Case similar to eyepatch? (privacy slider for cameras) - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Accessories

I tried searching google, amazon, and this forum. No dice.
Anyone heard of a case for note8 that is both decent and also has some kind of physical slider for the camera?
I've only found one online, and its only for junk iphones lol.
Figured I'd ask. Thanks!

This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... :laugh:
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs

Dejan Sathanas said:
This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... :laugh:
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs
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Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.

cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.
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If someone can see you through the phone's cameras, you have bigger issues then some fat dude seeing your junk.

I can't see any photos on this thread

Dejan Sathanas said:
This is more gay than everything else that has ever been gay before for a phone accessory. Just my 2 cents... [emoji23]
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs
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You need to be more in line with your verbiage. Gay is not a politically correct word to use these days. I'm thinking using the word " so hetro", as opposed to so gay. Thoughts?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

That is actually a good idea. I don't see why case manufacturers don't include this in their case designs as it would add another layer of protection to camera sensor.

cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
Noted.
However, it is more gay having some fat dude spying on yourthrough your selfie cam unknowingly while you are getting dressed/naked.
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Click to collapse
There is absolutely no way, and I mean zero, someone could be looking at you through your selfie cam without you knowing.
Firstly, when the screen is off, the device cuts the feed to the camera. You can test this by using any number of apps that allow video calling and video call a friend using all of them and turn the screen off during the call. Your friend should report your video feed either freezing or going away entirely.
Secondly, and this is the most important one, the only way someone would be able to have access to your selfie cam is if you installed an app from some unknown source that grants someone access to use your selfie cam without your knowledge. And even then, you'd have to give the app permission to use the camera, first. Apps can't just start using your camera or your microphone without you knowing about it. They need explicit permission, first.
So, if this is a concern for you, go into all the apps in your app manager and turn off the camera permission for every app, except your camera. Or, hell, turn that off also, if you're scared Samsung is spying on you, like someone else on this forum is.
These devices aren't like Windows. You can't accidentally go onto a website and suddenly someone is using your webcam to look at you. Very nearly anything that happens on your device needs your explicit permission. They can't just take control of sensors or install apps willy-nilly without your knowledge.
Also, something someone said once about people sticking tape over their webcam on their laptops; let's say something like this actually happened. Your device is presumably laying on your desk or in your pocket for most of the day. So, for a good portion of the day, whomever is spying through your selfie cam will be looking at a ceiling or a dark pocket. The couple of times that you are using your device, all they'll be looking at is your face, looking at your screen. They can't see what you're doing or looking at, only your face. Why would someone want to hack your device just to look at your face for 5 minutes, a couple of times a day and look at the ceiling the rest of the day (this is assuming also they can access the camera while the device's screen is off, which they can't. So, essentially they'll be looking at a blank camera feed and staring at their monitor all day for that hopeful chance they'll catch you checking your email for 2 minutes, which won't help them anything, again, as all they'll see is your face and not what you're doing).
TL;DR
No need to be so paranoid about anyone spying on you. Trust me, your life isn't that interesting and the ceiling of your work place isn't either.

Max_Terrible said:
There is absolutely no way, and I mean zero, someone could be looking at you through your selfie cam without you knowing.
Firstly, when the screen is off, the device cuts the feed to the camera. You can test this by using any number of apps that allow video calling and video call a friend using all of them and turn the screen off during the call. Your friend should report your video feed either freezing or going away entirely.
Secondly, and this is the most important one, the only way someone would be able to have access to your selfie cam is if you installed an app from some unknown source that grants someone access to use your selfie cam without your knowledge. And even then, you'd have to give the app permission to use the camera, first. Apps can't just start using your camera or your microphone without you knowing about it. They need explicit permission, first.
So, if this is a concern for you, go into all the apps in your app manager and turn off the camera permission for every app, except your camera. Or, hell, turn that off also, if you're scared Samsung is spying on you, like someone else on this forum is.
These devices aren't like Windows. You can't accidentally go onto a website and suddenly someone is using your webcam to look at you. Very nearly anything that happens on your device needs your explicit permission. They can't just take control of sensors or install apps willy-nilly without your knowledge.
Also, something someone said once about people sticking tape over their webcam on their laptops; let's say something like this actually happened. Your device is presumably laying on your desk or in your pocket for most of the day. So, for a good portion of the day, whomever is spying through your selfie cam will be looking at a ceiling or a dark pocket. The couple of times that you are using your device, all they'll be looking at is your face, looking at your screen. They can't see what you're doing or looking at, only your face. Why would someone want to hack your device just to look at your face for 5 minutes, a couple of times a day and look at the ceiling the rest of the day (this is assuming also they can access the camera while the device's screen is off, which they can't. So, essentially they'll be looking at a blank camera feed and staring at their monitor all day for that hopeful chance they'll catch you checking your email for 2 minutes, which won't help them anything, again, as all they'll see is your face and not what you're doing).
TL;DR
No need to be so paranoid about anyone spying on you. Trust me, your life isn't that interesting and the ceiling of your work place isn't either.
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And yet, my question still stands and I still am looking for a case like this.
Thanks for the reply and information sir.

But the question is why? Lol. If it was a major concern wouldn't you think case manufacturing companies would jump on the chance to make a quick buck off people's paranoia? They would be offering all sorts of microphone blockers, cameras covers, etc..

luisramon17 said:
But the question is why? Lol. If it was a major concern wouldn't you think case manufacturing companies would jump on the chance to make a quick buck off people's paranoia? They would be offering all sorts of microphone blockers, cameras covers, etc..
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Exactly this.

cricketpaddleinmyhand said:
And yet, my question still stands and I still am looking for a case like this.
Thanks for the reply and information sir.
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Just buy any case, cutout a piece of paper, paint it if you would like, stick upper side of the paper to the case and thats it.
Idc if some fat dude is watching me. I always leave my phone upside down and also i dont use dex station so no way of anyone seeing me.
Also go ahead and test it yourself, open a videocall in whatsapp, when you turn the screen of the feed will freeze. If you still dont want to leave it as is, try the method i gave, works everytime. Or simply you can 3d print a case for yourself.

