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Hi there,
It arrived today and I was hopeful having owned the original. Aside from the lovely build and feel of it, I can't help but think that Tizen has ruined it a bit.
At the moment, I think its going back to Amazon, unless there's an easy way to do the following, and if anyone can pitch in, I'd be grateful:
Tasks/ToDos: I use Any.do which hasn't got any Tizen app/integration. Is there a good tasks app that syncs to an S5 and is usable like Any.do
Notes: I use Keep or Evernote and the lack of Evernote app is extremely disappointing, what am I going to use the camera with!? Is there anyway to use these services via an app? Or similar.
Maybe there's a way that this all just works with the built in Samsung apps on the S5 and I just haven't figured it out. Maybe the Gear Live was the better option...
No a good list/tasks app isn't there yet. There are many in the store, but all have issues i really don't like.
At the moment i use GearNotes and i created a note with my lists. So only viewing on the watch and not checkin the items.
I just got a SW2 Open Box at BestBuy. They even had a Black Metal one (Which is what I wanted) even when most other places seem to be out of them. It seems perfect except apparently, someone shortened the band. It fits me, but I would prefer it to be a bit looser on my arm.
At any rate, I am amazed to find out that you need to install notification apps. I would think this would be included by default.
I got a phone call, and the watch did absolutely nothing. Yeah, OK there are call handlers (official and unofficial), but this should be a default (configurable) function for a "Smart" Watch. It's kinda like buying a phone, and then being told to go look on the Play Store for a Dialer. (Oh, You want the number '5' on your dialer? -- That's an in-app purchase -- Grrr!).
OK, So I can deal with D/L'g a few official Sony apps for Gmail, Messages, etc., but there isn't one for Google+ (and/or Hangouts).
In fact, AFAIK, I cannot do it at all without giving an unknown developer access to my notifications.
I see that some of the notification app developers are active here, and that is a good thing, and I am reading through this forum, but what I would like to see what the consensus here is for a good, simple (preferably free, since I feel it should have already been included) notify app?
(And, yes, I do support the developers. I have already bought Speedometer for SW2, and others.)
The SW2 is really nice looking, and even without a mic/speaker, there are lots of apps/watch faces for it, but I am kind wishing I had held out for a Android Wear device.
I will say that unless you can get a really good deal on one, or want it only for very minimal functionality beyond a basic watch, I would recommend people hold out for a real Android Wear device.
Sony --- at least write a Google+/Hangouts notification App before you abandon this thing.
Notification on Android Wear are the worst I've ever seen. It works with very few applications. maybe later but for now it is very very bad
Linuxslate said:
In fact, AFAIK, I cannot do it at all without giving an unknown developer access to my notifications.
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The app devs don't have access to your notifications. Where on Earth did you hear that?
As far as Wear goes, out of the +10 smartwatches I own, the one running Wear was the only one I ever returned. I returned it because I found it offered less than even a number of cheap Chinese Gear clones and had even worse battery. And out of those +10, the SW2 is my daily. Better battery (my worst run was +2 days), readable in more conditions, install only the notifications functions YOU want (Wear enables notifications for everything by default), and supports more Android versions than Wear. All you lose is voice commands/search and that's about it.
The devs technically have permission to read your notifications if the App has Internet access. You can find an app that doesn't though, or revoke the permission of one that does. I like the choice the sw2 provides for these apps. Sony doesn't have to do everything for us. If that's what you want get an iwatch.
True but his was more of a blanket statement.
To answer the actual question, I use WatchIt! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.petersson.watch
It's free, works well for me.
The devs technically have permission to read your notifications if the App has Internet access.
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Yeah, this is what I meant, not that they actually do.
Also, I was not criticizing the watch in general. I did my homework, and I knew Android Wear devices were out.
As Lokifish Marz, I like the display -- on all the time, and I have never been in a condition where it was not easily readable.
It was also well supported with lots of apps, and more elegant looking than some of the plastic Android Wear devices or Chinese BT watches.
I also paid less than half what the cheapest Android Wear device costs.
OK -- Now for the honesty -- It was actually the Nixie watch faces that made this a "Got-to-have" for me. I'm a Geek, and I built a VFD Tube clock kit as one of my first soldering projects as a kid. I'd buy a real Nixie clock kit, but I really don't need just a plain clock these days. (This is what I use for a "clock" these days: http://linuxslate.com/Review_RCA_7in_Android_Internet_Music_System.html)
The original rant was caused by the fact that there was no "official" (Sony) Google+/Hangouts notification app, when there were certain others that I do not use.
