Coming back to this smartwatch - Samsung Galaxy Gear

Its been a long time since I played with this smartwatch. Since I got it I have moved to the moto 360 and a Nexus 6. I am wondering if I were to start fresh what should I do to this watch to best pair it with my new phone? How is the battery life with the new mods. I think the best thing for this watch would be android wear but thats dreaming a bit.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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[Discussion] Would you buy the Galaxy Gear again or buy another smartwatch?

Those of you that purchased the Gear (whether recently, or right around launch).... would you buy the Gear all over again if you had the chance, or would you buy a different smartwatch (Sony, Pebble, etc.)? Also, would you recommend it to a friend that was looking to buy a smartwatch? Just wondering, so discuss!
At $300, no. At $150, yes.
Very good question, $300 for a watch is cheap for me.. so pricing is such a big deal.
I would have to see some new worth wild features to be brought to the table to justify the price...
I'm saying... if you could go back in time to when you purchased the Gear, would you still chose the Gear knowing what you know now, or would you buy a different one (Sony, Pebble, etc.)?
At $150, i would buy it again, and again, and again..
At $300, I would have a tough decision between the Gear and a Toq/Neptune.
Either way I am happy with my Gear.
if i could not put null rom on it, i would not buy it again. stock experience is terrible imho, and there is no real competitor on the market right now..
I have the Galaxy Gear, the Pebble, the Martian, the metawatch and the Sony 2. I have played with all of them for a while now. Although each has its good points, I prefer the Galaxy Gear. Price wasn't an issue for me, I wanted the best experience. The Gear has been the best for Bluetooth range, ability to reconnect after loosing a connection and features. It just works well period. Of course I will try the iwatch and the Gear 2 when they come out. For now I prefer the Galaxy Gear.
Nope. Doesn't do enough
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Would buy again!
I bought the Gear and the Note 3 for $300 each and am still very happy with both. I run it stock and sideload some apps for fun, like MX Player and Apollo, but the stock apps work well for me. I think Samsung should have had out more apps and better apps by now, but I know that will come when the Gear 2 is out and the SDK. People in the wild do not have issues with the reviews and everyone just thinks it is really cool that i show what it does.
Yes at $150. I was already in the market for a non-smartwatch that would have set me back $500. So when bestbuy had this on sale I jumped saved me a bunch of money.....for now.
Even though I dont have a samsung device it does enough for me right now. Its stylish and doesnt look too bad.
Like someone else said the price doesnt really matter when compared to other watches out there.
Now as for other watches I am woman and none of the other smart watches appealed to me as the rose gold color samsung has. The Iwatch when it comes out MIGHT appeal to me but I doubt it. I think men have a easier time as far as looks go in the smartwatch department.
I had a pebble, bought gear at release for $300. Never looked at my pebble again. Would buy it again
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Had a Sony smartwatch 2 for a few weeks and best buy ran the 150$ deal. Haven't thought much about my Sony since. Especially after null rom. GG+null FTW!
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I have had a bunch of smart watches. Being a kinda early adapter, I even had a Sony Liveview, Burg 12 and several Motorola's Motoactv with custom roms. Now I have a Burg 16 and a ZGPAX and the bottom line is standalone smartwatches may be more powerful and more feature packed, but they dont make sense for most people due to build quality. Most are made in China and the quality is horrible, not to mention, most arent even splash proof to water intrusion. Where the Gear shines is its exceptional build quality. Yes, it lacks hardware like a larger battery, wifi, actual micro usb connection but those are all trade offs to improve the watches water resistance, battery life, and overall size. In my opinion, to date, there is nothing on the market that beats the Gear in this very important area.
I bought mine for $200, but $150 really seems like the right price point for an impulse buy that I might consider buying the next Galaxy Gear - otherwise my current Gear will do just fine for a while.
Just got it
I just got mine @ $150 the other day, it seems like the right price, anything over <$200, is not worth it.
However, I was originally waiting for the Gear 2 but pulled the trigger on the Gear, couldnt resist the $150..
Its a cool device, still running stock, but the rooted/flashing a new rom looks way worth it..but im still contemplating on returning it and waiting for the Gear 2, since it will be debuted this Monday 2/24.
Couldn't justify buying it at $300, but pulled the trigger for $150 and I love it. I had a liveview back in the day and loved it other than the fact that you had to take it off the strap to charge, which let to it's demise. I'm not even planning on rooting right now, the stock gear does pretty much everything I want.
Got the Sony SW2 for Xmas, then saw the Gear advertised for £183, so returned the Sony and bought the Gear. Never regretted it for a second.
The Sony was a nice watch, but seemed a bit flimsy - I was worried it was going to break anytime soon.
Hmm...just picked up mine for $99 and I'm not sure it was a good idea... I'll try it for the 15 days and see if I can make use of it.
I'm just gonna say that I love it! wont change not even for the gear 2 since it doesnt even run android. I'm sure we will get android wear roms once those watches come out, since our gear runs android.
I've had the gear from day 1 but I personally can not wait for the moto 360

Waiting for Android Wear Devices?