All that noise. If can be done in any way it is being done. You public schooled parrots.

To those of you that state it cannot be done or you have nothing to worry about you are VERY wrong. It happens all the time and doesn't take much to be able to infiltrate someones personal phone and turn on the mic or any of the cameras and apps WITHOUT alerting the end user(Yes that means even if the screen is off). Its a fairly common practice, so much so that those in my line of work that take it seriously buy the Vysk QS1 Quantum Security Case. The Vysk takes it a step further and also encrypts your phone calls. Information security is no joke and is rampant in the corporate espionage world. What the OP is looking for is a basic version of the Vysk that only blocks the cameras I think that is a great move and you should too. If you do not congratulations you been dumbed down and made so docile that you believe the world is all rainbows and fairytales. lol OP if you cannot afford the Vysk do what I used to do and tape the cameras with a small dot of electrical tape. Also to you entrepreneurial types, there is a market for camera blocking phone cases. Get on it!!!!
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 PM ----------
Also, OP forgot to mention there is a cheap alternative for the mic as well it's called Mic-Lock. There are also small webcam/phone cam sliders that are sold on Amazon just search webcam cover slider. And as another FYI your phone continues to gather data whether it is off or in airplane mode or not. The gyros and all the sensors are actually dialed up in when the phone is in airplane mode and caches all info recorded. As soon as it connects to a tower the cache is sent over to the servers. This is not science fiction or a conspiracy theory it is fact! Whether you choose to believe it or not. So much so that VIP's in many industries carry around portable dead boxes or what you would call a faraday cage to prevent information from exiting or entering the phone during closed-door meetings. You are right in worrying about your privacy OP as everyone should be....

Juice56 said:
blah blah blah smartphone conspiracy
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OK just for clarification, why get a bloody smartphone in the first place........ I mean the only vibe I get from your post is to never get a smartphone, actually even a cell phone might be exposing yourself to unwanted "privacy intrusion", actually scratch that, the internet is a big flaming heap of privacy intrusion...... I hear foil makes for an excellent Faraday cage

SteelPicori said:
OK just for clarification, why get a bloody smartphone in the first place........ I mean the only vibe I get from your post is to never get a smartphone, actually even a cell phone might be exposing yourself to unwanted "privacy intrusion", actually scratch that, the internet is a big flaming heap of privacy intrusion...... I hear foil makes for an excellent Faraday cage
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hahahaha always with the tin foil labels. Jest all you want brother but in my industry and many other information security is no joke. So much so that it has grown to 100 billion dollar A YEAR industry. The numbers and security methods do not lie. If it wasn't an issue I wouldn't have a job right now.
Don't take my word for it, do your own independent research or don't and trust the bought and paid publications of your choice. I cannot post links due to me just joining this forum but if you search "Forbes Information security growth" you will see the industry went from 75B a year in 2015 to 124B in 2019. Click the second search result to read the article. Educate yourself instead of throwing out labels when you know absolutely nothing about the topic.

Juice56 said:
Educate yourself instead of throwing out labels when you know absolutely nothing about the topic.
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Always interesting when this is thrown out, look I do not doubt that infosec is a big thing, not only on a commercial level but on a national level too, I am all too aware of how unguarded our national infrastructure is. There are without doubts individuals and organisations who can easily compromise any given assests in our possession.
It is a game is acceptable risk, that is, I do not believe myself to be a valuable enough target, that they might expose themselves to detection, just for a bunch of compromising media on me, I mitigate some of this risk by following smart internet usage and not leaving anything that maybe valuable on an expose attack surface.
So again I will ask, because you did not answer, why get a smartphone given how large of an attack surface such a device pose, or indeed even use the internet.

Juice56 said:
To those of you that state it cannot be done or you have nothing to worry about you are VERY wrong.
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Me, myself, am not too concerned about this. There is nothing, anyone can learn from hacking my camera or my mic. Firstly, they will notice my phone lays on my desk for a large part of the day and they will be staring at the ceiling, or the inside of my pocket. As far the mic is concerned, they'll only hear the radio station I prefer to listen to and sometimes the podcasts I listen to. As far as conversation, English isn't my native language, so they'll only hear me talking in a foreign language which they most likely won't understand, and even if they do, it will by and large be about my work, which is electrical repairs. I doubt them hearing me promising a client his board will be ready in 2 days, will be all that interesting.
Then of course, there is also the matter if they were happening to stream video or audio data from my device, I would notice very quickly, as my data bundles will run out very fast and I will notice the bandwidth traffic on my device, as I also have network traffic monitoring apps on my device so I can see which apps are the data hogs.
This is one thing conspiracy theorists never consider, is that it's not like in the movies where this information is streamed in real time with no means of noticing it. It would require an internet connection and needs to transfer large amounts of data. People on limited packages will notice their data running out very quickly, or if the person has a slow connection, they certainly won't be able to stream HD footage from a mobile device.
It might be possible to do the things you speak of, but it certainly won't be inconspicuous.

SteelPicori said:
So again I will ask, because you did not answer, why get a smartphone given how large of an attack surface such a device pose, or indeed even use the internet.
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Assumptions.... I personally have a dumb phone but I am required to have a smartphone for work which is always in its vysk case that was included due to my works security measures. They are pricey! So if you are looking to purchase one yourself be prepared to pay to play.

