Related
As I was anticipating getting the Note 2, I realized as my phone got bigger, it would require a different way of use than a smaller device. With the rumored Note 7", if it's allowed to handle calls, it is even more important to me if I upgraded to that to have a convenient way to handle calls without having to pull the whole device out.. Imagine the device in your pocket as the communications hub - you pull it out when you need to deal with the screen, but for simple tasks like calls, your smartwatch and headset would be the only things you need to interact with.
In the past, there were bluetooth headsets with caller ID displays, but I found they're not practical as you still have to look at the display, then put in your ear or you have the display part hanging around your neck/clipped on your shirt like those Sony's I've seen. A watch which can show the caller IDs, incoming texts and emails is more appealing to me.
I read from reviews that other smartwatches were either too bulky, had miserable battery life, or had issues staying connected with the phone reliably. I found the last two issues to be the case with the Sony 2nd gen Smartwatch so sent it back. I loved the promised functionality, but in practice the battery life wouldn't even last the day, which was a dealbreaker. It also would randomly disconnect from my phones so the lack of reliability for what I wanted it for was frustrating.
It seemed the Pebble was everything I was hoping for (on paper, at least), so I backed on Kickstarter and was hoping it would be out by the time I got a Note, but since it's not shipping yet, I went and got the Metawatch Frame. So far I'm really liking it, even though there aren't a lot of widgets/apps developed for it at this early stage. My primary requirement of at least a days worth of battery life (actually can go several days) and reliable bluetooth attachment so that it instantly shows incoming caller ID is working great. Even shows the contacts picture on the watch (in low res monochrome). http://metawatch.myshopify.com - I got the Frame version since I thought Strata looks too bulky.
So far I have it set up to do email/SMS/Caller ID, weather forecasts. You can set up more notifications, but they will eat up battery life and I didn't want to always have every little notification show up on my watch.
You will have to update the firmware on the watch if it ships w/ 1.1 to 1.2 so it supports the Metawatch Community Edition - a simple email to their support will promptly get you a link and instructions to upgrade the FW.
Watch Manager you load on your phone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tZXRhd2F0Y2gubXdtIl0.
Watch Manager Community Edition (has more features, but needs 1.2 FW): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.metawatch.communityedition&feature=search_result
Apps: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=metawatch&c=apps
Is anyone else using a smartwatch w/ their Note 2? How are your experiences with them?
Hi.
Do u run stock ROM? Android 4.1.2?
I have ordered the Metawatch frame and from what I have heard, metawatch and Android 4.2.1 is not a good match atm. (BT bug)
I'm useing CM10.1 on Note2
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
i was using the motorola motoactv until i decided to test how water resistant it was. needless to say, it didnt handle heavy rain very well.
My Motoactv meets my needs. While it isnt water proof, as the above user mentioned, I love it. You can get text, call, weather and Facebook alerts. Rooting the device can add more functions as well.
chino0131 said:
My Motoactv meets my needs. While it isnt water proof, as the above user mentioned, I love it. You can get text, call, weather and Facebook alerts. Rooting the device can add more functions as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmm, i loved it. the only things missing were a vibration function and google maps/navigation out of the box.
considering buying another one.
Hmmm I wonder what is better, if the metawatch or the pebble... Im getting interested on something like this.
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lfrp said:
Hmmm I wonder what is better, if the metawatch or the pebble... Im getting interested on something like this.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE: Just recieved my Metawatch see next page for update.
The Pebble first caught my eye a little while back and I was planning on getting one. But after learning about the Metawatch the other day and looking at the functionality of both, I just ordered a Metawatch. I read and watched several reviews in coming to my conclusion. I went with the Frame model instead of the Strata because the black model of the strata is on back order (I like simple understated colors).
The main reason was that the Metawatch currently offers more functionality, from what I can tell. Both offer notifications for calls, e-mails & text, but the Metawatch allows you to:
- Answer calls, dismiss calls or answer with speakerphone from the watch (Can't hear or talk from the watch of course, but can answer a take call over BT headset from the
watch after checking it for caller ID)
- Displays weather, something I haven't seen on the Pebble yet.
I also like having widgets on the Metawatch that allows you to have more info on one screen, Time/date, local weather and notifications (e-mail, SMS & calls). I rather have the option to have all this info on one screen.
Likes and dislikes of the Pebble are as fallow...
Like:
- The higher resolution screen than the Metawatche's screen.
- The supposed Runkeeper integration (though not available yet). AS a Runkeeper user this is big to me. (I may get one eventually if the
Runkeeper integration actually comes togeather.
- I like the look of the Pebble over the Strata (though I'm getting the Metawatch Frame witch I think looks as good or better than the pebble).
- The magnetic charging setup is superior the the Metawatche's clumsy silly looking clip.
Dislikes:
- Limited functionality compared to the Metawatch (ablitly to answer (preferably with a BT headset , dismiss or send calls to speakerphone).
I'm sure the Pebble's functionality will expand over time, but it's not yet there, not for me at least.
- The clock faces should have a sub-menu in the in the home screen so there not all in there with music, set alarm and settings options. Not to
mention that the three default clock faces are at the top of the above music, set alarm and settings option then any clock faces you download
are under the music, set alarm and settings options. Again not well thought out.
