[UPDATE 20141115] I tried GPS again from my last update, and I'm happy to report that it works for the S-Health app at least, and I can see my route etc even when the phone is not bluetooth connected. I don't know why it doesn't work for Here though. ROM is BNJC, Malaysia.
[UPDATE 20141108] So it looks like my unit, and some of those from Malaysia have a problem. Time for service center visit. I'll try to update on this.
Thanks to all who the new owners who have posted.
Hi all,
As I reported in my 2 reviews, I found that the GPS does not work when it is not connected via bluetooth to the phone. I asked members from my home forum to test it out, and 2 reported the same thing.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3392810&view=findpost&p=71238465
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3392810&view=findpost&p=71239757
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3392810&view=findpost&p=71241325
I have a 3G SIM in my phone, and it shows Connected Remotely on both the Gear S and my Note 4. GPS DOES NOT WORK.
I checked the manual, downloaded from here:
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/wearables/gear/SM-R7500ZKABTU
or direct link:
http://org.downloadcenter.samsung.c...93/SM-R750_UM_EU_Tizen_Eng_Rev.1.0_140926.pdf
Below lists all the pages I found which describe usage of the GPS. None of them state that the Gear S cannot perform a lock when it is not connected via bluetooth to your phone.
Can any XDA members test this out to confirm ?
If so, this is a serious omission on the part of Samsung on the fitness for purpose of this device, and they are marketing this without stating the facts or limitations.
Your comments are welcome.
On page 55, it says
The Gear’s GPS feature is used to check information, such as altitude and speed,
when you are cycling or hiking. When the Gear and the mobile device are
connected, the Gear uses the mobile device’s GPS feature. To use the mobile
device’s GPS feature on the Gear, the devices must be connected via Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It DOES NOT SAY that you MUST be paired to use the Gear S' GPS.
Page 64 & 65 describes the Navigator or HERE app. It makes no mention of the GPS.
Page 68 describes the Weather app
When the Gear is not connected to the mobile device via Bluetooth, the Gear updates
the weather information using the Gear’s GPS feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Page 75 describes the Location checkbox in Settings
Set the Gear to allow apps to use your current location information.
On the Settings screen, tap Connections and tick Location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that it works WITHOUT a paired phone. I paired it last week with a Galaxy Alpha in a store (because it doesn't work with my Tab S so far ) and then I went a few miles and opened "Here for gear" - after a few seconds (you have to be outside) I had a GPS fix. It also worked today when I tested it with Nike+, which requires a GPS signal.
Cyman said:
I can confirm that it works WITHOUT a paired phone. I paired it last week with a Galaxy Alpha in a store (because it doesn't work with my Tab S so far ) and then I went a few miles and opened "Here for gear" - after a few seconds (you have to be outside) I had a GPS fix. It also worked today when I tested it with Nike+, which requires a GPS signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very strange. Maybe we need more people around the world to test.
I am in Malaysia.
I have a pre-order in the UK that should dispatch on Friday - Once I have it I will try it out. Anyone have one in the UK yet?
Cyman said:
It also worked today when I tested it with Nike+, which requires a GPS signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyman, would you please test the battery life using the Gear S with GPS/Nike+ while listening to music via Bluetooth while not connected to a phone (i.e. as a standalone device)?
Thanks!
Battery test
craigkahn said:
Cyman, would you please test the battery life using the Gear S with GPS/Nike+ while listening to music via Bluetooth while not connected to a phone (i.e. as a standalone device)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As expected, the battery runs down fast. I went on running with around 50% of battery - I went for about 40 minutes and listened to music via bluetooth. In the end I had around 10% left. So I assume, you can run approx 2 hours with battery fully loaded.
Cyman said:
As expected, the battery runs down fast. I went on running with around 50% of battery - I went for about 40 minutes and listened to music via bluetooth. In the end I had around 10% left. So I assume, you can run approx 2 hours with battery fully loaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for checking. It's unfortunate that Samsung decided to put such a small battery in the Gear S.
Cyman said:
As expected, the battery runs down fast. I went on running with around 50% of battery - I went for about 40 minutes and listened to music via bluetooth. In the end I had around 10% left. So I assume, you can run approx 2 hours with battery fully loaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on my initial usage, I made the same estimate for GPS use. Thanks for confirming.
