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have any of you guys seen this?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android?ref=live
looks pretty good for the price...but I'm worried about battery life on my GNexus if I keep BT on all the time
any thoughts? anyone here getting/backing the project to get one as well?
droid_does said:
have any of you guys seen this?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android?ref=live
looks pretty good for the price...but I'm worried about battery life on my GNexus if I keep BT on all the time
any thoughts? anyone here getting/backing the project to get one as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would but just ordered a sony smart watch.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
sorry to intrude upon your post OP put, with all these new watches did any one try any ( Different brand's and type's) of them ? if so , how is the battery hit for the GNex ?
dr-beast said:
sorry to intrude upon your post OP put, with all these new watches did any one try them ? if so , how is the battery hit for the GNex ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mind as I'd like to know as well!
I'm no the fence as $115+shipping as a student is expensive to me....so I'd like to hear what thoughts other people have
I've been watch free for over four years and love it!
I have sponsored the Pebble, and have a Sony Smartwatch ordered to be here next week.
Both devices are intriguing, and the Pebble is due to get increased developer and app support, due to its more open nature. But since it is only Bluetooth 2.1 (so far), it would fail to support the low power modes that Bluetooth 3.0 offers, and both the Smartwatch and Gnex support.
I'm still understanding why I would need this. I'm a watch fanatic and adore luxury watches but the rubber strap kills it. I know you can change it, but that wouldn't be original.
The apps seem mostly for athletic people and that is something I'm not. I don't know. I need to be convinced. I think it's way over hyped
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Should definitely not be battery heavy if it's E-Ink display. That stuff lasts forever with minimal battery drain.
Still, the night backlight would be a big issue.
I'm a backer. Bought a few. Awesome idea! No more audible caller I'd, I can just look at my watch.
droid_does said:
have any of you guys seen this?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android?ref=live
looks pretty good for the price...but I'm worried about battery life on my GNexus if I keep BT on all the time
any thoughts? anyone here getting/backing the project to get one as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neat idea. I like the look of it, but I am not a fan of watches anymore now that I have been off a watch for 4 years or so but I can see how this can come in handy.
As for your concern on the bluetooth, perhaps you should try keeping yours on the next time you charge it up fully so you can get an idea for how long of a battery life you handle. I am sure it will use more battery though if it was sync'd to something but I would think it still use extra battery juice with it on. And could give you a better idea at what you would be looking at time wise.
supernova457 said:
Should definitely not be battery heavy if it's E-Ink display. That stuff lasts forever with minimal battery drain.
Still, the night backlight would be a big issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the kickstarter page, it says that the watch's battery lasts about 7 days. That's not very long for a watch...
I wonder if they could possibly integrate some solar (photovoltaic) cells to charge the battery while the watch is being worn? That may increase the battery life, even if it's just a bit.
FredFS456 said:
On the kickstarter page, it says that the watch's battery lasts about 7 days. That's not very long for a watch...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty long for a smart watch though, which tend to only last around a day.
Honestly guys is this really worth it for the price?! Sony has had something similar and better for years and I just can't wrap my head around something like this. I'm in an apparent mind **** at the moment..I mean it's not good looking or premium. All it has is a customizable screen and that's it. Really?! 150 for this?! What am I missing here?! If you're athletic it might help a bit but for what else??
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
nexicon said:
Honestly guys is this really worth it for the price?! Sony has had something similar and better for years and I just can't wrap my head around something like this. I'm in an apparent mind **** at the moment..I mean it's not good looking or premium. All it has is a customizable screen and that's it. Really?! 150 for this?! What am I missing here?! If you're athletic it might help a bit but for what else??
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
E-Ink=battery life and viewability in sunlight
apps
I believe the sony smartwatches don't have a large selection of apps, poor battery life
Damn, I mentioned this watch to my wife and now I'm a backer. She doesn't even like watches!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
they look like super isheep, all their videos focus on the iphone and here's a direct quote from the page, "Android users can also receive Text Messages (SMS) on their Pebble. Unfortunately iPhone does not expose this data." their saying it like it's a bad thing and that the iPhone is better because it dosen't allow something to read you're text messages.
cordell507 said:
they look like super isheep, all their videos focus on the iphone and here's a direct quote from the page, "Android users can also receive Text Messages (SMS) on their Pebble. Unfortunately iPhone does not expose this data." their saying it like it's a bad thing and that the iPhone is better because it dosen't allow something to read you're text messages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha. I think you are reading too much into that.
Yeah I read that as... "iPhone won't let us access this data."
Ill get a white/red one. I cant wait to try it. I didnt use a watches since I have a cellphone, but this gonna be my next one
This is a cool concept, but watches (for me) these days are more of a fashion accessory than a functional necessity. 99% of the time my phone is in my hand or on my person, so I don't really need a watch to tell me who's calling or how far I've been running.
