Database Develop

How to get notifications to Gear without Gear Manager

Ok, so I solved this. Not sure how the battery drain is, but this is what I did:
Installed the NULL ROM (not sure this is required, anyone can test this by just installing the unhacked bluetooth chat apps)
Hacked the BluetoothChat sample app to listen for notifications via AccessibilityService and send them and their contents over via chat
Hacked the BluetoothChat to move to foreground and sound a buzz when it gets a chat message from its peer
Installed hacked BluetoothChat app on both Nexus 7 and Galaxy Gear
Voila! Now when there is a notification on my Nexus 7, it sends it over to my Galaxy Gear which buzzes me. As a bonus, archived list of notifications are available in the chat history.
Anyways, this is just a POC. Improvements are to measure battery drain and if necessary find a way to better use BLE.
Cheers

Good for those who love the Gear but not the Galaxy.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

That's a neat way of doing things, not tried this but maybe Tasker could be used to send messages to the watch over bluetooth when "stuff happens".
Then each user could change what they see on the watch..
Anyways, great stuff

bluecube said:
That's a neat way of doing things, not tried this but maybe Tasker could be used to send messages to the watch over bluetooth when "stuff happens".
Then each user could change what they see on the watch..
Anyways, great stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone. What's the best third party music remote for gear?

blazespinnaker said:
Ok, so I solved this. Not sure how the battery drain is, but this is what I did:
Installed the NULL ROM (not sure this is required, anyone can test this by just installing the unhacked bluetooth chat apps)
Hacked the BluetoothChat sample app to listen for notifications via AccessibilityService and send them and their contents over via chat
Hacked the BluetoothChat to move to foreground and sound a buzz when it gets a chat message from its peer
Installed hacked BluetoothChat app on both Nexus 7 and Galaxy Gear
Voila! Now when there is a notification on my Nexus 7, it sends it over to my Galaxy Gear which buzzes me. As a bonus, archived list of notifications are available in the chat history.
Anyways, this is just a POC. Improvements are to measure battery drain and if necessary find a way to better use BLE.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow this sounds awesome, because I don't have any incoming notifications; I'm on Android 4.2 with non-Samsung phone paired.
Could you share the hacked app for me? I would live with it for a while since I am not going to have 4.3 upgrade soon,
Thanks!

nucleiis said:
Wow this sounds awesome, because I don't have any incoming notifications; I'm on Android 4.2 with non-Samsung phone paired.
Could you share the hacked app for me? I would live with it for a while since I am not going to have 4.3 upgrade soon,
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'll see what the demand is like. Little nervous about sharing an apk that requires complete access to your accessibility, as it's a very big security loophole. If I do, I may only share the source code and ask folks to download eclipse and build it for themselves.
Another possibility is someone may carry the baton from here and do a less hacked version. If such a person is out there, I'd be happy to assist / collaborate. Little pressed for time unfortunately, but isn't everyone.

What do you use the gear mostly for?

For all you gear owners out there, after months of using it, would you still recommend it? I'm sure a lot of people are still on the fence about spending 300 dollars for a watch
What are your top 3 uses for your gear?

kingofthebraves said:
For all you gear owners out there, after months of using it, would you still recommend it? I'm sure a lot of people are still on the fence about spending 300 dollars for a watch
What are your top 3 uses for your gear?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Making sure I hear all my text messages with my custom ring tone. (& and sometimes answering with a custom pre-made template)
2. making sure I hear it ring on an incoming call (with another custom ring tone.)
3, Answering as a speakerphone when a call comes in while I'm driving.
These are the thing I bought it for & it works super. All the other things like weather etc, are just icing on the cake.
Yes, I would buy it again (I bought it on the day it came out) and have recommended it to friends

Does it get annoying having to flick your wrist everytime to check your watch? Or did the recent updates improve everything?

kingofthebraves said:
Does it get annoying having to flick your wrist everytime to check your watch? Or did the recent updates improve everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only got my gear 2 days ago, but I don't understand the wrist flicking thing. My watch turns on when I bring it up into a position to look at it. No flicking required. I think it is great. I can't wait for the update for the notifications. Still deciding if the custom ROM is the way to go. I haven't seen yet if the NULL ROM affects battery life.
To answer op:
1)Notifications
2)time and weather
3)media control
4) shopping checklist. Currently via evernote but I am hoping for google keep app in the future.
5) I would like a qr code / barcode scanner.

