New Gear S owner - A couple questions

New Gear S owner - A couple questions - Samsung Gear S

Greetings, all. Despite all the hype around the Apple Watch and Android Wear, I decided to get a Gear S. It is being delivered today. I have an LG G Watch, but I'm not terribly fond of it and I think the Apple Watch is an overpriced toy.
The Gear S seemed a better fit for me. I'm a fan of big watches and it seems much more functional than Android Wear.
That said, I have a few reservations and I'm hoping the community can put my mind at ease. I don't have it in my hand yet, so I can't look at the app store, so forgive me:
With the screen always on, how long will the battery last?- This is how I use my smartwatches. If I can't glance at the screen to see the time without jerking my wrist around, it's no good to me. I also ride a Harley and can't really afford to be required to make a wrist gesture to see the time.
Is there any kind of Shazam or Soundhound app? I know this seems frivalous, but I saw they had Shazam for the apple watch and it occurred to me how cool that would be.
Which apps do you use the most? Any good ones I should look for immediately?
Do you think it has any kind of future? It seems like it has already been forgotten. The Tizen store is stagnant and Apple and Android Wear seem to be stealing all the spotlight. Am I buying a product that is already obsolete?
Thanks. Just trying to convince myself that I made the right choice. I can return it, of course, but it seems like the best option for me right now.

greyhulk said:
Greetings, all. Despite all the hype around the Apple Watch and Android Wear, I decided to get a Gear S. It is being delivered today. I have an LG G Watch, but I'm not terribly fond of it and I think the Apple Watch is an overpriced toy.
The Gear S seemed a better fit for me. I'm a fan of big watches and it seems much more functional than Android Wear.
That said, I have a few reservations and I'm hoping the community can put my mind at ease. I don't have it in my hand yet, so I can't look at the app store, so forgive me:
With the screen always on, how long will the battery last?- This is how I use my smartwatches. If I can't glance at the screen to see the time without jerking my wrist around, it's no good to me. I also ride a Harley and can't really afford to be required to make a wrist gesture to see the time.
Is there any kind of Shazam or Soundhound app? I know this seems frivalous, but I saw they had Shazam for the apple watch and it occurred to me how cool that would be.
Which apps do you use the most? Any good ones I should look for immediately?
Do you think it has any kind of future? It seems like it has already been forgotten. The Tizen store is stagnant and Apple and Android Wear seem to be stealing all the spotlight. Am I buying a product that is already obsolete?
Thanks. Just trying to convince myself that I made the right choice. I can return it, of course, but it seems like the best option for me right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree about Apple watch! But regardless of OEM, I prefer the features of the standalone form factor vs the companion. Having its OWN data connection is invaluable at times. The remote feature is amazing and works very well for a first crack at this feature.
1. The wrist/motion sensor works pretty well on the S. Seems to work 9 outa 10 times you turn to look at time. Having the full screen on will cut usage time in half.
2. I personally have not heard or seen an app like SoundHound for Tizen... yet
3. This is a question that varies widely. Having Opera is a must and I've read a lot about people using Milk, Nike and S-health. I like Bullet News and Engadget's apps as well. S-voice makes sending brief texts and emails a breeze. However, what we really could use is an email client app that doesn't require the phone's connection to send/rcv email.
4. The Tizen store IS growing at a very slow pace, I agree. Not sure what is going to happen in the standalone vs companion war in general. But I will say this...before I bought the S, I had the Omate TrueSmart which took my personal phone out of my already bulging pockets and put it on my wrist. This, in itself, was a great technological step. And even though the TS was riddled with problems, I loved it. Now, with the remote connection always on, my personal phone stays at home connected to the Wi-Fi which feeds the incoming notifs to my wrist.
In conclusion, my personal thoughts on the future of wearables is completely dependent on the consumer market and OEM innovation. I think most future watches will all have the option to be standalone. Battery life will continue to be a big hitch and input methods. In addition, Samsung needs to stop trying to create it's own ecosystem and work with what is already here and accepted, now.
Go get your Gear S... You'll love it!!!

Thanks man. I'll find out soon, if UPS ever gets here.
Sent from my SM-G920I using XDA Free mobile app

Just found a hopeful answer to #2; Gearam Music ID I just downloaded but wife asleep so cannot test yet. Says it does what Shazam does. Also..
There are some good ones out there that you can get:
Xenozu Player for Youtube, works well. click on pic to play, and text for info
GearTweet for Twitter, much improved lately
GearGram for Instagram and plays video as well as shows pics
Basic Video Player, load videos to your Gear through PC to play on app
Wearable Widgets, I can use it to control my lights at home that on on my WeMo switches, using WeMo widgets; I can see my outside surveillance cameras using the IP Cam Viewer Basic widget
IPCameraViewer, I can see my indoor home surveillance camera feed through Gear S app
OperaMini for web browsing
Milk music for streaming to my bluetooth headset at the gym, without having to carry my phone.
S Health, I have used very well to track and motivate myself to move and exercise more. I lost 85 lbs. last year and it gets some credit. Program finally much better than it was.
I too hope they push for more, but in the end it will be up the the other companies and developers and they will probably go to Apple due to shear volume of sales alone.
Good luck.
Cheers,

