suggestions for non rooted gear apps - Samsung Galaxy Gear

Hey all
I am the proud owner of the ultimate geek accessory, the gear. I also have a totally stock att note 3. Because of this, for now I want to leave the gear unrooted. So which apps do you recommend? I know some require data so they are not practical just yet. What apps do you use? What games? I tried candy crush (cute) and mouse. I would love to listen to ebook in the car.....
Thanks for any recommendations!

if the gear is unrooted, then aren't your only options what's available in the Samsung store inside the gear manager app?

I can still side load with abd

I've been searching everywhere trying to find a way to use a keyboard to respond to messages. I sideloaded one but without null it's pointless. There has to be a way though.. For example voice memos and pictures can be sent to the device, and you can reply to sms with preset responses so why wouldn't it be possible for the gear to communicate typed responses to the sms app over it's default connection. I think the most realistic solution would be a 3rd party sms app for the phone that has a companion app for the gear, then a sideloaded keyboard, I have a feeling the keyboard would be the main issue (development-wise), but I'm holding out hope. If only I were a developer. In the meantime it's plenty useful to me.. Between the universal notifications, music control, weather, schedule & caller-ID & dialer I'm content for now. If I had paid $300 for it I might be a little less satisfied, but overall it's great fun for gadget people.

Using "sources other than Samsung Apps"
I was wondering about this too. There's an option in Gear Manager you can check that allows you to install apps from "sources other than Samsung Apps". I have no idea how to actually install other apps, or if there are any other apps I can install on the device from a non-Samsung source. Any thoughts?

Okay, side loading using a db and totally stock: subway surfers, candy crush, mouse, 100 floors (a little hard); blast monkeys (looks a little weird), building tower
Still trying out others

Related

List of Apps that Lend Themselves to Galaxy Gear's Small Screen Display

Thought it might be handy to hear people's suggestions for apps that run-well on Galaxy Gear's small screen display. Some obvious choices include:
Keyboards
Graffiti
Big Buttons
Game Emulators
Gameboy Color A.D. - heard in another thread this worked well.
Any other apps people have tested that run well?
Gstrings guitar tuner works great, and im also running Nesoid nes emulator.
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
gnatic capital
How do I go about installing those apps, after I root my phone, can you access the regular android app store?
BartHumphries said:
How do I go about installing those apps, after I root my phone, can you access the regular android app store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to install WonderShare Mobile Go on your PC first. Easy to use.
My apps so far that work well are:
Shake Calc - good little calculator with scientific functions too
QuickPic - photo/video viewer with lots of great folder organisation (including exclusion)
Node Beat - Great for showing off sound capability
aLights Pro - you want flashing lights or a handy torch?
Trapball - a very touch friendly simple time waster game
I can't figure out how to search apps by name and I can't find shakecalc anywhere. I have installed:
ASL American Sign Language Flash Cards
MyScript Calculator
Google Sky Map <-- omg, wtf bbq this is amazing
BartHumphries said:
I can't figure out how to search apps by name and I can't find shake calc anywhere. I have installed:
ASL American Sign Language Flash Cards
MyScript Calculator
Google Sky Map <-- omg, wtf bbq this is amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, buddy! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.underflow.calc just to keep you going...
BartHumphries said:
How do I go about installing those apps, after I root my phone, can you access the regular android app store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adb always works
Camera Gallery Pro - Very nice Camera app with some settings, included Gally app with it that works perfect...
Tablet Talk 1.6.4
Media Remote
these 2 apps are pretty much must haves if you dont want to run stock 4.1 android on Galaxy s3.
or if you want to pair the galaxy to any android device using this method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500999 then these apps give you almost all the functionality. just need s voice really.

Gear VR with Google Cardboard apps (and 3D vids with other players) - Easy!!!

