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Hi,
I'm tempted to get a gear s2, initially I liked the moto 360 and even the LG Urbane was quite tempting, but the gear s2 is just the perfect smart watch design with the rotating bezel. My only concern is lack of apps at the moment. Sadly I can't seem to access the gear s2 app store without owning an S2 so I can't look at apps available. Also a shame google now isn't part of it despite it running tizen, is S-voice any good on the S2?
For those who own the S2, what apps are available at the moment and are apps like facebook, gmail etc available or at least a good alternative so that you can look at newsfeed or something? Also do you feel like apps are being developed quite quickly or do you reckon developers wouldn't bother with the gear s2?
Best reason to have this watch is its look, especially Classic variant with its interchangeable bands. Rotating bezel is also a great feature which makes this watch unique.
Battery is much good comapred to its rivals, you can be sure it will last full day with very high usage. I charge my watch once per 2 days. appstore is poor for now though.
Some find this watch small, but it`s matter of taste.
For those who own the S2, what apps are available at the moment and are apps like facebook, gmail etc available or at least a good alternative so that you can look at newsfeed or something? Also do you feel like apps are being developed quite quickly or do you reckon developers wouldn't bother with the gear s2?
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Development pace is not as quick as I`d wish for now. You have few apps for news like CNN, Flipboard News Briefing and Bloomberg.
No social apps and to be honest, I don`t need them on my watch. You can always get notification form Facabook, Twitter, Gmail, etc.
Would you recommend this watch over an android wear watch?
I have had the pebble, lg g watch, and moto 360 but i enjoy my gear s2 the best
I tried the S2 Classic, Moto 360 2nd Gen, LG Urbane and the Huawei Watch and the Huawei is BY FAR My Favorite Watch...
I still prefer the Gear 2.
Samsung do the basics well but S Voice is useless. App wise Samsung are much the same bet I think these watches are just for key notifications not dozens of clumsy apps.
I have Moto 360, Huawei Watch and just ordered Gear S2 (dont tell the wife!) I love the Huawei Watch but the rotating bezel is the killer function for me.
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Yeah the Huawei watch looks nice, only thing bad about it is the way it charges, moto360 and gear s2 is how a smart watch should be charged. But agreed the gear s2's rotating bezel is the best smart watch control shame it doesn't run android wear like a custom version of it so it works well with the bezel. Just hope app developers see the potential in the gear s2 over the previous gear watch as compared with android wear watches and the apple watch, I'm not sure developers are going to see any point in spending time and money developing for a watch that isn't going to sell. So I'm hoping the rotating bezel is enough to get people to buy it and get developers wanting to develop apps for it.
I bought a Huawei watch at the same time I got my Gear S2 Classic, and I returned the Huawei a few days later. My feelings are much the same as they were a year and a half ago when I was choosing between the original Pebble and the LG G Watch: while Android Wear might have more developer support and therefore more apps, it is a horrible OS. Google has put all its faith into a combination of voice control and automated content; most of the time you're relying on what Google Now decides you want to see, rather than what you actually want to see, and getting anything else without using voice control means hunting through a menu system that is downright irritating - an impression that's made worse by the swiping every whichway on notifications, which often doesn't work how you'd expect. Tizen doesn't have a lot of developer support yet and if you don't have a Samsung phone it's even worse since you can't get paid apps at this point, but it is a much better OS, hands-down. And really, what is a smartwatch for? Do you need to be able to browse eBay and swipe people on Tinder from a tiny screen on your wrist? I don't. I want a smartwatch to eliminate all the times in a day I would otherwise pull my phone out of my pocket for ten seconds or less, and that means showing me notifications, letting me send quick responses, displaying my calendar and the weather, and maybe other useful watch tools like timer/stopwatch. The Gear S2 does all that perfectly well, with a better OS and better hardware than any Android Wear device. With all the coverage this watch is getting apps may come in larger numbers, but if they don't, I'm happy.
To each his own, I love Android Wear. For me the Rotating Bezel is cool and all, but APP support is the HUGE issue. I think by the time Developers make APPS the S2 Classic will be obsolete. I have both and the one thing I notice is that the display (to me) is a lot clearer and I love the fact that you can change watch faces. I'm keeping the S2 Classic to see what the future has in store for it. For now the Huawei Watch is my Daily Driver.
