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.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
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.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
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.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
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 just picked up a Gear a few hours ago, and all I can say is WOW. After reading all the negative
reviews, I was expecting a quick look and then a return to the store, but after playing with this watch
for the last few hours, I have come away VERY impressed. This is the 4th smart watch I've owned,
and it's head and shoulders above the ones I used previously (MetaWatch, Wimm Labs, and Sony 2nd Gen).
Those watches all had their plusses and minuses, but this watch it a much more complete package. And it
should be, since it's not cheap. But still a lot cheaper than the Tag and Omega that I have
First off, the look is great. I got the jet black version, and it has a very understated tech look. It fits great on my wrist,
and is very light.
Second, everything I have tried so far works, and works the way I would expect it to. Calling, charging, s-voice, and all
the apps I have tried. The camera is great, and works well with the wine label app. The display is gorgeous, much
better than the displays on the previous smart watches I've tried.
My long term concerns will be battery life and sustained connectivity, which were 2 of the biggest issues I had with
other smart watches. If it can pass those tests, then it's a keeper.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I wonder if a lot of the reviewers that just destroyed this watch don't have a little heartburn
that Apple wasn't first to market. This watch will get very good very fast if they add apps quickly to the market.
I'll finish by saying that if you're on the fence on this watch, pick it up. If you temper your expectations (don't expect a DSLR
on your wrist, understand that 3rd party apps may be limited initially and sometimes buggy), you'll be very happy with it...
glad to hear your enjoying yours.
yes it does come off as weird why these tech sites are very eager to proclaim it as failure or DOA. we shall see though who is right but based on the reviews here its not as piss poor as they make it out to be.
theverge even called it samsung's worst product
j4falcons said:
I just picked up a Gear a few hours ago, and all I can say is WOW. After reading all the negative
reviews, I was expecting a quick look and then a return to the store, but after playing with this watch
for the last few hours, I have come away VERY impressed. This is the 4th smart watch I've owned,
and it's head and shoulders above the ones I used previously (MetaWatch, Wimm Labs, and Sony 2nd Gen).
Those watches all had their plusses and minuses, but this watch it a much more complete package. And it
should be, since it's not cheap. But still a lot cheaper than the Tag and Omega that I have
First off, the look is great. I got the jet black version, and it has a very understated tech look. It fits great on my wrist,
and is very light.
Second, everything I have tried so far works, and works the way I would expect it to. Calling, charging, s-voice, and all
the apps I have tried. The camera is great, and works well with the wine label app. The display is gorgeous, much
better than the displays on the previous smart watches I've tried.
My long term concerns will be battery life and sustained connectivity, which were 2 of the biggest issues I had with
other smart watches. If it can pass those tests, then it's a keeper.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I wonder if a lot of the reviewers that just destroyed this watch don't have a little heartburn
that Apple wasn't first to market. This watch will get very good very fast if they add apps quickly to the market.
I'll finish by saying that if you're on the fence on this watch, pick it up. If you temper your expectations (don't expect a DSLR
on your wrist, understand that 3rd party apps may be limited initially and sometimes buggy), you'll be very happy with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree, I got my watch on Saturday and I have to say that I'm impressed and that's amazing considering I pair it with GS3 and some features still don't work! It was quite amusing today in the office with people couldn't actually believe it was real lots of iphone owners asking would it work with their phone ! I'm not sure why all those negative reviws, not sure what people expected, but if you take it for what it is - it's an amazing piece of technology! By the way, I charged it last night and got home tonight and it was on 70% battery - that's much better than what I hoped for!
I also think the watch is much better than how major tech reviewers are rating it in their reviews.