I'm looking at replacing my existing device (xPeria Play) with something that I can sketch/draw with and read ebooks. I was interested in knowing if anyone uses the note for creative drawing and how suitable it has been? I rarely make/receive more than a few calls a week so size isn't a deciding factor and I couldn't see any other competing devices to the note on the market, is this correct? Thanks.
nurofenplus said:
I'm looking at replacing my existing device (xPeria Play) with something that I can sketch/draw with and read ebooks. I was interested in knowing if anyone uses the note for creative drawing and how suitable it has been? I rarely make/receive more than a few calls a week so size isn't a deciding factor and I couldn't see any other competing devices to the note on the market, is this correct? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how portable you want it to be.
Some people (my daughter included) have done some amazing sketches on the note... See here
So I would say - depends how good your eyesight is and how portable you need.
Me? I've had Note for over eight months and love it - but not so much an artist!
Hi,
I am an unfortunate owner of this POS. I also own a Pebble.
The battery life is 1 - 2 days. I knew this going in, but if you use it a lot outdoors (and have to turn the brightness up) then its much closer to 1 day.
The apps are terrible. Beyond terrible. Most dont work properly or at all. Eg. Evernote "recent notes", Tweet QuickView (which simply doesnt work - see my review and vendor reply on the app store.).
Notifications (surely the only thing that I *need* a smart watch for?) are pathetic. If I get a GMail, a Tweet etc then it tells me to look at it on the phone. I cannot add other apps into the notifications list... so Tapatalk, my own Android apps etc cannot send even a notification prompt to the phone.
Camera is poor quality and useless. Speaker is too quiet to use for calls (not that you would want to) and the Media Controller is not some clever OS level change - it just plays whatever music app is in "ongoing notifications". Same as Pebble and Augmented Smartwatch etc. So sometimes you dont play the media you want.
Do not buy this product. There is nothing good about it at all.
Neil
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi,
I am an unfortunate owner of this POS. I also own a Pebble.
The battery life is 1 - 2 days. I knew this going in, but if you use it a lot outdoors (and have to turn the brightness up) then its much closer to 1 day.
The apps are terrible. Beyond terrible. Most dont work properly or at all. Eg. Evernote "recent notes", Tweet QuickView (which simply doesnt work - see my review and vendor reply on the app store.).
Notifications (surely the only thing that I *need* a smart watch for?) are pathetic. If I get a GMail, a Tweet etc then it tells me to look at it on the phone. I cannot add other apps into the notifications list... so Tapatalk, my own Android apps etc cannot send even a notification prompt to the phone.
Camera is poor quality and useless. Speaker is too quiet to use for calls (not that you would want to) and the Media Controller is not some clever OS level change - it just plays whatever music app is in "ongoing notifications". Same as Pebble and Augmented Smartwatch etc. So sometimes you dont play the media you want.
Do not buy this product. There is nothing good about it at all.
Neil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you just purchase it or??? If you just purchased it today you should take it back. I thought about purchasing it but I am going to wait. I usually jump on first gen stuff but I had the Inpulse watch, I had the Wim Labs prototype, I had the playbook (and see how that turned out).
I hope there are other people that will chime in about this. FWIW, I also think the pebble is crap. The support, I hear, is the same lousy support the company provided for the Inpulse watch.
Not surprised a bit
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi,
I am an unfortunate owner of this POS. I also own a Pebble.
The battery life is 1 - 2 days. I knew this going in, but if you use it a lot outdoors (and have to turn the brightness up) then its much closer to 1 day.
The apps are terrible. Beyond terrible. Most dont work properly or at all. Eg. Evernote "recent notes", Tweet QuickView (which simply doesnt work - see my review and vendor reply on the app store.).
Notifications (surely the only thing that I *need* a smart watch for?) are pathetic. If I get a GMail, a Tweet etc then it tells me to look at it on the phone. I cannot add other apps into the notifications list... so Tapatalk, my own Android apps etc cannot send even a notification prompt to the phone.
Camera is poor quality and useless. Speaker is too quiet to use for calls (not that you would want to) and the Media Controller is not some clever OS level change - it just plays whatever music app is in "ongoing notifications". Same as Pebble and Augmented Smartwatch etc. So sometimes you dont play the media you want.
Do not buy this product. There is nothing good about it at all.
Neil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sucks to hear , the notifications seem like crap but apparently need to be updated by vendor. Someone mentioned a new API that would allow a 3rd party to setup a notification system. No idea how they could launch with such limited notifications.
Can you upload some camera and video samples ? One mans crap is another mans "ok"
xManMythLegend said:
Sucks to hear , the notifications seem like crap but apparently need to be updated by vendor. Someone mentioned a new API that would allow a 3rd party to setup a notification system. No idea how they could launch with such limited notifications.
Can you upload some camera and video samples ? One mans crap is another mans "ok"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to fan the fire between us but having read your mail I find myself asking if YOU actually own one? Why do you keep asking for pictures?
---------- Post added at 09:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi,
I am an unfortunate owner of this POS. I also own a Pebble.