I have installed the free SmartWatch2 Notifier, and it does what I need.
Now I am off to find some more geeky Clock Widgets, or possibly make some, thanks to the thread on this forum.
Thanks to all that responded.
Did you buy that SW2 in San Antonio?
No;
A BestBuy in Florida.
They had a silver one, too.
Also an open box. The silver open box was marked $171, where as new ones were $149.
I guess you were paying to have a previous purchaser test it for you, and loose the accessories, manual etc. so that you do not have to go through the effort of loosing them yourself.
I love this watch, but the app selection is terrible to say the least.
Is there a app where I can identify music? I use this on my phone constantly because I'm in my car 8 hours a day. Now that I find myself going solo w/ out my phone, I can't use this and it's driving me nuts.
Is Tizen hard to work with? I'm curious why it seems all developers steer clear.
Tizen is just another flavor of Linux, much like Android. The reason development is slow is because there aren't many Tizen devices. Developers go for the big market share devices to maximize profits.
Actually the app side of tizen right now is not bad. I expected less apps than my moto 360. Oddly enough, I find that there are more apps! Even better, gear s3 apps aren't stuck behind a paywall pretty much all the android wear apps are.
Compared to a smartphone, yes the app selection is horrific. Which is why smart watches are having so much trouble taking off.
nascar48 said:
Actually the app side of tizen right now is not bad. I expected less apps than my moto 360. Oddly enough, I find that there are more apps! Even better, gear s3 apps aren't stuck behind a paywall pretty much all the android wear apps are.
Compared to a smartphone, yes the app selection is horrific. Which is why smart watches are having so much trouble taking off.
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But people have to take smart watches in to prospective. We expect them to act like our phones with all sorts of apps. Truth is that smart watch primary function is getting notifications. You can't expect an app to robust on such a tiny screen. Yes Android wear has plenty of apps or companion apps to Android apps but I have found most of them useless. My S3 does exactly what I need and better executed than Android Wear and the Apple watch. I actually own a LG urbane which I never use anymore and I sold my Apple watch when I switched to Android and I don't miss it one bit.
Truth is you are still going to have to take your phone out for certain things. The smart watch was not made to replace the phone, just as the tablet doesn't replace a computer. I use my phone and tablet for 95% of my needs but there are certain things that I still need a computer for. Maybe one day the tablet will replace the computer or the smart watch will replace the phone but it's just not there yet.
Right now the S3 with LTE is hands down the best on the market, hands down!
I see where everyone is coming from, but keep in mind, they built this watch so you can leave your phone behind if need be, so something like Shazam, where it can pick up the song and then add it to my list that I can see on my smartphone too, is great.
tnt2sniper said:
I see where everyone is coming from, but keep in mind, they built this watch so you can leave your phone behind if need be, so something like Shazam, where it can pick up the song and then add it to my list that I can see on my smartphone too, is great.
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Well then petition Shazam to make a tizen app.
a good internet radio app would be cool to have on the s3 , a youtube app where you could sign in would also be nice for catching up on subs on youtube , got filmon to work in the browser , video was good but no sound sadly.
Sirdragonx said:
But people have to take smart watches in to prospective. We expect them to act like our phones with all sorts of apps. Truth is that smart watch primary function is getting notifications. You can't expect an app to robust on such a tiny screen. Yes Android wear has plenty of apps or companion apps to Android apps but I have found most of them useless. My S3 does exactly what I need and better executed than Android Wear and the Apple watch. I actually own a LG urbane which I never use anymore and I sold my Apple watch when I switched to Android and I don't miss it one bit.
Truth is you are still going to have to take your phone out for certain things. The smart watch was not made to replace the phone, just as the tablet doesn't replace a computer. I use my phone and tablet for 95% of my needs but there are certain things that I still need a computer for. Maybe one day the tablet will replace the computer or the smart watch will replace the phone but it's just not there yet.
Right now the S3 with LTE is hands down the best on the market, hands down!
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Spot on with this comment mate!
I have spent some time over the past 2-3yrs trying to get people to understand that you can't expect too much from a 1.3" screen! Apps are for the most part gimmicky. A smartwatch's prime use is time, date, notification relaying, fitness, news/weather, navigation, call taking/making and music control. These are all covered. What apps do people REALLY want and would honestly use?
