After using the Galaxy Gear for several months with the Null ROM installed, I find it most useful as primarily a standalone device. This includes taking pictures/videos,voice memo, and using applications like a calculator. When I do use Bluetooth, it is primarily to answer calls and use S-Voice. I don't use notifications and I rarely use Bluetooth tethering because of the battery hit. This type of usage gives me at least 2 days of battery life. Is there anyway to use S-Voice or Google Now on the watch without being connected to the phone?
use the search feature
Offline Search and Voice Recognition
This is what really got to me when I was running stock Touchwiz on the Gear.
Like you, I usually used my watch as a standalone, especially when my phone was charging or updating, etc. I could take photos and voice memos and then upload them via bluetooth.
Why, oh why could Samsung just not include Svoice as a standalone!?! You even need freaking internet access to use some of the features!
My solution, as a rooted user running Null_ Rom on my Gear, is to install gapps via the installer .zip and download an offline TTS through Google.
(Settings> Language and Input> Text to Speech output > Google text to speech> Install voice data. )
This way, Google Now is available OFFLINE! You can take memos, record notes, etc, all while not conncted via bluetooth or the internet.
As an added bonus, Google Now's voice synthesis is much smoother and easier to use.
You might already be rooted and running Null_, but I wasn't sure.
Anyway, hope this helps! From one Gear user to another.
What version of gapps did you install?
Santaclauswitz said:
What version of gapps did you install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be the one for 4.2
Offline TTS
RoyFour said:
This is what really got to me when I was running stock Touchwiz on the Gear.
Like you, I usually used my watch as a standalone, especially when my phone was charging or updating, etc. I could take photos and voice memos and then upload them via bluetooth.
Why, oh why could Samsung just not include Svoice as a standalone!?! You even need freaking internet access to use some of the features!
My solution, as a rooted user running Null_ Rom on my Gear, is to install gapps via the installer .zip and download an offline TTS through Google.
(Settings> Language and Input> Text to Speech output > Google text to speech> Install voice data. )
This way, Google Now is available OFFLINE! You can take memos, record notes, etc, all while not conncted via bluetooth or the internet.
As an added bonus, Google Now's voice synthesis is much smoother and easier to use.
You might already be rooted and running Null_, but I wasn't sure.
Anyway, hope this helps! From one Gear user to another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. I'm not sure what you mean by "install gapps via the installer .zip and download an offline TTS through Google." Could you elaborate? I'm not quite there on the learning curve.
Related
With Tablet Talk working for full blown sms on the gear, the need to be able to reply to texts on the gear becomes more important. For those of us that can't use s-voice, google voice recognition works amazingly well but requires battery hogging bluetooth tethering.
Has anyone been able to get offline google voice recognition working?
crutzulee said:
With Tablet Talk working for full blown sms on the gear, the need to be able to reply to texts on the gear becomes more important. For those of us that can't use s-voice, google voice recognition works amazingly well but requires battery hogging bluetooth tethering.
Has anyone been able to get offline google voice recognition working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there is a thread here on that. Pretty sure it involves copying downloaded offline phone off phone to watch
Holy Shaving Cream!! This works...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2549644
I now have a complete sms solution on the gear! I can easily receive texts and reply via voice commands without bluetooth tethering!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559197
Brendo said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559197
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also working on a round inflatable tube that a carriage can be placed upon to better move people about!
I really did search before posting...lol..
OK, I'll go one better....When added to the Google Now Launcher, we can now have totally hands free phone use. Simply getsure to look at your watch and say "OK Google....Call MOM" ...and your watch will call your mother! :laugh:
crutzulee said:
OK, I'll go one better....When added to the Google Now Launcher, we can now have totally hands free phone use. Simply getsure to look at your watch and say "OK Google....Call MOM" ...and your watch will call your mother! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious what's your battery life like with that setup
Sent from my Lenovo K900 using Tapatalk
animatechnica said:
Curious what's your battery life like with that setup
Sent from my Lenovo K900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just set it up an hour ago... I have a full day at work tomorrow so I'll test it then and post results...
Everyday since I've had the watch I have added some new functionality. I've been amazed at how little battery life has been impacted since I started toggling bluetooth tethering which seems to be the largest drainer of battery on my setup.