The battery life is 1 - 2 days. I knew this going in, but if you use it a lot outdoors (and have to turn the brightness up) then its much closer to 1 day.
The apps are terrible. Beyond terrible. Most dont work properly or at all. Eg. Evernote "recent notes", Tweet QuickView (which simply doesnt work - see my review and vendor reply on the app store.).
Notifications (surely the only thing that I *need* a smart watch for?) are pathetic. If I get a GMail, a Tweet etc then it tells me to look at it on the phone. I cannot add other apps into the notifications list... so Tapatalk, my own Android apps etc cannot send even a notification prompt to the phone.
Camera is poor quality and useless. Speaker is too quiet to use for calls (not that you would want to) and the Media Controller is not some clever OS level change - it just plays whatever music app is in "ongoing notifications". Same as Pebble and Augmented Smartwatch etc. So sometimes you dont play the media you want.
Do not buy this product. There is nothing good about it at all.
Neil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unsure what you where expecting. I am unhappy with the gear also but for different reasons. Oddly enough I have experienced zero software problems to date.
With care and respect I have to ask what you expected from the camera? Jeez its a toy and more or less just for fund snaps. I have this thing about phone cameras. I love photography so use a DSLR. I know little about the art but do know one cannot seriously expect great photos from a mobile phone., or wrist watch in this case.
It is sad as yet again I feel a major brand has introduced to a market a product that is not user ready. I mean the IP is IP55!! Water and this watch are not friends.
At present I am enjoying the learning curve and new toy. I said before I purchased it that it would end up collecting dust in some draw before long. Lets see. BTW I bought mine on the 27th and the battery only needed a charge this afternoon? £ days of decent usage and experimenting.
I expected to need to recharge every night. Not the case so far.
Don't set me of regarding the quality of that strap
In your shoes I would return it for a refund. Problem is for this type of device this is as good as it gets.
Kind regards..
I look forward to getting mine next week, but I will have 14 days to check it out and by the sounds of things I may not be happy (time will tell) and if I am not I will just return it and get something else.
BTW there is always the Omate TrueSmart watch which can be used without a SIM and is competely water proof.
Ryland Johnson said:
I hate to fan the fire between us but having read your mail I find myself asking if YOU actually own one? Why do you keep asking for pictures?
---------- Post added at 09:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------
Unsure what you where expecting. I am unhappy with the gear also but for different reasons. Oddly enough I have experienced zero software problems to date.
With care and respect I have to ask what you expected from the camera? Jeez its a toy and more or less just for fund snaps. I have this thing about phone cameras. I love photography so use a DSLR. I know little about the art but do know one cannot seriously expect great photos from a mobile phone., or wrist watch in this case.
It is sad as yet again I feel a major brand has introduced to a market a product that is not user ready. I mean the IP is IP55!! Water and this watch are not friends.
At present I am enjoying the learning curve and new toy. I said before I purchased it that it would end up collecting dust in some draw before long. Lets see. BTW I bought mine on the 27th and the battery only needed a charge this afternoon? £ days of decent usage and experimenting.
I expected to need to recharge every night. Not the case so far.
Don't set me of regarding the quality of that strap
In your shoes I would return it for a refund. Problem is for this type of device this is as good as it gets.
Kind regards..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he would return if he actully bought one....these are usually paid trolls by other companies....if i have bought sometime and im not satisfy with it.i will just take it back and not write stupid stuff about it.(beauty is eye of the beholder)i may not like something that dont mean the other person wont like it.
Ryland Johnson said:
I hate to fan the fire between us but having read your mail I find myself asking if YOU actually own one? Why do you keep asking for pictures?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously I do not which is why I have given no opinion on it.
He started a thread claiming the picture and video quality being poor. Why wouldn't I ask for samples?
It's crazy to just take everyone's opinion and not ask for something tangible.
When people make negative threads they should expect to back-up claims.
Also I have taken no offense to your posts.
Hi,
The Samsung Experience Store in Westfield Shopping Centre (in London) told me that I cannot have a refund. I am now arguing with them that the product is defective as its clearly not "ready to be sold and is therefore defective". To be honest I am not going to stress too much on it as I *only* paid £200 as I bought with a Note 3 (which I love) and due to a pre-order offer I got a total of £100 savings for buying the 2 together. I will sell it on eBay if I have to and probably not lose much. And in case you cannot detect the cynicism - I do feel cheated that I spent £200 on this device as the only way to get it for this price was to pre-order it BEFORE the release, which meant I couldn't try the device before pre-ordering and pre-paying. As soon as I used it for more than a day I phoned them up and they told me that they do not accept returns for anything that is not defective.
Do you really need me to give you a photo sample? Reviews are full of them. The watch strap camera is poor. I didn't expect more, but it takes awful photos in anything other than good light. This is inline with my expectations going in, but it doesn't make it any less of a half baked feature.