Pros:
1. Good looking design with some choice material- Sapphire glass, brushed stainless steel and high quality band
2. Very nice display
3. Smooth and lag-free operation
4. Nice and tight integration with smartphone
5. More than acceptable phone and camera capability
6. Limited to Note 3 for the moment ( this pro is applicable to me as a Note 3 user for a while~ )
7. Great to have the event and message reminder via a gentle vibration on the wrist!
8. Built-in pedometer and health apps
Neutral:
1. Battery performance- acceptable for a day's operation but could use a bit of margin.
2. Wrist band- acceptable but would be nice to have the flexibility to change the color
Cons:
1. Insufficient notification support for Gmail and Facebook apps (SW)
2. No calculator! (SW)
3. No compass (SW, HW?)
4. No on-screen keyboard (They could've put together a creative keyboard layout to fit the wonderful screen for sure ) (SW)
5. High price
6. Limited choice of phone models (only if Samsung wants this product to succeed on its own merit, that is. With Samsung selling twice as many smartphones as Apple now, I don't see any reason why they need to make the watches compatible to other brand phones necessarily, as it can be yet another reason to buy a Samsung phone for those on the fence.) SW
So, really, other than the relatively high price, I don't see critical shortcomings of this watch that can't be fixed by software updates and apps support down the road. The knock-on feature of G2 would be nice to have on this watch to wake it up and shut it down as necessary, in addition to the motion sensor-based wake on feature that it already has.
they should hurry with the updates, I can see this gaining more traction with more phones
Lets not forget what the critics said about the original Note 1. The press hammered that mobile yet it went on to give birth to a whole new generation,, the 'phablet'. Many brands have tried to copy the idea but non have come even close to selling the amount Samsung has and the note is now in its third year and on the third iteration having sold millions.
Smart watches in general have not yet been taken to by the market. This is in reality the first truly smart watch. Other brands will now rapidly try to play catch up as they have with the Note 1
In terms of Android devices Samsung appear to date to be the innovators in terms of technology.
Regards
Only issues are small software related ones. I am getting great battery life. Give it a little time for some developers to fill the gaps on the notification side.
Heck, the pebble is only really useful with 3rd party apps like Pebblify, so I don't know why people are so hard on the Gear.
I agree, it is a great product and a keeper here. (Had a Sony 1st gen. before.)
Battery life is better than expected. Keeps running for 2 days easily (brightness 2 / sound off).
Screen is excellent, performance sufficient.
More apps wanted now.
One of very few better-written reviews of the Gear:
http://www.zdnet.com/galaxy-gear-re...companion-watch-for-note-3-owners-7000021316/
Intro
I'm a big fan of smart watches in general; the Gear Fit (GF) was my first true smart watch type device. I've owned a few Android wear watches as well including the LG G Watch, LG Urbane, and Huawei Watch. I really liked the idea of Android Wear it just lacked a lot of benefits for the price. Now, with Samsungs re-emergence into the fitness tracker world I'm hoping for a much improved product. I realized that what I really wanted was a solid fitness tracker with a nice screen, and dedicated GPS; unfortunately none existed until I read about the least fir the Gear Fit 2 (GF2). I'm excited to bring everyone my views as a long time smartwatch and fitness band user (also tried to the Fitbit and xiamoi mi band), so stay tuned for my review today.
Overview:
Samsung made a great looking device this year for people that want less of a smart watch, and more of a fitness band that doesn't look hideous. The Gear Fit 2 (GF2) is very light given how sizable it is compared to the first generation Samsung made. Samsung carried over their seamless band design used in the Gear S2 which is nothing short of fantastic looking. My GF2 does have a small defect on one side where the band meets the frame, but that is not characteristic of all GF2’s, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Unboxing Video
What’s in the box:
Samsung Gear Fit 2
Charging cradle
Documentation
Note: There is no wall adapter included in the box, so you can use any adapter from a reputable brand of course to charge the GF2.