.
To be honest i really miss the original Galaxy Gear (SM-V700) which had the built-in camera which i used daily, which ran android, and i could literally send over any apk via bluetooth may that be gmail, a launcher, messenger, youtube, shazam, angry birds or whatever and it would run the app pretty well. Yeah. I miss that. I think everybody should have the freedom to use their smartwatch for whatever they wish. I understand that with tizen, samsung can become independent, they could triple/quadruple the battery life, but they essentially killed all the functionality that the watch had had. Bring back stock android or at least android wear.
theonlymac001 said:
To be honest i really miss the original Galaxy Gear (SM-V700) which had the built-in camera which i used daily, which ran android, and i could literally send over any apk via bluetooth may that be gmail, a launcher, messenger, youtube, shazam, angry birds or whatever and it would run the app pretty well. Yeah. I miss that. I think everybody should have the freedom to use their smartwatch for whatever they wish. I understand that with tizen, samsung can become independent, they could triple/quadruple the battery life, but they essentially killed all the functionality that the watch had had. Bring back stock android or at least android wear.
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Yep, I expected to have a few more options for compatible software but think more are on the way. I can pretty much do everything I need to BUT feel like I'm really missing a camera for sharing quick photos via MMS and video chat via Skype, etc.
Google Voice, which I have used for a few years, just released a new version and it allows user to send MMS. Haven't changed setting to make it my primary messaging app again, I went to stock messaging app when I got the S3 because I couldn't receive MMS or reply to messages on Google Voice.
So, I have had this watch since late November, so, here's my honest opinion after ~7 weeks use. (I suspect I get unnecessarily flamed by Samsung Fans for this!!)
The Good
- The design, rotating bezel is the best attempt yet at a simple selection system for a smartwatch
- The battery life - I easily get 3 days
- The hardware - nice screen, snappy performance
- Answering/rejecting calls from the watch works very well and call quality is superb
- Notifications work well, but limited as to what one can do with them with non samsung phone
- Huge number of watch faces - but who needs more than one?
- When S-Voice is working (which is rarely) its handy for 'remind me to...', 'set alarm for...' requests.
- Controlling music player on phone works well enough
- Very few decent apps, but Remote Camera, Xenozu (Youtube), Gear Browser, Toggles, Flipboard work pretty well.
The Bad - (Warning - this is pretty scathing!)
- Only 1.4GB free on watch from the original 4GB
- Watch is full of junk that cannot be uninstalled (useless watch faces useless apps)
- Seriously compromised if not using with a Samsung phone (eg no email, limited sms messaging)
- No way to add SMS functionality via third party apps. Can send messages, but can not go back through old received messages.
- No Gmail/Email (pop3/imap) app, if you have a Samsung phone you get this feature, if not then tough. A stand alone imap-enabled client would have solved this.
- Often the only option in notifications is 'show on phone' eg from FB messenger/twitter notifications - where we are talking about just a few words, this defeats the purpose of the watch, I need to be able to read on watch and reply on watch. This limitation gets tiresome. 3rd parties EG FB/twitter could fix this with their own S3 app, or notifications that allow 'reply', but we all know they never will. Some other notifications (eg email are less limiting)
- Samsungs App store is god-awful - there are many poor quality, paid apps, and when one installs them and discovers they are rubbish there is NO WAY to get a refund (unlike the google play store). I have wasted £20 this way.
- Decent apps on the Samsung store are hard to come by. The (fairly pointless) Xenozu Youtube app, gear brower along with the widgets app (displays android widgets on yr watch) are about the only decent ones that exist. The latter eats battery on the phone though. One notable exception being the remote camera app which is good.
- Samsung pay still does not work in the UK, and no idea when or if it ever will.
- a good 80% of the 'apps' on the Samsung store are simply watch faces - I only need one watch face.
- What remains is an extremely poor collection of extremely buggy apps.
- The 'SMS Service is not available' response to S-Voice attempts to 'Send a text to xxx' requests is tedious. There was no need to screw the functionality up so much for non Samsung phone users.
- Very often S-Voice does not respond - just times out and gives a spoken error
- The remote connection (via wifi) when watch is not connected via bluetooth is unreliable. Its supposed to make a remote connection to phone and allow notifications/etc to still be sent to the watch. Most of the time, it does not work even where watch/phone are on same wifi network, I have never had it work when they are on different networks.