- It's will probably be 1-3 months before the catch up shipping and are able get watches out to new customers. I'd be willing to wait if it offered
more functionality, as it is I'm not willing to wait.
All things considered I find the Metawatch the more appealing option for me. Though the Runkeeper functionality the Pebble is promised to have in March or so really make me consider getting Pebble eventually. The Metawatch is suppose to have a run tracking app built in But I already use Runkeeper and would like to use one single app to track my runs. Thus far I have found no info in run tracking functionality on the Metawatch so I have no idea what to expect.
WIMM
I am currently using the Wimm One, but you can't buy them any longer. Mine works pretty good with either my GS3 or GN2.
Just like the OP, I needed something for caller ID, etc.
I really, really wanted an excuse to get the MotoActiv, but the lack of a vibrator motor was a deal-killer for me.
If and when my Wimm dies, I will definitely be getting a suitable replacement. I didn't back the Pebble because I had already had the Wimm.
I am going to go check out the Meta.
I LOVE the idea of a smartwatch! I've been doing extensive research and am intrigued by the available options.
My problem is, I would hate the look of a small color screen on my wrist. It simply doesn't look professional to me. While there are other alternatives out there, none of them does what I'm interested in or are within my price range.
I've looked at I'm Watch, Sony Smart Watch, Pebble, Martian, etc. The only one visually appealing to me is the cookoo. But its only for iPhone!! Who in there right mind would design and release a product that's for the smartphone market, yet be proprietary to one OS. Morons.
So. I'm on a mission to make something myself. And to be honest the design would be rather simple. A watch wjth the following capabilities.
Bluetooth, low powered.
Time mechanism with a separate power source
Vibrate motor
Notification ring light
Manual set time dial
Bluetooth pairing button
Dismiss notification button (long press show battery remaining)
Magnetic charging dock
Android / WP8/ iOS / BB10 App
All I want is a phone that shows me via customizable lights/vibrate pattern whats happening on my phone. I don't need to complete the actions on my watch, to me that's just silly. I can glance and simply see I have a pending email, text, Facebook/twitter notification etc. Best part is, the batter can last for weeks.
Too bad I have no means to complete this lol
The most interesting watch to me is the
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
Hi,
To those who have purchased this watch did you have to purchase the charging clip separately? It's currently showing out of stock.
Also how much are you guys paying for shipping? My shipping costs are estimated at $61 Australian. Excessive but none the less I am still looking at purchasing one.
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
Can someone tell me about the running/cycling app? I can find no info on this at all.
---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 AM ----------
LuvinN1 said:
Hi,
To those who have purchased this watch did you have to purchase the charging clip separately? It's currently showing out of stock.
Also how much are you guys paying for shipping? My shipping costs are estimated at $61 Australian. Excessive but none the less I am still looking at purchasing one.
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The charging clip should come in the box with the watch.
Wow, that shipping cost sucks! Have you considered getting one from e-bay. You can get it for less and save a bunch on shipping. This is where I ordered one last night. I wnet with the Frame model as I wanted it in black and the Strata is back-ordered for the black one.
Strata model:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-m...266?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21bf71ba
Frame model:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-m...733?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21cc73ad
or this Frame model from the UK:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-B...es_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item35c3e5fa04
RojasTKD said:
Can someone tell me about the running/cycling app? I can find no info on this at all.
---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 AM ----------
The charging clip should come in the box with the watch.
Wow, that shipping cost sucks! Have you considered getting one from e-bay. You can get it for less and save a bunch on shipping. This is where I ordered one last night. I wnet with the Frame model as I wanted it in black and the Strata is back-ordered for the black one.
Strata model:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-m...266?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21bf71ba
Frame model:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-m...733?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21cc73ad
or this Frame model from the UK:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metawatch-B...es_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item35c3e5fa04
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate. Forgot about ebay. The misses wants one too. You have saved me hundreds. Planning to get the white and black frames.
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LuvinN1 said:
Thanks mate. Forgot about ebay. The misses wants one too. You have saved me hundreds. Planning to get the white and black frames.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I was able to be of service. I hope you enjoy. Mine should arrive this week, excited!
Oh and feel free to it the THANKS button if you like
added some info I had forgot to mention
Here's an update as my Metawatch arrived yesterday. I got the frame model instead of the more sporty Strata. See here:
http://metawatch.myshopify.com/collections/watches-all
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE: 2/13/2013
After talking to a few developers (Special thanks to the developer of Augmented Smartwatch Pro) I switched to Community Manager from the Noah Edition of the Metawatch Manager, as recent updates to Noah seem to have caused issues. So far today I have had no freezes and the batter is still reading 100% two and half hours off the charger. Still to early to tell but at least some of the issues may have been related to the update to Noah edition. Noah had an update this morning, but I haven't tried it yet. I'll be trying Augmented Smartwatch Pro soon to see if that is also working better now that I'm using community edition.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE: 2/14/2013
Since the update to the Community Edition and Noah Edition of the Metawatch Manager apps my watch has worked almost flawless, without freezes and the battery life has improved. Charges it and had it pared with my watch since last night so It lasted 20 - 24 hours. Not the 3 -5 days that the spec sheet claims but the could be the the Metawatch Manager app i'm using. Going to try Noah Edition again tomorrow as it been updated and should not give me the issues I was originally having when I first received my watch.
The screen is still had to read in anything but a well lit room or outdoors during the day. On the plus side it is very visible in direct sun light.