1. Picking up chicks (all though not as successful as using glass haha)
2. Notifications
3. Quick access apps
Null_ rom makes it a million times more useful
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

1. Notifications
2. Weather
3. Time
4. Covert silent pictures

1. See the time
2. Put my arm on a stupid position to make/answer calls
3. see notifications(o no, i can't with my htc one grrr)
Enviado desde mi HTC One mediante Tapatalk

nitropollo said:
1. See the time
2. Put my arm on a stupid position to make/answer calls
3. see notifications(o no, i can't with my htc one grrr)
Enviado desde mi HTC One mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read somewhere that is possible to connect gear to HTC one...
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

Brendo said:
1. Picking up chicks (all though not as successful as using glass haha)
2. Notifications
3. Quick access apps
Null_ rom makes it a million times more useful
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can you do with null rom? I read the page but since I don't have a gear yet am not sure what everything does.
The whole notification for Gmail, SMS, calendar fb and Whatsapp are now displayed thanks to the update right?
Is it possible to sideload Google keep?

kingofthebraves said:
What can you do with null rom? I read the page but since I don't have a gear yet am not sure what everything does.
The whole notification for Gmail, SMS, calendar fb and Whatsapp are now displayed thanks to the update right?
Is it possible to sideload Google keep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can sideload anything - even with stock rom. Latest firmware+gear manager means you get notifications from all apps on phone
By using null, you get more of a stock android experience instead of a small/limited menu system from stock touchwiz launcher
Null_ offers stock plus everything in the features list. And if you don't like it, just flash back to stock - simple
Let's just say that I've been testing out a Nexus 5 and because of null, will be returning back to my s4 and the compatibility with gear

1) Time
2) Weather
3) Notifications (I almost never hear or feel my phone notifications.)
4) Phone Calls (Making calls when my hands are doing other things, driving, eating, typing, gaming, etc.)
5) Showing off
It does so much more than my old watch!
And yes, Null_ will make it much more useful, but I did EVERYTHING (root and flash ROM) last night before bed so IDK. Battery seems to be unchanged.

Xirix12 said:
1) Time
2) Weather
3) Notifications (I almost never hear or feel my phone notifications.)
4) Phone Calls (Making calls when my hands are doing other things, driving, eating, typing, gaming, etc.)
5) Showing off
It does so much more than my old watch!
And yes, Null_ will make it much more useful, but I did EVERYTHING (root and flash ROM) last night before bed so IDK. Battery seems to be unchanged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checking your phone while viewing a notification with ur watch will automatically open the app /message on your phone right?

kingofthebraves said:
Checking your phone while viewing a notification with ur watch will automatically open the app /message on your phone right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are not on a custom ROM I believe that's what it does. I can't remember. With Null_ you can read the message and it gives you the option to open on the phone. I believe it gives you the option either way. I am trying to remember because I was on US stock version (Not sure about the number) then flashed UK version (V700XXUAMK7) but was on it for like 5 minutes before flashing Null_.

kingofthebraves said:
Checking your phone while viewing a notification with ur watch will automatically open the app /message on your phone right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is smart relay and can be setup in gear manager
Xirix12 said:
If you are not on a custom ROM I believe that's what it does. I can't remember. With Null_ you can read the message and it gives you the option to open on the phone. I believe it gives you the option either way. I am trying to remember because I was on US stock version (Not sure about the number) then flashed UK version (V700XXUAMK7) but was on it for like 5 minutes before flashing Null_.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close. null_ has no effect on the notifications - they behave as they do in stock. Some apps show full notifications and no need to view on device, but option is there

Brendo said:
Yes, that is smart relay and can be setup in gear manager
Close. null_ has no effect on the notifications - they behave as they do in stock. Some apps show full notifications and no need to view on device, but option is there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck syncing Google keep?

kingofthebraves said:
Any luck syncing Google keep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not tried. It requires internet access though so would need to setup Bluetooth tethering

Brendo said:
Close. null_ has no effect on the notifications - they behave as they do in stock. Some apps show full notifications and no need to view on device, but option is there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh true. I just watched a video and yea it's the same. Since I went from US version to UK version then Null_. I wasn't on the UK version long enough to notice the notifications. That's why I thought Null_ made this possible. This isn't the case for those not on the updated UK version. Before flashing the UK version my Gear would only show who it came from and the option to view on device.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

1) time
2) notifications
3)hands free phoning
4)run keeper
5)taking photos (hold finger over speaker to be sneaky )
6)media control (cool if you got some bluetooth speakers)
I have just had it for a few days now and it is more useful than I thought it would be.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Why did YOU root your Gear?