highlordkram said:
Just found a hopeful answer to #2; Gearam Music ID I just downloaded but wife asleep so cannot test yet. Says it does what Shazam does. Also..
There are some good ones out there that you can get:
Xenozu Player for Youtube, works well. click on pic to play, and text for info
GearTweet for Twitter, much improved lately
GearGram for Instagram and plays video as well as shows pics
Basic Video Player, load videos to your Gear through PC to play on app
Wearable Widgets, I can use it to control my lights at home that on on my WeMo switches, using WeMo widgets; I can see my outside surveillance cameras using the IP Cam Viewer Basic widget
IPCameraViewer, I can see my indoor home surveillance camera feed through Gear S app
OperaMini for web browsing
Milk music for streaming to my bluetooth headset at the gym, without having to carry my phone.
S Health, I have used very well to track and motivate myself to move and exercise more. I lost 85 lbs. last year and it gets some credit. Program finally much better than it was.
I too hope they push for more, but in the end it will be up the the other companies and developers and they will probably go to Apple due to shear volume of sales alone.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, thank you for that. I will check out Gearam. I wish IPCamviewer worked with dropcams, but I don't think it does.
I can't download Opera Mini, for some reason. It simply doesn't show up for me in the store. I am in the U.S. on AT&T, but I do have the International model of the GS6. Maybe that's why? Either way, it sucks. I was really looking forward to that one.
Edit: Dammit. Gearam doesn't show up for me, either. If it does have to do with my International model of the GS6, I wish there was a way to spoof my ID for the store.

Try Doreso Music Radar. That is a Shazam like app.

greyhulk said:
Ah, thank you for that. I will check out Gearam. I wish IPCamviewer worked with dropcams, but I don't think it does.
I can't download Opera Mini, for some reason. It simply doesn't show up for me in the store. I am in the U.S. on AT&T, but I do have the International model of the GS6. Maybe that's why? Either way, it sucks. I was really looking forward to that one.
Edit: Dammit. Gearam doesn't show up for me, either. If it does have to do with my International model of the GS6, I wish there was a way to spoof my ID for the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really Sorry to hear of issues, as I confirm now that GEARAM Music ID works very well. Just found 5 out of five that I played off my phone.

highlordkram said:
Really Sorry to hear of issues, as I confirm now that GEARAM Music ID works very well. Just found 5 out of five that I played off my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dammit. I wish I could figure out why apps aren't showing for me.
Sent from my SM-G920I using XDA Free mobile app

1. I don't see any point of using screen always on. It just eats up alot of battery and it's useless. Better choose wake up gesture.
2. Yes it is. The best is Gearam Music ID
3. Some cool apps i use:
XENOZU - you can watch youtube;
Instant Settings - Control your phone wifi , 3g etc.;
Calculator ; GearGram Instagram ; Opera - a must have and My notes
4. Samsung has done a very good job with smartwatches. They are the no 1 vendor. The tizen store it's stronger than Android Wear and Apple in my oppinion , the real problem is the official developers have no interest in developing apps. And individual developers ask for money. Believe me. You made the right choose. I've used the Moto 360, Gear 1,Gear 2,LG G Watch R. I tested the Apple Watch too, it's a bull****. Now i own a Gear S and i think it's the best on the market.

l3o4nn said:
1. I don't see any point of using screen always on. It just eats up alot of battery and it's useless. Better choose wake up gesture.
2. Yes it is. The best is Gearam Music ID
3. Some cool apps i use:
XENOZU - you can watch youtube;
Instant Settings - Control your phone wifi , 3g etc.;
Calculator ; GearGram Instagram ; Opera - a must have and My notes
4. Samsung has done a very good job with smartwatches. They are the no 1 vendor. The tizen store it's stronger than Android Wear and Apple in my oppinion , the real problem is the official developers have no interest in developing apps. And individual developers ask for money. Believe me. You made the right choose. I've used the Moto 360, Gear 1,Gear 2,LG G Watch R. I tested the Apple Watch too, it's a bull****. Now i own a Gear S and i think it's the best on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the point in NOT using always on mode. It is a watch, after all. Pretty useless if you can't see the time.

Wanted to give my feedback for your first and fourth question.
Since I had a Pebble before the Gear S, a screen that is always on is very useful. After all, the primary function of a watch is to give you time. Having the screen always on hasn't really impacted my battery life. On average, My Gear S loses about 3.1% - 3.5% battery life every hour with my screen always on. Since my screen is always on, I leave all motion gestures off. With the screen always on, I can easily get a full day of use. Throughout the day, I usually get 3-4 email notifications per hour, 2 text messages per hour, reminders from S-health to take a walk, approximately 2-4 calls, and random social media notifications. On days when I'm going out for a run, my batter life drops quick mainly because of S-health and the heart rate monitor. Even if I'm going for a run, getting a full day of use with the screen on is an easy task.
I'm sure that the Gear S has a future. There are other smart watch platforms such as Pebble, Android Wear, and Apple Watch, but these are just companion devices. To me, the other platforms are very good at telling you that you need to look at your phone. I like to think of other smart watches as handcuffing you to your phone. You really can't do much with the other smart watches without a phone. Tizen/Gear S really shines with stand alone features. The problem is with getting developers for Tizen. I think most developers don't consider developing for Tizen because the Android and Apple names are so well known. I'm sure if we ask the average person if they know what Tizen is, their response would be "What?"

