brings us new hope!
- I've never had an issue with Remote Connection or the app store, and I certainly don't need an app store on my watch. I can pull my phone out of my pocket. Store cards can just be saved as images.
- I don't need or want Facebook, Twitter, or anything more than email notification/reading on my watch. If I want to check anything or send emails or text, I use my phone.
- You're definitely right on the apps - I don't think Samsung will ever catch Google there. Again, for me, the watch is doing what I want/need it for. If/when I see things that can be done elsewhere that I really want, and can't get on the S3, maybe I'll consider. But for now, I'm more than satisfied with the S3's function, UI including bezel, battery, and style.
The LG Sport does look pretty sweet, with much better resolution. Amazingly, it's even bigger than the S3. Hopefully, 2.0 brings a much better Wear. Also, may want to get 1st hand reports on battery life - that could also be a deal breaker for me. I did see an early review of the LG Sport - not sure there's going to be a "flood" of S3s going to eBay, but maybe as it improves, and the apps start coming in, it will pull more over.
https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/08/lg-watch-sport-review/
Please let me know if/when you make the leap. I'm genuinely curious to hear 1st hand reviews and head to head comparison from someone who has used both.
Thanks!
Andy

arl16 said:
- Android Pay with MST is awesome. That sucks they don't have it working outside the US - doesn't make any sense to me. But I'm in the US, I use it all the time, and I love when people say, oh - this one doesn't support Apple Pay, and I say, I know. I even used it on a credit card reader on a vending machine - pretty cool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay utilizes MST, not Android Pay. I wish they did

futbolrunner said:
Samsung Pay utilizes MST, not Android Pay. I wish they did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! Good call. All that talk of Android and not enough sleep scrambled my brain. I meant Samsung Pay w/ MST!

The MST will never work in much of Europe anyway. We ditched mag strips for chip+pin over 10 years ago in the UK, and about 16 years ago in France/Germany/Italy. Many card readers can't even read mag strips, and if they can its a secondary payment method. If you try and swipe a card, the card reader just tells you to use chip+pin instead.
That's what even more irksome with Samsung pay - the delays re implementing it in the UK were down to MST - Samsung basically wanted mag-strip payments un-depricated so their MST tech would work - The banks said 'no, its dead'. 'Samsung pay Mini' appears to be the result which is Samsung pay without the MST. Reality is beyond Tizen based devices, Samsung Pay is dead technology in the UK cause Android pay already does everything Samsung pay does. Without the MST payments, Samsung pay has no USP.
Apparently it will launch with the Galaxy S8 in UK, One wonders whether Samsung will force Samsung Pay down users throats by simply blocking the installation of Android Pay.
Nigel

veletron said:
The MST will never work in much of Europe anyway. We ditched mag strips for chip+pin over 10 years ago in the UK, and about 16 years ago in France/Germany/Italy. Many card readers can't even read mag strips, and if they can its a secondary payment method. If you try and swipe a card, the card reader just tells you to use chip+pin instead.
That's what even more irksome with Samsung pay - the delays re implementing it in the UK were down to MST - Samsung basically wanted mag-strip payments un-depricated so their MST tech would work - The banks said 'no, its dead'. 'Samsung pay Mini' appears to be the result which is Samsung pay without the MST. Reality is beyond Tizen based devices, Samsung Pay is dead technology in the UK cause Android pay already does everything Samsung pay does. Without the MST payments, Samsung pay has no USP.
Apparently it will launch with the Galaxy S8 in UK, One wonders whether Samsung will force Samsung Pay down users throats by simply blocking the installation of Android Pay.
Nigel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I had no idea of the history behind that. Crazy!

veletron said:
The MST will never work in much of Europe anyway. We ditched mag strips for chip+pin over 10 years ago in the UK, and about 16 years ago in France/Germany/Italy. Many card readers can't even read mag strips, and if they can its a secondary payment method. If you try and swipe a card, the card reader just tells you to use chip+pin instead.
That's what even more irksome with Samsung pay - the delays re implementing it in the UK were down to MST - Samsung basically wanted mag-strip payments un-depricated so their MST tech would work - The banks said 'no, its dead'. 'Samsung pay Mini' appears to be the result which is Samsung pay without the MST. Reality is beyond Tizen based devices, Samsung Pay is dead technology in the UK cause Android pay already does everything Samsung pay does. Without the MST payments, Samsung pay has no USP.
Apparently it will launch with the Galaxy S8 in UK, One wonders whether Samsung will force Samsung Pay down users throats by simply blocking the installation of Android Pay.
Nigel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt they'd block Android pay on the S8, Android system has always been about the ability to customize, same same but different?
Either way. I'm in Canada and we have "beta" Samsung Pay here with only one bank testing it out. I'm guessing much like how it was in Thailand, one bank to try it out until full release. The Canadian Gear s3 did not come with Samsung pay, even though SP's availability is limited. I ended up buying an American Gear s3, which had the SP pre installed and it works like a charm.
No Android pay love for Canada. Not even an ETA or any mentions.

veletron said:
Tempted to get my S3 on ebay now before the flood!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used with a Samsung phone the Gear S3 is a much more well rounded device. Apps and functions are/were built with integration and stand-alone use in mind. That makes an Android Wear watch a non-starter for me. Now if I had a non-Samsung phone and used non-Samsung apps like e-mail and messaging it's a different story and I'd probably go with Android Wear. As for apps the core apps I need and use most are fine. With the screen real estate on a smartwatch there's a limit to what can be accomplished no matter who's developing apps.
I'd assume most people who bought a Gear thought about what I've referenced pre-purchase. If they didn't they're probably disappointed. If those folks are considered a "flood" you're probably smart for getting ahead of the crowd. Two things that are negative off the bat for the LG Sport. You can't pay with MST which is about 3/4 of my purchases and you can't dress it up or down because the band isn't changeable. Those are pretty big negatives; at least to me.

BarryH_GEG said:
Used with a Samsung phone the Gear S3 is a much more well rounded device. Apps and functions are/were built with integration and stand-alone use in mind. That makes an Android Wear watch a non-starter for me. Now if I had a non-Samsung phone and used non-Samsung apps like e-mail and messaging it's a different story and I'd probably go with Android Wear. As for apps the core apps I need and use most are fine. With the screen real estate on a smartwatch there's a limit to what can be accomplished no matter who's developing apps.
I'd assume most people who bought a Gear thought about what I've referenced pre-purchase. If they didn't they're probably disappointed. If those folks are considered a "flood" you're probably smart for getting ahead of the crowd. Two things that are negative off the bat for the LG Sport. You can't pay with MST which is about 3/4 of my purchases and you can't dress it up or down because the band isn't changeable. Those are pretty big negatives; at least to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, I was an early adopter, got mine last November when it was released in the UK. At the time, I had no idea that a lesser experience re email and text was to be offered to non samsung phone users, at the time, Samsung Pay was promissed year-end for UK but never materialised.
I don't like the girth of the G Watch Sport and will likely wait for the Huawei Watch 2.
As for MST, we killed off mag strips in europe many moons ago, so it simply wont work.
I have found more interest in my S3 over the past week in Watchmaker, IFTTT triggers app, and quick GPS.
There was no reason why Samsung could not have enabled full SMS (incl access to older texts) for all users of the watch with a companion app, or extn to existing app. Ditto email, via either companion app remotely driven from watch, or a full IMAP client. These should have been stock apps at launch.
Nigel
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk

Played with Lg Watch Sport for about one week... battery is worst thing about it (max one day of usage)... also the bezel scratch easy... switched to gear s3 frontier two days ago... very happy about this! (sorry for my english)