just curious to know why some have rooted their gear. especially with the latest update that gives improvements. just got the watch and still learning it but might be tempted to root if there are reasons unbeknownst to me that improves the watch even further

I rooted it so that I can put null Rom on it. That really opened up the watch for me.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Rooted for adding a theme. The stock icons look like crap and wanted to sideload apps for ringtones, music, videos and notification sounds.
Ian B

I did just to try them null rom. After that I regret it. Although I didn't know you needed root to Install ringtones thanx
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

I rooted it to put the Null_ ROM on it, because it looked really nice from the screenshots, and also I thought if i ever wanted to get a non Samsung phone then this would be the way to do it.
However it's not all it cracked up to be.. for the most part for the Null_ ROM extras to be useful you need to have bluetooth internet tethering enabled on the phone which will drain more battery on both devices, and if it disconnects you have to dive into the settings on both to enable it again. all the cool stuff where the phone just tells the watch about things (eg notifications, events, weather, contacts, etc) via bluetooth require a 4.3 TW ROM on your phone, and can be done without the Null_ ROM.
You also lose the double tap power button to open S-Voice, but this might be fixable by disabling the "Power button mod", whatever that is. I haven't looked too deeply - I have just setup a Nova gesture where you double tap the screen to open up S-Voice.
I think my watch looks nicer now with the ROM as you can choose wallpapers, but in my Nova dock i literally just have all the original apps that came with the phone, and the main widget is one of the original clock faces (the event one), i only have a second screen with a shortcut for going into the settings in case i need to enable BT internet, and a battery widget (which i can see by double two finger tapping the screen anyway).
I think the minimalist text widget that fOmey has in the screenshots on the Null_ thread look awesome, but they're just not useful enough. The next event widget is exactly what I need (apart from the time), and the ONLY way you can have a next event widget without requiring internet on the watch is to use the built in widget. If you're gonna use the built in widget, why flash a different ROM at all?
ahh .. anyway. I won't be flashing back to stock, but if i had my choice again.. i dunno if i'd bother.

i put root and null rom on it so i don't have to return it to the store.
even after gear manager updates, stock watch is a overpriced notifier on your wrist.
after rooting it i customize it the way i want it, i have access to mostly used apps, i can use apps that were not designed to be used with gear and much more.

i dunno, wanted root. i feel powerless without root
rooted every device since my gs1. And i know myself enough that i know that at some point i am going to get bored with the stock rom, and will start to customize the things i dont like.
then i want to know how;
the clock functions,
to get out of bootloops,
to simplify the process of adding apps not officially supported.
to theme elements.
to flash custom rom
to revert to stock.
now im prepared

Question, do you have to root in order to flash the recovery and null? Or I can just flan both without root? Also how do you return back to stock? Thanks in advanced...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Mainly because of NULL rom. For me, without it Galaxy Gear would be useless! (and because after my first root, I root all devices, it gives to you the real power of the gadget!)

RiNo808 said:
Question, do you have to root in order to flash the recovery and null? Or I can just flan both without root?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need root.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 01:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:19 PM ----------
I rooted to flash null as well and the only thing I like about it is you can record in 720p. But I don't see too much advantage since my tmobile note3 doesn't seem to have bluetooth tethering option so I can't take advantage of any null app that require data. Didn't like have Nova Launcher as it's just too small of a screen to do anything. That's why I bought a note3 as I wanted a bigger screen. So I mainly use tw on the gear. Besides the 720p recording and seeing all the extra app in the app list is cool but not a necessity. But I'm going to keep it like this for now.
Also forgot to add another advantage with null is shutter sound is gone. You can also achieve this without null but you need to root.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Guys, I just have my new Samsung Gear after christmas, it works very well, still happy with battery life (around 3 days). Though I miss having a keyboard to reply SMS / Emails, or do some web search.
My question is...
If I want to keep everything as it is;
- default Samsung stuff, default clock widgets
- default auto Bluetooth connection (at least Gear <-> Note 3 do that automatically...)
but* I want to:
- install a keyboard to normally reply my SMS/Emails
- do some simple websearching, with Opera / Dolphin, etc. (My phone has BT teethring)
Can I do that just by roothing my device?

the Gear is really a device that RECEIVES things - notifications, updates to display, etc. If you want to use it to SEND things, then you'll really have to root it and put on the Null_ ROM. With this you can enable bluetooth internet tethering, and the Gear can get full internet. With internet you can install apps like an email client and a keyboard (these actually come with Null_), and respond to emails etc on the Gear. Note: it's very fiddly using a keyboard on the Gear, even with swype style input.
Also regarding SMS, this can't really be done on the Gear as you would expect. As the Gear has no SIM card, you'd need an app on the Gear to talk to your phone and tell it to send the SMS.
But, you can actually do this via S-Voice. So if you're happy talking your SMS to the phone (which isn't too bad in my experience), you can get S-Voice to use your phone to send an SMS.