It this point I'm satisfied and don't regret getting the Metawatch.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 2/18/2013
Well, I'm happy to report that I seem to improved my battery issue. I tried as someone recommended and did a reset after charging (holding the two middle buttons for a few seconds). Yesterday my after about 12 hours my battery was at 87% instead of the 34% I was getting before.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
First the screen I'm not a big fan of. On the good side it is always on so you can tell the time with a glance (kind of). It is also easily readable in direct sun light. The problem is it's best viewable in a bright room. when I'm in room that not WELL lit it's hard to see the screen. You have to find the angle that allows the watch to catch the light. Yes, there is a LED light it the top, but it a bit of a pain and you I haven't found a way to change the time out. If you turn on the light and start doing something on the watch it will time out in 4 - 5 seconds then you have to keep hitting it to finish doing what you doing. The text is also small and often difficult to read and navigate. Ofter just a short time with the watch I really really wished it had a touch screen. Using the buttons to navigate with the tiny tiny icons that tell you their function get very tedious.
If you use the Metawatch Manager Community Edition (A third party modified version of the official Metawatch manager that adds much more functionality) you can not only get notifications for calls, gmail, and text.... you can also answer you phone with a push of a button (with the use of a BT headset), or answer you phone via speakerphone from you watch. going into you phones setting>accessibility and giving the Metawatch software permission it you can notification from just about any app that shows notifications on you notification bar, I haven't figured out how to get notifications for my regular (NON-Gmail) e-mails. Also I like having my time, weather phone battery status and missed call and missed text on one screen.
The really bad so far, In the day and a half I've owned this watch I've had 4 - 5 freezes. The watch becomes totally responsive. I have to connect and disconnect it from the charging clip over and over and over (8 - 28 times) to get it to reboot. I was out today having a bite when this happened. Not having the clip and power source available made the watch useless until I got home. I decided to re-flash the latest firmware again (witch I did on day one) and see if that helps. I may try FW 1.2 as that may be more stable and still work with Community Edition.
To keep this short I'm just going to give you some pros and cons for the rest:
Pro:
- Good functionality: Can get all kinds of notifications (with Community Edition) and even Answer (with headset), ignore, or answer via
speakerphone.
- Can scroll and read entire messages (text, gmail)
- Nice looking watch compared to many others. Classy enough to wear in any occasion.
- I have a screen where options to: quick dial my favorites, put my phone in or out of silent mode or ping my phone (to find lost phone). Also
has a option titled, "voice search", but so far it doesn't seem to do anything. Oh, and an option to view a list of notifications (text, calls, any
and all notifications that have appeared on you phone.
- Vibrates with alarm clock (but only stock alarm, and I'm used to using Alarm Clock Plus).
- Vibrates with notifications something that the Motoactv dose not do ( I have a Motoactv on the way).
- Screen is always on and doesn't time out.
- Can see a calendar and with a button press can view a list of events on my calender.
Cons:
- Freezes too often. I hope re-flashing the firmware (1.3) or flashing the previous (1.2) firmware will fix this.
- Screen can be difficult to read if not in a well lit place.
- LED light at the top just seems so 1980's. Wish screen would stay lit with button presses so I could navigate with out having to continually turn
on the light. Text is small and hard to read at times. I think I'd prefer a Motoactv or Sony Smartwatch screen even if they are not always on.
- There often a delayed response to the button presses. Sometimes I push it it again thinking it didn't register only to then have to register two
button presses.
- It suppose to have a built in running and cycling app of some kind, but so far it just, "coming soon".
- Buttons and no touch screen makes navigation really start to feel tedious a times.
Battery is hard so say as I got the watch yesterday, but so far it not meeting their claims. It cam off the charger yesterday at about 5:00 or 5:30 pm and by 10:30 this morning it it was showing zero and I attached the charger. It came off the charger at about at around 12:30 or 1:30. It is now 2:23 am and it showing 54%, so it will probably not last past tomorrow morning. I'll give it some time before I make a final determination on battery life.
The freezing issue aside (hoping firmware will resolve) aside the screen is my biggest complaint. I would like something more readable and have come to the conclusion that a touch screen should be a must for a smartwatch.
I haven't tried the Augmented Smartphone Pro app that is said to bring some additionality functionality to the Metawatch (as well as Sony Smartwatch, Motoactv and Pebble). But will be seeing what if offers next week. Also next week I should have a Sony Smartwatch and Motorola Motoactv in my hands next week.
Though I like the more understated and classy look of the Metawatch I'm looking forward to receiving the Sony Smartwatch and Motorola Motoactv. I think I will enjoy the screens more both for readability of text and the touchscreen.
interesting and nice overall review. I'm temped to grab something like this. Just haven't been able not to talk myself out of it.
What you said about the screen seems to be the overall theme I've read from other reviews as well. It's the trade off from having some kind of LCD/touch screen which are more power hungry, and seem to only last a few hours. Can't necessarily argue against your point, but it may not be biggest knock, considering the trade off.
lovekeiiy said:
interesting and nice overall review. I'm temped to grab something like this. Just haven't been able not to talk myself out of it.