Related

Microsoft - no more excuses of Beta apps

I am so displeased with MS. It seems they hide behind all the apps by saying they are beta. WP7.5 was frustrating enough with lack of skype for a year even after they bought it. Between skype and the miserable version of pdf they created one could only wonder how serious they actually are. It would be nice to have an android app so we could have apps that work. Seriously MS stop hiring sweat shop kids to develop your apps and invest in some proper programmers. I don't want a repeat of WP7.5

Yeah, the past couple of days I have seriously considered going back to Android. WP8 is missing some pretty key features that I could ignore if there were apps to fill the holes, there are none... No wifi sync? Unable to "delete" music from Xbox music, even though it's no longer on my device(I used to have Music Pass and the music I downloaded still shows up)? Media volume and Ringtone volume are shared? that seems like a no brainer. The camera, while the overall picture quality is good, I find the colors to be very inaccurate(not WP8, but still a gripe). A lot of my "live tile" apps do not update anymore, maybe the app devs fault? The desktop sync program is almost useless, why can't Zune be used?
So, I am probably gonna try and trade my 920 for an Android... I miss my Nexus

Vangink said:
I am so displeased with MS. It seems they hide behind all the apps by saying they are beta.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must despise google.

schettj said:
You must despise google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or Apple with their Maps app.
Verstuurd van mijn Nexus 7 met Tapatalk

Honestly, I have bought my wife a chinese phone called Oppo. It was slick phone and light, 6mm thick running Android 4.3. I didn't mind android but I perferred the enviroment of 7.5, much cleaner and simpilar. I did not start this poste to talk about Android or Iphone though, I bought a 920 hoping that WP8 was an improvement. But some key apps i use on regular basis created by MS are junk. The point is, if the apps are so much better on other platforms why can't MS do it on theirs especally Skype, come on! I just hope this post opens eyes of MS to begin to deliver a better experience now not in 1 year. On good note, I do give them the respect of Bing Translater the camera feature comes in handy, and people are amazed when i show them.

phxtravis said:
Yeah, the past couple of days I have seriously considered going back to Android. WP8 is missing some pretty key features that I could ignore if there were apps to fill the holes, there are none... No wifi sync? Unable to "delete" music from Xbox music, even though it's no longer on my device(I used to have Music Pass and the music I downloaded still shows up)? Media volume and Ringtone volume are shared? that seems like a no brainer. The camera, while the overall picture quality is good, I find the colors to be very inaccurate(not WP8, but still a gripe). A lot of my "live tile" apps do not update anymore, maybe the app devs fault? The desktop sync program is almost useless, why can't Zune be used?
So, I am probably gonna try and trade my 920 for an Android... I miss my Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete music from xbox by pressing on the track long enough then remove it.
It works. It seriously does.

Vangink said:
I just hope this post opens eyes of MS to begin to deliver a better experience now not in 1 year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Microsoft monitors this forum
And I am quite sure people are working very hard to deliver a better experience as fast as they possibly can. You can help too, download the SDK and start coding.

Vangink said:
Honestly, I have bought my wife a chinese phone called Oppo. It was slick phone and light, 6mm thick running Android 4.3. I didn't mind android but I perferred the enviroment of 7.5, much cleaner and simpilar. I did not start this poste to talk about Android or Iphone though, I bought a 920 hoping that WP8 was an improvement. But some key apps i use on regular basis created by MS are junk. The point is, if the apps are so much better on other platforms why can't MS do it on theirs especally Skype, come on! I just hope this post opens eyes of MS to begin to deliver a better experience now not in 1 year. On good note, I do give them the respect of Bing Translater the camera feature comes in handy, and people are amazed when i show them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet they're even more amazed at 4.3!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

ScooterG said:
I bet they're even more amazed at 4.3!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, 4.0 really not a big android guy. I had phone for a week before passing it over to my wife. At least her skype works in background.
To schettj's reply, I am hopping that your optimism is true. I would be closer to doing laundry at my hotel then developing a version of PDF that works. That's what I shelled out 600 bucks for.

Thinking of switching

So as of late, I have been seriously considering switching to a 920 after using android for awhile, and I was wondering how some of you guys feel about the 920, specifically if you have come from Android. Main thing really holding me back is the new hardware put out like the Xperia Z, HTC One, or the S4. Your thoughts?

