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Does anyone know of a good bluetooth enabled watch that can be paired with the sensation, and alert me when I get a text message or a phone call? I am usually in meetings where I cannot take out my phone to check, and would like a rather subtle way of checking.
I notice Sony has the LiveView but I read reviews saying it isn't very good, and I haven't heard any new release dates for the Fossil Watch.
Hello, cant advise you on any othe watches, but from personal experience avoid the liveview.
Its fun but very alpha in use and poor build quality.
No, really avoid it. unless its super cheap (ie a tenner or less)
rgds
LoK
Hello people,
I am planing to get myself a smartwatch
since I use Xperia Zu , the Sony SMW2 seems interesting ,
but is it right time to get it now since pebble steel is out and there might be a Sony SMW 3 ( maybe)
shall I wait or is the watch itself good enough to buy or are there must needed improvments , expected to be there in the next gen ?
Thank you
abdallahmemon said:
Hello people,
I am planing to get myself a smartwatch
since I use Xperia Zu , the Sony SMW2 seems interesting ,
but is it right time to get it now since pebble steel is out and there might be a Sony SMW 3 ( maybe)
shall I wait or is the watch itself good enough to buy or are there must needed improvments , expected to be there in the next gen ?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sw2 is pretty good as it is but there are still some issues that needs to be resolved. Hopefully a firmware upgrade will solve some of them. Soon I hope.
But if you are into customization, than you should look into other options as this watch really does not allow third party watchfaces that can replace the native ones. Yes there are some alternative watchfaces but they are merely apps that can not run without a connection to the phone, and you loose full page notifications. Battery life is also affected by these apps.
There are some really nice smartwatches coming so I suggest you wait a bit longer. But if you get the SW2 and don't care much about the customization then you should be happy. SW2 can do pretty much everything pebble can and more except the watchfaces. But I heard pebble has some issues/limitations too such as the ability to install only 8 apps at once including the watchfaces.I maybe wrong on this one but check the review on pebble steel at http://www.smartwatchfans.com
Sent from my HTC One SV using Tapatalk
thearif said:
Sw2 is pretty good as it is but there are still some issues that needs to be resolved. Hopefully a firmware upgrade will solve some of them. Soon I hope.
But if you are into customization, than you should look into other options as this watch really does not allow third party watchfaces that can replace the native ones. Yes there are some alternative watchfaces but they are merely apps that can not run without a connection to the phone, and you loose full page notifications. Battery life is also affected by these apps.
There are some really nice smartwatches coming so I suggest you wait a bit longer. But if you get the SW2 and don't care much about the customization then you should be happy. SW2 can do pretty much everything pebble can and more except the watchfaces. But I heard pebble has some issues/limitations too such as the ability to install only 8 apps at once including the watchfaces.I maybe wrong on this one but check the review on pebble steel at http://www.smartwatchfans.com
Sent from my HTC One SV using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually have a watch on my wrist , so I am not into fancy watchfaces at all. I am not willing to go for the pebble steel because , 1-It is pebble ,
2- Its expensive and
3- the availability in my local market .
and there many other reasons , colour screen , screen size , touchscreen and you name it .
Please mention any other flaws in Sony SMW2 .
I would like to add that with the android 4.3 update for the xperia devices , sony added the downloadable themes feature to the devices , so people waiting for the changeable watchfaces (ones which make sense and are practical) should keep their fingers crossed
abdallahmemon said:
Hello people,
I am planing to get myself a smartwatch
since I use Xperia Zu , the Sony SMW2 seems interesting ,
but is it right time to get it now since pebble steel is out and there might be a Sony SMW 3 ( maybe)
shall I wait or is the watch itself good enough to buy or are there must needed improvments , expected to be there in the next gen ?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think we see smw3 before autumn, maybe not even on this year. It is very difficult to say, but Sony isnt Samsung and makes new toys on every month...
Is it ready for you depends on lot of what you like to have and do with the watch. Simple notification? Then yes. Playing games? No.