What you said about the screen seems to be the overall theme I've read from other reviews as well. It's the trade off from having some kind of LCD/touch screen which are more power hungry, and seem to only last a few hours. Can't necessarily argue against your point, but it may not be biggest knock, considering the trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its funny I read a lot of people talking about the Sony Smartwatch and how its battery is horrible. I bought mine when I had an SGS2 and the battery life was horrible. lasted <1 day. Also seriously drained my phones battery. When I got my SGN2 I pulled it out of my gadget drawer and set it up again. It works perfectly. Watch battery lasts around 3 days, and it doesn't impact the battery life on my phone at all. If anything a few percent per day. I do wish for an "always on" display, but I've gotta say the smartwatch works pretty well with my note2.
Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to give us your initial experiences with the Meta.
I am still using my Wimm One, and before that, I had the Sony. I absolutely HATED the Sony. In fairness, it was their first-gen watch, but unless it has improved dramatically, I think you are going to be more disappointed in it than you were the Meta. The Sony can't even stand-alone and function as a watch without being paired to and in range of a phone.
I just wish the Moto had a vibration motor and I think it would be the undisputed choice.
So I have a STRATA coming soon. Got a really good deal on eBay (I am not sure how the price can be so low, so I am skeptical that something might be wrong with it). I also have a Pebble coming (Grey so who knows when I will get it) and I think I can use both. So thanks for your review I like the idea of having the widgets on the screen and think the small developer community is trying to really make a good device out of it. I looked at the Sony and the Moto briefly. The one thing about the Moto was it seemed like it was geared towards activity (running mostly) and I was looking for something that would show notifications (calling, email, etc), weather, ebay, really anything that can push information. How does the Moto fit there?
lovekeiiy said:
interesting and nice overall review. I'm temped to grab something like this. Just haven't been able not to talk myself out of it.
What you said about the screen seems to be the overall theme I've read from other reviews as well. It's the trade off from having some kind of LCD/touch screen which are more power hungry, and seem to only last a few hours. Can't necessarily argue against your point, but it may not be biggest knock, considering the trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I understand the idea behind the screen and battery life, but honestly I rather have something that is more easily read and navigated even if it has to time out and I have to charge it every night. It very easliy read out door in in the brightest of sunlight, but indoors you have to move the angles to find one in witch you can make it out (in less it a very well lit room. Heck, I charged it over night until about 11 am today, it now 10:15pm and it at 22% according to the display. The Sony and Motorola can do better than that.
It did lock up on me twice today. I e-mailed support and asked for firmware 1.2 to see if it was better, but they told me that FW 1.2 never made it out of beta and they recommend 1.3. They gave me some instructions to unpair the device and reinstall the app. Their instruction where for iOS and I'm on running Android (Galaxy Note II), so I unpaired the watch uninstalled the app and reinstalled it. I even rebooted the watch and phone. So we'll see if tomorrow brings any more freezes.
robroy90 said:
Thanks for taking the time to give us your initial experiences with the Meta.
I am still using my Wimm One, and before that, I had the Sony. I absolutely HATED the Sony. In fairness, it was their first-gen watch, but unless it has improved dramatically, I think you are going to be more disappointed in it than you were the Meta. The Sony can't even stand-alone and function as a watch without being paired to and in range of a phone.
I just wish the Moto had a vibration motor and I think it would be the undisputed choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the Sony Smartwatch has gotten some good updates, and is a much improved device from when it was first released. It can even keep time even if it looses it's connection to the phone. It's actually a pretty capable device at this point, especially when paired with an app called Augmented smatwatch Pro. The thing makes it a bit ugly is the built in clip that makes almost twice as think as it would be otherwise.
Character Zero said:
So I have a STRATA coming soon. Got a really good deal on eBay (I am not sure how the price can be so low, so I am skeptical that something might be wrong with it). I also have a Pebble coming (Grey so who knows when I will get it) and I think I can use both. So thanks for your review I like the idea of having the widgets on the screen and think the small developer community is trying to really make a good device out of it. I looked at the Sony and the Moto briefly. The one thing about the Moto was it seemed like it was geared towards activity (running mostly) and I was looking for something that would show notifications (calling, email, etc), weather, ebay, really anything that can push information. How does the Moto fit there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Moto is geared to fitness activities, but it can also receive notifications. In fact you can answer call either via a wired headphones with mic (included) or wireless headset (I have the Motorola S11 Flex HD I use when running). Again the Augmented Smartphone app adds functionality as far as receiving notifications in the motoactv as well. You can get weather on the Motoactv also (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorola.notifier.plugin.accuweather&hl=en).
You can even root the Motoactv and run many Android apps (thought not all apps will work or have totally functionality). With it's built in WiFi, BT and GPS it's almost like a tiny tablet.
The only thing it lacks to make it what I would consider an awesome smartwatch is the lack of a vibrating motor for notifications. If it had vibrating alerts I'd consider making it my only smartwatch.
Got mine yesterday and so far would not recommend this watch to anybody. It has given me nothing but troubles. The community edition app kept freezing my watch so I'm using Noah's meta watch app and purchased augmented smart watch pro for extra functions.
The most irritating trouble I am facing apart from the freezes is with the phone call screen and messaging screen. When receiving calls or messages I cannot go back to the original or 1st screen. In addition none of my buttons under the action screen works.
I also purchased one for the misses to be used with the iphone. Does not crash or freeze but is useless with the limited functions available. Watch does not even vibrate during incoming calls even though I have enabled this feature. Her music control functions and toggling between screens works and seems smooth (mine does not work on android). Again the downside for her is with the limited functions and connectivity issues. It keeps disconnecting and connecting.