I was looking around for a way to use the gear VR with Cardboard apps and all I could find was to just not insert the usb all the way or tuck it under the micro usb plug, I knew there had to be a better way. There is. With this easy trick you can use all the Cardboard apps and watch SBS 3D using a player like BS player easy.
Here's how to use the Gear VR outside of the native Oculus app, and it's soooo easy. Note: You'll need to be rooted for this to work.
1. download the App Quarantine app from the play store and install it.
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Bam, that's it. When you want to use a Cardboard app just click the widget, then lock icon, and then load the Cardboard app you want to use before inserting the phone into the headset. If you want to watch a SBS 3D movie in BS player just load it, pinch to zoom out a bit (fiddle with this to get it to your liking), click play and put on the headset and you're set. With a BT game controller you can even control the the playback.
When you're ready to go back to the Gear, just click the widget again and then the unlock icon. So simple...
If this helped give me a thanks below! Have fun, this headset rocks!!!!
Edit: Just to clarify, this will only work with Cardboard apps that don't require the magnetic clicker. However, I have found if you have a high power neodymium magnet laying around you can just swipe it by the end of the headset (kind of quickly) and it will trigger the clicker. Kinda lame for shooter games, but it's a workaround...
Nice. I'm going to try it, before Google or Samsung fives it
It also works to just put the phone in below the microusb plug - it fits fine..
diomark said:
It also works to just put the phone in below the microusb plug - it fits fine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, mentioned that in the first paragraph. Just don't think it's a good idea to put the unesacerry strain on the USB connector and have a less than secure fit (don't want the phone crashing to the floor). This only takes 2 seconds to do and allows for a secure docking of the phone.
The Note will need this connectivity if 3rd party devs are going to use the tracking data from the headset in their apps. Way lower latency than using the phone's sensors...
AspenMan said:
I was looking around for a way to use the gear VR with Cardboard apps and all I could find was to just not insert the usb all the way or tuck it under the micro usb plug, I knew there had to be a better way. There is. With this easy trick you can use all the Cardboard apps and watch SBS 3D using a player like BS player easy.
Here's how to use the Gear VR outside of the native Oculus app, and it's soooo easy.
1. download the App Quarantine app from the play store and install it.
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Bam, that's it. When you want to use a Cardboard app just click the widget, then lock icon, and then load the Cardboard app you want to use before inserting the phone into the headset. If you want to watch a SBS 3D movie in BS player just load it, pinch to zoom out a bit (fiddle with this to get it to your liking), click play and put on the headset and you're set. With a BT game controller you can even control the the playback.
When you're ready to go back to the Gear, just click the widget again and then the unlock icon. So simple...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice idea but you do need root for that app right? Can the Note 4 be already rooted without tripping the Knox counter?
You do need to be rooted. Haven't seen a way to root without tripping Knox, yet...
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Where is this? cant find it in list of apps to freeze.
charlie
AspenMan said:
You do need to be rooted. Haven't seen a way to root without tripping Knox, yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might need to point that out in a revision, since that means this helps only about 5% of current N4 owners. Boo to no root!
I would like to use my other video players since the player built in does not cover all codecs or AC3.
It appears you must already have made a connection to the Gear VR in order to have the Gear VR Service? I too, cannot see this service anywhere. I have a Exynos model Note 4 (N910U) and it is my understanding that the Exynos models are not yet compatible with the VR. I've been trying to find the service used to auto launch whatever it is the VR auto launches to try and disable that with DisableService but have yet to find this. Any ideas?
callif said:
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Where is this? cant find it in list of apps to freeze.
charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try rebooting your phone and looking for the Gear VR service again. If you have the Gear installed it should be there.
KrakaJap said:
It appears you must already have made a connection to the Gear VR in order to have the Gear VR Service? I too, cannot see this service anywhere. I have a Exynos model Note 4 (N910U) and it is my understanding that the Exynos models are not yet compatible with the VR. I've been trying to find the service used to auto launch whatever it is the VR auto launches to try and disable that with DisableService but have yet to find this. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is that you'll have had to make a connection at least once and will definitely need to have installed the Gear apps first. I would install the gear, run through the setup, reboot, put the phone into the gear and then remove it, install the App Quarantine app and then try it. Should work.