I'm on the latest Null ROM. So far I have my gear connected via bluetooth to the original galxy note. I have the wake gesture set to on so that the Gear actually functions as watch. I have bluetooth tethering toggled on/off via a widget. I have Tablet Talk setup so that I can send and receive texts. I have offline voice recognition setup so that I can use voice typing even when not connected to the internet ( so that I can actually reply to texts without having to use the tiny keyboard ).
With this setup, I still have about 50% battery life after an 18 hour day. I've now added the Google Now Launcher in order to use the "OK GOOGLE" voice commands..We'll see tomorrow how much of an effect this has on battery. :laugh:
@crultzulee I'm glad to see you got the gear up and running on the og note!
How did you guys get Voice Search installed into your Gear in the first place?
klau1 said:
How did you guys get Voice Search installed into your Gear in the first place?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, make a distinction between S-voice and Google Now/Search Voice recognition. S-voice is a Samsung proprietary solution that requires a touchwiz framework. I believe that this requires S-voice (and thus touchwiz) to be enabled on both devices (phone and Gear).
What I have running is the Google Now/Search voice regonition. The option for Google Now is provided in the Aroma installer for Null Rom. That gets you basic functionality.
I have chosen to sideload the most recent apk for Google Search and the Google Now Launcher for greater functionality. You should also download the offline language pack as per the link provided above. This allows you to use voice search and voice dictation in any app that uses the google keyboard (like Tablet Talk).
440bro said:
@crultzulee I'm glad to see you got the gear up and running on the og note!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the information provided here, I have turned this impulse buy "toy" into something that is becoming more and more integrated into my daily life.
crutzulee said:
First, make a distinction between S-voice and Google Now/Search Voice recognition. S-voice is a Samsung proprietary solution that requires a touchwiz framework. I believe that this requires S-voice (and thus touchwiz) to be enabled on both devices (phone and Gear).
What I have running is the Google Now/Search voice regonition. The option for Google Now is provided in the Aroma installer for Null Rom. That gets you basic functionality.
I have chosen to sideload the most recent apk for Google Search and the Google Now Launcher for greater functionality. You should also download the offline language pack as per the link provided above. This allows you to use voice search and voice dictation in any app that uses the google keyboard (like Tablet Talk).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this before with the en-US bit and permissions and it didn't work. When pressing Google to enter Google Now and hitting voice Icon, it says something about no network available. Do I need this newer Google Search app you said you sideloaded? If so where/how to obtain it? I'm not worried about the Launcher at this moment, just want the Google Now Voice to work without being tethered to the internet. :angel:
lazer9 said:
Tried this before with the en-US bit and permissions and it didn't work. When pressing Google to enter Google Now and hitting voice Icon, it says something about no network available. Do I need this newer Google Search app you said you sideloaded? If so where/how to obtain it? I'm not worried about the Launcher at this moment, just want the Google Now Voice to work without being tethered to the internet. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google now and Google Dictation are 2 different things.
You can use google dictation if you get the language offline.
Eg you can use the voice key on the keyboard offline to work for apps to handle dictation.
The fancier stuff needs Google Now to be connected to the internet. If you want to use "Ok Google, call mom" that requires Google Now to connect to the net for the contextual recognition.
I have the older setup so I have to press a button for google Now to work but it works to take notes, create reminders and phone calling.
You can use Wondershare to side load the Google Now launcher and the new Voice search and anything else you want.
lazer9 said:
Tried this before with the en-US bit and permissions and it didn't work. When pressing Google to enter Google Now and hitting voice Icon, it says something about no network available. Do I need this newer Google Search app you said you sideloaded? If so where/how to obtain it? I'm not worried about the Launcher at this moment, just want the Google Now Voice to work without being tethered to the internet. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about the en-US folder that is linked to in Brendo link, but if you follow the thread in my link, I was able to get that version working after setting the permissions wit es-file explorer..
tebore said:
Google now and Google Dictation are 2 different things.
You can use google dictation if you get the language offline.
Eg you can use the voice key on the keyboard offline to work for apps to handle dictation.
The fancier stuff needs Google Now to be connected to the internet. If you want to use "Ok Google, call mom" that requires Google Now to connect to the net for the contextual recognition.
I have the older setup so I have to press a button for google Now to work but it works to take notes, create reminders and phone calling.
You can use Wondershare to side load the Google Now launcher and the new Voice search and anything else you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the Google Now functions require internet connection. One notable exception is the one you mentioned. With the offline voice recognition enabled, you can actually say " OK Google...call mom" and the gear will call your mother through your phone WITHOUT bluetooth tehering to the internet enabled...We can't yet get google now to send texts because we are relyin on a third party app (tablet talk) to do this.