So far I'm thinking no its not. Hardly any apps mostly just watch faces. My battery makes it half a day and I think that's because it's always lighting up even when I'm not looking at it. No social apps. Ebay only works if connected by bluetooth so no notifications on an item ending soon if your away from your phone. I just don't see it as a stand alone device if I can't text or use apps without my phone nearby. O and there is no browser at all which is weird seeing as how it has 3g connection.
I moved from a 360 to the S2 because sometimes I don't want voice commands. No regrets. I love the build quality, bezel and how Samsung decided to manage access, notifications to the left and apps the the right then widgets more to the right. It does most of the things I want on my wrist and a great job of passing off to my phone. I would like a search and loyalty card app. More important than tizen apps is getting continuing to improve the Gear app so it hooks in better with non Samsung watches and iPhones.
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In case you hadn't seen it thought I'd share. €399 (*standard classic price in Europe so strap is FREE). Should be picking mine up in next few days.
DETAILS
Samsung is a company to watch through the fashion deals to come. A watch to watch.
So here we are, Samsung is launching an exclusive Gear S2 BALR. Edition in The Netherlands.
Next year is shaping up as the year of fashion tech. In that light, Samsung has announced collaboration with the fashion brand BALR., just one day before the Samsung Gear S2 watch lands on the shelves in The Netherlands.
Samsung and BALR. will work together to make a special edition of Gear S2 that comes with a new watch strap and new watch face.
For those of you who haven’t heard about BALR. before, this is a Dutch luxury fashion company. The brand was founded in 2013 by 3 Dutch professional football players.
Not only sports people like the brand. Also, famous Dutch DJ’s like Hardwell and Nicky Romero are regularly using BALR. products.
The launch of the watch was made public at a private party, in the Harbour Club. Just to show how important this merger is, it’s worth to mention that in attendance were many famous football players from top clubs like Ajax, Feyenoord, Dutch stars and VIPs.
Apart from the custom straps and faces, Samsung Gear S2 BALR. Edition has a case made from a custom material that is not plastic. The company did not detail on that, but we’ll keep you updated.
On the inside, The Samsung Gear S2 BALR. Edition will record your fitness data in the 24 hr activity log and is compatible with all Android 4.4 devices and up. Just like the basic version of Samsung Gear S2.
Aside the BALR. Edition custom strap, you’ll find in the box the original Samsung Gear S2 Classic straps. Just in case you need them.
We like the Samsung Gear S2 BALR. Edition. There is no doubt; it looks better than the standard Gear S2 Classic _________________________________
MarkP80nj said:
So, it's basically a $100 strap?
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Edited above. Price is European not US.
Will take photos once I've got it. Some promos for now if interested:
So, it's basically a $100 strap?
Edit:
OP has been edited, so disregard my comment.
Also, for the same price of the original, hell yeah, looks pretty nice. Especially because the original strap is included to change it up a bit.
Well worth it, imo
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Managed to pick mine up this week for €255. Being a T-mobile VIP client and a promotion they're currently running :laugh: Bargain!! Had to wait a while for the Special Edition to come in though. Yet well worth it.
Pros
Strap is really thick and great quality but was expected being BALR.
BALR. face makes it appear bigger strangely
Auto lock is a nice feature for those prowling eyes
Music controls working for Tunein, YouTube etc. Also from watch to phone to TV when connected
Cons
Lack of sleep tracking
No open last app. Handy for music although drag down menu has option and widget can be moved next to watch face.
Standard leather straps are terrible. Really if you're buying the classic you should consider the included straps as throw away. I'm hopefully going to salvage the quick release pins into another strap.
Battery on third/forth day lasted 40 hours with above average use
WiFi & NFC out
Auto-lock on and heart rate when resting
S-voice wake-up off
Brightness varies between 2, 3 and 4 depending on face
Apps closed frequently
Mentionable watch faces so far are Gear O'Clock: Swiss Sense, Paris Journey. Infinity S2. Seconds Clock.