Juice56 said:
Assumptions.... I personally have a dumb phone but I am required to have a smartphone for work which is always in its vysk case that was included due to my works security measures. They are pricey! So if you are looking to purchase one yourself be prepared to pay to play.
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Never made any assumptions, just did not notice your recommendation to the OP to forego his smartphone and get a standard cell phone (which are by no means any less secure given that even modern feature phones also runs on some OS or other that probably can parse java applets). I always thought that infosec would be using phones similar to the blackphone and call it a day.

Related

An Idea for anti-theft software

I was playing around with W.I.M.P. (Where is my phone) yesterday and I noticed an area that I think would make this program, or any other for that matter much more powerful.
Theory behind WIMP is that it sends back a text with GPS co-ordinates to another phone, not so great if theres 3 pubs within very close proximity, like in town. Soooo. my next thought was what if the phone was used at a camera post-being stolen.
I imagine the way this would work is that a photo would be taken from the thefts perpective using the standard back camera. However another additional photo is taken from the front camera with GPS data packaged into the JPG properties ala GPS Photo.
You'd get a shot of said thief, some decor in the background which Im sure would help work out where they are, you'd also have evidence of the theft and who took the phone, with time and date stamps, which when tallied against a police report would prove the photo was taken after the fact.
Im surprised this feature isnt available anywhere yet, or perhaps im talking tosh, or even that my google skills are lacking.
Anyhoo what do you funky brothers think?
I think that is a great idea now all we need is somone smart enuff to make make this porgram work like that lol
I think you would get a lot of pics of peoples pockets. Then you would know what pants they have on.
RussianTechno101 said:
I think that is a great idea now all we need is somone smart enuff to make make this porgram work like that lol
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If you were able to find someone smart enough to make the front camera work on your Tilt....then writing the software should be cake.
Laptop recovery.
They have this type of software on Apple lappies.
Have a look at the engadget link
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/stolen-laptop-recovered-with-back-to-my-mac/
That would be a neat feature but you would also probably get a bunch of bad images (tables, pockets, hands).
Valtamr said:
If you were able to find someone smart enough to make the front camera work on your Tilt....then writing the software should be cake.
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If you noticed the first poster is from London so he probably has a Tytn II with the front camera...
fone_fanatic said:
That would be a neat feature but you would also probably get a bunch of bad images (tables, pockets, hands).
If you noticed the first poster is from London so he probably has a Tytn II with the front camera...
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Yes, and if you noticed the person I actually quoted has "Using: AT&T Tilt" in his/her signature.
Is that even possible?
Wow! Now that would really be something. I would definitely be installing such an app on my next device especially in face of my Kaiser being stolen 2 weeks ago.
I think the problem with picuters of people's pockets and pub tables could be easily solved by setting the application to transmit only the pictures actually taken by the person in possesion of the phone after the theft. This way you could make sure the pictures sent, were taken when the person in question was holding the phone in front of them actaully trying to take a picture of sth.
This creates other problems of course like: what if the thief never uses the camera? But I think all mobile phone users try the camera out (no matter how poor it could be) at least once. So receiving a good quality picture would only be a matter of time.

[Q] I was robbed last night!

Man what a weekend. For the last 6 months I've been working may ass off just trying to stay ahead of the game. I'm overworked and underpaid (who isn't these days) and it starting to take its toll. I'm making mistakes I would have never made before. Like last night. I fell asleep early and the dog woke me up to go out. I took her out and in my dazed way back in neglected to lock the door.
I feel like a world class jackass but not for long. I'm looking for a security system. I need something advanced and am hoping among all the techies here there's some experience and advice on where to start looking for the best system.
Things I know I want/need are sensors for all windows, motion detectors, automatic light control, some fixed cameras, some 360 degree cameras. Oh and of course I will need an android app to interact and control the system.
In my case this was my own fault for not locking my door but it really hit home how unsecure my house really is. I have barely a line of defense and its time to get with the program. Even if I had locked the door there were still a number of unsecured entry points into my home.
So does anyone have any experience with home security? Do you have any suggestions on where to start? Have you come across any systems in tech blogs and such that look promising?
I'm beginning to research into all this as we speak but this is unfamiliar territory for me. I'm a tech Guy like you but home security has never been an interest till now. If you have anything to offer as far as what to get, what to do, and what not to do it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I've never tried an Android-based home security system, but I don't see why not. For example, you could install a Schlage LiNK™ system. There's also Alarm.com and ElkDroid. I suppose other home automation tools might be useful.
But, um... are you planning to take your Nook Color with you while you walk the dog? These apps require network access; if you plan to stray more than ~20m from your house, you'd probably need a portable access point. Of course, it's not a problem if you plan to monitor your home while you're at the office (with network access).
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply and links to look into. You made a good point about not having network access to my Nook on a dog walk. I guess in that situation I would use my android phone instead. But while at home since my nook is my go to device I would use it. I don't think the system needs to be android based but I would like an app that would let me monitor the security cameras, turn on and off lights, and be notified of opened doors and windows.
The system needs to be a hardwired system and if possible also be capable of wireless. Maybe I'm going to have to pick one or the other but I haven't figured that out yet. I'm probably going to start out small and cover the most important aspects first so the system would also need to be expandable.
I began searching the net yesterday for information regarding home security. Theres alot! Hopefully as I research and begin making my choices in equipment and monitoring I will update this thread to maybe help others. What ever I choose Android will be a part of the system.
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
luke121 said:
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
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Do you mind sending me a pm about foscam? My restaurant just got broken into and I'm looking for an economic and proficient way to watch or protect.
Thank you in advance!
Sent from my unrooted Galaxy Tab.
I was robbed last night
I know the feeling well. I've been broken into twice. As a result, I called Brinks and had a system installed. But I kept forgetting to set the alarm and it was costing me $35.00 a month. So I began looking for other alternatives. In the search, I discovered all kinds of DIY things I could do to safeguard my house. So I ended up with a self defense website. You can install door and window alarms, surveillance systems, ect. There is actually a barking dog alarm that really works. A local woman had one and was able to scare an intruder off. I'm sure she thinks it was worth every penny she paid for it.
I was robbed also, about 4 years ago.
They made off with a new 24" iMac, WiFi printer, Gateway laptop, my old ass 8 year old PC with a 15" CRT monitor that I used to run Mandrake and other flavors of Linux on. They also managed to locate my backup hard drive in the kitchen.
I have worked as freelance Web Development & Design for years and lost a ton of work, clients respect and reliability.
I now have two remote backup hard drives (my moms house and my friend) with automation scripts that run nightly.
I use Dropbox on my two Android™ phones + my Nook + my desktop PC + my clients PCs.
As for home security: I no longer advertise on my vehicle, nor promote myself on the streets, I carry the minimum amount of cash, only carry one credit card, don't wear any jewelry, and talk to my children about the dangers of strangers, open the front door, etc.
Plus we have the peace of mind having electronic home security, motion sensors, door + window sensors, etc.
The geek in me wants to install a few webcams throughout the house, front yard, back, etc. and have access to view them via https via one of my websites.
But that'll have to wait.
I have 2 Panasonic Network Cameras with audio. You can monitor the cams on your Android phone with an app. There is a way to set it up for motion detection too.
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
IFLATLINEI said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best security I know is, no one can steal your stuff if its all on fire.
For a real serious system that is also open to DIY, I'd strongly recommend the Elk Products M1G Gold system.
A great site to learn more is from http://www.cocoontech.com
Can do extensive home automation as well if that's your wish.
Awesome! Thank you.