AspenMan said:
My guess is that you'll have had to make a connection at least once and will definitely need to have installed the Gear apps first. I would install the gear, run through the setup, reboot, put the phone into the gear and then remove it, install the App Quarantine app and then try it. Should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't work for me or anyone who cannot make that initial connection: we'll have to find another way or wait until the Gear VR supports the Exynos Note 4s. Right now, the N910U will not work with Gear VR until it receives a firmware update supporting it. I received confirmation directly from Samsung about this yet no details as to when the Exynos models will receive support. Way to go, Samsung, for making this perfectly clear to those looking to buy the Gear VR.
KrakaJap said:
This won't work for me or anyone who cannot make that initial connection: we'll have to find another way or wait until the Gear VR supports the Exynos Note 4s. Right now, the N910U will not work with Gear VR until it receives a firmware update supporting it. I received confirmation directly from Samsung about this yet no details as to when the Exynos models will receive support. Way to go, Samsung, for making this perfectly clear to those looking to buy the Gear VR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think if the gear app launches when you attach it (even if only to notify you it's not compatible) there has to be a service running. Should be able to freeze it and attach the Gear without the app launching...
If you have no need for the Gear apps just yet (until you can update your phone), just use Titanium backup and freeze any app you see related to the Gear VR and you should be able to attach it to the phone without anything happening. The touchpad should also be recognized as a mouse and volume and back buttons should also work.
AspenMan said:
I would think if the gear app launches when you attach it (even if only to notify you it's not compatible) there has to be a service running. Should be able to freeze it and attach the Gear without the app launching...
If you have no need for the Gear apps just yet (until you can update your phone), just use Titanium backup and freeze any app you see related to the Gear VR and you should be able to attach it to the phone without anything happening. The touchpad should also be recognized as a mouse and volume and back buttons should also work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not understanding though... the Exynos models are not compatible with Gear VR, period. When you plug them in you get a black screen and that's it. Nothing gets launched, installed, etc. The Gear VR service is not present until you make that first connection and get the software. I guess the software resides on the Gear VR itself and is pushed to the Note 4? I don't know exactly how it works. I just know it won't work
I also don't know if it's all Exynos models but I know for sure it's not compatible with N910U.
I have an Exynos version and I was able to successfully stop the gear vr service.
Download an app called Disable Service and you should see the Gear VR Service there. Just force it to stop.
Alternatively, you can go into Settings, Applications Manager and Force it to Stop from there.
Once Stoped, it should work.
One thing I noticed though, was that Im having difficulties finding good convergence with other apps. I dont know whether this is due to my large IPD (73) or due to the fact that these apps are not optimized for the Gear VR.
Theres cool app for cinema called Cmoar VR cinema, but I was unable to find proper focus with this app.
lucianolsp said:
I have an Exynos version and I was able to successfully stop the gear vr service.
Download an app called Disable Service and you should see the Gear VR Service there. Just force it to stop.
Alternatively, you can go into Settings, Applications Manager and Force it to Stop from there.
Once Stoped, it should work.
One thing I noticed though, was that Im having difficulties finding good convergence with other apps. I dont know whether this is due to my large IPD (73) or due to the fact that these apps are not optimized for the Gear VR.
Theres cool app for cinema called Cmoar VR cinema, but I was unable to find proper focus with this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what's your baseband? ANK5? ANK7? I'm N910U (Hong Kong) ANJ5 and the Gear VR service does not exist. We have yet to receive the firmware update making this model compatible with Gear VR.
hum... didnt know that.
My baseband is NK5.
IF I disable the service, I can connect to the usb no problem.
lucianolsp said:
hum... didnt know that.
My baseband is NK5.
IF I disable the service, I can connect to the usb no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm tempted to try Taiwan ANK7. I've never done that before though... that should work right? Both models are N910U.
I still can't get the widget to show the vr services, when I go direct to the app I see the VR services just fine ... Damn you, tricky VR