The Apps are dreadful. Most S-Voice commands dont work via the watch. Whoever said they got 4 days battery life has had a very different experience to me. The battery life is very much linked to the screen brightness from my experience - and anything less that full brightness is not very readable outdoors. Indoors with low brightness I guess its possible that I would get 4 days... but I dont think I will own the device long enough to really test it.
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi,
The Samsung Experience Store in Westfield Shopping Centre (in London) told me that I cannot have a refund. I am now arguing with them that the product is defective as its clearly not "ready to be sold and is therefore defective". To be honest I am not going to stress too much on it as I *only* paid £200 as I bought with a Note 3 (which I love) and due to a pre-order offer I got a total of £100 savings for buying the 2 together. I will sell it on eBay if I have to and probably not lose much. And in case you cannot detect the cynicism - I do feel cheated that I spent £200 on this device as the only way to get it for this price was to pre-order it BEFORE the release, which meant I couldn't try the device before pre-ordering and pre-paying. As soon as I used it for more than a day I phoned them up and they told me that they do not accept returns for anything that is not defective.
Do you really need me to give you a photo sample? Reviews are full of them. The watch strap camera is poor. I didn't expect more, but it takes awful photos in anything other than good light. This is inline with my expectations going in, but it doesn't make it any less of a half baked feature.
The Apps are dreadful. Most S-Voice commands dont work via the watch. Whoever said they got 4 days battery life has had a very different experience to me. The battery life is very much linked to the screen brightness from my experience - and anything less that full brightness is not very readable outdoors. Indoors with low brightness I guess its possible that I would get 4 days... but I dont think I will own the device long enough to really test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i totally not agree with you
we just have to wait... and i can explain you why
(before all, sorry for my bad english)
the notifications works bad, i agree, BUT it's a software problem that (hopefully) will be fixed by 3rd party apps
an example? do you use Line?
if you don't use it please throw whatsapp into the garbage and try line
Line has an app for the gear that not only shows very beautiful notifications style, but let you reply with some pre-selected stickers.
we just have to wait for software houses to update and code their own notification app
i'm confident this will happen soon
the gear have a GREAT potential... something that pebble doesn't have (i've got the pebble too)
let's wait a bit... it's out since few days.
PS: battery time 2 days for me
Yes, when someone on XDA says photos are garbage then photos are requisite.
I saw pics and videos and comments were nowhere near as negative as yours. If you post pics perhaps some kind of flaw or problem with your unit can be revealed. Or we come to the conclusion your "taste" is different from others.
You guys think way too highly of your "opinions" and expect them to be taken as gospel. Make a claim back it up let others scrutinize. That's how things work, that's how problems, bugs, hardware flaws get exposed. Not "it's garbage trust me".
Gear could be the crappiest waste ever... But if you say it is... Show people why.
faremoney said:
i totally not agree with you
we just have to wait... and i can explain you why
(before all, sorry for my bad english)
the notifications works bad, i agree, BUT it's a software problem that (hopefully) will be fixed by 3rd party apps
an example? do you use Line?
if you don't use it please throw whatsapp into the garbage and try line
Line has an app for the gear that not only shows very beautiful notifications style, but let you reply with some pre-selected stickers.
we just have to wait for software houses to update and code their own notification app
i'm confident this will happen soon
the gear have a GREAT potential... something that pebble doesn't have (i've got the pebble too)
let's wait a bit... it's out since few days.
PS: battery time 2 days for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I dont think that anyone - not even Samsung - can release a brand new product which *requires* 3rd party app developers to do something to support it. Why would Google bother to update GMail to support a few thousand watch owners? I wouldn't.
What Samsung should have implemented - just like a lot of the supporting apps for Pebble (e.g. Augmented SmartWatch Pro) - is to "scrape" all notifications and allow them ALL to be sent to the watch. This way, 3rd party app developers don't *have* to do anything. They only have to write apps for the device if they wish to offer something extra.
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi, I dont think that anyone - not even Samsung - can release a brand new product which *requires* 3rd party app developers to do something to support it. Why would Google bother to update GMail to support a few thousand watch owners? I wouldn't.
What Samsung should have implemented - just like a lot of the supporting apps for Pebble (e.g. Augmented SmartWatch Pro) - is to "scrape" all notifications and allow them ALL to be sent to the watch. This way, 3rd party app developers don't *have* to do anything. They only have to write apps for the device if they wish to offer something extra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but in the moment we are talking, ebay JUST released Ebay for Gear.... and it works beautifully
and remember there is a market out there... the apps can be free or paid, so who comes first can find an open market... :good:
This product wont be a success. Samsung will learn from it and release a updated model with wider Android support and for half the price within the next 6 - 12 months. That v2 product will probably be worth considering, but I feel cheated as a v1 owner that this product has been very poorly thought out and is effectively a alpha product/proof of concept.