I rooted mine because I wanted to be able to start my car from my watch, along with hooking it up with Torque to see my times. Being able to add wallpapers is nice too

omniwolf said:
the Gear is really a device that RECEIVES things ... If you want to use it to SEND things ... and tell it to send the SMS....you can get S-Voice to use your phone to send an SMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for answering Omniwolf. Well, Gear is bidirectional, when you take a picture, when you answer an SMS via premade SMS/S-Voice, you are communicating Gear <-> Phone.
My goal is not to have an independent clock like "simvalley MOBILE AW-414.Go Smartwatch", but a little more than what Gear allows in the moment.
For example:
- Answering SMS only through premade SMS...a tiny keyboard option would be fantastic! S-Voice does not work for me, it works on yours???
- No option to quick answer Whatsapp/E.mail
- When I take a picture I cannot send it through E-mail/Whatsapp (option is disabled........)
- No google translate or something like that is possible with keyboard (there is an app that uses the camera but is far from practical...)
So, in theory I just want a Gear + Keyboard + SMS/Whatsapp/Email answer option (S-Voice does not work on mine! I have a Note 3 stock Samsung Android 4.3) + Google Translate.

mmick said:
Thanks for answering Omniwolf. Well, Gear is bidirectional, when you take a picture, when you answer an SMS via premade SMS/S-Voice, you are communicating Gear <-> Phone.
My goal is not to have an independent clock like "simvalley MOBILE AW-414.Go Smartwatch", but a little more than what Gear allows in the moment.
For example:
- Answering SMS only through premade SMS...a tiny keyboard option would be fantastic! S-Voice does not work for me, it works on yours???
- No option to quick answer Whatsapp/E.mail
- When I take a picture I cannot send it through E-mail/Whatsapp (option is disabled........)
- No google translate or something like that is possible with keyboard (there is an app that uses the camera but is far from practical...)
So, in theory I just want a Gear + Keyboard + SMS/Whatsapp/Email answer option (S-Voice does not work on mine! I have a Note 3 stock Samsung Android 4.3) + Google Translate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I answer texts with svoice all the time. Does svoice work on your device? I've used it to call a contact, narrated a # to dial, and responded to texts.
I can honestly say that there is nothing missing from my stock gear that I wish I had.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using xda app-developers app

mmick said:
Thanks for answering Omniwolf. Well, Gear is bidirectional, when you take a picture, when you answer an SMS via premade SMS/S-Voice, you are communicating Gear <-> Phone.
My goal is not to have an independent clock like "simvalley MOBILE AW-414.Go Smartwatch", but a little more than what Gear allows in the moment.
For example:
- Answering SMS only through premade SMS...a tiny keyboard option would be fantastic! S-Voice does not work for me, it works on yours???
- No option to quick answer Whatsapp/E.mail
- When I take a picture I cannot send it through E-mail/Whatsapp (option is disabled........)
- No google translate or something like that is possible with keyboard (there is an app that uses the camera but is far from practical...)
So, in theory I just want a Gear + Keyboard + SMS/Whatsapp/Email answer option (S-Voice does not work on mine! I have a Note 3 stock Samsung Android 4.3) + Google Translate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can use tablettalk for that
sent from my carrier pidgeon

mmick said:
Thanks for answering Omniwolf. Well, Gear is bidirectional, when you take a picture, when you answer an SMS via premade SMS/S-Voice, you are communicating Gear <-> Phone.
My goal is not to have an independent clock like "simvalley MOBILE AW-414.Go Smartwatch", but a little more than what Gear allows in the moment.
For example:
- Answering SMS only through premade SMS...a tiny keyboard option would be fantastic! S-Voice does not work for me, it works on yours???
- No option to quick answer Whatsapp/E.mail
- When I take a picture I cannot send it through E-mail/Whatsapp (option is disabled........)
- No google translate or something like that is possible with keyboard (there is an app that uses the camera but is far from practical...)
So, in theory I just want a Gear + Keyboard + SMS/Whatsapp/Email answer option (S-Voice does not work on mine! I have a Note 3 stock Samsung Android 4.3) + Google Translate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i know the Gear can send things to the watch, it's a BT connection with is bidirectional. My point is that without rooting, the gear isn't designed to send things, it's more of a receiver. 90% of the things done on it are incoming, not outgoing. Sure, all photos go the other direction, and using S-Voice you can create a bunch of things on the watch, but it's the minority.
I think i've alread answered all your other questions, so i won't rehash (more), but it really seems like you want Samsung to add a bunch of outgoing functionality to the watch, which is fine by me, i think a lot of it would be useful.
Yes S-Voice works for me, make sure it's installed and usable on your phone before trying it on the watch.