[Q] Safe to uninstall/disable apps (Verizon/non-rooted)

My 64 gig Edge will be arriving today. What can I safely disable/uninstall on this phone? I understand that since it's not rooted (and won't be until it's been proven safe to do so somewhere down the line), I have limited options. Even though my options are limited, I'd like to do as much as possible. I don't have it in hand yet, but I'd like to begin getting rid of some crapware once it does arrive. Thank you for any input on this.
bpmamom said:
My 64 gig Edge will be arriving today. What can I safely disable/uninstall on this phone? I understand that since it's not rooted (and won't be until it's been proven safe to do so somewhere down the line), I have limited options. Even though my options are limited, I'd like to do as much as possible. I don't have it in hand yet, but I'd like to begin getting rid of some crapware once it does arrive. Thank you for any input on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without the root, you can only disable apps. Some apps you can completely uninstall, but the number of apps you can uninstall is very limited. If system lets you disable/uninstall apps, that mean it's safe to do it.
On the stock launcher you can look in the upper corner of the app launcher and hit edit,,,this will let you either uninstall or disable the apps that the system will allow.
bpmamom said:
My 64 gig Edge will be arriving today. What can I safely disable/uninstall on this phone? I understand that since it's not rooted (and won't be until it's been proven safe to do so somewhere down the line), I have limited options. Even though my options are limited, I'd like to do as much as possible. I don't have it in hand yet, but I'd like to begin getting rid of some crapware once it does arrive. Thank you for any input on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I uninstalled everything that I was able to uninstall, and I have disabled (and gotten no errors so far):
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Music
Caller Name ID
Cloud
Gmail
Google Play Books
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Newsstand
Google+
IMDb
Instagram
Message+
Messages
Milk
Milk Video
My InfoZone
NFL Mobile
Slacker Radio
Support & Protection
VZ Navigator

Standalone Wear 2.0 apps

Hi everyone,
Now that the Lg Urbane 2nd can have standalone applications using data connection with AW 2.0 Dev preview 3, I think it is time to have a thread to list the apps that can either be sideloaded and work standalone in the watch, or wear apps that actually have standalone capabilities.
I'll start with a apk I found to stream some music right from the watch: PCRadio2016 ( https://apkpure.com/radio-online-pcradio-2016/ru.zfour.pcradio )
I sideloaded the full app with adb, and of course the interface is quirky, but you now have access to 10.000 radio station divided by genre right from your watch..
I haven't tried flashing the preview yet, but since you have I was wondering if OK Google commands now work as standalone. I'd go ahead and flash the developer preview if I was certain that the restore image was identical to the factory ROM on my Verizon watch. Thanks
ED2O9 said:
I haven't tried flashing the preview yet, but since you have I was wondering if OK Google commands now work as standalone. I'd go ahead and flash the developer preview if I was certain that the restore image was identical to the factory ROM on my Verizon watch. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Google voice works as standalone. All Google stuff is actually working very well (notifications for example), and i've been using the Preview 3 as a daily driver for more than a week now. Battery life is good, and the Whole experience is miles ahead in term of fluidity and ease of use. Only bad thing is that, because of the new playstore, you need to sideload all your apps manually until they arrive in the playstore.
Well, I took the plunge and so far I'm pretty impressed. I've side-loaded the GhostRacer wear app, and it appears to be running fine. Any chance you might have seen a way to get Play Music running?
ED2O9 said:
Well, I took the plunge and so far I'm pretty impressed. I've side-loaded the GhostRacer wear app, and it appears to be running fine. Any chance you might have seen a way to get Play Music running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only music app I managed to have working is the one I posted. No chance with anything else. The problem with Google play music seems to be that there is already a music play service installed that blocks the installation of any Gplay apk.
Thanks for the info. I recently discovered that the factory image linked on the developer preview site isn't really stock (at least for the Verizon version). After flashing it, I can set up calling on the watch. It keeps telling me to run a system update. Any suggestions?
Hey there,
Is there a location sharing app (Glympse or smth) that works on standalone mode?
Thanks a lot
Hi again,
Is there Google maps available on AW 2.0?
Thanks
gidi said:
Hi again,
Is there Google maps available on AW 2.0?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to sideload the wear version of gmaps and everything works
Where can I download it from?
Hi there,
I`m using my watch since some weeks with preview 3 daily and it's pretty much better as v1.5 before.
These are the apps were I sideloaded the micro APK:
- Citymapper
- Fit (seems to work now from the Play Store as well)
- Keep
- MacroDroid
- Messenger
- Calculator
- SafeInCloud
- Watchmaker Premium
These apps I have installed directly from the embedded Play Store:
- Browser
- PaperCraft
Cheers
Axel
Hi, I need these standalone apps:
- task manager to view cpu/ram and for kills apps/services
- file manager to upload media files or apk file and view them
More or less the same daily use of the watch but very different battery drain, I suppose bad management services/apps
Sorry for my english
GiuloMaster said:
Hi, I need these standalone apps:
- task manager to view cpu/ram and for kills apps/services
- file manager to upload media files or apk file and view them
More or less the same daily use of the watch but very different battery drain, I suppose bad management services/apps
Sorry for my english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no such real working apps for AW 2.0.
GiuloMaster said:
Hi, I need these standalone apps:
- task manager to view cpu/ram and for kills apps/services
- file manager to upload media files or apk file and view them
More or less the same daily use of the watch but very different battery drain, I suppose bad management services/apps
Sorry for my english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Code:
adb install OSmonitor.apk
adb shell wm density 200
works for me on AW1.5
ESfileExplorer can also be sideloaded.
Hi,
very cool sideloading app: Flightradar24
Almost everything works like on the phone. Have a look on the screen shots.
Axel
If someone can try to sideload https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bsoule.tagtime&hl=en and let me know if it'd works, it'd be awesome. I'm insta-buying an Urbane if it does! =)
I use (all sideloaded full apps):
Line Messenger
Facebook Lite
Facebook Messenger Lite
Greenify
For everything else bought the package from appfour, includes:
launcher (overlay)
email (sending+receiving standalone)
weaher app (not using actually)
nice keyboard
youtube player (standalone)
and a few other things (just look for the comapny)
to use the apps standalone, you have to choose this in the app at the beginning, if not you will always rely on phone connection (working as slave app, like normal aw wares)
what i've tried:
e-robot (works but on the small screen its a pain, the area where you choose events and actions is extremely thin)
kernel audiutor (some beta here on the forum)
clean my android (works, but i saw no imrpvements by using it)
I know i wish there were more fully functional apps for the watch..
I use NINE email on my phone.. and it has an app for the watch.. but it only allows me to do a voice memo? confused..
I would LOVE to find a better functioning SMS app..
I tried PULSE - worked great.. but missed a few group messages so not sure its reliable.
EVOLVE - looks like it has potential.. but only would let me respond to the last message in the conversation list.. even though it would show all of them.
Texpert - does show MMS Messages on watch.
Wear Messenger - confusing interface and doesn't show MMS Messages.
Messages for Android - doesn't show MMS messages
Google Messenger - MMS Image compression is horrible so didn't want to use as main SMS app on phone.
so if anyone else knows of an app that allows all messages to be viewed on the watch, let me know !
nice post, . . .
samsmith2152351 said:
nice post, . . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stfu bot