I had been using android non stop since like 2010 and honestly i got a bit bored of it (and a was quite a flashaholic). WP8 is amazingly fluid and i absolutely love the build quality of the 920. The only real downside is lack of apps. I currently switch between my 920 and my Nexus 4 because i can't decide which to sell.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Coming from a EVO 4g - I don't miss Android, but I did miss Google Maps at first. I have gotten used to Nokia Maps and Drive though and now like them quite a bit. Overall I like Windows Phone better. I have all the apps I need, so the smaller number of apps doesn't bother me. I think the quality of apps is much better on windows. I have not seen a better phone than the 920. The screen is by far the best I have ever used. The camera and video is amazing. I have not seen all the phones you mentioned though.

I bought a Galaxy S2 outright about a year and a half ago. Came from Apple and android was just the best thing that happened to me. So sick of Apple's ball and chain. Anyway, my contract with Telstra recently allowed me to get a new phone. I was going to go with the Galaxy Note II, but saw some things about the 920 that caught my eye. I liked the idea behind wp7 but thought the home screen didnt fit quite enough information on it. When I saw what WP8 looked like plus the features of the 920, I thought I should give it a go. Definitely the best decision I could have made. I dont know what it was about android but there was something that was just starting to bug me and was becoming stale. WP8 and Lumia 920 are just beautiful to use. Camera is ok (not groundbreaking, or maybe Im biased as I own a 'Real' camera) But taking videos with the stabilization is great. plus the video quality in general is quite good. Microphones are a notch above the rest too. Screen is brilliant, build is great (although I am construction worker so I have it locked away in an otterbox regardless). Sure there's not the app choice, but they are certainly coming, and all the apps that the average person -needs- are there. As a Smart Phone, it is in my opinion the best.

I went from Android to WP7.... because i was not satisfied with the stability of the OS... There were really a lot apps Missing back then.... But i really like how fluid an reliable WP was... The phone functions are most important to me...
Recently i bought a new Android Phone just to see how much has changed since than and if I'm missing out something with my Lumia 920...
Im using both now.. but I will stay with Windows Phone.. I get to used to it..
I just works.. no need for custom ROMS and tweaking around... There are
some apps missing but most of the popular one are available or there are solid alternatives...
Check if the app that you really like and use are on Windows Phone..
I don't mean games... the most are boring after 4-5 days anyway..
If not .. and you really need them stay with android.. else give WP8 a try... you won't regret it... The Lumia 920 is really the best phone i ever had!

One more thing i love about the 920 is the choice of colors you get. Most android phones only have one or two color choices (but most all are still dull)
With the 920, you get to choose between eye popping red or yellow, a glossy elegant white, and the sophisticated matte cyan and black. I had the white but got switched to the red and I love it
Sent from my Nexus 4

The short answer is come on over! The long answer:
The hardware is impressive, especially the Lumia 920 right now. If you are not completely on the google bandwagon then jump in, the waters fine.
As for pc connectivity, it can't be beat. Windows 8 has a tile dedicated to it, music and photos "just sync". iJoke about iTunes because it's laughable by comparison, and import your library for free. Then there's Nokia Music, Microsoft Xbox music, Spotify, and get free Pandora Premium for 2013 http://bit.ly/17Oac2m
Use your phone as a touch mouse for your netbook/Surface with "mouse without borders". Navigate your XBOX with smartglass, play games on xbox/8pc/phone/tablet that is purchased once on the Store.
Twitter, facebook, are fully integrated into the People app, share a photo with three clicks from taking the picture to all of your networks (again, except Google). Linked in is almost fully integrated, you have to download the app but it plugs itself in.
Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, Aol, messenger, fully integrated into the platform, get all of your email in one place, see all the details from all your contacts in one place. Calendars too (except Google! Microsoft will update that by July to connect after Google cut them off (see them as a threat methinks)) Skype works flawlessly and also integrates once you download the app.
GoogleTalk = IM+Pro (again, Google v. Microsoft) use a 3rd party app if you really want to.
Maps are solid, provide great navigation information, 8 out of 10 on the redirect if you go off course and no live traffic (yet). I only say this because google maps is faster at turn redirection if I miss a light, but that will improve and I don't use it all the time.
No notification drawer, but you get live tiles which do the same / similar job! No email notification? Not true! The live tiles just flipped, oh look! Five new emails from all my inboxes. Same for text messages, phone calls, etc.
Want updates on specific folks? no problem, put their live tile on your screen, see facebook posts, tweets, phone calls, photos, text messages, skype interaction and more on the tile. Not doing it for you? Click the tile and dive into every interaction you have with the person, all the history is there.
Apps Apps Apps... not all of them, and many by fans of first party developers. But get your head out of your phone. What is the more important app, or set of apps you need? check www.windowsphone.com and decide what you can live without before you make the switch. Is Instagram worth staying on Andy? Will it help you to know that Nokia confirmed that it is coming to WP8 this year? Can you do without for a short while? I don't use it, but I say yes you can!
My example is I like to use Springpad, no WP8 app. But look, Evernote is here! and on Windows 8, and on my Surface Pro. So I switch. Same with Dashlane to Lastpass.
Tethering: Yup
Headset: Holy cow this thing is quick to connect to all of my devices
Sound Quality: How's HTC Beats audio (HTC8X) or Dolby Digital sound (Lumia 920) for great audio?
NFC?: Check, and implemented, and working
Wireless charging: got it, works, nuff said
Camera: 920 has the best low light camera. (that last item there, was a period.)
Bluetooth: fantastic.
Processor: ZOOM (really, nuff said)
Screen (if you have 20-20 vision, you'll be fine) I have better than that and screen looks fine to me.
Battery life: holy cow. four days light use. 12 hours (easily) heavy use). My galaxy note dies repeatedly after about 8 hours.
Also, if you have a bluetooth headset on, it will whisper your incoming texts and allow you to listen, reply, and call hands free. Everyone will ask you who you are talking to. Bonus!
Bing vs Google. Who cares? I'm on a Microsoft kick, I'm going to run with it until Google gets their heads out and starts playing nice. Bing does a good job at finding the same answers that Google does, in a much more eye candy fashion.
What's to gripe about?
For me, Path (coming), Mint (no roadmap), Ally bank (coming), Manilla (unknown), YNAB,(no), Square (no), Paypal (check),... again, critical? nope. Want? yep. Surface pro and tethering to the rescue, problems solved.
Let us know what you decide (and if you took time to read all this.. I'm winded...)