To free myself of Gear Manager
BT tether + tablet talk = profit

So worth it...
-Null ROM's feature set
-Bluetooth internet tethering (from a U.S. carrier stock ROM with BT tethering option nuked)
-Use with non Samsung device (probably going back to Nexus soon)
S voice is way too limited (even worse on the watch). Google Now and Internet access makes the watch worth the price tag. 300 bucks with a little research and now I can say "Can your Rolex do this?" So worth it...

tkjeeper said:
I answer texts with svoice all the time. Does svoice work on your device? I've used it to call a contact, narrated a # to dial, and responded to texts.
I can honestly say that there is nothing missing from my stock gear that I wish I had.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish S-Voice worked for me. It doesn't hear me well and I keep getting "I didn't catch that" even when I just want to confirm to send a text.
It gets frustrating.

Has the Gear made your life easier or more complicated?

Still on the fence if I should get one

kingofthebraves said:
Still on the fence if I should get one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both, LOL, great as I never have to pull my phone out to do some things, Worse as I keep playing with it all the time roms, themes ect... LOL

Just wondering how much more can they do with this ...it's cool but knowing there's no Insurance on it just makes me leary sometimes ...
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I was debating on 3 smart watches to get and the gear won. I've had it 24 hours and I can't stop playing with it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

i was re-ROM'ng my S4 and N3 every other day and havent touched it since the Gear. Ooh but now I try new NULL/Stock setups every day with my GEAR!
HAHA!
i actually enjoy something new to tinker with and my phone now has a few days rest

almulder1092 said:
Both, LOL, great as I never have to pull my phone out to do some things, Worse as I keep playing with it all the time roms, themes ect... LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I love it. However spend a lot of time playing with it and having to set it up over and over. Fun times

Really doesn't do enough for me but it is a fun gadget and people love to hear about it.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

I imagine the best thing about owning a gear is keeping your phone in your pocket on silent and only bringing it out when you want to reply. Also, answering phone calls while driving and music control when your phone is docked to the speakers.
I've played around with my friend's pebble and its annoying that notifications aren't synced with your phone. You have to view them once on your watch and them dismiss them again on your phone.

kingofthebraves said:
I imagine the best thing about owning a gear is keeping your phone in your pocket on silent and only bringing it out when you want to reply. Also, answering phone calls while driving and music control when your phone is docked to the speakers.
I've played around with my friend's pebble and its annoying that notifications aren't synced with your phone. You have to view them once on your watch and them dismiss them again on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you don't even have to pull your phone out to reply I never do things to the gear having s voice.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

kingofthebraves said:
I've played around with my friend's pebble and its annoying that notifications aren't synced with your phone. You have to view them once on your watch and them dismiss them again on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no difference with the gear. You have to dismiss notifications on the gear (which can be a bit annoying as you have to go through each app's notifications and dismiss), and they won't be dismissed on the phone, you have to dismiss it on the phone as well.

Supposedly the gear does clear the phone emails and mark them as read if you use the native email app. I use Gmail and do have to clear the phone again after reading in the gear. Also the gear doesn't show the entire email. It shows most of it, then says to see the rest on the phone...

maximus96 said:
Supposedly the gear does clear the phone emails and mark them as read if you use the native email app. I use Gmail and do have to clear the phone again after reading in the gear. Also the gear doesn't show the entire email. It shows most of it, then says to see the rest on the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's for non Samsung apps right? But all the rest will clear just fine?

omniwolf said:
there is no difference with the gear. You have to dismiss notifications on the gear (which can be a bit annoying as you have to go through each app's notifications and dismiss), and they won't be dismissed on the phone, you have to dismiss it on the phone as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that was the whole point of smart relay?