- The watch is fussy about wifi networks (it wont work at all in my workplace for instance). It connects, but no connectivity.
- S-Health is a pile of junk, it auto-detects cycling when I am doing 60MPH on the motorway for instance!!! Among many other issues. Where is the option to remove it and replace with Strava? S-Health on the phone also eats the phones battery in no time.
Samsung needs to up their game if they are serious about Tizen Smartwatches, supplying their own developers for free to the likes of facebook, twitter, whatsapp, hive, ifttt, Skitrax etc in order to ensure that apps for the watch get developed, or paying devs to develop for the platform. They also need to change their store to allow a refund window for rubbish apps.
Samsung could WRITE an IMAP app to fix the email hole on the watch (could be configured from phone, but then work without phone)
Nigel
I am a Samsung fan and I agree with a lot of your gripes, but with all Tech products the "honeymoon" period is pretty short, in other words the level of excitement wears off quickly.
But I agree, if they want Tizen to take off, they need to have major upgrades to the software side of the experience. Samsung is and always will be a great hardware manufacturer, but the software side is always a question-mark. This goes for the overloaded useless crap software on their galaxy phones to the poor software functionality of their smart tvs.
Google is releasing Android Wear upgrades so hopefully some competition outside of Apple will spruce things up, but I am not holding my breath.
BTW, I had to turn off S Voice as it would randomly turn on 2-3 times a day (I didn't even have voice recognition configured) when I was in meetings, very embarrassing. I should have the capability to uninstall it all together.
Also 100% agree on the refund period, like what the hell, in this day and age it should be an easy thing to do. Have bought so many faces and apps that look great and advertise great functionality to only be disappointed when seeing it work after installation. Money wasted.
The only reason I dont have a Samsung phone is the software. Hardware great, but why oh why do they have to mess with stock android so much!?
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk
I bought the frontier to try out Tizen. The other reasons were Samsung Pay, GPS (coming from Huawei Watch) and IP68 certification. I was hoping there would be great apps to support it along the way. The watch build (minus the rotating bezel) is fantastic but Tizen and the current Gear apps are just not exciting enough and hence my feelings are similar to the OP. Maybe my expectations for a wearable are too much. However, I'm looking forward to what Under Armour has to offer since I like to track my runs. Still keeping my Huawei with latest Wear developer preview installed which I actually prefer over Tizen for its clean UI, Google search and wrist gestures. I hardly touch the Frontier's rattling bezel for the fear of it breaking loose. I wish I could tap the screen to turn on the display as with the Huawei. These are just my preferences but its good that I can have the same notifications on both watches at the same time using one phone and therefore be able to switch between the two.
I agree with the OP post plus I'm fed up with the bugs and crap altitude and barometer. Maybe I'll switch to the Fenix 5 when it's released.
I also own a Lg G watch r, and the thing i miss on Gear s3 are the lack of google`s software integration. Would like to use "ok google", by far superior to S-voice. Also google maps, with turn by turn navigation on my wrist.
The selection of watchfaces are awful on gear, and many of them does not look nice on the watch. Missing Watchmaker app, awesome selection of quality watchfaces created by users.
Like mentioned in OP, the notifications are not rich enough.. the idea of the watch making it easier is not working good enough. BUT im hoping there will be changes coming, because it an nice looking and powerful watch.
blackspp said:
I agree with the OP post plus I'm fed up with the bugs and crap altitude and barometer. Maybe I'll switch to the Fenix 5 when it's released.
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Fully agree with you. There is no apps and Samsung does not bring much to the table. It should be improving the experience, but in place they just rotate few features between models. They don't add new features, but only remove some to replace them with others. Then next models, swap them again (e.g. IR remote).
Progress will be to keep the existing and ADD something!
The only thing I enjoy with the Gear S3 is the look. I felt an improvement in quality, but nothing else. Hope that new intersting apps will get on board soon and that firmware update will be able to correct irrealistic figures from all sensors in that watch.
I fully agree with all of you.
I can use Google maps now with Directions, but even that one I have to start manually.
Toggles was new for me. (Thanks)
But still a lot of handy things as in the first part of Nigel's story.
Quick read my mail, etc etc, coming from a ,not too bad, Sony Smartwatch, its great.