I guess you were running without the paired phone?
craigkahn said:
Thanks for checking. It's unfortunate that Samsung decided to put such a small battery in the Gear S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last part of the manual surprisingly shows disassembly instructions. Based on the diagram, Samsung has put in the largest possible battery based on current technology. Any larger and the Gear S would be actually ugly.
UPDATE:
Another report that the GPS is not working when NOT paired via bluetooth to the phone
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3392810&view=findpost&p=71275502
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3392810&view=findpost&p=71278255
Is this some kind of regional allocation issue???
Yes I went running without a phone, connected to 3G. @joytest: Maybe you're on an old firmware. I've seen on sammobile, that there is a new one out for Malaysia...
I am on the latest BNJC firmware as of 3 days ago when I had to factory reset the Gear S when tethering to my Note 4.
Only thing to try is maybe uncheck the Location check box in Settings > Connections. I have always left it checked.
I want it to use the built-in GPS in the watch even if it IS connected via bluetooth to my phone. Because when I am in London, I find if the phone is in my pocket, the GPS reception is no good for navigation. Therefore if the GPS is in the watch I can still get guidance directions when my phone is in the pocket. So they should give you the option of which GPS is used!
Maybe because the Gear S has A-GPS and not GPS. From these links:
http://samsungmobileuspress.com/201...ables-Market,-Brings-Gear-S-to-U.S.-Next-Week
The Gear S is equipped with several sensors, including an accelerometer, UV sensor, barometer, heart rate monitor, GPS and an IP67 rating for dust- and water-resistance
Connectivity: A-GPS/Glonass
http://www.samsung.com/uk/news/loca...ear-s-enhancing-the-smart-wearable-experience
Connectivity: WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, A-GPS/Glonass
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, if I know A-GPS like I think I do, it means that you need network connectivity. So I assume the people that have GPS working standalone is because they have a SIM card with a Data connection. The people that have their Gear S standalone where GPS doesn't work because you don't have a SIM with a Data connection.
I think Samsung pulled the wool over our eyes, but to me A-GPS is not the same as GPS. Technically any phone that takes a SIM card and has Data can have A-GPS without any special hardware. They are getting location triangulation from cell towers. This also means that it is not as accurate as true GPS. I think many will be disappointed about this news. Going to hide now.
segura.org said:
I think Samsung pulled the wool over our eyes, but to me A-GPS is not the same as GPS. Technically any phone that takes a SIM card and has Data can have A-GPS without any special hardware. They are getting location triangulation from cell towers. This also means that it is not as accurate as true GPS. I think many will be disappointed about this news. Going to hide now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A-GPS definitely isn't the same as GPS, but Glonass is, so it should work without a phone.
Toss3 said:
A-GPS definitely isn't the same as GPS, but Glonass is, so it should work without a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should be quite accurate.
A-GPS + Glonass should make the accuracy much better - As long as we keep Putin happy and he doesn't turn off his satellites
segura.org said:
Maybe because the Gear S has A-GPS and not GPS. From these links:
http://samsungmobileuspress.com/201...ables-Market,-Brings-Gear-S-to-U.S.-Next-Week
The Gear S is equipped with several sensors, including an accelerometer, UV sensor, barometer, heart rate monitor, GPS and an IP67 rating for dust- and water-resistance
Connectivity: A-GPS/Glonass
http://www.samsung.com/uk/news/loca...ear-s-enhancing-the-smart-wearable-experience
Connectivity: WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, A-GPS/Glonass
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, if I know A-GPS like I think I do, it means that you need network connectivity. So I assume the people that have GPS working standalone is because they have a SIM card with a Data connection. The people that have their Gear S standalone where GPS doesn't work because you don't have a SIM with a Data connection.
I think Samsung pulled the wool over our eyes, but to me A-GPS is not the same as GPS. Technically any phone that takes a SIM card and has Data can have A-GPS without any special hardware. They are getting location triangulation from cell towers. This also means that it is not as accurate as true GPS. I think many will be disappointed about this news. Going to hide now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have full GPS according to
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/wearables/gear/SM-R7500ZWABTU
Scroll down to the specs and it just says "GPS/Glonass" not A-GPS
You are right that A-GPS is using positional information based on cell towers rather than satellites. It is often used to help GPS get a quicker lock as it helps the device get a rough idea of where it is, which then allows it go online, look-up which satellites should be orbiting and their coordinates. This means a lock can be reduced from 60 seconds down to 5.