Charging Cradle:
Band Removal & HR Sensor
Sizing and Fitment:
I originally purchased the large band size given how my wrists are 6.5in as I measured via a body tape measure. I found the large to be way too big overall; I had to use the second to last notch inward for it to even remotely not slide around my wrists. Now, if you look at Samsung’s sizing information that I took from their website below, you will see how that might be slightly off what most people would expect like myself. With the small size GF2, I have the band somewhere in the middle in terms of the notches. Since you want the GF2 to read your HR accurately (we can only hope), I would ensure that you can make it slightly tighter if you want to just in case it cannot read your HR correctly. I feel that Samsung made the device itself nearly the perfect size for the average person like myself. For reference I am 5’8” and weight 142lbs, and active daily.
Wrist Measurement:
Large 155-210mm (6.1-8.26in)
Small 125-170mm (4.9- 6.69in)
Build and Design:
Samsung opted to make their GF2 out of anodized aluminum (from the feel and my understanding after checking), which is a big step up from the plastic faux chrome Gear Fit (GF) that was released back in 2014. I really enjoyed all of my Android Wear watches, but I felt something was missing from them to make the purchase feel less like you’re buying a $3-400 notification machine. My Huawei Watch was a beautiful amalgamation of stainless steel, sapphire and modern design, but it couldn’t deliver the extra functionality to justify its price which is why I sold mine after 9 months. If you have very small wrists like my wife, the GF2 will look very strange, and most likely be uncomfortable for daily use (as my wife said). The band is made out of a elastomer type material that is both soft, durable and flexible, plus it is easily changed via Samsung’s proprietary connectors that are also used on the Gear S2. On the right hand side of the display you will find a set of buttons. Each button serves a different purpose, but unfortunately Samsung did not texture the power button like most companies do for phones. The smaller button is used for powering on/off the device, and can be programmed to do different things via quick double press while the bigger button’s main function is to go back.
On the front you will of course find a Super AMOLED panel curved to perfection and wrapped in Gorilla Glass 3 (too bad they didn’t use GG4) that bursts with the vivid colors, deep blacks and other great things you expect from Samsung. I am a huge AMOLED fan, in fact I don’t think I could use another phone (HTC 10 included) that uses a non AMOLED display because they are simply stunning to look at in any light. As for the brightness, you can see it in direct sunlight, but the brightness needs to be manually adjusted since there is no light sensor to be found. There are 10 conventional brightness levels, and 1 (level 11) that is only intended for outdoor usage as the popup notification states when you adjust it that high.
Buttons & Body
Software and Apps:
First, for those of you that don’t already know this device runs Samsung’s own OS called Tizen. This was done because the OS itself is more efficient for wearables than Android which seems to remain true still. My Android Wear watches had batteries 1.5-2x bigger and didn’t last as long as this is supposed to. Since I just got my Gear Fit today (6/10/2016), I cannot speak for how long it will last fully just yet, but my original gear fit lasted 7 days. Granted the original gear fit didn’t have automatic activity tracking, GPS, or HR monitor while working out; I would expect the GF2 to last 1.5-2 days with my usage. I will conduct a full drain test and post daily updates below with notes about what I did that day, brightness level(s) used, GPS on/off etc. (see Battery life test below)
The Gear Fit 2 is compatible with all Android devices running Android 4.4 Kitkat and above which is a good start for Samsung. I am glad they added support for non-Samsung phones because that’s why I stopped using my original Gear Fit. Everything can be managed from the Gear Fit 2 itself, but you need to first set it up on a phone before using standalone mode. Music is also transferred directly to the GF2 via the gear manager like many tasks. There is a little over 2GB free for music and other things which isn’t a huge amount; I wasn’t expecting a lot of storage anyway for music, so while 2GB isn’t ideal it is still enough for some workout music. When I installed the Gear Manager app on my Nexus 6P, the app prompted me to download 2 additional apps for the GF2 to work. I was not a big fan of being forced to install more apps just to use it on my non-Samsung phone, but the apps are not intrusive like some of Samsung’s other apps, so at least it’s not all bad. I haven’t experienced any issues using the GF2 via my Nexus 6P, but you do need to also download S Health if you want to sync your fitness activities. There is no Google Fit integration that I have seen, so I hope Samsung adds it in at some point because Google Fit is more streamlined. S Health does offer some things that Google Fit does not such as sleep tracking via the GF2, yet that isn’t a deal breaker for me.