It is almost working like a charm, some bugs like apps dont always open immediately - you may need to tap the app couple times. There is an issue with a4.3. I have a4.1.2 so everything is working good - except that I need to couple times tap the app before it opens (calender app).
It is always the same thing - to buy or to wait. There will always better choices if you wait, but how long are you willing to wait? 3weeks, 3 months, 6 montsh, a year...? If you want it now, I think sw2 is the best - working fine, looks classy and stylish, can be weared with a suit or with a college pants or whatever...
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk 4
Agree with what has already been posted. I bought my SW2 for $199 and lucked out to see Best Buy had a one day sale for $160. At $199 it was a decent deal, and at $160 it is a good deal. I was looking at the plain Pebble at about the same price. The Pebble has a few advantages: more and better developer community, more customization of watch faces and apps available, a bit longer battery life. I chose the Sony due to better build (metal vs plastic), better looking, and touch screen.
I use the SW2 to notify and read texts, email, sports scores and news, answer calls, catch tweets, and Facebook updates. I also use it to control music, view pictures on my gallery, access news feeds via RSS, and Yelp. I have tried the GPS extension and while it works I prefer to wait until an extension that does turn by turn arises. Other than email I am pretty happy with how the SW2 works going all of the above.
Downsides of the Sony? Wish email notifications were handled better. I have 4.3 and the stock extension doesn't work (not a Sony phone) and the stock Gmail extension does not work with 4.3 on my phone. Sony says they are working on it, in the interim I have my email read by Gmail on my phone, which is then read by K9 on my phone, and then the K9 extension on my watch reads the email. With all the hops it delays seeing the emails and it doesnt seem to catch all the emails. So I also use Watch it to notify on email and Watchify notify on Gmail. Better to get a few duplicate notifications than miss an important one.
To be honest, if HOT watch was out I probably would have purchased that one. More of a "smart" watch. And truthfully I am getting swayed by the Galaxy Gear. If it was closer in price and if my phone was running 4.3 at the time I purchased the SW2 I may have looked more at the Gear. Again, more "smart" things you can do. Plus, it is really cool what you can do with watch faces. Maybe down the road when the price and size comes down.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my TouchPad using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the detailed info.
What can the Sony Smartwatch 2 do as a stone-alone watch (when its not connected to a device)? if you can list then please.
Time?
Alarms?
...?
Thx.
Built-in app: time, alarm, calculator, torch (just max brightness), timer, stopwatch.
Also there's that snake game.
How long has it been out? What's it's future look like? How does it compete with the competition? How much has it evolved? Are things gonna keep looking better or worse?
the SW2 was released late september, 2013
i don't expect a very bright future, to be honest
even though it evolved to a very useable smartwatch, thanks to firmware updates, i think the next batch of smartwatches will be much more popular
several google wear watches are expected to be announced during google i/o, one of them the Moto 360, which might just be the smartwatch a lot of people have been waiting for because of it's looks (watches ARE considered juwelry, so why not have something good looking)
compared to watches currently released, the SW2 still has an edge i think, thanks to:
-transflective display, sure it's cool to have a high-res display, but if you can't read it outside...
-extensions, giving you all kind of extra functionality notifications
-watch face editor, i think they really hit the mark there
-battery life, 3-4 days
but the watch is showing it's age
i don't know if it's because Sony added the watch face widgets so long after releasing the watch, or that the watch simply isn't that popular, but somehow i expected an explosion of watchface widgets, which simply hasn't happened
and i don't think it will happen
don't get me wrong, i'm a very happy user, thanks to the last update, watchface widgets and notifications (too bad Sony won't listen and give me (us?) a selectable screen timeout), if i leave my watch at home i miss it all day long
but the Moto 360 does look amazing...
Had mine 2 days & I love it but, yeah, ^ what he said.
JarlSX said:
the SW2 was released late september, 2013
i don't expect a very bright future, to be honest
even though it evolved to a very useable smartwatch, thanks to firmware updates, i think the next batch of smartwatches will be much more popular
several google wear watches are expected to be announced during google i/o, one of them the Moto 360, which might just be the smartwatch a lot of people have been waiting for because of it's looks (watches ARE considered juwelry, so why not have something good looking)
compared to watches currently released, the SW2 still has an edge i think, thanks to:
-transflective display, sure it's cool to have a high-res display, but if you can't read it outside...