And we have this beautiful KLM airline app.
S-Voice is a drama. (no Dutch)
But this is the Tizen choice. We knew it... lets face it.
Huib
Does anyone know if android wear 2.0 will support android pay on rooted phones? The only reason I'm keeping my Gear S3 is for samsung pay. The rest is too buggy as mentioned here. The other reason is spotify, which rarely works well for me anymore.
soundneedle said:
Does anyone know if android wear 2.0 will support android pay on rooted phones? The only reason I'm keeping my Gear S3 is for samsung pay. The rest is too buggy as mentioned here. The other reason is spotify, which rarely works well for me anymore.
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There first has to be a watch that supports Android pay with nfc. Right now there isn't any and idk looks like they might not let root users unless they make a separate app for Android pay for watches like Samsung did for Samsung pay for the gear s3 on how it is separate from the Samsung pay phone version. We should know hopefully soon.
Geez!
I was tempted by the Amoled screen vs the LCD of the Moto 360 v2, but as I am an HTC phones user the limitations will be bad.
Though I see there are some custom roms, I wonder if they can fix most of the listed problems?
Samsung Pay with MST keeps me around. Truly groundbreaking on a watch. If you're not using that, then yeah I can see how you'd throw in the towel.
I'm mystified by the lack of app developers as well as Samsung's poor app offerings! I want to be able to read all Flipboard posts! I want better functionality from the calendar. I want Facebook, a better browser and a swyping keyboard! And I want them to fix the WiFi so you can connect to password protected networks!
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
kronium said:
Samsung Pay with MST keeps me around. Truly groundbreaking on a watch. If you're not using that, then yeah I can see how you'd throw in the towel.
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Likewise, first impression was "Wow great watch" but after a month with it, it got bland fast so I sold my Canadian version (which didn't have Samsung Pay on it). I found out through the forum that the American versions have Samsung Pay which would work in Canada and that Watchmaker could trigger Tasker so I decided to buy another one. Honestly love the watch now! Samsung Pay IS really groundbreaking and makes this watch totally worth it. (blah blah blah I know, spending money so that you can pay for more stuff you don't need...)
I use tasker to control my home automation so that's a plus too.
I am fully aware that the Gear S3 is a smartwatch first and sport tracker second. But Samsung come on, at least have Strava come -on-board with a native app, S-Health sucks big time.
Yup. It seems to work okay with cycling. Just okay.
S Health is a humongous battery hog.
And how about a Pandora native app also.
I use the watch daily. I can see my notifications (text and Gmail) on the watch without looking at my phone. I also use Samsung Pay almost daily. I have the LTE version, so it it nice to be able to have a stand-alone device if needed. There are many, many reasons I like this watch. However, I think it is obvious that there is a huge lack of usable apps for this watch. Clearly, this is mostly because of Tizen, but Samsung is to blame for that. They have taken little initiative to get real app development. They could at least create a bridge that would allow some Android apps to function on Tizen. They are very hoggish and want to control all aspects of the watch for themselves but aren't moving fast to do so. They offer a BMW app for the watch, but how many people drive a BMW? Why not offer a Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge app, etc...? The list is way too long to mention here of usable apps that need to be available for this watch. So, as I have mentioned in other threads, the watch is great...it just severely lacks app development and Samsung's weak attempts (****ty contests) to inspire development is falling way short. I can only hope they change this very soon. Google should be releasing a pretty awesome watch very soon and I'm not sure if Samsung Pay is going to be enough to keep me with the S3. Especially since I can just use my phone for the same thing.
scott14719 said:
I use the watch daily. I can see my notifications (text and Gmail) on the watch without looking at my phone. I also use Samsung Pay almost daily. I have the LTE version, so it it nice to be able to have a stand-alone device if needed. There are many, many reasons I like this watch. However, I think it is obvious that there is a huge lack of usable apps for this watch. Clearly, this is mostly because of Tizen, but Samsung is to blame for that. They have taken little initiative to get real app development. They could at least create a bridge that would allow some Android apps to function on Tizen. They are very hoggish and want to control all aspects of the watch for themselves but aren't moving fast to do so. They offer a BMW app for the watch, but how many people drive a BMW? Why not offer a Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge app, etc...? The list is way too long to mention here of usable apps that need to be available for this watch. So, as I have mentioned in other threads, the watch is great...it just severely lacks app development and Samsung's weak attempts (****ty contests) to inspire development is falling way short. I can only hope they change this very soon. Google should be releasing a pretty awesome watch very soon and I'm not sure if Samsung Pay is going to be enough to keep me with the S3. Especially since I can just use my phone for the same thing.