Now I am stuck with 2 useless watches. I wear mine only because I purchased it. I'm thinking of just placing it back in the box because I am about to lose my mind.
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Hi all. I'm coming back to android after many years away, well not entirely true as my BlackBerry Passport phone uses android runtime and comes pre loaded with amazon store which allows me to download straight to my BlackBerry about 85% of the apps out there.
Having said that, I'm still new to native android and was wondering if I were to buy a new gadget to go with my S6E, would a watch be a good one? If so, which watch to get please?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk
uktivo said:
Hi all. I'm coming back to android after many years away, well not entirely true as my BlackBerry Passport phone uses android runtime and comes pre loaded with amazon store which allows me to download straight to my BlackBerry about 85% of the apps out there.
Having said that, I'm still new to native android and was wondering if I were to buy a new gadget to go with my S6E, would a watch be a good one? If so, which watch to get please?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Wear is significantly better than Samsung's Tizen based wearables. I would suggest the LG GWR, best looking, fully round watch with the best specifications.
uktivo said:
Hi all. I'm coming back to android after many years away, well not entirely true as my BlackBerry Passport phone uses android runtime and comes pre loaded with amazon store which allows me to download straight to my BlackBerry about 85% of the apps out there.
Having said that, I'm still new to native android and was wondering if I were to buy a new gadget to go with my S6E, would a watch be a good one? If so, which watch to get please?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The curved Gear Fit is a good match from a design perspective and has a 2-3 day battery life
I currently use a Moto 360 with my s6 edge. Gets about 18 hours battery life, has wireless charging (no annoying clip/case chargers), and has great sunlight visibility. A lot of people do not like the "flat tire" look caused by the black bar at the bottom of the display but i don't even notice it anymore
appledroid said:
Android Wear is significantly better than Samsung's Tizen based wearables. I would suggest the LG GWR, best looking, fully round watch with the best specifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is Android wear "significantly" better? I'm really curious to know.
I am loving the Moto 360 and LG Gwatch R- they are both awesome in their own right
I own a g watch r. I had the newest tizen based watched and took it back the same day for the g watch. The Samsung watch was like a smartphone on my wrist. It was just too much more than I needed. I went to Android Wear because it's more of an extension of android, and not a replacement. I went with the g watch over the 360 just due to personal preference. Both great devices, I just prefer the specs and the look for the R.
Only my opinion though. Check them all out in a store to get a feel for them.
Sent from my SM-G925T using XDA Free mobile app
LG has better hardware and people who seem to like it mainly because the Moto 360's flat tire angers them disproportionately. The Moto 360 has worse hardware, but it's the classiest of the Android Wear watches on the market today. Other watch options by different companies are varying degrees of nobody cares. Kinda.
I have both Moto 360 and Asus Zen watch. On balance I like the Asus watch better because it has an "always on" display. But I switch between the two often.
I love my LG G Watch R
I have the Moto 360. I love it for the ease of use, amazing battery life, and the round shape. I just recently added the pebble silver band to it, and it is a great accessory to my s6 edge.
I sold pebble, and moto 360 and bought GARMIN FENIX 3, battery life 2 weeks, and also smart watch, really great.
Thanks all for the recommendations
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
I had a Moto 360 and liked it a lot. I ended up buying a Samsung Galaxy Gear S though. It's Tizen based so it's a bit different than Android Wear but I LOVE it. Really happy with my purchase. It's more than an extension of Android the way Android Wear watches are. If you don't "need" all that though, I think Android Wear is just fine.
Gorgeous Moto 360 and Pebble Steel. I'm going for Pebble Steel though. Still saving up for it.
I checked online for some recommendations as well. Best Smart Watches
Moto 360
I started out with Pebble from the initial launch, but could never get over the fact that the low resolution display had jagged edges that could be seen from space (well, OK, I exaggerate a tad), and the feeling like the case was designed and manufactured by Fisher Price. Even the colors, which looked great on the web site and kickstarter videos arrived looking a bit more like lego plastics. Still, it did a pretty good job of presenting the notifications. I used the Pebble for a few months before the Samsung watches came out (and then I didn't get the original Gear until it had been out for a couple of months). The Pebble Steel does improve the looks of the watch by a wide margin, but the display did not look any/much better.
I then tried Galaxy Gear (original), Gear Live, and Gear 2 (full size one with camera). The Gear Live went back within a week as Android Wear offered so little functionality compared to the original Gear. I thought the Gear 2 looked a lot better than the original Gear despite being so similar in design, but the few changes made a nice difference and it felt better on my wrist. I used the Gear and Gear 2 each for several months.