Ok, I'm beginning to half understand this. Pardon me because I have a bad fault of overthinking things.
The bit about using the voice button on the keyboard has me stumped. I don't have this as I use Flesky as I hear many others use on the gear or am I missing a setting within it somewhere?
And I must have misunderstood one of @crutzulee 's posts somewhere, but I swore he said he can simply use dictation - as in voice talk to Google Now Search OFFLINE (non-tethered) within it's app and say "Call Mom", ect...
OK, just as there needs to be a distinction between S-voice and Google Voice recognition there needs to be a distinction between bluetooth connection and bluetooth internet tethering. The former just means that the Gear is connected to the phone and can have access to its basic telephone functions. The latter refers to sharing your phones full blown internet connection so that apps on the gear can use the internet as they would on any android device.
Google search is an app/widget that allows one to search the internet and ALSO has some local functionality built in. It's widget has a microphone option that allows the Gear to "listen" to your query. It can then send the captured voice to googles servers over the internet for recognition and processing of your request. If you have the language pack downloaded locally, then it can do the recognition part on the device without uploading to google's servers. If your request is something that the device can do locally , it will. If it can't do that function locally, you will get a message saying that it cannot reach google's servers or something to that effect.
In the instance where you say "OK Google...Call mom" , google search will process your input locally (provided you have the offline language pack installed) . As this function does not require an internet connection and can be processed locally (provided you have the gear connected via bluetooth), the gear will open it's phone app and place your call (provided that you have a contact called "mom" with an associated phone number).
I should clarify, that if you only install the google search app/widget with the offline language pack, you will have to manually press on the microphone on the widget to get it to listen to you.
The advantage of having the Google Now Launcher, is that the mic is always listening for the words "OK Google" when you are on any of the launcher's home page. Thus you can place a phone call with a simple flick of your wrist, and utterance of the "OK Google...call Mom" command. All this WITHOUT be tethered to the internet.
I am running my Gear this way today to test for battery drain. I have sent and received a few phone calls and have noticed only a slight increase in battery drain over my use yesterday which was setup in a similiar way with the exception of the Google Now Launcher installed and always listening..
crutzulee said:
With Tablet Talk working for full blown sms on the gear, the need to be able to reply to texts on the gear becomes more important. For those of us that can't use s-voice, google voice recognition works amazingly well but requires battery hogging bluetooth tethering.
Has anyone been able to get offline google voice recognition working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just recieved my gear and installed the newest null rom and would love to set it up like you have sounds pretty cool!
If you have a Bluetooth headset, and you try to use to with LG's HORRIBLE voice assistant, it recognizes your commands about 1% of the time; totally not acceptable.
On other phones, Google Now comes up when you activate voice command; on this phone, I have tried EVERYTHING, but I can't get the LG voice command to not be the default action when I activate a voice command.
Has any one found a way to change this, either with other software, or by making some system changes?
On kitkat, on T Mobile, using a Plantronics Voyage Edge
Thanks!
I simply swipe up from the bottom and use Google Now. You probably can't change LG's voice assistant to use Google Now's speech engine.
Visa Declined said:
I simply swipe up from the bottom and use Google Now. You probably can't change LG's voice assistant to use Google Now's speech engine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There MAY be a way to do it kind of like how you can change the voice of Google Nav from the standard one to like Darth Vader and whatnot. Idk if anyone has attempted this BUT it might be worth a shot. maybe the actual application can be modified to reroute to Google Now instead of the base LG application. i might poke around to see what i can find
thanks; there are a couple of apps in the play store that used to do this for me with my HTC One Maxx, but they dont do anything for this phone; there are about 5 or 6 files that are related to LG's horrible "voice mate" app, but, with no way to restore my 4.4 rom if deleting any important files screws things up, I am hesitant to start deleting system files.
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
Hi guys,
I was simply trying to use Android Auto as a car launcher on my smartphone, without any actual intergration with the car, but there's always something lacking.
I've got problems with Google Assistant, there are various useful commands missing when I launch it from Android Auto.
I open Android Auto, I say "Ok Google", Google Assistant correctly starts but I can't use the following commands:
Take a note > That used to create a note in Google Keep
Open $application > That used to launch the mentioned app
and probably more I haven't tried yet.
I'm using the Italian language.
I've got a Xiaomi Mi 6 with MIUI 10 and Android Oreo 8.0.