gear made my life easier, but only because of custom ROM. i'm still using null 11.1 where everything is working for me, so i don't see a need to make an update and spend another hour configuring everything, i'm not a number whore..
stock gear is a devils device, terrible to use with zero configuration.

hurdlejade said:
gear made my life easier, but only because of custom ROM. i'm still using null 11.1 where everything is working for me, so i don't see a need to make an update and spend another hour configuring everything, i'm not a number whore..
stock gear is a devils device, terrible to use with zero configuration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading up and looking at YouTube on what u can do with null rom but I'm still confused. How is this better than stock rom? Do features like smart relay still work with null rom?

maximus96 said:
Supposedly the gear does clear the phone emails and mark them as read if you use the native email app. I use Gmail and do have to clear the phone again after reading in the gear. Also the gear doesn't show the entire email. It shows most of it, then says to see the rest on the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, of course if you load an email app on the watch and have internet to the watch, then marking an email as read on the watch will mark it as read on the server, and mark it as read on any device, including your phone. but using the built in gear notifications, it won't do this.
kingofthebraves said:
I thought that was the whole point of smart relay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. smart delay is just to open up the app on your phone. So if you're looking at an SMS notification on your watch and you pick up your phone, Gear Manager will open up the SMS app on your phone for you. This in turn will clear the notification, but only as a side effect.

kingofthebraves said:
I've been reading up and looking at YouTube on what u can do with null rom but I'm still confused. How is this better than stock rom? Do features like smart relay still work with null rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i never used smart relay, but i guess it will work, because wake-up gesture works on mine.
why is it better? because it is. i can use internet, have a custom layout for my apps (no more swiping across 7 pages to get to the voice memos or any other app). if i want to do something on my watch, i can do it within 3 seconds, literally.
i can start a direct dial to a predefined person.
i can record 60 seconds videos with custom rom.
i can secretly record both video and audio without time limit while keeping screen off (saves battery life).
i can set a countdown timer, or a stopwatch.
i can read ebooks.
i can sync my google keep notes
i can sync my grocery list
i can browse 9gag on my wrist
i can use calculator!
i can check and answer to my emails (by using gmail and google keyboard)
i can use google translate service (with both text and audio input)
i can check my bank account
i can use hangouts IM
i can play some simple games
i can have full calendar agenda
i can use full google maps
.. and way more.
now, what can you do with stock rom?
you can answer calls.
you can take 15 secs max videos.
you can reply to texts using s voice.
you can download stock apps available in samsung store (not a single one is worth your time)
you can pair it only with other samsung phones.
for me the answer is clear. if i can't put null on it, it goes back to store as a terrible smartwatch. it's capable of way more things than samsung officialy let you use..

hurdlejade said:
i never used smart relay, but i guess it will work, because wake-up gesture works on mine.
why is it better? because it is. i can use internet, have a custom layout for my apps (no more swiping across 7 pages to get to the voice memos or any other app). if i want to do something on my watch, i can do it within 3 seconds, literally.
i can start a direct dial to a predefined person.
i can record 60 seconds videos with custom rom.
i can secretly record both video and audio without time limit while keeping screen off (saves battery life).
i can set a countdown timer, or a stopwatch.
i can read ebooks.
i can sync my google keep notes
i can sync my grocery list
i can browse 9gag on my wrist
i can use calculator!
i can check and answer to my emails (by using gmail and google keyboard)
i can use google translate service (with both text and audio input)
i can check my bank account
i can use hangouts IM
i can play some simple games
i can have full calendar agenda
i can use full google maps
.. and way more.
now, what can you do with stock rom?
you can answer calls.
you can take 15 secs max videos.
you can reply to texts using s voice.
you can download stock apps available in samsung store (not a single one is worth your time)
you can pair it only with other samsung phones.
for me the answer is clear. if i can't put null on it, it goes back to store as a terrible smartwatch. it's capable of way more things than samsung officialy let you use..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I never thought about using it that way, impressive indeed especially direct call and text. While on null rom u can still receive SMS and call notifications like how you would on stock gear Rom right? Or does it replicate how a real phone does it?

kingofthebraves said:
Wow! I never thought about using it that way, impressive indeed especially direct call and text. While on null rom u can still receive SMS and call notifications like how you would on stock gear Rom right? Or does it replicate how a real phone does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can receive sms and call notifications and also notifications from other apps (you choose what you want displayed).
there is no easy way to reply to texts though, there is a tabletsms but it doesn't work so fluently.
you do not loose any functionality when running custom rom. you just gain more.