afght19 said:
Coming from a EVO 4g - I don't miss Android, but I did miss Google Maps at first. I have gotten used to Nokia Maps and Drive though and now like them quite a bit. Overall I like Windows Phone better. I have all the apps I need, so the smaller number of apps doesn't bother me. I think the quality of apps is much better on windows. I have not seen a better phone than the 920. The screen is by far the best I have ever used. The camera and video is amazing. I have not seen all the phones you mentioned though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gMaps Pro is good replacement for Google maps but not free (also free version available)
btw.
for use Bing maps on Lumia just install this
http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=9e8f8fc5-da17-4b7f-80f3-2dc334de8dac

Will the Gear S still work like my Gear 2 ?

I've got a gear 2 and am leaning towards the gear s because of the bigger screen and such..I dont need the stand alone phone function and just want it to use a bluetooth connection like my gear 2. Will everything still work like my gear 2?

kevinthemilkdud said:
I've got a gear 2 and am leaning towards the gear s because of the bigger screen and such..I dont need the stand alone phone function and just want it to use a bluetooth connection like my gear 2. Will everything still work like my gear 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it works the same with bluetooth.

kevinthemilkdud said:
I've got a gear 2 and am leaning towards the gear s because of the bigger screen and such..I dont need the stand alone phone function and just want it to use a bluetooth connection like my gear 2. Will everything still work like my gear 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big better same apps no camera no IR blaster we have internet we have wifi

I have the OG Gear running Tizen that I bought as a $99 refurb and use it mostly just for notifications...once in a while I will answer a call on it. I have been looking to upgrade to a newer smartwatch. I was all set on the Gear S but decided to take a serious look at the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch R....to be honest I am on the fence with all 3....each one has it's pluses & minuses.......I have a Note 2 running Android 4.3 but plan on upgrading to the Note 4 within the next month or 2 so the Gear S would keep me in the Samsung Ecosystem....and Tizen has been great with battery life (4+ days with average use)...however the Android Wear watches seem to have more & better apps. It seems developers just aren't developing for Tizen.....
I know I am preaching to the quire on this one but based on my usage what would YOU get? I am assuming most will chose the Gear S considering the forum I am in....but I am asking anyway....
Thanks

mikespe said:
I have the OG Gear running Tizen that I bought as a $99 refurb and use it mostly just for notifications...once in a while I will answer a call on it. I have been looking to upgrade to a newer smartwatch. I was all set on the Gear S but decided to take a serious look at the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch R....to be honest I am on the fence with all 3....each one has it's pluses & minuses.......I have a Note 2 running Android 4.3 but plan on upgrading to the Note 4 within the next month or 2 so the Gear S would keep me in the Samsung Ecosystem....and Tizen has been great with battery life (4+ days with average use)...however the Android Wear watches seem to have more & better apps. It seems developers just aren't developing for Tizen.....
I know I am preaching to the quire on this one but based on my usage what would YOU get? I am assuming most will chose the Gear S considering the forum I am in....but I am asking anyway....
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Neo, I had the Moto for 2 days.Battery life was unacceptable(could not get through a day). Out of curiosity what Apps do you see for the Wear that are so good? From what I could tell there was little to nothing and honestly using the UI to run any app other than notifications was cumbersome.
My Neo lasts for 4+days of use, gear s seems to be about half of that right now. Not great but liveable. Hopefully it improves with time and updates.
FYI I am a dev and am in the process of setting up my samsung dev account and if I keep the watch I will be writing some apps for it.