Decent apps I've found:
Calculator
Timer
News Republic
HERE Navigator
XENOZU (YouTube player)
NOS Nieuws (Dutch)
Theft Alert
GearTorch
Firefly (game)
SnakeClassicS2 (game)
That's it for now until I can get some pictures done. I'll add anything else I can think of in the meantime.
Hi,
I'm looking to get a Gear S2 soon though one concern is lack of apps, not a major deal as the only smart watch I've owned is a Sony Smart watch MN2 (first gen) though does have quite a few apps even a remote camera to view phones camera on the watch and take pics remotely.
Just wanting an idea of what apps or games are available on the Gear S2 and are Gear S apps still compatible on the S2?
There aren't a ton compared to android wear. Most of the ones I need are built in (fitness & notifications) and they work well. I don't play games on my watch.
Not sure about gear s compatibility.
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I think the whole apps on the phone thing is overrated. First and foremost it's a time piece. Second it's there to notify you of information. That notification should drive you to pick up your phone now or later. I had the M360 Gen2 but couldn't do something simple that my Gear Fit did which was act on a phone call by responding with a text or ignoring it. Also I was unable to snooze an alarm for later action. Both actions I could complete on my $45 refurbed Gear Fit that didn't have apps. I know I'm ranting a bit but buy the S2 for what it is not because the app store is thin right now.
I've had the gear S2 (sport) for about 1 week.. I really like the watch, but i'm wondering if the model is right.
I've been a smart watch user for long time. Pebble classic, Sony SW2, Pebble Steel, LG G Watch R, Pebble Time.
I've run into a few instances where my phone is tied up in the car with a six year old playing a gaming or streaming Netflix when i run into a store only to come out and have my wife go did you get my text about getting.... Granted This happens maybe one a month or every other month.
Gear S2 3G.... I don't run so i doubt the GPS would add that much... I might be wrong.
Gear S2 Classic... I do like the idea of being able to use any watch band and the classier look.
Who else has opinions on the Plus/minuses of the 3 models.
If you need call capabilities on your watch without your phone being connected via bluetooth, then go with the 3g model. Same if you want a watch with a speaker. Otherwise the Gear S2 sport or classic models should work fine. I prefer the Classic because of the look, plus I love the customization options that come with being able to use regular 20mm straps. Some prefer the sporty look instead. So basically decide if you need/want 3g/speaker. If not, then choose the look you want (sport or classic). My two cents
sefrcoko said:
If you need call capabilities on your watch without your phone being connected via bluetooth, then go with the 3g model. Same if you want a watch with a speaker. Otherwise the Gear S2 sport or classic models should work fine. I prefer the Classic because of the look, plus I love the customization options that come with being able to use regular 20mm straps. Some prefer the sporty look instead. So basically decide if you need/want 3g/speaker. If not, then choose the look you want (sport or classic). My two cents
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Honestly i could care less about the call ability.. The Ability to receive text messages when i don't have my phone i can see.. I have had a handful of times were i could see it beneficial.
I was ultimately wondering if the extra sensors/data of the 3G model provided something more that i wasnt' thinking about.
I bought the S2 Classic for the dressier look. I also like that it is easy to find other watch bands. I have switched to a black metal mesh band that goes very well with the watch. I also like that the bezel is textured and easy to operate.
Unless you plan to wear it while you workout get the classic. No brainer IMHO.
Got the 3G after 2 weeks with wifi version.
Having owned the original Gear S, there were somethingsome that I was expecting from a smart watch. For example a speaker, something the wifi version was lacking. After nothat having it, I realized just how much I missed it. Plus, not being able to detach from my phone and still have the ability to make and take aND take a phone call from my wrist. I'm really happy with it now.
I'm actually own tmobile 3g version. It is one fun watch. Now I can leave my phone in the pocket while driving and answer phone call from the wrist. Also quick look on Gmail, text, incoming call without need to reach for the phone is very useful. I only wish for more apps available for that watch. If LG Urbane 2 watch wasn't recalled I would have hard time to choose one.
At the time I bought my s2 I was actually looking at getting the 4g from tmobile but the cost was over double what I paid for my wifi sport. I just couldn't justify paying that much,.