I don't expect Samsung has done a naughty thing here, because the chip used for the radio these days incorporates all these things into a single module (i.e. Mobile radio, Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS etc)
Anyone else able to test the gps?
I got a report from my home forum that his gps works without a phone. This sounds like a problem.
I have tested with Location unchecked, it won't work. The app will ask to turn it on anyway.
I have a data SIM and it is also remotely connected via 3G to my Note4, therefore A-GPS should work in my case.
It seems like there is a batch with faulty GPS.
Once more people in XDA confirm I will bring it to the service center.
joytest said:
Anyone else able to test the gps?
I got a report from my home forum that his gps works without a phone. This sounds like a problem.
I have tested with Location unchecked, it won't work. The app will ask to turn it on anyway.
I have a data SIM and it is also remotely connected via 3G to my Note4, therefore A-GPS should work in my case.
It seems like there is a batch with faulty GPS.
Once more people in XDA confirm I will bring it to the service center.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have the watch today if the courier does their job and I will report back on this.
jonstatt said:
I should have the watch today if the courier does their job and I will report back on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the watch and tried it. There is definitely real GPS built-in. I was able to use the Weather application while the phone was switched off, and it got a lock on where I was and gave me weather for my town. I also tried the "Here" map application with no phone connected and it came up with my street on the display. I also found you can download the maps offline and use the watch as a navigator without the phone at all, exactly as I would like to see. The one thing I haven't validated yet, but I am fairly sure will be the case, is that if the phone is connected, you don't get a choice whether it uses the phone GPS or the watch one.....we will see
jonstatt said:
I got the watch and tried it. There is definitely real GPS built-in. I was able to use the Weather application while the phone was switched off, and it got a lock on where I was and gave me weather for my town. I also tried the "Here" map application with no phone connected and it came up with my street on the display. I also found you can download the maps offline and use the watch as a navigator without the phone at all, exactly as I would like to see. The one thing I haven't validated yet, but I am fairly sure will be the case, is that if the phone is connected, you don't get a choice whether it uses the phone GPS or the watch one.....we will see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Co-sign this. Did almost the same things. I got a lock with location as well.
Sent from my SM-T807P
Hi! =)
I wonder if there is a way to use the Gear S as a wifi hotspot? I got a SIM card with monthly unlimited data traffic.
Thought it would be nice if one could mount it inside a Gear S, and share internet connection with all other devices around, just as if it was a wifi hotspot/wireless router.
So far, I have figured out a way to share the Wi-Fi. Samsung recently released an update that added the ability to modify the APNs. Which I was surprised happened...due to the rumors that the providers are working on taking over the watch/phone remote features. This is why the prices vary.... ATT wants ONLY ATT phones to work with ATT connected watches.
Right now, that's not the case. The remote notifications are handled by Samsung's servers.
Once we get root, a lot will change.
opiujn said:
Hi! =)
I wonder if there is a way to use the Gear S as a wifi hotspot? I got a SIM card with monthly unlimited data traffic.
Thought it would be nice if one could mount it inside a Gear S, and share internet connection with all other devices around, just as if it was a wifi hotspot/wireless router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no app or built in features like that. Even it could, the tiny battery inside can't sustain more than 10-minutes.
I'm on a family shared plan. All my phones can be used as wifi hotspot so I know how it works (or not working in case of the watch).
It's not possible/practical due to current state of tech - as mentioned already the battery life wouldn't work out. I'm looking forward to a time where my sole voice and data plan could be just on the watch and I could tether that to any devices as OP is describing.
Imagine your watch is always with you so the crucial communications is always there, but when you need a more comfortable form factor to consume and create you would take the small handset/tablet/laptop with you and the watch shares it's data with those devices. For voice you could use the headset or speakerphone from the watch the way it works now.
Samsung is on the right track for this, but due to the way they've mis-handled their entire Tizen watch platform, I don't have any confidence in them succeeding. I say this as one who owns and loves his Gear 2 Neo and laments that it's potential is held back by poor support and business decisions.
rEVOLVE said:
It's not possible/practical due to current state of tech - as mentioned already the battery life wouldn't work out. I'm looking forward to a time where my sole voice and data plan could be just on the watch and I could tether that to any devices as OP is describing.