-extensions, giving you all kind of extra functionality notifications
-watch face editor, i think they really hit the mark there
-battery life, 3-4 days
but the watch is showing it's age
i don't know if it's because Sony added the watch face widgets so long after releasing the watch, or that the watch simply isn't that popular, but somehow i expected an explosion of watchface widgets, which simply hasn't happened
and i don't think it will happen
don't get me wrong, i'm a very happy user, thanks to the last update, watchface widgets and notifications (too bad Sony won't listen and give me (us?) a selectable screen timeout), if i leave my watch at home i miss it all day long
but the Moto 360 does look amazing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think a lot of People don't even know that there are Smartwatches from other Manufactures, here in Switzerland (where I live), the only official selled Smartwatches are the Samsung ones...The most People here don't know that Sony made Smartwatches too.
Except from that, a lot of People don't see why they should need a Smartwatch, they're always on the Phone, so why should they buy an Accessory which hasn't any use for them?
And then, there's the look of these things. The most Smartwatches are in a rectangular shape...How many People have you seen wearing a "normal" Watch with a rectangular design? Maybe a few, but not much. People like their watches with circular design - and that's where the Moto 360 comes in.
The Sony Smartwatch 2 will probably get a replacement soon with the same (or slightly upgraded) firmware of the SW2, but it hasn't any chance to sell as good as Android Wear devices will, for that, Sony has to deliver more than one Watch, Maybe a circular and rectangular, and a few color options sure won't hurt, and they have to advert this thing! I have never seen any Ad for the SW2 here in Switzerland (The Gear Ad is running almost 24/7 on TV - well , not as much, but it feels like), and there are posters everywhere with the Gear on it! You even get the Gear for free if you buy a new Samsung- Phone here...
Sony should get the marketing right for the upcoming SW3, otherwise they will loose the fight.
i actually don't know anyone (friends, family, co-workers) who has a smartwatch
people respond amazed when they see i get email/facebook/twitter/etc notifications on my watch (or if someone calls me), but that didn't result in anyone wanting one as well
maybe that will change when they see a more fashionable watch like the Moto 360...
Same here! Got SW1, 2 and a Pebble and everyone is astonished but never saw another smartwatch in the wild...
Envoyé depuis mon SM-N9005
at homedepot
I'm a cashier and I see probably around 30% OF WATCHES ARE SQUARR. ITV WAS OBVIOUSLY COMMON IN OLDER DESIGNS
In my opinion - no, it is not aging well when compared with the Android Wear devices on the horizon. On it's own the SW2 is not a bad device and I have enjoyed using mine over the last few months but I have now sold it in anticipation of the new Android Wear products and I shall be picking up a Moto 360 or LG G Watch.
Why's everyone buying into the Android Wear hype? It's basically a screen for your Google Now notifications. With a microphone built in. And batteries 10 times the size of the SW2 but with less lifetime.
ngoonee said:
Why's everyone buying into the Android Wear hype? It's basically a screen for your Google Now notifications. With a microphone built in. And batteries 10 times the size of the SW2 but with less lifetime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because Google supports it natively meaning app devs will be able to easily adapt their apps to utilize it. No hacks and third party apps needed in order to function on the watch. Obviously there are many things still unknown like battery life and general functionality but it's likely to be better supported.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
Gahh! Having a bit of headache over this question too. Will android wear kill the SW2? Reason is I´m planning to get a smartwatch for a gift to an event this weekend. The SW2 and Pebble is out here in Sweden, but there´s no word on release for the Android wear watches (we´re not one of the contries google announced the other day).
And I really want to hand over a real, physical device. Not a gift certificate saying "you´ll get a cool device sometimes in the future".
Was really set on getting the SW2 for this gift but now I don´t know...
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.
Click to expand...
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...
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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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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...
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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
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.
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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?
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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.
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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.