[Q] KFHD7" With Camera/Swype Update Suddenly Can't Find Camera in ES File Explorer!

[Q] KFHD7" With Camera/Swype Update Suddenly Can't Find Camera in ES File Explorer!
(Fair warning: this post got a bit ranty and, feel free to not read it. My problem is in bold. The rest I needed to say, but you don't have to read it.)
So, I guess I didn't backup my installed software well because none of it's there. I distinctly thought there was a program sending me notifications and backing everything I installed up. I guess I should look into that, too.
But basically, I cleaned up some files on my Kindle using the Wifi Explorer at this laptop earlier today. I thought I just deleted media files that I didn't need there and some remaining folders with nothing in them of programs I had long ago uninstalled. Nothing like com.android.importantfiles.thecamera or whatever it is.
So, I notice at first that I can't get the video camera. I can open the photo gallery and click the camera icon and get the little simple camera with the shutter icon and no other options. But even after going into ES File Explorer and looking, all I found was this crappy Free HD Camera with no video camera and giant ad to prompt me every time I run it.
So then, I found FireCamera.apk searching around, installed that, and to my surprise, BOOM the camera I wanted but suddenly couldn't find anymore just opens back up. No proof of it existing anywhere, even on tools that were mentioned better than Amazon allowed without them.
Well, apparently I made a mistake. I decided to select the HD option since it's is a bloody Kindle Fire HD. But all this caused is the app to crash every time I put it into video record mode. And I can't undo this setting because I can't find it in any application manage. Ok, I've yet to download a different one and look for it, which I guess I can try... Anyway...
I would settle for not being able to use the HD setting if it just crashes but I can't put it back. I can't find the program. I've been raging and researching and screaming at people who make YouTube videos to explain things that could have been said in a few sentences, blown up into entire three minutes of garbage and self indulgence, as if they actually help anyone except people who need someone to read stuff to them and feeling so glad that people root their Kindles and (mine isn't rooted, btw) and make it do stuff they didn't want it to do for some reason olr other and just Man.
I usually don't ask forums as much as I read through them and find my answers patiently, but I've been doing that and I figure if someone doesn't know what to do I won't figure it out this time. And I hope as an afterthought that Amazon and pretty much, honestly, most tech companies in general experience devastating loss that destroys their entire company and leaves their crappy merchandise in the hands of people that are going to make it work anyway and get the apps from wherever they want. I probably should have researched why the Kindle was so cheap when I bought it (and don't get me wrong, I love it, only because I can force it to do what I want and laugh at how pathetic filthy rich Amazon tech moguls are for trying to corner the market and make their stuff incompatable with anything they don't receive money for just because, to hell with the consumer, we can make money as much as we want to and we can make them pay us, because we're bloody amazon and we can afford this tactic to enter the tablet market.
I hope their identities get stolen, and if I could, I would refuse access to anything Google or third party services to anyone affiliated with or working with Amazon. I would laugh as they hide their heads in shame and have to use Bing or some crap. I hope I can get this camera working again, whatever happened, and that you guys won't be very offended that I feel like blowing off steam in order to let this go for a while after trying and trying and trying. I'm being dramatic.
But I would be so pissed if I bought this thing and there was no way to work around it's... honestly... programmed dysfunction on purpose.
I mean, it just makes you angry. Capitalism is supposed to make better things for the consumer, not a bunch of crap that has to be hacked so that industry tycoons can run things however they can dominate the most.
Thanks if you took the time to hear me out, and thanks even more if you just skimmed it all and know how to get my video camera and the one with the good options that I just had a while ago to work... Maybe to be available for download somewhere... God forbid it be on the Amazon Appstore. You know I almost didn't even look at all because I just knew better, but after not finding anything I finally just did.
It's only their own program that comes with the hardware. But like a lot of apps, they just decide to pretend they don't exist, or that it's normal for them to only do certain things.
And off topic... I used Windows 8 the other day for the first time, and they basically decided that the whole being able to use your own computer without their constant hand holding with you is just not an option any more, because if they work like our phone and tablets, well... technology will not be as good until people hack it and thank god for the open source movement. Like, thank god.
And I am starting to have no sympathy for those who just want to be able to be paid for their work, like software developers. None. If it keeps going in this direction, I say to hell with all of them. They really just don't deserve to make ,money pushing crap like this. Most people using this tech are too... they're even less savvy than me, and I can usually research out the answers to my own problems at least. But so many people have no greater expectations because... Well. they just don't think to wonder why their device is a piece of junk that could have been (at no cost) allowed to soar so to speak... but basical managing of files and processes and that sort of thing... that's better left for people to not know about, so that they just buy another piece of hardware.
It makes me sick, and I honestly just have had the day off to brood about it. Sorry and thank you again. I'm going to sleep on it and see if anyone makes sense of this.