Imagine your watch is always with you so the crucial communications is always there, but when you need a more comfortable form factor to consume and create you would take the small handset/tablet/laptop with you and the watch shares it's data with those devices. For voice you could use the headset or speakerphone from the watch the way it works now.
Samsung is on the right track for this, but due to the way they've mis-handled their entire Tizen watch platform, I don't have any confidence in them succeeding. I say this as one who owns and loves his Gear 2 Neo and laments that it's potential is held back by poor support and business decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
opiujn said:
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember seeing a KS campaign for wearable battery packs. One of them was a wristband.
So, the idea exists...just a matter of time before they're going to make it to the mainstream market.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Hopefully Samsung will get together with Seiko at some point & throw some kinetic tech in these watches.. Combine that with something like powerfelt to take advantage of body heat, maybe some photovoltaic paint & we'll have decent battery life. Of course the watch will be pretty ridiculous looking, but I'll prob buy one anyway. Really we just need Elon Musk to start making cell phone batteries & we'll be all good.
opiujn said:
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sgnl Smartband is self powered with flexible batteries in the band and ability to make calls using your finger touched to your temple by your ear. Works on bone conduction using a Transducer instead of a speaker. You can use it as sort of a smartwatch with a standard watch. But the problem is that Sgnl being a sort of Skunkworks Project in Samsung's R&D Business Incubator and it seems they are so screwed up as a Kickstarter Project that they failed to launch multiple times and we're still waiting for devices to be shipped.
They are indeed using Samsung's newest flexible battery technology. Only because wiring issues it's in a hard stiff case. I tried a prototype on at a tech show and tested it as working. Now we just have to wait for them to ship. I'm not sure if they are including a wireless charger interface with the strap that could actually charge your Gear Smartwatch or not. But this is what I imagine a wrist battery would be like. No links allowed for me.... sorry!
So if they get active charging feature going and it's been requested as a feature in future models...... then you can keep it charging off the wristband batteries. They offer phone wireless charging interfaces on ebay. I would think they could be modified for use behind the back of the Gear Smartwatch with plug in to Sgnl Smartband. Running charging all the time would make capable of being a Wifi hotspot! ........but I wouldn't expect an App until Gear S3 gets rooted!
Hi all,
Is there a way to connect the Gear S via BT to multiple phones?
Mine is already connected to a Galaxy S4 mini (as well as remotely connected many times), but i would love it if i could also connect via BT to my iPhone 6.
I know the functionality (when connected to the iPhone) will be severely handicapped (just phone calls) but still i would like to have that.
Thank you very much in advance.
UPDATE: I have found this thread bellow:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s/general/activate-gear-s-samsung-phone-t2932869/
Member @sticmou has come up with a possible solution but is is not quite what i was seeking for.
Ideally the watch should be able to connect to both my S4 mini and my iPhone 6.
Lol Samsung and apple don't play nice, they fight on the playground....I'll hand it to you ,you are very brave to even suggest this haha. Goodluck though I don't think it's possible
TechnRom said:
Lol Samsung and apple don't play nice, they fight on the playground....I'll hand it to you ,you are very brave to even suggest this haha. Goodluck though I don't think it's possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
I have had progress. Unfortunately i am very busy right now, but i will get back soon with details. Maybe i will even make a video on my channel.
You may be surprised...
I am more interested in the opposite: making 2 Gear watches (Gear 1 and Gear S) work with one phone simultaneously - if it can be an iPhone, even better.
I currently have a Sony Smartwatch 3 and have had it for almost a year. I've had my eye on the Gear S for some time and feel like pulling the trigger. I have a few questions if someone has some time.
1. How do you feel like the watch we will be supported going forward? I dont want to buy something the devolper has moved on from.
2. How is the GPS on the watch? The SM3 does ok. I typically have my phone within range but there arw times when I'm away.
3. Is S Health an inferior product on this watch compaired to the S2? If my phone is on my desk but i am walking around, does it track my steps from the watch? I'm using Fit currently.