NOVA LAUNCHER as pertains to: Gear VR Motion Controller and NOTE 4 problem

Hello!
I saw there was a thread for Note 4 / Motion Controller already, but it seems to have stalled because only people who know NOVA Launcher, perhaps can help, but won't know it; So I put Nova in the title. The problem: Oculus DELIBERATELY DEPRECATED the Motion Controller from working on note 4 (which it was working on fine, and destroyed my ability to finish Apps in production). So, we Note 4 deveoopeds of Gear VR apps, need to reinstall the older setup. All the APKs havd been located, but The closest anyone has come to making it work is a guy who says this:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Hi everyone! So glad I can contribute to XDA!
you want to use Nova launcher activities (google it) and something like Aptoide to download the following:
Oculus VR apks (Home, App framework, etc.) as many as possible
More important still : download apps of Samsung's "Gear VR" service, setup wizard, system, input service, etc.
No need to root.
Once downloaded, create activities in Nova launcher widget on touchwiz or direct on Nova or custom launcher. Create them esp for Input Service to pair that VR controller that's the best $30/30€ you'd ever spend...
Better news still, all this is DPI free so if like me you are using a low setting for extra space on your Note 4 screen esp with the docking station HDMI that gave us D'ex before Dex, it does not screw with your stock VR apps."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
While it's cool he suceeded, and nice of him to mention it, it is a little vague, it has however I believe ONE PERTINENT CLUE = This 'NOVA Launcher' mention. Perhaps a dev familiar with NOVA can discern what he means? How could NOVA sta din for Wifi and install apks instead? Gear VR auto installs all the apks over WIFI, and manual install, doesn't work.
I need to find how to (use NOVA?) to get OCULUS installed manually with downloaded APK's. ( https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&page=2&s=Oculus )
This guy who wrote the above did so almost a month ago, and people have since asked him for some details, but after 30 days with no further word, I don't think he'll be sharing anymore about his mysterious process.
Please help if you can, I will endeavor to pay it forward in my 5 technical specialities.

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