[Q] Secret video recorder?

Hi, has anyone been able to install and use some of the secret video recorders? Basically what I want to achieve is to press an icon, and start a background recording - with camera preview off, and preferably screen off (or just turn on the black screen). maybe we have some talented developers here that could write such an app specially for our gear? $$ donation guaranteed!
hurdlejade said:
Hi, has anyone been able to install and use some of the secret video recorders? Basically what I want to achieve is to press an icon, and start a background recording - with camera preview off, and preferably screen off (or just turn on the black screen). maybe we have some talented developers here that could write such an app specially for our gear? $$ donation guaranteed!
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Click to collapse
Creep shots eh, bit dodgy dude cant see any other reason for it
Best way to accomplish this is to use your Gear as a webcam and record the stream on your device.
Here is an old thread as a reference: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2540662&highlight=tinycam
But I concur your description on usage is disturbing.
hurdlejade said:
Hi, has anyone been able to install and use some of the secret video recorders? Basically what I want to achieve is to press an icon, and start a background recording - with camera preview off, and preferably screen off (or just turn on the black screen). maybe we have some talented developers here that could write such an app specially for our gear? $$ donation guaranteed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nothing wrong with my question, similar threads exists about voice recording.
i was looking for a way to record longer video clips, as some sort of dash cam when driving a warehouse trucks.
hurdlejade said:
nothing wrong with my question, similar threads exists about voice recording.
i was looking for a way to record longer video clips, as some sort of dash cam when driving a warehouse trucks.
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Click to collapse
Well I don't see why you would want secret recording in a truck this post is very very dodgy and should not be encouraged
display is what consume most of the power on our gear. turn it off and you gain extra hours of functionality.
if i want to take creepy shots, there are better devices out there.
Yes it works
I have to pro edition and it works. The thing is you should set the limit to 10 minutes and the resolution is 640x480 and you are good to go even with the screen off
Clearly the people that are in the Galaxy Gear forum don't understand what you can and can't post.
This request is perfectly logical and is indeed in position to be fulfilled.
Secret recorders exist for sale on many websites, secret recorders exist for phones, secret recorders will exist for the Galaxy Gear. Someone will eventually develop an app specifically for the Galaxy Gear.
Secret recorders are not illegal, nor are they discouraged. In fact there are many practical uses for secret recorders, both video and audio.
You might be able to push an existing app to the gear via ADB, but I'm not sure if it will work/work properly.
Please stop filling threads with unhelpful responses.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
thanks for clearing things up rockstar.
i just want to give an update - secret video recorder pro does work on our Gear, incl screen off. framerate seems to be lower than stock though.
Clearing up??
If you didn't called it secret recording, but instead called it something else normal people wouldn't think of you as a person that wanted to go around filming things normal people don't do.
Yes. Call me all fashion, but I don't want people to look at my galaxy gear and think of me as a pervert because someone has been busted using a secret video app on it. Then people start looking at gear as a toy for perverts.
I know spy camera is not used for only kinky stuff, but don't tell me the world needs them.
Do you want people to look at your watch and think bad of you?
If not I think the best way is to not let the media talk about the secret filming.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Patosbuddy said:
Clearing up??
If you didn't called it secret recording, but instead called it something else normal people wouldn't think of you as a person that wanted to go around filming things normal people don't do.
Yes. Call me all fashion, but I don't want people to look at my galaxy gear and think of me as a pervert because someone has been busted using a secret video app on it. Then people start looking at gear as a toy for perverts.
I know spy camera is not used for only kinky stuff, but don't tell me the world needs them.
Do you want people to look at your watch and think bad of you?
If not I think the best way is to not let the media talk about the secret filming.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you 110% even now I dont use the camera that much as I prefer my phone, for someone to ask for a video recorder where "the screen is off" is really asking for a camera that lets them film people without them knowing, anyone gets busted for doing this then we all get a bad name, I am all for development of our watch but im not into seeing "creepy software" being developed for this.
Camera sound off? yeah a good idea as I dont like drawing attention to my watch, Secret recording? no thanks just too creepy
NZ_Nitro said:
I agree with you 110% even now I dont use the camera that much as I prefer my phone, for someone to ask for a video recorder where "the screen is off" is really asking for a camera that lets them film people without them knowing, anyone gets busted for doing this then we all get a bad name, I am all for development of our watch but im not into seeing "creepy software" being developed for this.
Camera sound off? yeah a good idea as I dont like drawing attention to my watch, Secret recording? no thanks just too creepy
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Click to collapse
i'm sure google glass must be the ultimate pervert tool according to that way of thinking
turning off the sound is "as bad" as turning off the screen.
LOL.
Yes. The next ting is a pervert busted filming with secret cam by another with secret cam.
In my country it's not allowed to use "baby cam" filming your own child sleeping.
I guess that will change soon.
For people that have seen the series "person of interest" that may one day be possible .
Where ever you go you are being watched.
I don't even like the "dash cam's" in the cars but that's maybe because of the way I drive. .
Overall it's not good that in the future we are so controlled that every step we take are being watched by gps and camera.