The most basic functionality of Smart Watch - to me at least - is notifications. Custom apps are potentially interesting but not the "vital" feature that I could use 20 - 50 times a day. And in this regard, the Galaxy Gear is a terrible failure.
I think, I don't know, that a number of us are disappointed with the gear for several reasons.
Most of us made this a re order purchase mea culpa, to this end not only where any hands on reviews thin on the ground but until launch date non of us even knew what it would even look like.
Again I guess, It is perhaps significant that many of us purchased the Note 3 and the Gear as a pre order purchase at a discount price. Like many here I made a saving on the Gear by purchasing the two items together. Call me suspicious but perhaps and only perhaps, Samsung knew this was very much a project in the making and sold the Gear discounted knowing it would soften the blow? This is of course pure conjecture.
I made this purchase for several reasons. I have enjoyed my past Samsung mobiles, the Nexus S, SGS2, 3 and Note 1. I am a gadget freak, love the stuff always have. Lastly I collect watches, that's in by blood.
One can imagine my response when a new mobile AND watch came out together. Geek nirvana.
The Gear IS expensive, its not a cheapo try it and bin it. IF the concept had worked it would have been acceptable. With due respect to Samsung I cant see this as a consumer ready device.
Okay. The camera. Again with due respect and care for the OP I am unsure what any of us could reasonably expect from a 1,9 MP camera?
Its a sales gimmick and something to use to snap a quick shot, though even that doesn't work.
What does concern me the most is that strap and clasp. The clasp is the type that has a history of being the most problematic and is generally found on the cheaper end of the market for watches if used at all these days. When we close the clasp and here that 'click' that sound is made by a tiny piece of pressed steel bending slightly into a hole and binding with the other half of the clasp. What happens is after time that tiny tiny piece of metal weakens and eventually no longer 'clicks' into place.
What customers then do is try to bend it back so it again will hold and this further weakens the pressed steel part. I wont write again about the material used to produce the strap-under body as I simply cannot for see the future. What I can guess, again, is this strap is perhaps not going to last too long, it just doesn't feel durable and is certainly not vulcanised rubber. The strap is an integral part of the watch and cannot thus be replaced, hence my over concern regarding the strap.
As for the software, I am still learning how to use it and have come across some possible flaws BUT it may be ignorance on my part and until I read the manual and try to resolve the problem I am experiencing I will not complain.
Lastly I do agree with those owners who suggest this is very much a work in progress and should perhaps have been delayed for further development until at least the water resistance could be improved etc....
ALL opinion form an owner. Time is going to be the best teacher.
Kind regards.
Here is my take on this. I don't own Gear, yet, and my opinion is based on reading other reviews and opinions and in general based on the fact that I review gadgets on XDA as a full time hobby (check out link in my signature ).
A success of smartwatch is based on hardware and software. So far the main gripe I heard about hardware is battery life which to my pleasant surprise people reporting to as lasting1-2 days rather then "less then a day", all that with typical use or perhaps higher then average since everybody wants to play with camera. I suspect that might even improve with some software optimization in the future. Other then that, I also heard some people saying wristband is not was they expected (in terms of material) - oh well, this is not your typical $500-$1000 watch but rather an electronic gadget you strap to your wrist. So basically most of the complains are with software which we all know going to be fixed, sooner (from Samsung) or later (maybe even with some rooting or custom ROM, etc.) Once 4.3 updates start rolling in to cover S3/S4/N2 users and US market going to see N3 release that's when the real "beta" testing going to start. Right now, you guys are alpha-testers, early technology adopters. Everyone's expectations was that it will work straight out of the box. Well, it happened to some extent but not 100%. I'm sure the improvement will happen in the next few months, just have to be patient if you decide to stick around and keep this smartwatch.
Just my 2 cents.
RealEvil_UK said:
Hi, I dont think that anyone - not even Samsung - can release a brand new product which *requires* 3rd party app developers to do something to support it. Why would Google bother to update GMail to support a few thousand watch owners? I wouldn't.
What Samsung should have implemented - just like a lot of the supporting apps for Pebble (e.g. Augmented SmartWatch Pro) - is to "scrape" all notifications and allow them ALL to be sent to the watch. This way, 3rd party app developers don't *have* to do anything. They only have to write apps for the device if they wish to offer something extra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 4.3 has the APIs to do just that.
I'm working on that app right now. Will keep XDA updated with progress
vectron said:
Here is my take on this. I don't own Gear, yet, and my opinion is based on reading other reviews and opinions and in general based on the fact that I review gadgets on XDA as a full time hobby (check out link in my signature ).