gottahavit said:
I have a Neo, I had the Moto for 2 days.Battery life was unacceptable(could not get through a day). Out of curiosity what Apps do you see for the Wear that are so good? From what I could tell there was little to nothing and honestly using the UI to run any app other than notifications was cumbersome.
My Neo lasts for 4+days of use, gear s seems to be about half of that right now. Not great but liveable. Hopefully it improves with time and updates.
FYI I am a dev and am in the process of setting up my samsung dev account and if I keep the watch I will be writing some apps for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you develop a video folder on the Gear S that is not hidden inside (You can see the video folder when you connect to a computer. ) can we have another browser dolphin mini or something. A calculator app that actually fit our Gear S would be terrific. How about music pandora/spotify something like that.

gottahavit said:
I have a Neo, I had the Moto for 2 days.Battery life was unacceptable(could not get through a day). Out of curiosity what Apps do you see for the Wear that are so good? From what I could tell there was little to nothing and honestly using the UI to run any app other than notifications was cumbersome.
My Neo lasts for 4+days of use, gear s seems to be about half of that right now. Not great but liveable. Hopefully it improves with time and updates.
FYI I am a dev and am in the process of setting up my samsung dev account and if I keep the watch I will be writing some apps for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen any apps on the Wear that were no good. What I meant was there seems to be MORE apps for Wear than Tizen....and I don't intend on needed stand alone apps on the watch...but mainly apps that work in unison with my phone. Thants why I am wondering if I need the Gear S?

mikespe said:
I haven't seen any apps on the Wear that were no good. What I meant was there seems to be MORE apps for Wear than Tizen....and I don't intend on needed stand alone apps on the watch...but mainly apps that work in unison with my phone. Thants why I am wondering if I need the Gear S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like Wear or Gear 2 will be good. Can't go wrong with either.
Sent from my SM-N910P

Uniquebarbee said:
Can you develop a video folder on the Gear S that is not hidden inside (You can see the video folder when you connect to a computer. ) can we have another browser dolphin mini or something. A calculator app that actually fit our Gear S would be terrific. How about music pandora/spotify something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm working on and app right now that I will hopefully release as soon as I get my developer accounts set up.(Don't want to spill the beans yet,I will post here when available).
I was reading the video thread, I have not tried yet, but some form of video app should be possible and I might be interested in looking at that next.
Calculator is really not my style, but if I get a bored moment... maybe
Pandora/Spotify or any other proprietary streaming is just not gonna happen(At least not from me).1) it's nearly impossible without help from the companies 2) it's illegal without licensing

Tahde said:
Looks like Wear or Gear 2 will be good. Can't go wrong with either.
Sent from my SM-N910P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't go Gear 2....if I am going to stick with Tizen I might as well get the Gear S....but I am really liking the LG G Watch R and the Moto 360....except for the poor battery life I have been reading...

mikespe said:
I won't go Gear 2....if I am going to stick with Tizen I might as well get the Gear S....but I am really liking the LG G Watch R and the Moto 360....except for the poor battery life I have been reading...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. I've heard the battery life on the Moto is terrible. But a great device. I forgot all about the LG.
Sent from my SM-N910P

Tahde said:
This is true. I've heard the battery life on the Moto is terrible. But a great device. I forgot all about the LG.
Sent from my SM-N910P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends what you want on your watch. personally beyond battery the other killer for me with the Wear was no sound.

Tahde said:
This is true. I've heard the battery life on the Moto is terrible. But a great device. I forgot all about the LG.
Sent from my SM-N910P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moto 360 charger cradle looks cool that is all
LG needs to stick to making other things like Bluetooth headphones TV and such

gottahavit said:
I'm working on and app right now that I will hopefully release as soon as I get my developer accounts set up.(Don't want to spill the beans yet,I will post here when available).
I was reading the video thread, I have not tried yet, but some form of video app should be possible and I might be interested in looking at that next.
Calculator is really not my style, but if I get a bored moment... maybe
Pandora/Spotify or any other proprietary streaming is just not gonna happen(At least not from me).1) it's nearly impossible without help from the companies 2) it's illegal without licensing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be killer to have a shoutcast capable app.

I've had the moto 360 since launch and now have the gear s and the only thing I miss about the 360 is the facer app that I used to make watch faces with.
I don't miss the crappy battery life, the below par screen, the lag as the processor is piss poor and finally whilst the dock is cool looking its not very handy like the gear s battery dock.

kevinthemilkdud said:
I've got a gear 2 and am leaning towards the gear s because of the bigger screen and such..I dont need the stand alone phone function and just want it to use a bluetooth connection like my gear 2. Will everything still work like my gear 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't have camera, but I think everything is better. The screen and the looks are killer...

i too eould like to see those apps for the gear s.
Uniquebarbee said:
Can you develop a video folder on the Gear S that is not hidden inside (You can see the video folder when you connect to a computer. ) can we have another browser dolphin mini or something. A calculator app that actually fit our Gear S would be terrific. How about music pandora/spotify something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i too would like to see those apps for the gear s. You have to use the stock messenger app for texting to work. And that sucks. Opera just launched their browser but it doesnt support flash so sites like YouTube dont work. Nore can i stream pandora or spotify. However Milk radio does have an app for the gear s. So there is at least somewhat of an option. But yes we need more apps that take advantage of that processer and ram.