I bought the 3g model because it had the speaker. I will not be adding it to my plan because I don't need a separate line just for my watch. But coming from the gear s, also without a separate line, I have become very used to being able to answer a call from my watch. Being able to do so is one of the most useful features of a smart watch. I wish the classic model was larger and also had a speaker. Maybe the second edition will be larger for all models as that seams to be the number one complaint, it's just too small (all models) but as someone who jumps on the "newest" and "greatest ", I bought it even though it's too small. That being said, once AW adds speaker support, I'd switch back to AW as it is a lot more useful, mainly due to Google now and app integration
persichini said:
Gear S2 3G.... I don't run so i doubt the GPS would add that much... I might be wrong.
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Something you might not know about the S2 regarding GPS (I didn't until I got the watch -- it's not a well-advertised feature): There is a feature called, "Send SOS Message". You can configure it so that when you press the home button quickly 3 times, the watch will immediately start recording your voice for a brief message ("chest pains! help!"), and then send an SMS to up to 4 people with the recording attached, and text saying "help" (or something similar, not configurable, tested it but don't remember) with your location (lat/lon).
Even if you're a young whippersnapper with no health issues ("get off my lawn, ya damn kids!"), accidents happen. And for us older youths (I'm 53), it's definitely some peace of mind while hiking alone, for example.
I prefer the 4g model I got from tmobile. Just love being able to answer my phone from my wrist and not having to have an ear piece.
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dcpyro1394 said:
I bought the 3g model because it had the speaker. I will not be adding it to my plan because I don't need a separate line just for my watch. But coming from the gear s, also without a separate line, I have become very used to being able to answer a call from my watch. Being able to do so is one of the most useful features of a smart watch. I wish the classic model was larger and also had a speaker. Maybe the second edition will be larger for all models as that seams to be the number one complaint, it's just too small (all models) but as someone who jumps on the "newest" and "greatest ", I bought it even though it's too small. That being said, once AW adds speaker support, I'd switch back to AW as it is a lot more useful, mainly due to Google now and app integration
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Some people claim that 3g classic version was already released in Korea
dcpyro1394 said:
I bought the 3g model because it had the speaker. I will not be adding it to my plan because I don't need a separate line just for my watch. But coming from the gear s, also without a separate line, I have become very used to being able to answer a call from my watch. Being able to do so is one of the most useful features of a smart watch. I wish the classic model was larger and also had a speaker. Maybe the second edition will be larger for all models as that seams to be the number one complaint, it's just too small (all models) but as someone who jumps on the "newest" and "greatest ", I bought it even though it's too small. That being said, once AW adds speaker support, I'd switch back to AW as it is a lot more useful, mainly due to Google now and app integration
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Funny, I thought the gear s2 classic was indeed too small when I bought it...but after a few months I realize the real problem: my other watches are too big lol. I've been wearing big watches because that's where the style was headed, but after getting used to a standard size like the gear s2 classic I'm all about the smaller watches now. My uncle's omega and Rolex are even smaller (38mm). It all depends on your wrist size and personal taste too of course. I hope the next gear is no larger than 40mm personally. Ok maybe 42mm max
sefrcoko said:
Funny, I thought the gear s2 classic was indeed too small when I bought it...but after a few months I realize the real problem: my other watches are too big lol.
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^This :good:
My reaction was the same. I like my Huawei, but it really is a giant hockey puck on my wrist compared to any other watch I've ever had (and like many here, I'm a "watch guy" -- got many).
FWIW, the big size of AW watches is one of the more common complaints in the blogosphere.
It's a tough challenge for a smartwatch: A display big enough to be practical and useful (it's a smartwatch!), yet physical size to be stylish and attractive as a piece of attire.
We're getting there. The way this will be solved is with refinements to the UI. The display doesn't need to be biggger -- the design of the UI needs to show information in a clean, uncluttered, big-enough-to-easily-read manner. The S2 with the rotating bezel and circular UI elements is a good step forward -- expect this exact (through licensing) or something similar to become more mainstream.