A success of smartwatch is based on hardware and software. So far the main gripe I heard about hardware is battery life which to my pleasant surprise people reporting to as lasting1-2 days rather then "less then a day", all that with typical use or perhaps higher then average since everybody wants to play with camera. I suspect that might even improve with some software optimization in the future. Other then that, I also heard some people saying wristband is not was they expected (in terms of material) - oh well, this is not your typical $500-$1000 watch but rather an electronic gadget you strap to your wrist. So basically most of the complains are with software which we all know going to be fixed, sooner (from Samsung) or later (maybe even with some rooting or custom ROM, etc.) Once 4.3 updates start rolling in to cover S3/S4/N2 users and US market going to see N3 release that's when the real "beta" testing going to start. Right now, you guys are alpha-testers, early technology adopters. Everyone's expectations was that it will work straight out of the box. Well, it happened to some extent but not 100%. I'm sure the improvement will happen in the next few months, just have to be patient if you decide to stick around and keep this smartwatch.
Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I will 'try' one more time....The strap. The cost of the Gear is immaterial in terms of the strap. What is vital is the strap lasts so the watch can function. No strap no watch? The watch could be 50.00€-500,000.00€ BUT once that strap goes so does the watch, its a non replaceable part. I just cant explain this point any clearer.
Regards
Personally I am holding off on this watch for two main reasons... One may be possible with third party apps, the other can't. I am not a fan of svoice and want to be able to type a reply to a text vs saying it. Most of the time I am at work and don't want svoice going off and talking to my watch to send a replay of "lol" or "ok". Omate has a keyboard but I hate the look of it. Second is the camera... I wish they made a gear without a camera. That hump on the strap is so ugly. I want the watch to look semi professional and that hump kills it. Wish I could combine omate and gear... Would be perfect for me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Wow, just got a call from Samsung who have agreed to take the watch back and give me a refund. Nice.
As a few people have commented - it will get better. But I am not sure Samsung will have the patience for this particular model, and they will likely release much better hardware within then next 6 - 9 months.
They could massively improve the device via software updates - no question. But I think they can only really do this by taking a step back and starting with the position that no app maker should have to *do* anything for it to be compatible with the Smart Watch. THIS is where the device needs to start. At the very least, all notifications should be on the watch and ideally actionable. Surely thats a better starting position than with a App Store model that no big app developer will bother with?
I regret to say mine is going back. IMHO this is a BETA device.
Flaky Notifications
Camera Issues fuzzy
Svoice connection unacceptably slow
Lack of customizations
Constant Bluetooth dropping with other paired devices nearby
Screen not visible in direct sunlight
Band is a few notches to small
Lack of other applications notification support
Failure to have public SDK
Dump the camera and and alternative band support
Charge without special cradle
Good luck guys great concept.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Earthdog said:
I regret to say mine is going back. IMHO this is a BETA device.
Flaky Notifications
Camera Issues fuzzy
Svoice connection unacceptably slow
Lack of customizations
Constant Bluetooth dropping with other paired devices nearby
Screen not visible in direct sunlight
Band is a few notches to small
Lack of other applications notification support
Failure to have public SDK
Dump the camera and and alternative band support
Charge without special cradle
Good luck guys great concept.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand it's your opinion, but in my opinion it's a watch (there's thousands of watches for more money than ours) that works in futuristic ways that will only get better with time and upgrades. I'm not slamming you taking it back by any means, but this is a pretty new concept and to me, it blows my mind what we can do from a simple watch now. If I can talk into my wrist like James Bond and take pictures without anyone knowing (obviously for the creepiest of reasons) on top of the fact that it is a cool looking watch, I will deal with the few bugs that will get worked out soon enough. But just my opinion!
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
Earthdog said:
I regret to say mine is going back. IMHO this is a BETA device.
Flaky Notifications
Camera Issues fuzzy
Svoice connection unacceptably slow
Lack of customizations
Constant Bluetooth dropping with other paired devices nearby
Screen not visible in direct sunlight
Band is a few notches to small
Lack of other applications notification support
Failure to have public SDK
Dump the camera and and alternative band support
Charge without special cradle
Good luck guys great concept.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See ya!
You are welcome back in a month when the custom ROMs, apps that handle more notifications and other cool stuff are out.
I've experienced none of the issues you are having, and think the watch has a fabulous design.
That's fine... ...
I was lucky enough to get in on the 30% off deal, and at that price, totally worth the money. At the normal price of 299, I can understand why it might be hard to justify owning the Gear and expecting zero bugs out of the box. That being said, any decent traditional watch will cost at least 300 minimum - and in most cases, all it does is show time & date.
As for the charging cradle, don't understand why it's an issue... it was either a cradle or sticking an ugly USB port on the device. I think they made the right choice, although wireless charging would've been cool, lol. The only problem I can see is, when traveling, you have to remember to take the cradle, then there's the risk of losing it. Anyone who travels regularly, I'd recommend buying a spare cradle if and when they're available.
And not sure about the Sony v2 watch, but I had the v1 for about a week (terrible) and recall that it had a PITA proprietary connector and charging cable. I'd take the cradle over that any day.
Lastly, even traditional watches can be a hassle to keep powered. Some have to be wound on a daily basis, solars need to be kept exposed to light, kinetic motion ones need to be kept moving frequently, etc. Watches with button cell batteries are probably the easiest to deal with, but when the battery dies, can be a major hassle to hunt down the correct battery and sometimes require a repairman to to open the watch and replace it.