Dear readers,
Based on the topic question alone, a lot of people should go with an Android Wear watch. Just being honest and straight forward.
People who are on the fence between the two will be the first to complain when it isn't everything they'd hoped for and I'm not going to sugar coat it--there are issues with this device. From incompatibility to apps. But the joy you see on here about this watch isn't about what it can't do. So if that's going to be or has been a focal point for you with devices in the past, go get Android Wear.
This whole project could go belly up in a week and Samsung could drop it like a hot potato tomorrow. If it never got any more apps or updates tomorrow, would you have been happy you spent $300-400 on it? I would. That's what I knew when I bought it on Day 1, and that's how I still feel.
You just know if this is the right watch for you and if you have any hesitations between it and Android Wear, just go with Android Wear.
I owned an Android Wear watch for two weeks, then it was #ByeFelicia and back to my Galaxy Gear. They may have more apps and direct support for Google's native apps (haha which are now the majority of apps on their stock Android, Nexus phones ... so much for open source). Anyway yeah, they may have more apps. Are they quality apps? Eh. They have to have apps for proximity unlock and those don't even work like the Gear S does out of the box. But whether that is important to you or not is up to you.
If you hesitate about or worry about getting the Gear S, go to BestBuy and just get an Android Wear watch.

jongilluley said:
I've had the moto 360 since launch and now have the gear s and the only thing I miss about the 360 is the facer app that I used to make watch faces with.
I don't miss the crappy battery life, the below par screen, the lag as the processor is piss poor and finally whilst the dock is cool looking its not very handy like the gear s battery dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't disagree with you more....I ended up buying the Moto 360 yesterday and I absolutely LOVE it! Battery is EXCELLENT since the update. I charge my phone every night so why not my watch. Sure my Gear 1 got 4+ days on a charge but since I don't stay awake that long anything longer than 18 hours is irrelevant to me. As for processor...what lag do you speak of? Mine FLIES and to be honest the demo of the Gear S I played with was very glitchy & laggy....could be because it was a demo but why take a chance.
Too each is own on what OS one goes with...and for me the only watch I saw that would beat the 360 AND the Gear S is the new Asus ZenWatch....THat watch is HOT.....unfortunately they only had a demo & none for sale yet at Best Buy....but I have until Jan 15 to return my 360 if I choose so I will wait to see the reviews on the Zen

Seriously thinking of getting one

If stand-alone WhatsApp is available for the Gear S, I'd buy this phone/watch in a heartbeat. I've been a huge phablet fan, and the Gear S would be a great for the occasional night out and leaving my huge phone home. As an avid runner, the Gear S functionalities are amazing.
Been pondering using the Gear S for communication via phone/text/WhatsApp exclusively, and switching to a small tablet with LTE for daily use.
Any thoughts?

squeakywipers said:
If stand-alone WhatsApp is available for the Gear S, I'd buy this phone/watch in a heartbeat. I've been a huge phablet fan, and the Gear S would be a great for the occasional night out and leaving my huge phone home. As an avid runner, the Gear S functionalities are amazing.
Been pondering using the Gear S for communication via phone/text/WhatsApp exclusively, and switching to a small tablet with LTE for daily use.
Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No whatsapp for Gear s that I am aware of yet - or any other real messaging app (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
I telecommute so rarely leave the house except for errands and I hate bringing my phone with me. I don't need all the fancy stuff for when I'm at the grocery store and when I do need internet etc I'm usually at home. The Gear S is a perfect phone replacement for me.
If I was in a different situation where I was away from home and internet more often I think I'd want either a more traditional phone or tablet as well. The Gear S is a great device and I enjoy using it for internet and such when for example I'm sitting in a waiting room but to me, it's still a companion device that can occasionally act as a standalone device.
Of course your needs and mileage may vary but that's my 2 cents.

"Notifications for Gear S"
megatherian said:
No whatsapp for Gear s that I am aware of yet - or any other real messaging app (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
I telecommute so rarely leave the house except for errands and I hate bringing my phone with me. I don't need all the fancy stuff for when I'm at the grocery store and when I do need internet etc I'm usually at home. The Gear S is a perfect phone replacement for me.
If I was in a different situation where I was away from home and internet more often I think I'd want either a more traditional phone or tablet as well. The Gear S is a great device and I enjoy using it for internet and such when for example I'm sitting in a waiting room but to me, it's still a companion device that can occasionally act as a standalone device.
Of course your needs and mileage may vary but that's my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just downloaded "Notifications for Gear S" from the Samsung App store. It works great to respond Whatsapp messages. I believe it also works with other messengers as well.

willmir said:
I just downloaded "Notifications for Gear S" from the Samsung App store. It works great to respond Whatsapp messages. I believe it also works with other messengers as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
paid app?