Is this something wanted by design? To avoid distractions while driving?
Or is it a bug in my Android Auto?
Thanks!
Up guys!
Anyone? Isn't this the right section to post this?
Hi,
When android auto is on, several functionalities of android are blocked.
Google's idea is that only those applications which are homologated for android auto works. They said this is for safe driving, i don't agree.
This is limited to some music apps and Google maps/waze.
Nothing else will work.
Brgds
Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk
I was afraid of that
Thank you for the confirmation.
Android Auto and Google Assistant require compatible version of the Play Service, are you using all updated?
Read here my setup that is working https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77982211&postcount=944
cioce said:
Android Auto and Google Assistant require compatible version of the Play Service, are you using all updated?
Read here my setup that is working https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77982211&postcount=944
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you mean:
GPS 12.8.76 (auto updated locked via Titanium to avoid unlocking of AA Mirror every day)
Google 8.14.15.21 (auto updated locked)
Android Auto 3.7.584044 (auto updated locked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always keep everything updated to the latest release so what I've got is:
GPS: I don't know what that is...
Google: 8.33.6.21
Android Auto: 3.7.584044
Do you see anything wrong in my setup?
Apart from this, I've discovered that on Google Play Store it doesn't look like Google Auto should be so limited: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en
Just say “Ok Google” to...
• Route to your next destination using Google Maps or Waze with real-time GPS navigation and traffic alerts.
• Get updates on your route, ETA, and hazards in real-time.
• Have the Google Assistant check your calendar for you so you know where you need to be.
• Set reminders, get updates on the news, and check last night’s score.
• Avoid distractions while driving by setting a custom do not disturb message while driving.
• Make calls using Google Assistant and answer incoming calls with just a tap.
• Access your contacts folder and send and receive messages with the Google Assistant using SMS, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, WeChat, Kik, Google Allo, and many more messaging apps.
• Manage your infotainment system like never before. Listen to your favorite media apps including Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL - High Fidelity Music Streaming, Napster Music, and Deezer. Many more music, radio, news, sports news, audiobook, and podcast apps are also supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a guide or an article from Google that explains what we can do and we can't do with Google Assistant under Android Auto?
Try remremoving Google assistant seems I have the Sam issue when i installed Google assistant??
Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk
Do you mean switching back to Google Now, instead of Google Assistant?
I don't think we can do it, we should uninstall the "Google" app and install an older one from an APK, it doesn't make much sense.
Is there anyone willing to try those two voice commands and see if they work?
Anyway, I didn't find much information about this problem.
By now, I gave up using Google Keep while driving and started using reminders, than I later copy to Keep when I reach home.
I say something like "Hey Google remind me to buy this album in 30 minutes", like explained here: https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7387866?co=GENIE.Platform=Android&hl=en
I really hope Google is going to remove these limitations in the near future.
Several great roms for this phone, so glad I can use it without the google overreach. Only need a few apps on it, plus calls and texts, and one of the apps is OSMAND (or really, any map/directions app).
Unfortunately, no TTS - so I can't get things like street names mentioned while driving in unfamiliar areas... Yes, this may seem like a tiny issue - that's because it is - but it does cause some problems.
So, if anyone on here happens to know how to get TTS working so that OSMand or any good non-google app can use it, could I get a step by step? Or, perhaps my searching was in error. I didn't find anything other than 'install gApps <google> which defeats the purpose of putting on a different rom. Just point me to the right forum posts. TWRP and RROS 8.6.? both on the phone with no issues, thanks to posts on this forum.
I like RROS, but if a different rom would make it easier I'm open - just don't want Google and it's tracking/control on it. APKPure and F-Droid are good enough for my apps.
Thanks In Advance
Jim
The phone's stock ROM does have TTS installed, do you need to be running a custom ROM?
Also, Waze is an option if you need to hear street names while driving without looking at your phone. Give it a try
mrsiri said:
The phone's stock ROM does have TTS installed, do you need to be running a custom ROM?
Also, Waze is an option if you need to hear street names while driving without looking at your phone. Give it a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only just heard about Waze - that sounds like the option for me, if I can get it working without Gapps (want to regain some privacy). Thanks for the pointer I'll look that up.
You're welcome. Gapps is only needed for google specific apps like Youtube or Google movies, books, the playstore or to login on an app with your gmail account. Aptoide is also a good alternative to apkpure or f-droid. I also use apkmirror when I can't find in aptoide.