When the ZenWatch came out, though, I was really impressed by how it looked on the wrist. The Moto 360 never really spoke to me from a style perspective and the complications of a round display just seemed to me that they would eventually limit what I could accomplish with it compared to the rest of the mobile/personal world that was centered around developers thinking about square presentation spaces. I love the ZenWatch looks and how it fits my wrist (and the bands are a fairly standard size and attachment compared to the Gear watches so you get a limitless selection for bands). I do miss a bit of the customization of the Gear capabilities at times, but Android Wear does win on the day to day stuff of notifications, ease of dealing with notifications, ease of dictating/sending text messages, and integration with navigation. I'll take those over the added functionality of the Gear in the long run, but I do wish Android Wear had a better focus on apps rather than just "notifications on steroids" (when I try to run a non-notification app I get frustrated with the process compared to just swiping across a number of app screens on the Gear devices). If Android Wear would even just offer a way to look back at old notifications it would make a huge difference - the Gear watches would both notify you of current notifications and they also had a screen to go to to see past notifications and even read full emails if you wanted. The Android Wear "cards" do let you click through to read more of the message when you get the notification, but once you dismiss the notice you can never get back to it on the watch.
I don't think Gear had navigation integration when I was using those watches (they may have gotten it since then), but the Android Wear does do an excellent job of keeping upcoming navigation steps at a glance on my wrist.
It will be interesting to see how the Apple Watch motivates Samsung and Google to improve either system.
In the meantime, I've been meaning to try the Gear 2 out again and see what enhancements they've added and how well it works with my S6 Edge...
Gear S...
Hello,
I just took back a pebble steel with a broken button and got a Moto 360. I'm not impressed with it. I like the android wear, and see it has a lot of potential, but my gripes with the 360 are mostly hardware related. It has piss poor battery life, a power-hungry screen tech that practically forbids "always-on", and a crappy processor which will likely be a problem going forward. The 360 will be returned this afternoon.
The LG Watch R appears to resolve some of these issues. Right now I'm trying to decide between the LG and going back to the Pebble Steel.
Some points:
I need a watch that will last at least 12 hours of heavy use (15-20 notifications an hour with vibrations). The 360 fails in this category. Not sure about the LG.
Size is not a factor. I prefer a bigger watch.
It needs to be always on showing at least the time and date.
Can be readable in sunlight.
Is somewhat future proof. This worries me about the Pebble. New apps developed for the Time already have features that only work in color. And then there is talk about Pebble having financial trouble.
I'm really torn. Any insights or things I haven't considered?
I am very critical of my tech hardware, keep that in mind while reading my response.
1: my g watch r is always on and lasts easily 24 hours, near 36 if I put it in hibernate while sleeping, however I don't believe I receive that many notifications,.. I'm probably more like 10/hour on average. I do use other features regularly like voice dial/text and card updates.
2: GWR is notoriously a larger round watch which I really really like. I'm 6'2" 195 athletic build and it fits my wrist nicely and looks like a 'larger' watch.
3: always on isn't a problem, neither is time and date when it goes to ambient mode. Plenty of face apps to choose from that show a variety of info in ambient.
4: readable in sunlight is not so good. Turned up to max brightness and in direct sunlight, you are going to be disappointed. I don't know that any display, on a clear day, can compete with the giant ball of nuclear fusion at the center of our solar system.
5: as for future proof, others here can chime in more accurately on that but I've had mine since December of last year and I do not notice any limitations in that arena- so much so that I'm blissfully ignorant of newcomers to the wearable market. One feature that is lacking is Wi-Fi connectivity which is supposed to be activated with an upcoming update. This will definitely come with an obvious downside: decreased battery life, which is a strong point of this watch, and your primary concern....also a feature I'm sure can be turned off.
Well, I ended up going back to the Pebble. I don't mind the e-ink, and I really don't think the Android Wear stuff is up to snuff quite yet.
I also like the thought of being able to go swimming, seeing the watch outdoors, and being able to operate it with gloves on.
Maybe I'll look at touch based watches again in another year.
pacificwing said:
Well, I ended up going back to the Pebble. I don't mind the e-ink, and I really don't think the Android Wear stuff is up to snuff quite yet.
I also like the thought of being able to go swimming, seeing the watch outdoors, and being able to operate it with gloves on.
Maybe I'll look at touch based watches again in another year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that was a quick decision. Were you REALLY looking for this?
In any case, 12 hours is a piece of cake and I am always playing with Watchmaker etc. I make it through the whole day with ease but I rarely wear it to sleep so I charge every night at about 11pm or so.
Android wear is for sure up to snuff. If you like e-ink then great, whatever suits you. I will keep enjoying my LG R.
Sounds like the Sony SW3 could be for you: transflective display that is readable in direct sunlight, good battery life and the most future-proof Android Wear watch currently on the market (the only one with NFC and GPS build in)
I upgraded to LG G Watch R from Pebble. I'm sure you won't regret it. The amount of luxuries you'll get with this will hide all the minor disadvantages.
---------- Post added at 06:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 PM ----------
2k4ever said:
Sounds like the Sony SW3 could be for you: transflective display that is readable in direct sunlight, good battery life and the most future-proof Android Wear watch currently on the market (the only one with NFC and GPS build in)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best friend got a SW3. He always tells to me he should've better gone with G Watch R. He doesn't like the square look though. That's personal opinion. You can do what you want.
I switched from a Sony SW 3 to this LG gwatch R after a day. I got the metal Sony version and although I really liked the design and the square look, it's a REAL pain to charge it!!! Really, you have to push the watch out of the band, then poke the little plastic thingy out before sticking a micro-usb in. For something that needs charging every day, that's totally unacceptable to me.
Hi anyone,
Since Pebble kickstarter has been cancelled and I've received my refund.
I'm looking for a replacement for my pebble (first model) that starts to become old.