But I understand it's to late to stop it.
As you know in new cars your face are being filmed while you drive and the car are filming where you drive and how fast.
The cars can be stopped remotely and so on.
In my country they want to use that to monitor people's driving an give them automatically tickets.
The speed wil automatically be limited for not much over the speed limit.
And of course stop the cars that are used in a crime.
From 2014 every little company has to monitor every step the the employee are doing all of the working day so that the government can establish if the workers are not working for black money and not paying tax.
It's starting to get crazy.
We called it big brother and science fiction a few years ago.
But in the end crime will probably be harder to do with out getting stopped before it happens.
But again. In my opinion normal people don't go around filming in secret, I understand people that say you are being filmed anyway by other devices.
Maybe in the future the popular thing is go to a non cam allowed restaurant or beach
Before it was not allowed with cameras in public toilets, but now its ok as long as you have a sign.
I guess I'm to old to like it.
Younger generation are more used to it.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Personally I am loving the idea of the secret recorder and it should be called secret recorder. I think it would come in handy when being stopped or questioned by the police. I have heard and read about many situations were officers actually violate the rights of people they have sworn to protect. Another good use would be during a crime. The perpetrator could be recorded without even knowing he is being recorded. This would go a long way to catch a criminal. The possibilities are endless. I don't think that just because someone says they want secret recording we should automatically jump to the conclusion its for perverted reasons.
I use the camera to shoot quick videos I'd otherwise miss of my 2 year old daughter. The problem is she knows what the camera is, so if she sees it on the screen she stops what she's doing and keeps saying 'I want to see it' because she likes watching herself. So I'd love a secret recorder so I could shoot a video of her candidly without her standing there asking to see the video the whole time.
Not everything is for Japanese perverted salarymen, dudes.
fbueller said:
I use the camera to shoot quick videos I'd otherwise miss of my 2 year old daughter. The problem is she knows what the camera is, so if she sees it on the screen she stops what she's doing and keeps saying 'I want to see it' because she likes watching herself. So I'd love a secret recorder so I could shoot a video of her candidly without her standing there asking to see the video the whole time.
Not everything is for Japanese perverted salarymen, dudes.
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Click to collapse
watch your back, i'm sure one of the boston saints already called the police and marked you as a possible predator!
in theory, problem is solved. i found the secret video recording app that is working with the gear.
you can get it at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zeronoiseapps.secretvideorecorderpro
when the camera is recording, watch face stays lit - you have to manually switch it off (it continues to record both video and audio).
NZ_Nitro said:
I agree with you 110% even now I dont use the camera that much as I prefer my phone, for someone to ask for a video recorder where "the screen is off" is really asking for a camera that lets them film people without them knowing, anyone gets busted for doing this then we all get a bad name, I am all for development of our watch but im not into seeing "creepy software" being developed for this.
Camera sound off? yeah a good idea as I dont like drawing attention to my watch, Secret recording? no thanks just too creepy
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Click to collapse
Any tool can be used for good and bad. It's much better to risk the bad when you can do so much good with this.
Imagine recording the PIGS in the act of brutalizing innocent people on the streets. Recording a robberies, recording rape, etc.
But since this usage hasn't crossed your mind already, you're clearly one of the sheeps of society ready to turn a blind eye and bow your head to the powerful at every corner.
Loser
klau1 said:
Any tool can be used for good and bad. It's much better to risk the bad when you can do so much good with this.
Imagine recording the PIGS in the act of brutalizing innocent people on the streets. Recording a robberies, recording rape, etc.
But since this usage hasn't crossed your mind already, you're clearly one of the sheeps of society ready to turn a blind eye and bow your head to the powerful at every corner.
Loser
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Click to collapse
I take great offense in you calling the police "pigs" looser
NZ_Nitro said:
I take great offense in you calling the police "pigs" looser
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Click to collapse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn22toRQ7_U
I have a friend who wants to be a cop. (he only told me because I was his best friend) He's got anger management issues. He told me he enjoys every legal chance he can get to beat on people violently. The team who he works with in the force, also takes the same enjoyment whenever legal. He's let me in on so many stories of him and his team beating on people once it's deemed legal. That's the excuse people like him need to be legally protected while unleashing their personal anger issues.
Eventually because of his anger issues, we stopped associating.
Every type of job attracts certain types of people. Think about it.
klau1 said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn22toRQ7_U
I have a friend who wants to be a cop. (he only told me because I was his best friend) He's got anger management issues. He told me he enjoys every legal chance he can get to beat on people violently. The team who he works with in the force, also takes the same enjoyment whenever legal. He's let me in on so many stories of him and his team beating on people once it's deemed legal. That's the excuse people like him need to be legally protected while unleashing their personal anger issues.
Eventually because of his anger issues, we stopped associating.
Every type of job attracts certain types of people. Think about it.
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Click to collapse
I worked with several ex, off duty, and retired cops for about 20 years. There were a few nice guys but the majority fit your description exactly.