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I agree with everything you say except SPay! Amen!
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
Ditto the two above posts...
I bought the watch 2 weeks ago and I love the way it functions personally. S health got a major upgrade 2 weeks ago, and to get the most of it you need to check off the activities that you like in the S gear app. So far I have just run and walked using this app. and it gives heart rate, and let's you know your pace and calories burned. I have yet to track weight training, and such. The Under Armor apps are there, but I seem to get and invalid email error so far. One of the best keeps getting better since the last heart rate monitoring addition.
Wondering what the actual difference is between them. I am hesitant to go deep into trying them as I'm still setting up other stuff on the phone, and I don't want to bork something, but eventually I'll probably try them both. Was just wondering before I do what the actual pros/cons are of them. They seem to... imply they do similar things, but the examples are few and far between (especially on the samsprung one).
both quite buggy and sometimes work and sometimes dont....nice idea for both but not the easiest to navigate....gave up in the end as both just not quite there yet....give them a try and if you dont like them just uninstall.....simples...HTH
I know about CoverOs, what's the other one?
You can also use the Good luck app and download multistar and it allows you to put a widget that holds five icons that you can activate on the cover screen for the galaxy flip 4. When you download the app just click on the iHeart foldable and it'll be right there
Bxrider117 said:
You can also use the Good luck app and download multistar and it allows you to put a widget that holds five icons that you can activate on the cover screen for the galaxy flip 4. When you download the app just click on the iHeart foldable and it'll be right there
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips!
I remember I tried them (or at least one of them) when I first got my Flip 3 and you had to delete Samsung Health, has that ever changed? I kind of like using that Samsung Health sometimes!
mt2020 said:
I know about CoverOs, what's the other one?
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Samsprung TooUI
This is the one that used to require deleting the health app, in order to take over the widget spot. However... I assume this isn't needed for either of the current launchers?
nirurin said:
Samsprung TooUI
This is the one that used to require deleting the health app, in order to take over the widget spot. However... I assume this isn't needed for either of the current launchers?
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SamSprung TooUI never required deleting Samsung Health and could never be added to the widget list. It was the Z Flip 3 Launcher, which was remade into SamSprung, that could replace Samsung Health to run as a widget. Somehow, a year later and having posted it everywhere, we still get people asking why SamSprung is not in the widget list and why they had to remove Samsung Health.
sheridan2000 said:
both quite buggy and sometimes work and sometimes dont....nice idea for both but not the easiest to navigate....gave up in the end as both just not quite there yet....give them a try and if you dont like them just uninstall.....simples...HTH
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Both have very extensive bug reporting features, or at least I assume because most of what I add has been mimicked. I can't speak for the other one, but if you reported it on SamSprung, then it was investigated.
nirurin said:
Wondering what the actual difference is between them. I am hesitant to go deep into trying them as I'm still setting up other stuff on the phone, and I don't want to bork something, but eventually I'll probably try them both. Was just wondering before I do what the actual pros/cons are of them. They seem to... imply they do similar things, but the examples are few and far between (especially on the samsprung one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://github.com/SamSprung/SamSprung-TooUI/wiki has a bunch of information and being the first of its kind to release, SamSprung was used in a lot of videos on how to run apps on the cover screen (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=SamSprung). Most of the videos are a bit dated, so again there is no deleting Health and no widget (Android 11 loophole). It gives you the general idea, though.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/samsprung-tooui-cover-screen-home-free-zf4.4484079/ is the thread for SamSprung on Z FLip 4. I can't really give you a comparison, though. The short version is that I started an open-source project to compensate for a shortcoming that got played off as an "original" idea for profit. Rather than stress about it, I ignored the author.
Best thing to do is try any that seem interesting and if there is one you like that has an issue, see if you can get it fixed or deal with it before moving on to your second choice. The only one that really "is what it is" is good lock because they are affiliated with Samsung and still hijacking the widgets. For some, that is an advantage. For others, it's restrictive.
I have tried CoverScreen OS from @jagan2 and it`s really as best as it can get!
It transforms the coverscreen to a full fuctional ... mini phone.