Unfortunately, I can't find a satisfying one. I need :
- Always on customizable screen
- One week autonomy
- Customizable notification
- Tasker integration
- Music control
- Third party apps
- No need of an activity tracker
- Water-resistant
I'm afraid that this is a dead-end for me.
Have you some suggestions ?
May be I can hope to see fitbit announcing pebble like smart watch...
I've actually found this link on the subject :
http://www.starkinsider.com/2016/12/pebble-dead-5-alternative-smartwatches.html
Vector Watch ...
Just got mine a week ago I can say it's a good replacement for FitBit. Not too many apps yet but they are working on getting that going. It's a nice concept, for me so far is the perfect Smart Watch that looks like a Watch.
It has:
-Always on customizable screen
- one MONTH autonomy
- Music control
- Third party apps (coming soon ... )
- No need of an activity tracker (has it but not the best)
- Water-resistant (50 m)
Missing from your list but most certainly will be available once they open the APPs dev portal.
- Customizable notification
- Tasker integration
mateiux said:
Vector Watch ...
Just got mine a week ago I can say it's a good replacement for FitBit. Not too many apps yet but they are working on getting that going. It's a nice concept, for me so far is the perfect Smart Watch that looks like a Watch.
It has:
-Always on customizable screen
- one MONTH autonomy
- Music control
- Third party apps (coming soon ... )
- No need of an activity tracker (has it but not the best)
- Water-resistant (50 m)
Missing from your list but most certainly will be available once they open the APPs dev portal.
- Customizable notification
- Tasker integration
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice indeed !
The software part seems to need some improvements but the basics are here.
OK sadly my Vector watch is on route to Amazon as a return ... really extremely sad ... this is the second watch brand with long battery life that FitBit killed...
mateiux said:
OK sadly my Vector watch is on route to Amazon as a return ... really extremely sad ... this is the second watch brand with long battery life that FitBit killed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well not quite the same as pebble was. The support is alive as well as the warranty. The only thing they killed is the development. I keep mine cause I bought it with 2 years accidental cover from John Lewis. If any of the functionality would stop working I will return it to John Lewis.
There is no good alternative on the market.
After being very disappointed by how Pebble went down (I still think it is/was the best smartwatch out there), without new hardware, support, and so on, I kind of didn´t like wearing the watch any more. I have a Pebble time steel which got replaced due to the battery dying (it got really hot while dying and support for replacement or actually getting a statement about safety testing, like how hot this watch can get when the battery goes faulty, was really bad).
I wore the replacement for about 3 months and then stumbled over a forum post at Pebble where someone wore his watch during sleep and he got burned by also a dying battery so that he had a watch size big blister on his arm. So my estimate that the watch must be somewhere around 50 to 65 degree C was fairly accurate. I work in product development, and surface temperatures of appliances is a big issue, so you get a feeling for this after a couple of years.
Since then, I wore my old Pebble steel, but due to the screen tearing issue it had before, it has an edge where background light shines through really a lot (most likely to my fixing the tearing).
So all in all, I don´t like wearing my pebble any more. I have a similar mindset on what I expect from my smartwatch, so I finally settled for the 2 year old Sony smartwatch 3. They are fairly cheap currently. From a spec comparison, it seems similar to even some of the watches that were released late last year (depending on how high your budget is). I like that it has a transflective display and battery seems to last around 2-3 days with charging taking about an hour. I think I can live with that. And due to the regular micro usb charging, it won´t be an issue recharging the watch no matter where I am (car, office, at home, even at my parents house).
I definitively won´t go with any start up product again. Their products can be great, but a startup cannot take a big blow. Look at what Samsung can take with its note 7.
Maybe I should mention that I owned a Moto360 (first gen) at some point just for the fun of it and trying as it was on sale. I didn´t find android wear all that bad, but the watch dying on me before my day is over is a no go.
But these are just my 2 cents.
Agreed. I think pebble was a practical smart watch. As I use to call it a watch that's smart. Love it kinda still do but I really felt if pebble did a kick start movement to save the company they may have been successful.
Now the pebble backers are simply stuck with their item and now simply waiting for it to be outdated. I guess I'll just keep wearing out until battery issues.
I just don't know if I'd invest in another kick starter again.
Sent from my LG-US996 using Tapatalk
duky_duke said:
I've actually found this link on the subject :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
Nice!
Hey all,
I'm looking to get a smartwatch for my birthday this month, and I'm on the fence between this watch and the Gear S3.
I use a wearable only for notifications, and I do hear that the Gear S3 is a little bad in that respect (especially with Whatsapp that I use a lot).
But the S3 has a standard strap and i like the looks slightly better.
Well so I wonder, how do you guys like it? I know that forums are usually for people with problems trying to find a solution, so we read "negatives" mostly. So would you recommand it?
re: watch bands
kipue said:
Hey all,
I'm looking to get a smartwatch for my birthday this month, and I'm on the fence between this watch and the Gear S3.
I use a wearable only for notifications, and I do hear that the Gear S3 is a little bad in that respect (especially with Whatsapp that I use a lot).
But the S3 has a standard strap and i like the looks slightly better.
Well so I wonder, how do you guys like it? I know that forums are usually for people with problems trying to find a solution, so we read "negatives" mostly. So would you recommand it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a little patience and wait there will be
many third party watch bands for the Zenwatch 3
to choose from in the near future.