My thoughts on my new Urbane, and Android Wear in general

Some thoughts going into my second day of use with my new Urbane.
•Battery life is actually pretty good. I took it off charge at 7:30am and it's currently at 72%. The Android Wear app on my phone is telling me I have 12 hours of use left after playing with it a fair bit this morning. It should improve even more as the watch 'wears in'.
•Notifications come in pretty much instantly from my phone. It's frustrating in some regards though - you can't always see images sent to you from Facebook Messenger, sometimes you can. Also, once you dismiss a notification from your watch it's gone for good - you then have to check your phone to see what it was. Having said that, it does give you a very brief period after dismissing it to 'undo' the dismissal, but it's very brief. It would be better if it could archive say the last 5 notifications for you to go and look at after you've dismissed them.
•WiFi seems a bit buggy, for instance when connected to my home network and I turn off bluetooth on my phone or go out of it's range, WiFi does seem to take over but Google Now refuses to work. If I set up WiFi tethering on my phone (and disable bluetooth) it works perfectly so I guess it's just my router - though I don't know what I would need to change to make it work.
•Also (and this is a biggy), don't assume that because the Urbane has WiFi you can just simply log onto any network without your phone being around. This is not the case. Inexplicably, you need to log onto any WiFi network using the Android Wear app on your phone otherwise the Urbane will never use it. There is simply no way to log onto a WiFi network using just the Urbane. Once you've logged on using the phone, the Urbane will then remember the log on information from that point on. This to me defeats the purpose of having WiFi enabled on the watch, you should be able to log on anywhere without the phone..
•The Urbane has difficulty in recognising my 'OK Google' command. Commands issued after that are no problem however. The Urbane gives you the option at set up to choose between US or UK English, but for me that ,made no difference in whether the watch recognised my initial command or not (and you have to factory reset the device to change language...). I did however after some searching online see that after the Urbane is set up properly, it will look at your phones native language and base the information it gives, as well as spelling and metrics on that language. This doesn't help in recognising my initial command, and either my Aussie accent is just too 'Aussie' or the 'OK Google' command recognition is a bit buggy. Perhaps a bit of both lol.
•As someone who takes their watch off as soon as I get home, it's functionality is useless to me after that - unless I go out somewhere and put it back on. I guess at home you'd usually fall back to using your smart phone/tablet anyway. It does feel odd though to discard a $400 smart device like that..
•Heart rate monitoring is good, as is the other fitness tracking the watch does. However, there is two monitoring apps on the device that measure heart rate, Google Fit and and LG Pulse. When you first ask the watch "What's my heart rate", it will give you the choice of choosing which app to use. The problem is, whatever app you choose becomes the default app after that and there is no way to change that as far as I can see.
•Playing with the different watch faces is fun. LG ships the Urbane with 18 different faces to chose from, in various styles. And of course there is a rapidly growing number of user created choices out there as well. Some faces can be a bit buggy but for the most part they are gorgeous or garish, and anywhere in between. It's fantastic to have so many choices.
The biggest issue for me is still the perceived value of owning a smart watch such as this. After playing with it for a day, my thoughts have not changed in this regard.
It's still firmly in the luxury/novelty category at the moment, and I certainly do not need to have it. Is the Urbane worth the price I paid? From a purely technical stand point, probably. The Gorilla glassed OLED display is beautiful, the stainless steel body and overall craftsmanship looks and feels like something the Japanese would make, and the technical mastery of it all as a package feels like a bit of a leap forward, particularly considering where smart watches were a year ago.
But the software is not of the same level, and has a long way to go to really match where the hardware already is. It sort of like having Windows XP running on a 2015 5K iMac - there is a mismatch between software and hardware.
The upside is that Google can, and I'm sure will, improve the software as time goes on. The launch of the Apple Watch ensures that Google will treat Android Wear very, very seriously indeed. And that can only be good for the Urbane.
From a personal standpoint, the Urbane in it's current state is not worth what I paid for it. I would argue even the GWR is still about $100 too high. Do I have buyers remorse? To a degree I guess, but I can see the potential of this device, it can be so much more. The hardware is begging for a heart and soul, and a reason to exist.
I will keep it, and see where it takes me. Being an early adopter and gadget freak in general means that you have to take risks when jumping into and investing in a new product (hello OUYA, yes I got that too at launch lol), that's part of the thrill. Gadgets are a hobby, and a hobby is not worth having if you can't indulge in it every now and then. And obviously I am not alone in investing in the Urbane and Android Wear in general, which makes me feel a bit better.
Anyway, I hope I've given people reading this a bit more clarity in forming your own opinion of the Urbane/GWR. My advice? I would just go for it if you're anything like me, but maybe start off with the GWR.
TLDR, Urbane is an impressive, if slightly flawed device that should get better with time.
Regarding Voice recognition of "OK Google", I'm also struggling with this. It is nowhere near as good as my LG G Watch (square) was, that worked well 90% of the time. The urbane seems to be closer to 30%, and is really annoying me. I'm an aussie too but I'm not necessarily convinced our accents are causing the issue as I swapped straight from my G Watch to the Urbane and noticed problems straight away.
Regarding the default app for heart rate (and others) - to change it go into android wear app on your phone, hit the settings icon, choose your watch (LG Watch Urbane) and there will be an option for "actions" . In the you can reassign default actions.
Dwayne
Thanks for that fix mate!
I find if you lift your arm and wait 1 second before saying "ok google" it works perfect 99.9% of the time.
WOW you're actually right!
An observation of the hardware in general is that these watches are simply too bulky and much more so than they need to be in most cases. Getting the lugs up against the case on this particular watch would have made a huge difference by itself not just in reducing the bulk but the band or bracelet then fits better because it has more "grasp" area allowing for a grippier (if you will) fit for a given level of tightness. In other words the watch can grip better while being looser making it more comfortable to wear. Another... the killer feature these watches need is the ability to mimic a real watch face better and one way to get there is a convincing 3D effect for the screen. It doesn't have to be perfect and of course it couldn't be a battery killer but these smart watches need it. Right now people have some pretty nice stuff out there and I'm in no way taking a shot at some of those efforts which are outstanding work but they cant be convincing without a better screen tech.
Having these two things would move these watches from "what can it do for me" territory into wearing them because of what they can do for you but also just because you flat want to because the damn thing looks nice. Right now its a tool that I toss on the dresser as soon as I'm done with it and the few I know real world with one and most of what I read on the internet implies this is typical. They want to sell these things in a bigger way they need to make them something people wear because they want to because the use case isn't all that great for most people and I don't think having worn one for a while that this will change much because the window between utilizing the watch and it being easier to pull the phone is fairly small.