I tested the GPS lock which seems to be nearly instant, and accurate as far as I could tell. The GPS location icon will blink during activities when you have it enabled (see my software hands on video) making it easy to know whether or not it’s on or off. For notifications you will get a nice little “buzz” which is very noticeable compared to my Huawei Watch and hard to not feel due to how close the fit is strapped to your wrist. On the ‘watch face’ you can also enable a notification icon which is a little yellow dot (on my current face) in the upper left hand corner that lets you know there’s a notification waiting for you.
Currently there are only a handful of 3rd party apps including Spotify, and some watch faces for the GF2. I really hope Samsung gets other developers onboard to make more useful apps for the GF2 like one for your loyalty cards (Starbucks, grocery stores etc) because it really helps out when you need to quickly scan a card. This isn’t a huge deal, but rather it’s something that I miss from my Android Wear watches.
On the software side there are a ton of things to discuss, so I tried to briefly cover what I felt was relevant; however, if anyone has specific questions please feel free to let me know below. I will try to answer all of the questions that I can in a timely manner.
Update [6/12]: As @Sher The Love pointed out there are some small ways Tizen operations on the GF2 that might bother people.
First:
There is no way to have a split view of your distance and speed while tracking activities, or any combination of that data besides the stock (speed, distance, time vs HR), or HR with time.
Second:
While the GF2 does post weather data when you record an activity there is no native app for it on the GF2 itself. There is a way to view weather via some of the 'watch faces', but that isn't always ideal for everyone.
Third:
Samsung only has an option to clear all notifications or none at all; this means you cannot swipe a single one away like you would expect. Now that I've spent more time with the device I can say this is a little annoying, yet at the same time I like clearing all of them at once is nice most of the time.
Lastly:
If you are out of Bluetooth range notifications can be pushed from your phone to the GF2 over WiFi just like an Android Wear watch can. This is a great feature to have, and gives the GF2 more of a smartwatch like ability to go alongside the fitness tracking.
Some of you asked about the constant HRM during workouts, and its accuracy. I wanted to post some screenshots from my HRM throughout the day (today), and data for a short walk I did yesterday which also used GPS for the speed data.
Workout HRM Log Sample
Software Overview Video
Update 6/17
A more in-depth look at the software and hardware:
In-depth Look Part 1
In-depth Look Part 2
In-depth Look Part 3
Gear Manager App:
Gear Manager & S Health App Overview
Music Transfer:
Installed Apps (for non-Samsung phones)
View while tracking an activity:
Activity tracking on the device with GPS map
Battery life test:
I am going to charge my device to 100%, then proceed to wear it without charging until it dies. My settings for the test are as follows (unless otherwise noted)
-GPS: on for activity tracking (only when you start activities)
-Brightness level 5
-Ambient always on mode: Off
-WiFi: Off
-Tilt to wake: Off
-Auto HR monitoring periodically throughout the day
-Sleep tracking
App Notifications: On for about 12 apps (this isn’t a huge amount if you consider how many apps give you notifications daily)
I will add an update 24 hours from the time I post this showing the battery %, and detailing my daily usage.
Day 1 Battery (Start time 2350 6/10):
The sleep tracking isn't accurate, at least not during the first night from what I've seen. I went to bed around 0030, and woke up at 0630. The Gear Fit 2 reported that I went to sleep at 0400 and woke up at 0630 which is only partially accurate.
From 2350 on 6/10 to 0830 6/11 the Gear Fit 2 only drained 4% total which is really good for being idle given it's small battery. I will add more updates about today's usage as I use it today.