My point is, the cradle is not a big deal, lol. Don't let that deter anyone from getting this otherwise awesome watch.
Hi,had mine a few weeks now absolutely love it.You do seem to echo some of the reviews did you read them before you purchased yours
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
To each his own.
At the end of the day, I love my gear. No way I am taking this thing back.
Is this perfect, no, but either is anything else on the market.
Im excited to see the development of this watch, both now and in the future. Im glad to be apart of it.
JG
Earthdog said:
I regret to say mine is going back. IMHO this is a BETA device.
Flaky Notifications
Camera Issues fuzzy
Svoice connection unacceptably slow
Lack of customizations
Constant Bluetooth dropping with other paired devices nearby
Screen not visible in direct sunlight
Band is a few notches to small
Lack of other applications notification support
Failure to have public SDK
Dump the camera and and alternative band support
Charge without special cradle
Good luck guys great concept.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love this thing, and even with the current state of software it is more than useable for me. My only issue is the lack of water proofing, but I have been careful so far.
i finally managed to find a demo unit in bahrain, loved it! although a tad expensive, 120 BD, for sure this will be cheaper in saudi
It's not consumer ready, by any stretch of the imagination, but for the hackers / enthusiasts amongst us it's far and away the best out there.
I think in that respect, Samsung hit it out of the park and deserve accolades from all of us. It's very exciting to play with it and see and investigate the potential.
Apple will probably wait until they have something that is consumer ready. They don't really care about hackers/enthusiasts.
I think most people buying this watch knew it was not ready for prime time. However most of the issues can and will be improved with software updates and programmers from this forum. People expecting perfection out of the box are dissapointed... Especially if they paid the 300 when you could have got it for 209. I love my watch for 209 and can't wait for the gn2 to update so I can get full use. Even with my current limited use, it's still a cool techy watch. It will only improve going forward.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
I would disagree,I don't understand why you think it's not consumer ready.Maybe it's because I am older and don't want facebook or other social media.I can remember the first iphone pixilated screen,a worse camera than the gear has now but I don't remember people saying it wasn't consumer ready.The gear I have does everything I expect it to do very well,it's very well made,and I can call my wife on my watch hands free driving how can you think that's not ready.Its bloody fantastic i can do a phone call on my watch.Thinking about it did the first iphone even have a camera not sure.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
iankellogg said:
I love this thing, and even with the current state of software it is more than useable for me. My only issue is the lack of water proofing, but I have been careful so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Present software is the least of my concerns as that be fixed with updates etc.
There are several rather serious practical issues with the present rendition.
That lovely ;large crystal (watch jargon for watch glass) is going to scratch like hell.
The camera has a hole at the back and many owners are reporting the camera lens misting up through condensation.
The strap has the most notorious type of clasp used in the watch trade.
Water resistance is a pre requisite for any wrist worn device. The IP55 is simply totally inadequate for a wrist watch.
Those terminals on the back are not going to take kind to water nor perspiration.
The watch band itself is made from a material that may not wear well, only time will tell with that BUT either way a replacement will make it a return to a Samsung agent and that's not going to be cheap.
I do agree its very much a BETA device. Not sure how I feel about that. I would imagine those that are paying 350.00€ may not be well pleased?
It appears an awful lot of owners are returning the gear for one reason or another. I collect watches so will keep it, not to mention I paid very little for it.
The software will improve and those who expect a brand new device to have tons of apps etc are being unrealistic. The true concerns lie in the hardware and unfortunately there is zero we can do about that.
Water and perspiration are going to be the big issues and already are.
The concept is great and the next gear will, no doubt, have addressed all or most of these points.
Regards
I think lack of water proofing is a big downside. However, I'd expect that to be addressed in v2
I'm impartial to the watchband. I'd rather the traditional hole style, but can't complain with current setup (other than the speaker part being bulky when resting arm on table etc.
Now that we have root and side loading, there is lot of potential in this 'first generation' device (first gen is something to keep in mind when using/buying)
I don't have notifications/svoice working as still on 4.2.2 (ebay notifications work fine, just no detail)
Bluetooth seems fine, but would like it to autoconnect (no user interaction required) like my pebble does
When used in conjunction with supported devices, I disagree with it being called a beta device. It does everything it says it does with no issues. The only real thing lacking is developer support; something which will come soon enough
I'm impressed with quality of camera/mic/speaker for what it is
Wish it was easier to find a charging cradle. Sucks having to remember to bring my only one
Wish it was easier to make screen turn on. I find that 'moving up' hardly works, wrist twist doesn't work and I just end up having to use my other hand to press the button - hopefully new firmware will change this (screen always on, just dull; more movement triggers; etc)
My gear is 3 weeks old ,I have played 5 rounds of golf,chopped wood,sleep in it every night (my precious).Played golf in the rain,the screen is every bit as good as new not even a tiny mark
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Love mine to bits
No way is it going back. Bring on the software improvements.