Keep in mind these are my opinions, I'm curious what other users think about the direction smart watches should be or need to be taking.
krabman said:
An observation of the hardware in general is that these watches are simply too bulky and much more so than they need to be in most cases. Getting the lugs up against the case on this particular watch would have made a huge difference by itself not just in reducing the bulk but the band or bracelet then fits better because it has more "grasp" area allowing for a grippier (if you will) fit for a given level of tightness. In other words the watch can grip better while being looser making it more comfortable to wear. Another... the killer feature these watches need is the ability to mimic a real watch face better and one way to get there is a convincing 3D effect for the screen. It doesn't have to be perfect and of course it couldn't be a battery killer but these smart watches need it. Right now people have some pretty nice stuff out there and I'm in no way taking a shot at some of those efforts which are outstanding work but they cant be convincing without a better screen tech.
Having these two things would move these watches from "what can it do for me" territory into wearing them because of what they can do for you but also just because you flat want to because the damn thing looks nice. Right now its a tool that I toss on the dresser as soon as I'm done with it and the few I know real world with one and most of what I read on the internet implies this is typical. They want to sell these things in a bigger way they need to make them something people wear because they want to because the use case isn't all that great for most people and I don't think having worn one for a while that this will change much because the window between utilizing the watch and it being easier to pull the phone is fairly small.
Keep in mind these are my opinions, I'm curious what other users think about the direction smart watches should be or need to be taking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally disagree. Have you seen panerai? Hublot? Breitling???? They are all big. Its whats in style, and has been for years.
interfreak said:
Thanks for that fix mate!
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Click to collapse
Nice to read your thoughts on it I agree with 99% of it the only thing I would like to see is with Google now be nice to take a breath as you text lol
suzook said:
I totally disagree. Have you seen panerai? Hublot? Breitling???? They are all big. Its whats in style, and has been for years.
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Click to collapse
lol Yes, I'm a watch person and own a number of them, surf the forums, etc. I'm guessing I've explained poorly. Its not the size itself so much as the needless bulk. I have several watches that have a face the same size but are quite a bit less bulky. This watch is a prime example with its needlessly large lugs and large bezel around the screen. It has confused no one as to what it is and I would never put it on in place of my real watches which I wear because I like them.
As to watch size in general a lot of people have never made friends with the large watch style, I'm among them. For me 40 to 42 mm is about right and I know a whole bunch of people with the same opinion. That is of course an opinion and I'm old enough to know that they vary and I do of agree that this style is popular right now but the trend is already reversing somewhat. Not surprising really, most people look like crap with a 48 mm saucer on their wrist because they simply are not possessed of the wrist size to put the watch into proportion.and my guess is the truly huge watches are going to continue going away bit by bit leaving the more reasonable 44ish mm sizing as the typical large watch with the larger stuff being outliers. At any rate it isn't just me, most of the reviews talk about the size issue with smart watches in general and particularly with this one where the added bulk particularly at the lugs hasn't been well received.
I take it you feel the size is fine then? You don't think that they might move more of these if they could move to a better and more convincing screen tech?
krabman said:
I take it you feel the size is fine then? You don't think that they might move more of these if they could move to a better and more convincing screen tech?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i do love the size. I actually love the screen, Im not sure what you mean? I get compliments constantly. Alot of people ask what kind of watch is that??
Got mine today. Can't work out how to get lg health app to show heart rate data from the urbane. It's meant to appear automatically.
i hate you can't control how long the screen stay on..sometimes I need to time things with second hand...just so frustrating!!
gooner4life said:
i hate you can't control how long the screen stay on..sometimes I need to time things with second hand...just so frustrating!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some watch faces that do allow you to change this setting (timeout) usually in the android wear app on the paired device. There is also a stopwatch app built in.
This app (StayLit Wear) on google playworks for me
nOISEVAULT said:
There are some watch faces that do allow you to change this setting (timeout) usually in the android wear app on the paired device. There is also a stopwatch app built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^
And /or this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phonephreak.extendedlight
My first impressions so far
part 1 - http://gavinsgadgets.com/2015/06/09/lg-watch-urbane-beauty-and-disaster-first-impressions/
part 2 - http://gavinsgadgets.com/2015/06/10/lg-watch-urbane-part-2/
gavinfabl said:
My first impressions so far
part 1 - http://gavinsgadgets.com/2015/06/09/lg-watch-urbane-beauty-and-disaster-first-impressions/
part 2 - http://gavinsgadgets.com/2015/06/10/lg-watch-urbane-part-2/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using FaceRepo with Watchmaker? Browse the website with your connected phone, and download the faces directly to the app. It's easy to customize the faces from there...
http://facerepo.com/
slaydog said:
Are you using FaceRepo with Watchmaker? Browse the website with your connected phone, and download the faces directly to the app. It's easy to customize the faces from there...
http://facerepo.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am now, thanks.
I say "ok google" -> it works (but slowly)-> I ask smth or say "set a reminder" and %50 chance it works for a while (slooowly) and says "offline" -> I get crazy. But if I use google now on the phone everything is smooth as butter. Am I doing something wrong? / Is the watch faulty? / Is the bt connection too slow for spoken commands? / Or what?
TheSanitarium said:
I say "ok google" -> it works (but slowly)-> I ask smth or say "set a reminder" and %50 chance it works for a while (slooowly) and says "offline" -> I get crazy. But if I use google now on the phone everything is smooth as butter. Am I doing something wrong? / Is the watch faulty? / Is the bt connection too slow for spoken commands? / Or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speed can vary. I find just say OK Google and wait for the speak now part. Say what you want in one go, no pauses and it works 8/10.
I photographed all my watch faces on the watch to give everyone a better idea of what they look like, and created a gallery.
Google Photos then made a GIF of them lol
http://gavinsgadgets.com/2015/06/15/lg-watch-urbane-my-watch-faces-shown-photographed-gallery/
@interfreak and others - thanks for your input, it has been very helpful! (I'm in for one, will be delivered tomorrow)

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