Daylight display test while on a walk
Day 1 Battery ~23 hours later
It is now 2237 as I'm typing this, and the battery on my GF2 is sitting at 68%. I used GPS to track a 45 minute walk, and had all of the above things enabled as I mentioned. I also brief had the brightness at 11 for a minute or two so I could show the screen outside for a video. I also had the brightness down to 1 for another video so keep that in mind because both of those could potentially impact battery life. As of right now it looks like the GF2 should last a full 2 days (48 hours), or slightly more using GPS. I will report back with the battery % tomorrow morning when I wake up.
Day 2 Battery
I woke up this morning and the battery drained ~8% overnight since I last checked it. I expect to make it through todsy but possibly not all of tomorrow depending on how much the GPS drains it during activities. I also wanted to point out how the sleep recognition is not accurate after 2 days of checking it; I hope this issue gets addressed in a future update.
Day 2 Battery end of day update
I didn't do any real exercising today as I had initially planned, so I wasn't able to use the GPS aside from when it would track my walking throughout the day. My battery is not at 39% after 48 hours off the charger; it has been on my wrist the whole time aside from when I took showers (I know it's IP68 rated, but I don't want to intentionally expose it to water).
Today I had the automatic WiFi enabled, along with all of the initially mentioned conditions outline in the test. I don't expect to make it through the whole day tomorrow, so I will update the battery test tomorrow morning when I wake up.
Day 3 Battery morning update
The battery drained 8% overnight which put me down to 30% when I woke up. The sleep tracking was slightly better tonight than the previous two nights; it actually came withing 15 minutes of when I went to bed and woke up which is a lot better than before.
I went on a 50 minute walk this morning with my wife; the GPS was on the whole time, and I ensured my phones Bluetooth was off so it would use the GF2's GPS not the one on my phone. The battery started at 28% and ended at 19% during that 50 minute interval which is more realistic than the 4% I saw during a similar period. As of right now I decided to turn the battery draining tilt-to-wake function on to see how big of an effect it has on your battery life. During the past 2 hours it has taken a 5% hit on my battery which is significant compared to how little the GPS drains relative to what both functions are doing. I don't expect to make it through the whole day, so I will post another update when it does die here in the new few hours if I had to guess since I'm using the tilt-to-wake. I enabled that to show people the high drain it causes, and so you can see how it impacts your daily use of the GF2. I hope everyone is enjoying reading about these results; stay tuned for more updates! :laugh:
Day 3 Battery Final update
I went on yet another walk with 9% battery, tilt-to-wake on, GPS on, and brightness level 6. I successfully tracked the entire 72 minute walk with my GF2 dying minutes after I got home; I couldn't have predicted, nor asked for something that perfect, but hey it all worked out!
I am more than happy with the battery life of the new GF2 given its GPS, smaller battery than the original (10mAh smaller), and constant HRM during workouts. The total battery life with my normal usage as described each day was 66 hours; that is better than most if not all Android Wear watches doing the same thing, and a fair amount of fitness trackers that have similar abilities and screens (Microsoft band).
Battery Update 6/17
After giving the GF2 another full cycle I managed to get a solid 3 days of use out of it as opposed to the 2.75 I got before. I turned power saving mode on when my battery hit 10% around 1500 (3pm), and it's now 2310 and my battery is at 7%. Power saving mode does limit the device substantially, but it just goes to show you how big of a difference it can make while still counting your steps. I might get closer to 80 hours of use at this point, so anyone that doesn't use HRM, or GPS should be able to hopefully get 4 days of battery life; if anyone does I would like to know what your set up is/was, so I can post about it here.
I hope this battery test will help everyone out, and give them a good ideal of what to expect with their GF2 based on normal to heavy usage tracking activities.