Since we're not allowed to use our cell phones at work, I'm able to covertly use the internet with this thing.
Sent from Spaceball One.

I might return this phone. Do I just need to give it more of a chance?

I got this phone after having an iphone 4s for two years. Prior to that, I had a mytouch 4g for 5 years. Since getting this phone, I am almost in a state of shock. I might just need to adjust, but it is pretty off putting. 75% of what I do with my phone revolves around listening to music and texting, with occasional app use and photo taking here and there (Games, yelp, etc.).
This phone is completely failing me in several categories. I'm not sure if I am just not giving it enough of a chance or what. Here is my experience so far.
I picked this phone specifically because of it's size and hands free features. When driving, I used to give commands to siri to play certain songs, artists, albums, or playlists. This phone will only play songs. It attempts to play albums and artists, but fails in several ways (searches for them in the app or searches for them on the web). Playing playlists doesn't even seem to be an option at this point, and neither does telling the phone to shuffle music.
I have yet to get a real answer on my group messaging does not work. Everybody seems to recommend textra, which I am going to try, but I don't understand why the stock app would botch such a commonly used feature. Messages received from group texts end up all over the place. Some are in the group text, some of them are sent to me as one on one texts, etc. It is miserable.
The pictures taken by this phone are disappointing, but I knew that coming into the purchase.
I might just be in shell shock or something, and I'm going to give it a week or so. The first day with this phone has been a huge let down, however, and all of my research suggests that several of these issues are not actually going to get any better. I get that this might be an incredible phone for some users, but maybe I need to look somewhere else.
Am I wrong?
edit: Through extensive screwing around, group messaging now works.

While this is of little help, with the exception of the camera, your complaint is about Android and not this phone.
I'm curious if the music issue is sufficient to drive you back to iOS?

Solutions Etcetera said:
While this is of little help, with the exception of the camera, your complaint is about Android and not this phone.
I'm curious if the music issue is sufficient to drive you back to iOS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I use bluetooth to listen to music in my car, and I don't like to look at or touch my phone while driving. Selecting music was the only thing that I ever used siri for. Every other feature of voice recognition seems like it is catered to people who are too lazy to type. The fact that I can't change what music I am listening to or even select a playlist while I am driving is a big setback to me.

I don't know whether your music is on your device or "in the cloud" but if it is "in the cloud" through Google, voice commands for music are totally broken on Android.

You should not leave iOS and think Android will be the same thing. It's a completely new ecosystem, and you might take some months to adapt to it. It's better, but you will take some time to realize it. (I came from an iOS aswell). I didn't get why you left iOS if it seemed to work pretty well for you, though.
For "listening to music and texting, with occasional app use and photo taking here and there", maybe a Samsung with its included apps like S-Voice, Chat-On and such. But don't complain when everything gets slow and it takes eternity to open any app you'd want. Moto X has the best Android experience though.
But anyway, for that kind of average user, I think an iPhone will fit you better.

Your complaints are very specific and a matter of need/taste. While they are real issues for you, they aren't to some others.
I personally think the best thing you can do is get an iPhone 5 and call it a day. I doubt Android will be something you like.
As far as a phone overall goes the Moto x, to me is one of the best out there....and again, your issues are specific and not everyone's....that said, my wife had an s2, hated it and went back to her old, slow 4s iPhone....But after playing with my phone for a few hours, she was blown away and wants one bad now. Just has to save her pennies now. Also...I'm not sure about others, but the pics I've taken have made her want a Moto x even more....She and I agree, they are superior to her 4s.
But that's us.
Again...I don't think you will like this phone or any other Android.....touchless control is about as good as it gets for any Android...so if the Moto x voice command isn't for you.....best to go back to iPhone.
Just my advice.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff. I also found a music app that will stay on shuffle mode and allow me to call out specific artists and albums (not quite as good as ios, but good).
I also agree that these are specific issues for me. I never suggested that they were problems with the ecosystem or problems that everybody would have. It is just a very frustrating experience to switch and have several key features not function. This is coming from somebody who used android phones for 3 years prior to using an iphone.
With a few of those things out of the way, I am going to try this out for another week or so before making a call on hopping back.