4. I do not plan on using a seperate cellular plan for this watch. Because of this i assume i can purcahse from any carrier or even with a bad esn. Are the different carrier version different at all? Likewise, can i use my watch to answer and talk through the watch while connected to my phone or will that feature only work for those watches with a separate plan?
5. I've seen some metal bands here and there. Are they homemade ones or have the metal bands evolved enough over time. I have the rubber clasp band on my SM3 and I'm always catching it on something.
Thank you.
I will try to answer to some of your questions.
1. sadly Samsung is known to stop supporting devices relatively soon, and also taking into account that the S2 has been released it's probably not long before they won't give any updates for the S
2. i didn't try the GPS from the watch (while it's connected to the phone it will use the phone's GPS, this can be useful or a nuisance, depending on what you want )
3. Don't know how SHealth works on S2, but on S while the watch is connected to the phone it will use the watch's measurement (you can change it if you want), so you can leave the phone wherever you want and SHealth will take the step count from the watch.
Btw, from what I've seen this feature works even if the phone-watch are out of the blue-tooth range, it will simply update the count when the blue-tooth is reconnected.
4. the main difference between the versions is what kind of cellular bands they support, and if i remember correctly there's an "WiFi only" version too. If you will only use the blue-tooth and WiFi connections then it doesn't matter which version you'll buy since those are the same on all the versions.
5. i didn't see any "real" metal bands for S, only some homemade ones, i don't think Samsung released any other type of bands than the one that the watch comes with.
As a note for 1., Biktor_GJ is working on porting the full android to the GearS. He also said that he will try to port the Android Wear, but it might not work since he had some trouble with the video drivers.
verszipo said:
I will try to answer to some of your questions.
1. sadly Samsung is known to stop supporting devices relatively soon, and also taking into account that the S2 has been released it's probably not long before they won't give any updates for the S
2. i didn't try the GPS from the watch (while it's connected to the phone it will use the phone's GPS, this can be useful or a nuisance, depending on what you want )
3. Don't know how SHealth works on S2, but on S while the watch is connected to the phone it will use the watch's measurement (you can change it if you want), so you can leave the phone wherever you want and SHealth will take the step count from the watch.
Btw, from what I've seen this feature works even if the phone-watch are out of the blue-tooth range, it will simply update the count when the blue-tooth is reconnected.
4. the main difference between the versions is what kind of cellular bands they support, and if i remember correctly there's an "WiFi only" version too. If you will only use the blue-tooth and WiFi connections then it doesn't matter which version you'll buy since those are the same on all the versions.
5. i didn't see any "real" metal bands for S, only some homemade ones, i don't think Samsung released any other type of bands than the one that the watch comes with.
As a note for 1., Biktor_GJ is working on porting the full android to the GearS. He also said that he will try to port the Android Wear, but it might not work since he had some trouble with the video drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your input. I'll be honest, I do enjoy AW and it seems as if Google Fit has finally got their act together. I guess I really need to put one on my wrists and go from there. If anyone else has any input feel free to add it.
Hello
Looking at purchasing my first ever Smart watch and the reviews of the Asus ZenWatch 2 seem pretty good.
Just have a few questions:
1) Does the watch need to be connected to my phone in order to work, or can you use Wifi on it?
2) If you connect via BlueTooth, will this also allow me to access the internet and make calls/texts using my voice?
3) How much would the BlueTooth train my phones battery?
Cheers
oxfordmark said:
Hello
Looking at purchasing my first ever Smart watch and the reviews of the Asus ZenWatch 2 seem pretty good.
Just have a few questions:
1) Does the watch need to be connected to my phone in order to work, or can you use Wifi on it?
2) If you connect via BlueTooth, will this also allow me to access the internet and make calls/texts using my voice?
3) How much would the BlueTooth train my phones battery?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine at Christmas, and for one of the cheapest watches available in happy with it so far
1. Technically you can use it just on WiFi, but I seem to have problems with most features when only on WiFi. Voice recognition in particular, might just be my slow Internet connection at home but not sure.
2.Bluetooth to your phone will allow all features so you can definitely call and text using your voice.
3. I haven't noticed an obvious difference in battery life!
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
I"ve ordered mine 2 months ago (the smaller version)
and I've noticed extra battery drain
haven't tried to use it on wifi alone