Reading so much about Android Wear, I can not fork out another $200 or $300 until I see devices using Android Wear in action.
My Gear works fine I am planing on watching and waiting.
Anybody else decided to wait it out after the Android Wear watches have been announced?
I am. Really like the looks of the moto 360. And the gear 2 just didnt get me excited.
Sent via carrier pigeon!

It is March 2015, is it too late to buy one for $200? Should I wait?

The biggest issue with technology is that there is always new and better coming out. It has been about 4 months after release. Am I late on this for $200 new and should wait for generation 3, urbane?
Philosophre said:
The biggest issue with technology is that there is always new and better coming out. It has been about 4 months after release. Am I late on this for $200 new and should wait for generation 3, urbane?
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Good question. I am about to buy a like new one for $150 myself so I would love to hear some opinions.
Because of the slow response and my impatience, I decided to do a little googling. It looks like urbane and R are the same watch with a different shell.
I have no desire to get an additional data plan so Urbane LTE is out. The fact the regular Urbane is just a fancy case on a R., makes it reasonable for me to get the R.
Anyone got another view that differs what I said?
G watch r is a great watch still which is why I guess they used the same internals for the urbane. I still love my watch
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I bought my R a couple weeks ago for 225 off eBay and do not regret it one bit. It's an awesome device that looks fantastic and performs just as good as it looks.
I bought my R on Feb 6th for full price LOL. I still love it, never leave the house without it. I never wore a watch before, even though I've bought a few over the years they never seem to stay with me long. The R is different, it does enough to make a few things easier for me that really makes it worth it to wear daily.
Just my two cents
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love the r
Sent from my D6633
Philosophre said:
The biggest issue with technology is that there is always new and better coming out. It has been about 4 months after release. Am I late on this for $200 new and should wait for generation 3, urbane?
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Click to collapse
It's never too late for this device. It's late if you think moto 360. But the specs of this device can carry it for following two years..
I own this watch for more than 2 months now and m in love with it.
Got mine like new for $150 and loving it so far. I do miss the old zgpax s5 I had which was a full blown phone into a watch format but that one had no real integration with my phone and well no where near battery life, screen quality or simple good looks.
I must find a deal for a new one. I expect price drop once the urbane release.
I must be looking in the wrong places. You guys managed to find an LG Watch R for $150-200? Brand new?
The closest I found was an international edition with no warranty at $270
^^^^^ Yeah. I just got it as a gift from my wife and I believe she paid 300$ at best buy. I would love to know if I can get it cheaper.
Since you can do pre-order for the Urbane for $460, they may keep the watch R in the line up at the current price... wouldn't be surprised by this. I have the LG Watch R and like it alot; I'm just so used to a heavier watch and actually prefer a heavier weight that it's taking me a while to get used to it. I got the aftermarket band that everyone links to (black stainless steel) but even that is really light. All in all it's a great watch the only real complaint I have is trying to read it in direct sunlight... it's impossible and you have to cup over the watch to read it. Other than that it's great.
wookiee2cu said:
Since you can do pre-order for the Urbane for $460, they may keep the watch R in the line up at the current price... wouldn't be surprised by this. I have the LG Watch R and like it alot; I'm just so used to a heavier watch and actually prefer a heavier weight that it's taking me a while to get used to it. I got the aftermarket band that everyone links to (black stainless steel) but even that is really light. All in all it's a great watch the only real complaint I have is trying to read it in direct sunlight... it's impossible and you have to cup over the watch to read it. Other than that it's great.
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I was thinking on getting the LTE when it came out but looks like it will have the Urbane looks which I dont like at all so I am holding to my Watch R for a while. :good:
I doubt anything better with a sweet price point will come out soon (the Urbane is already priced too high, and I think the Huawei will be dear too). I paid £200 (GBP) for mine. Not sure it's worth that much, although at least I'm not as foolish as the iFollowers and their ridiculous pricing.
I was able to get a moto 360 for $41 dollars with the sillie bestbuy deal. i may try to trade it in for a watch r.
but from reading recent articles, the updates has made it more comparable to the watch r.
slightly torn....
I've been holding out for the Urbane but someone made an interesting point. The G Watch R can be dressed down or dressed up. I can wear it with a suit and tie or with jeans and sneakers. The Urbane seems more of a suit watch.
Same internals. Same specs. I'm gonna pick up the R from Google. I haven't seen it priced lower and I'm not into used products. My Galaxy Gear is 2 years old and on it's last tooth.
Okay, so I've been playing with this thing for the last hour. Long enough to know it's being shipped back to Google. Highly disappointed with the watch and Android Wear. I can't believe how much of a crap experience this is.
dkb218 said:
Okay, so I've been playing with this thing for the last hour. Long enough to know it's being shipped back to Google. Highly disappointed with the watch and Android Wear. I can't believe how much of a crap experience this is.
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Good for you. We will miss your great insights...BYE
Hey, don't take it personally. Android Wear is crap and this G Watch R is a POS. I thought my Gear had terrible battery life. I left home at 8 o'clock with 100% battery life. It's presently 9:43 and the battery is currently at 56%! This is with screen always off. Says I have at most 2 hours before it's dead! What kinda crap is this?
Why do people get defensive when someone states their opinion? I've been on XDA longer than most and this new crop of members have very thin skins. It's not like you own the company or coded this crap software - well unless you did in which case you need a new day job.
And to answer the OP's question - Yes, yes, run like hell in the opposite direction from anything with Android Wear on it. It's not ready for prime time.