beelbeel said:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff. I also found a music app that will stay on shuffle mode and allow me to call out specific artists and albums (not quite as good as ios, but good).
I also agree that these are specific issues for me. I never suggested that they were problems with the ecosystem or problems that everybody would have. It is just a very frustrating experience to switch and have several key features not function. This is coming from somebody who used android phones for 3 years prior to using an iphone.
With a few of those things out of the way, I am going to try this out for another week or so before making a call on hopping back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iDevices = MP3 player from start then turned into a phone so when it comes to music capabilities they are allways going to be much better then anyother device. because everything was built around them being MP3 player's
Android was built as a phone and slowly they have been adding better music capability and touchless controls and so forth but i will always be a android person because i like to customize my phone to my liking.

kj2112 said:
Again...I don't think you will like this phone or any other Android.....touchless control is about as good as it gets for any Android...so if the Moto x voice command isn't for you.....best to go back to iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.

robjulo said:
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Google and Moto X voice recognition are great. But Google Now isn't as smart as Siri, yet.

robjulo said:
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes...and it's relatively new...give it time.
Make a tasker app to shuffle or play a playlist...all started with voice command. Best we can do for now.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
And as said already....if playing music with voice commands is anyone's top phone priority...which seems to be the case here, since OP is thinking of returning phone over it......get an iPhone. Yes, they started out a music device.....so stands too reason it'll work better.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

kj2112 said:
Yes...and it's relatively new...give it time.
Make a tasker app to shuffle or play a playlist...all started with voice command. Best we can do for now.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
And as said already....if playing music with voice commands is anyone's top phone priority...which seems to be the case here, since OP is thinking of returning phone over it......get an iPhone. Yes, they started out a music device.....so stands too reason it'll work better.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't even know that you could create custom voice commands with tasker. That actually changes quite a bit. I'm more than willing to substitute customizable voice control for the pretty fleshed out control that Siri has.

I had to return mine because of the camera and broken exchange on 4.4. I am anxiously awaiting a fix for both. Yes I know you can sideload a different exchange services but I didn't want to root my none DE x.
Plus I expect another sale to come in the next month or two even after the price drop.

beelbeel said:
I didn't even know that you could create custom voice commands with tasker. That actually changes quite a bit. I'm more than willing to substitute customizable voice control for the pretty fleshed out control that Siri has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really voice commands....more like virtual screen touches. As far as I know anyway. Look in moto x apps section. I made a tasker app to start music and shuffle. Can start it by voice. Tasker makes it that you need to be rooted tho....no idea why.
So without root...it wont work.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

If ur music is on ur phone, you can try the app eva to use voice to choose music. Its not free but does have a 28 day trial version
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...AUkLz3RzTAvqkasKQ&sig2=SwkUCoEast3YCyYwbl7spg
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Restola said:
I had to return mine because of the camera and broken exchange on 4.4. I am anxiously awaiting a fix for both. Yes I know you can sideload a different exchange services but I didn't want to root my none DE x.
Plus I expect another sale to come in the next month or two even after the price drop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just use touchdown exchange app for exchange services. Works awesome than stock email app.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk

beelbeel said:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you or someone give me some direction on this? I DON'T want to move to another messaging app. I want to use the stock app for messaging AND be able to group text. Of course, most know by now that you cannot select a contact GROUP as an option to text to.
Please help with this. Is there some workaround, hack, app development, or play store app that can allow me to use stock messaging app for group sms? Primarily what I want is to be able to send a group text without having it input all their names, but just select the group contact to do so

lancelot916 said:
Can you or someone give me some direction on this? I DON'T want to move to another messaging app. I want to use the stock app for messaging AND be able to group text. Of course, most know by now that you cannot select a contact GROUP as an option to text to.
Please help with this. Is there some workaround, hack, app development, or play store app that can allow me to use stock messaging app for group sms? Primarily what I want is to be able to send a group text without having it input all their names, but just select the group contact to do so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I fixed my issues with imessage and switched to textra. I am not sure if I would still have a problem if I was on the stock app.
One of the main advantages of android is the ability to substitute the apps used for key functions. I agree that the stock app should absolutely be able to handle this if a third party app can't, but you shouldn't be afraid to switch to a third party app. It is a very easy process, and it will retain all of your past messages.

beelbeel said:
Well, I fixed my issues with imessage and switched to textra. I am not sure if I would still have a problem if I was on the stock app.
One of the main advantages of android is the ability to substitute the apps used for key functions. I agree that the stock app should absolutely be able to handle this if a third party app can't, but you shouldn't be afraid to switch to a third party app. It is a very easy process, and it will retain all of your past messages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, from what I hear, Textra won't work with Motorola assist. Does someone know of an app that just adds an option on contacts to send text from groups on contacts?

Have you tried Hangouts for SMS?