Misterjunky said:
If you have a little patience and wait there will be
many third party watch bands for the Zenwatch 3
to choose from in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sure, but that's not the actually most important
How do you feel about it?
I bought this watch at the end of 2016. I wear it every day and since now I'm happy with it. I had a zenwatch 1 before and this one looks better. I use it mostly for notifications. The battery life is OK, at least as good as zenwatch 1 : It last almost 2 days. The charger is far better. The screen is great. Sometimes the automatic brightness is a bit slow. Even if I don't use them too much, the 2 extra buttons wihch allow to launch any app are a good idea.
If you don't need HR sensor I think zenwatch 3 is a better deal than gear s3 (less expensive and thinner). Waiting for android wear 2.0 to see if it improves the experience
:good:
I've had a pebble 1st gen (backed it on kickstarter), a gear fit, an Lg G watch, an mtk2052c and a moto 360 1st gen.
The Zenwatch 3 is in my opinion the best looking and operating. I'm very happy with it.
Of all the smartwatches I've had it gets the most attention and i love the fact I can have an always on display last a day easily, I get from 5.30am till 10-11pm with around 40% left. I usually wear it at night and a 30 min charge when I'm showering/shaving gets me back to 100%
I bought mine right before Xmas, and I just basically wanted to try one out. I really expected that I would end up returning it. Now it is nearly the middle of February, and I would not trade this watch now for anything else. lol. I really like it! It always gets lots of comments, and two people who have seen it have purchased their own.
Nice to hear, thanks for your opinion, guys ^^
I'm going to get one too, yeah, sound like the best choice on a non Samsung phone and the more I look at it the more I like it
It's a little hard to find in Hong Kong strangely but, well, that's part of the fun haha
D1ave said:
I've had a pebble 1st gen (backed it on kickstarter), a gear fit, an Lg G watch, an mtk2052c and a moto 360 1st gen.
The Zenwatch 3 is in my opinion the best looking and operating. I'm very happy with it.
Of all the smartwatches I've had it gets the most attention and i love the fact I can have an always on display last a day easily, I get from 5.30am till 10-11pm with around 40% left. I usually wear it at night and a 30 min charge when I'm showering/shaving gets me back to 100%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Similar path for me. Pebble-->Moto 360-->ZW3. The ZW3 is, by far, the best watch. Battery is great and it looks like a very nice, regular watch. I get lots of compliments on it.
Love mine....had a Moto, a Zenwatch 1 and 2 previously (and a Martian) each new generation gets better. The Zenwatch 3 looks and feels much classier and the screen is lush
Zenwatch 3 is my first smartwatch I'm having it 2.5 months and I'm really happy at general.
1.Solid battery life meaning 1.5-2 days with always on display on for 12-14 hours per day use.
Getting Plenty of notification(2 email account ,WatchApp) music control,changing watch faces several time per week.
2.Attractive beautiful design and solid well build quality.
3.Smooth responsive from OS.
4.Excellent OLED screen.
5.Fast charging is also a nice feature( just 30-40 minutes to full charge from 15-20%)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
asus zenwatch 3
my watch suits me but for the battery life it will last two days only with a black face and white hands other wise 24 hours tops. If you could get a battery pack as advertised it would give you a good full day. depending on you spend i would go for the samsung gear thee depending how big your wrists are they cost over 300 pounds new and are 3mm thicker app. i bought mine from ebay it came from Poland perfect sealed box. good luck i hope you make the right choice.
I got my ZW3 for Christmas. I own six mechanical watches and I tend to wear the Zenwatch more often out of them all.
I've seen the Fossil Q, Huawei, Moto 360, and everything else in person and yeah, they're nice, but this is the best looking one out there. People at work have complimented on it a few times.
Battery does pretty well. Easily lasts 24 hours and the fast charge really is FAST. I pushed the Fossil Q faces to it and I think they look better on the Zenwatch! Lol.
The only other watch I'd consider right now is the Gear S3. It is pretty neat and the price dropped recently.
Bought my watch last Sunday, so far I'm really happy with it.
Battery life isn't perfect yet, but read that it could take some days before it's optimised.
Simply love being able to read notifications on my watch without having to grab my phone first. Also noticed I finally start using "ok google" now, never really liked having to grab my phone for it.
Now I use it for simple tasks like setting a timer, reminding me to do a task, etc.
No complains yet, other than having to wait a bit longer for 2.0 than I expected. But I'll manage
@R_Hybrid where did you get the Fossil Q faces?
DaringDomino3s said:
@R_Hybrid where did you get the Fossil Q faces?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@DaringDomino3s Under Apps & Themes in the Huawei watch forum here. There's a thread with the apk files there.
R_Hybrid said:
@DaringDomino3s Under Apps & Themes in the Huawei watch forum here. There's a thread with the apk files there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, maybe if I get more time free, I'll fiddle with it, I'm not currently confident with adb to mess with it just yet.
I thought it would just be something I install on my phone and it shows up on the watch.
DaringDomino3s said:
Thanks, maybe if I get more time free, I'll fiddle with it, I'm not currently confident with adb to mess with it just yet.
I thought it would just be something I install on my phone and it shows up on the watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Super easy to push it via adb. The video he posted with the apk shows how to do it.
It just takes a bit to get the Android SDK set up on your computer if you haven't done so already.