From LG G Watch to 1st Gen Galaxy Gear:

I've had an LG G Watch since December and was very pleased. Never wore a watch before then. Was impressed at the Android wear system and the convenience of not having to pull my phone out everytime I got a new email or text.
With that said, I was recently given a Galaxy Gear 1st gen, and am totally blown away at the ability to make and receive calls with it. The screen is far more pleasing to the eyes, as well as the Tizen operating system seems to be more pleasing to the eyes also. Within a single day of use, I no longer feel like the LG G Watch stacks up or even competes in the same space.
My 2 Cents.
masterhaides said:
I've had an LG G Watch since December and was very pleased. Never wore a watch before then. Was impressed at the Android wear system and the convenience of not having to pull my phone out everytime I got a new email or text.
With that said, I was recently given a Galaxy Gear 1st gen, and am totally blown away at the ability to make and receive calls with it. The screen is far more pleasing to the eyes, as well as the Tizen operating system seems to be more pleasing to the eyes also. Within a single day of use, I no longer feel like the LG G Watch stacks up or even competes in the same space.
My 2 Cents.
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Click to collapse
Interesting. I have been eyeing the G watch for about a week now, tired of having to keep my note 3 in order to have a fully functioning watch. I want to move on to something else and don't care for it to be another Samsung.
Ducter said:
Interesting. I have been eyeing the G watch for about a week now, tired of having to keep my note 3 in order to have a fully functioning watch. I want to move on to something else and don't care for it to be another Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the only downside to the Galaxy Gear series. If I didn't have a Samasung phone, I'd still be rocking the LG G Watch. it's a solid device that i've punished over the last 3 months. Like the Timex, it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. Highly recommended. Especially since the hardware is the same as everything else except it's about half the price.
Well, i downloaded kies 3 and decided to do a firmware update on my Galaxy Gear, and it got stuck at 7%. Now I don't have one =(
Back to the LG G Watch for now

Still worth it?

Is this watch worth buying in early 2018? My moto 360 Sport's band bit the dust. I am looking for a fairly cheap replacement and I found a deal for the Watch R on craigslist for $75. So with Wear 2.0 is this a good watch still? Secondly if it is still a good watch then is $75 a good deal. The watch appears to be in good condition.
Keep an eye out for the LG Style smart watch they go on sale for less than $100. Some apps don't work on the LG Watch R. Some of the apps that are on my LG Urbane 1st edition are not available on my LG Watch R. Consider the Urbane 1st edition if you really like the R. Yes, it's okay but the urbane is visually more appealing plus it's the same as the R. That or a Huawei Smartwatch it's comes with a speaker. At this point, I'm waiting for a Smartwatch with NFC and speakerphone.
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder . I prefer sporty watches for everyday use, so I really like my G Watch R. The only other watches out there at the moment that I like the looks of are Nixon The Misson which doesn't have the functions that I want and the TAG which is way too expensive. The Diesel is OK, but the functionality is very limited.
So the wait continues, in the mean time my LG G Watch R is working fine on Wear 2.8. The performance isn't as snappy as my friends Huawei Watch 2, but it works fine if you reboot once in a while. The things I like about the Watch R is the slim case, large screen and sporty metal bezel. I also use quick release bands to change the looks of the watch.
I wouldn't be concerned about the watch performing, I'd be concerned about getting one that needs a battery replacement or has some other issue that you don't know about.
Matterhorn said:
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder . I prefer sporty watches for everyday use, so I really like my G Watch R. The only other watches out there at the moment that I like the looks of are Nixon The Misson which doesn't have the functions that I want and the TAG which is way too expensive. The Diesel is OK, but the functionality is very limited.
So the wait continues, in the mean time my LG G Watch R is working fine on Wear 2.8. The performance isn't as snappy as my friends Huawei Watch 2, but it works fine if you reboot once in a while. The things I like about the Watch R is the slim case, large screen and sporty metal bezel. I also use quick release bands to change the looks of the watch.
I wouldn't be concerned about the watch performing, I'd be concerned about getting one that needs a battery replacement or has some other issue that you don't know about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you ! a reboot every 2nd week helps out of the watch starts to behave really bad. The wait continues till there is a watch which I'd buy . Still too many which are too expensive in my opinion .
I have had mine since it first came out. On the latest firmware I am getting 2 solid days of battery life. I really like the watch. If you can get a decent working one cheap, I would highly recommend it.

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