Ryland Johnson said:
Present software is the least of my concerns as that be fixed with updates etc.
There are several rather serious practical issues with the present rendition.
That lovely ;large crystal (watch jargon for watch glass) is going to scratch like hell.
The camera has a hole at the back and many owners are reporting the camera lens misting up through condensation.
The strap has the most notorious type of clasp used in the watch trade.
Water resistance is a pre requisite for any wrist worn device. The IP55 is simply totally inadequate for a wrist watch.
Those terminals on the back are not going to take kind to water nor perspiration.
The watch band itself is made from a material that may not wear well, only time will tell with that BUT either way a replacement will make it a return to a Samsung agent and that's not going to be cheap.
I do agree its very much a BETA device. Not sure how I feel about that. I would imagine those that are paying 350.00€ may not be well pleased?
It appears an awful lot of owners are returning the gear for one reason or another. I collect watches so will keep it, not to mention I paid very little for it.
The software will improve and those who expect a brand new device to have tons of apps etc are being unrealistic. The true concerns lie in the hardware and unfortunately there is zero we can do about that.
Water and perspiration are going to be the big issues and already are.
The concept is great and the next gear will, no doubt, have addressed all or most of these points.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good gosh give it a rest about the crystal. It's a screen, big deal. All you do is post he same negative things over and over.
mhoepfin said:
Good gosh give it a rest about the crystal. It's a screen, big deal. All you do is post he same negative things over and over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strongly suggest you take an English course in comprehension. I was writing on the gear section when there where only two threads. I was the first customer to receive the gear in this country. I am not negative regarding the Gear. I write balanced posts. I have even written IN THIS THREAD that to expect software to be 100% is unrealistic.
Now, as you are so bothered about my quest to find out what the crystal is made from there is one simple way to shut me up....Simply give me the answer. Done and dusted.:good:
The screen, as you call it, IS important to those who work in areas where the 'screen' may come into contact with other objects and either scratch or break.
Have you anything constructive to write? No? Then please allow a forum to be used as it should be with questions, debate and answers.
---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 PM ----------
mintie said:
Love mine to bits
No way is it going back. Bring on the software improvements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The software will come. New device so time is the only factor regarding software. :good:
Regards
I have to concur I am nervous as hell about the screen.
the original gear was never sold here in saudi for obviously the camera has issues with the government so now im interested in getting the fit. It looks really stylish hope it wont be expensive
i do not plan to buy anything new from samsung.
if i already own gear, then what's the point of having another gear-like device.. it seems bulky. i'm tired with complete lack of support from samsung.
i think i will wait for the 'smart band' from sony.
Do not know.
First I need to see how much it costs and if it will even be sold in Canada. Then when people actually own and use them would like to know how well it plays with the Note 3.
Too many unknowns for me to decide, but I like how it looks and fitness/notifications are enough for me.
It's pretty ugly IMO, and the number crunching for fitness it provides have very little usefulness IMO. I don't think I'll be getting one.
Should of used the flexibke on the gear2
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Seen a video of a working Gear Fit, looks great.
IMO fitness is more important than make calls or pictures to me.
The price has to be right, still like a few more reviews.
No as I will be getting the Gear 2, but I do like how it looks and it's features.
In my opinion, the Samsung Fit will be the breakout success of this years wearables. Mind you, successes in this micro marker are measured as NOT failures. : )
I have the gear, but I think will be going for the gear fit this time.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
There wont be any native apps on the gear fit
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-57619476-78/samsungs-gear-fit-doesnt-run-android-or-tizen/
raiu said:
There wont be any native apps on the gear fit
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-57619476-78/samsungs-gear-fit-doesnt-run-android-or-tizen/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know read this and it is old news, the Galaxy Gear Fit is running a real time OS, apps we be rare if any.
Really do not care much.
Will get notications, and that plus being an excellent fitness watch is good enough for me.
Am I the only one who thinks the gear fit will prove extremely awkward to use? The direction of the text doesn't even come close to fitting the way most people look at their wrists. It will generally be at a 45 degree angle or worse.
LaDamian said:
Am I the only one who thinks the gear fit will prove extremely awkward to use? The direction of the text doesn't even come close to fitting the way most people look at their wrists. It will generally be at a 45 degree angle or worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seen other people say that, so you are not the only one but I seen the videos and I think for me it is no issue.
It is not like I will be reading anything but notifications, most of the time on my gear when I read text it is not horizontal.... minor detail.
Video review for Galaxy Gear Fit
Here you can see my video review for Gear Fit.
You can find out what apps does it have, how you can charge it and with which devices is it compatible
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq-yS2dWQKc
I think it's a very interesting device, and probably I'll go for it, but I haven't understood if it will have the sleep monitor or not. I've searched the Web, but some say yes, some say no...mystery....
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