Summary:
I really like what Samsung has done with this year’s Gear Fit 2; all of the right boxes are checked as far as features, design and build quality go. I wouldn’t change more than a small thing or two personally, so if you want a fitness tracker that has a fair amount of smart watch features I don’t think the GF2 will disappoint you. While there are a limited number of useful 3rd party apps currently, I hope that changes in the future to make things better along with Google Fit integration. The SAMOLED display is nothing short of pure greatness, and the seamless flowing of the screen to band really makes this device stand out.
Wrong forum man
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Brava27 said:
Wrong forum man
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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It is technically a S7 Edge accessory, therefore I am posting it here unless mods feel that it would be better suited elsewhere. The Gear VR is also a S7 Edge accessory and it's discussed here too. There is no dedicated Gear Fit 2 forum like there was for the original Gear Fit which is another reason I posted it here. I'm open having it moved elsewhere; I figured people that also own the S7 Edge would appreciate seeing this since it relates to the phone.
Unboxing video added
OP Updated:
-Full review posted
-Battery life tested detailed, daily updates for it coming
-Additional video added
Hey, still going through everything. Busy night at work. Middle of watching the walkthrough. I see it has wifi?? Has no idea. Is this like wear where if you step away too far from your phone, wifi will connect and maintain the connection between the watch and phone for notifications?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
tu3218 said:
Hey, still going through everything. Busy night at work. Middle of watching the walkthrough. I see it has wifi?? Has no idea. Is this like wear where if you step away too far from your phone, wifi will connect and maintain the connection between the watch and phone for notifications?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have WiFi, although I haven't played with it enough to see how it works just yet. I will test that out, and or look into it's purpose. I think it would be nice if the GF2 worked like you mentioned which is how AW watches do it when you move far enough way from your phone. I should have an answer for you later today (since its Saturday now), but if for some reason I forget to update you about that drop me a message/post quote/mention.
Edit: it will scan for networks while disconnected from your phone which might imply notifications will also go over wifi. Here's what it says when you turn wifi on:
https://goo.gl/photos/vCeUZ237XYpSTsFY6
Pilz said:
It does have WiFi, although I haven't played with it enough to see how it works just yet. I will test that out, and or look into it's purpose. I think it would be nice if the GF2 worked like you mentioned which is how AW watches do it when you move far enough way from your phone. I should have an answer for you later today (since its Saturday now), but if for some reason I forget to update you about that drop me a message/post quote/mention.
Edit: it will scan for networks while disconnected from your phone which might imply notifications will also go over wifi. Here's what it says when you turn wifi on:
https://goo.gl/photos/vCeUZ237XYpSTsFY6
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Click to collapse
Yeah certainly sounds like it will do just that. Try to connect to wifi when Bluetooth is disconnected. That's a big feature that no other strictly fitness trackers don't have.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
tu3218 said:
Yeah certainly sounds like it will do just that. Try to connect to wifi when Bluetooth is disconnected. That's a big feature that no other strictly fitness trackers don't have.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
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I will test it out today for you when I get a chance; hopefully it works just like that.
I will add another short video showing how the Gear Manager app works, and some of the other features present on the Gear Fit 2.
Great review! Super thorough!
I will be getting one I for Father's Day and am very excited!
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Member conduct.
Thread cleaned.
May I remind you guys of the rules and especially the one below...
2.3 Flaming / Lack of respect: XDA is about sharing and this does not involve virtual yelling (flaming) or rudeness. Flaming or posting with a lack of respect is unacceptable. Treat new members in the manner in which you would like to have been treated when you were a new member. When dealing with any member, provide them with guidance, advice and instructions when you can, showing them respect and courtesy. Never post in a demanding, argumentative, disrespectful or self-righteous manner.
Regards,
Bajanman
Forum Moderator
How does the GF2 screen compare to the S2?
Is it sharper or brighter in the sun?
YankInDaSouth said:
Great review! Super thorough!
I will be getting one I for Father's Day and am very excited!
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Glad to hear, that; let us know how you like it!