Well today I returned the sport version for a classic.. I gave up on the 3g... added cost for uses I'll only use once and a great while.
persichini said:
Well today I returned the sport version for a classic.. I gave up on the 3g... added cost for uses I'll only use once and a great while.
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I can totally understand
For a bit different perspective, I'm on a 4-line, 18GB shared data plan with 4 smartphones for my family. Given what we spend for our Verizon bill monthly, an extra $15/mo for the additional line on the watch seemed rather trivial, given the added capability.
dwallersv said:
I can totally understand
For a bit different perspective, I'm on a 4-line, 18GB shared data plan with 4 smartphones for my family. Given what we spend for our Verizon bill monthly, an extra $15/mo for the additional line on the watch seemed rather trivial, given the added capability.
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It is only $5 with Tmobile
darekz said:
It is only $5 with Tmobile
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Checked my bill, same at Verizon. I'd really like some of whatever I was smoking
Mods, please move if this is in the wrong place. I am looking to buy a smartwatch and am looking at the Pebble Time Round, the Pebble Time Steel and the Samsung Gear S2. I have a Galaxy Note 3 phone. After reading lots of reviews and looking at You Tube videos I am leaning towards the S2 but have seen a lot of comments about a small amount of Tizen apps available. Without having a smartwatch is there a way to look at what is available in the Tizen store? Any help appreciated.
Between those three, Gear S2. All the way.
That's what I'm thinking at the moment. But I would like to see what apps are available before I decide if anyone can help please?
Pinmac said:
That's what I'm thinking at the moment. But I would like to see what apps are available before I decide if anyone can help please?
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I don't think there is a way.
I used Pebbles for 2 years before my S2. The app store beyond watchfaces is pretty poor with the S2. Pebble has many more apps. That being said, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. S2 performs the core functions very well and that's what I use a smartwatch for.
Best advice. Get an S2 from a place like Best Buy. Try it out. Return it if it isn't your thing.
Unfortunately, I'm in the UK so we don't have a Best Buy or anywhere local I can try it out. Our returns policies are different too. You can return something you buy online within 30 days but, unless it's faulty, only if it's not been opened. That's not much use for tech stuff!
But you could take Amazon that there are in UK also.
The S2 was my first smartwatch, bought last October, shortly after release. I've been using it almost every day since then. There have been things I didn't like:
The ambient mode watch face (what you see most of the time) wasn't detailed enough for me to tell at a glance exactly what time it was. I tired of having to shake my wrist to tell the time.
The vibration wasn't (and isn't) strong enough to always get my attention.
So, I thought I might try the Pebble Time Round, since it's active face is always on. It is, but it's a much lower resolution and just not very pleasing to look at. The vibration, while perhaps just a tad stronger, still wasn't enough. The watch itself is just much less substantial feeling, more like a toy than a real watch. I sent it back, and continue to use my original S2.
A recent Samsung update made some improvements in the ambient faces available, so that problem's been solved, for me.
While there aren't as many apps, currently, as you'll find for Android Wear or Pebble, the S2 has only been out for about six months. We're starting to see more, and I'm guessing that will continue with time.
Anyway, that's my experience with both watches. Hope it helps.
It's silly that Samsung doesn't provide better, public info. on Tizen apps, but there are some partial lists of available S2 watch apps here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s2/themes-apps/phone-apps-compatible-gear-s2-t3243019
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-gear-s2/599771-list-apps-work-gear-s2-please-add-here.html
Thanks for all the answers. We do have Amazon but their returns policy is also that any return has to be "in a saleable condition". How you're supposed to find out whether you like something or not I don't know! I really appreciate your "real world" experiences, supersoulfly and Nickdeck, especially as my original thought was the Pebble Time Round. Being female, my wrists aren't big and I thought it would look better but I keep seeing comments about the dullness of the screen and also the big bezel puts me off. tstreete, your list is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. I think that, with the Samsung being my first smartwatch, I'm going to be more impressed by what it can do than looking for things it can't. Thanks again for everyone's help.
No reason to check gear s2 store, its empty.. But the clock is working very nice but there is no good apps..
Just hope they come out with a bigger Gear S2 watch.
I wish that also I find the Gear to be very small on the wrist
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