Bajanman said:
Thread cleaned.
May I remind you guys of the rules and especially the one below...
2.3 Flaming / Lack of respect: XDA is about sharing and this does not involve virtual yelling (flaming) or rudeness. Flaming or posting with a lack of respect is unacceptable. Treat new members in the manner in which you would like to have been treated when you were a new member. When dealing with any member, provide them with guidance, advice and instructions when you can, showing them respect and courtesy. Never post in a demanding, argumentative, disrespectful or self-righteous manner.
Regards,
Bajanman
Forum Moderator
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Thank you for cleaning things up
usb7 said:
How does the GF2 screen compare to the S2?
Is it sharper or brighter in the sun?
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Click to collapse
I don't own a gear S2, so I cannot speak to its outdoor performance. The gear fit is visible in the sun if you crank the brightness up to 10 or 11;(11 is specifically for bright sunlight as it says), but since there is no ambient light sensor you need to manually adjust it for outside.
Pilz said:
Thank you for cleaning things up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're very welcome.
I'll be sticking around for the time being to do some lurking...[emoji102] [emoji102] [emoji41]
I added a video under the battery test showing how the display looks in moderate to bright daylight while tracking an activity.
I also would like to know about the WiFi notification possibility.
blitzzin said:
I also would like to know about the WiFi notification possibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disconnected my GF2 from bluetooth, connected it to my WiFi, and emailed myself to see if anything was pushed to the GF2. To my disappointment nothing popped up, on the GF2, but I might be doing something wrong. I'm going to play around with the WiFi some more and I will hopefully have a more definitive answer for you tomorrow.
OP Updated:
-Battery life test day 1 data added
-Activity tracking video added
-Gear Manager, S Health overview video added
-Daylight brightness test video added
Pilz said:
I disconnected my GF2 from bluetooth, connected it to my WiFi, and emailed myself to see if anything was pushed to the GF2. To my disappointment nothing popped up, on the GF2, but I might be doing something wrong. I'm going to play around with the WiFi some more and I will hopefully have a more definitive answer for you tomorrow.
OP Updated:
-Battery life test day 1 data added
-Activity tracking video added
-Gear Manager, S Health overview video added
-Daylight brightness test video added
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long do you estimate the battery would last with GPS active while not using Bluetooth streaming? I'm trying to see how long of run someone could go on with GPS. Thanks.
Sher The Love said:
How long do you estimate the battery would last with GPS active while not using Bluetooth streaming? I'm trying to see how long of run someone could go on with GPS. Thanks.
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I had mine connect to my phone via Bluetooth not streaming anything and it only went down 4% in 45 minutes which seems abnormally low. I think the drain should have been much higher, so I will have to let you know tomorrow when I can further verify the battery drain during usage.
If I had to estimate a time using only GPS based on what I've seen now I would say 8 hours, but I doubt it's that high unless Samsung worked some magic with it.
Pilz said:
I had mine connect to my phone via Bluetooth not streaming anything and it only went down 4% in 45 minutes which seems abnormally low. I think the drain should have been much higher, so I will have to let you know tomorrow when I can further verify the battery drain during usage.
If I had to estimate a time using only GPS based on what I've seen now I would say 8 hours, but I doubt it's that high unless Samsung worked some magic with it.
Click to expand...
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Thanks. 4% does seem abnormally low for that. 8 hours would be great though. Keep us updated
Sher The Love said:
Thanks. 4% does seem abnormally low for that. 8 hours would be great though. Keep us updated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was shocked to see that when I finished my walk, but until proven otherwise tomorrow that's what it showed. I even went as far as to disconnect my GF2 from Bluetooth to ensure it was using its gos and not my phones. When I use it tomorrow I expect to see 10-20% GPS drain per hour given its small battery. I'll keep everything up to date as I get time throughout the dsy
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...
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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%
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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%)
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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?
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@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.