I don't believe What'sApp is supported right now...

I have a feeling that we are only a couple of months away from a 3G enabled smart watch from a competitor (Huawei, Asus, etc) that will run android wear... And perhaps even be cheaper than the Gear S and offer more apps. Therefore, I think I'm gonna hold out buying one for a few months. Luv the fitness features of the Gear S, but if it's a choice between more apps like WhatsApp over a heart rate monitor, the former would win.... It's nice to know my heart rate, but hey, as long as it's beating, right.....

squeakywipers said:
I have a feeling that we are only a couple of months away from a 3G enabled smart watch from a competitor (Huawei, Asus, etc) that will run android wear... And perhaps even be cheaper than the Gear S and offer more apps. Therefore, I think I'm gonna hold out buying one for a few months. Luv the fitness features of the Gear S, but if it's a choice between more apps like WhatsApp over a heart rate monitor, the former would win.... It's nice to know my heart rate, but hey, as long as it's beating, right.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would likely be a forked Android Wear, as i think I read somewhere that Google does not intend for Wear to be call-capable on its own.
If so, you'd run into the same issue with Samsung, needing a specific manufacturer's phone to pair with the smartwatch.
Well, who knows....

joytest said:
It would likely be a forked Android Wear, as i think I read somewhere that Google does not intend for Wear to be call-capable on its own.
If so, you'd run into the same issue with Samsung, needing a specific manufacturer's phone to pair with the smartwatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Wear is even more dependent upon a connected phone than the Gear S. It can run separate apps but ... I wouldn't give it too much hope.
LG is rumored to be working on a 3G watch so you never know ... but just have to wait there will always be something following what's already out here and since this is Samsung's 6th watch they probably have a better handle on how to get things up and running than their conpetition.

Porting android on Gear S

Could it be possible?

XxCyberHackerxX said:
Could it be possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too, would like to know the answer on this... I do know that Samsung offered original Gear owners the option to change their stock Android OS to Tizen.
http://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-brings-tizen-to-original-gear-smartwatch/
The two OS's and their hardware are simular in many ways.
I haven't looked, but has anyone ported Android to the Gear 2?

Given that the screen is arguably large enough and that we have all the cell hardware built in, I'd love to see a full android running on on the Gear S.

There is already software that will port and Android app to Tizen. I believe it is $5,000 and mainly for larger developers. I would expect something similar to land in the freeware world sooner rather than later. They pack the apk with an Android runtime to make it work on Tizen. Not sure how well the current porting software works.

push push push
yes.. can't wait to c my gear s ported in android instead of Tizen!!!! pls help!!

ok...so not to bash anyones parade. But why would you want this?
I've had every version of the Gear and having Android on the original was painful. Battery life sucked, tethering was a major PITA and even after rooting it was "cool" but not usable for the average person. I've also gone through the Moto360 ( I had it for 5 days and returned it) and AndroidWear sucks beyond suck with some extra suck on the side. It can tell the heck out of time, its a great and sexy watch, that's it. I've had people watch me working ( I build custom pc's for a living), hear my phone get a text and watch me just glance at my watch and type a quick reply without having to stop what Im doing or reach for my phone. They instantly recognize how useful it is, using either full blown android or android wear...not so much. You dont know how stupid you look saying "ok google" until you see someone else do it.
On the flip side , theres alot of "smart" watches online, mainly from China and such that run android... maybe thats an option? Me personally, I was resistant to Tizen at first. But it works, it works well. Yeah there are some kinks here and there but all in all its ok.

So, I've had my Gear S for a couple of months now and I feel qualified to respond:
1) Why would you want this (Android on the Gear S)?
a) Tizen SUCKS
b) Tons of basic functionality is missing
c) There are very few apps
d) Most apps to obtain standalone functional equivalence to a shipping Samsung Android device are paid apps - these things should have been included (like an on-device app store) - it is a stand-alone capable device, yet Samsung treats it like it is still bluetooth only. This reminds me of the early WinCE/WinMobile days when all apps had to be installed from a host PC.
e) I could continue, but this isn't an "I Hate My Gear S" response. Except for the lack of a front-facing camera, I LOVE the design and innate hardware functionality of the Gear S - much better than the blocky (but full featured) Neptune Pine.
f) F - the grade I would give Samsung on their use of Tizen for the Gear S
2)having Android on the original was painful.
That's why I never purchased the original Gear - without standalone functionality it can only ever be a "companion" device and Android is not designed for that. However, with the Gear S' standalone capability and its much larger screen, Android is a much better fit than Tizen.
3)tethering was a major PITA
"Standalone" - what don't you understand about that?
Gear S is a full phone/data/WiFi device - these old arguments are invalid.
4)AndroidWear
Not interested in Wear - as stated before, Gear S is/can be standalone and Wear is only for bt companion devices.
Something like the Google Glass interface would be better than Wear - but I still prefer full Android (with a customizable launcher for the smaller screen)

Infos3c said:
So, I've had my Gear S for a couple of months now and I feel qualified to respond:
1) Why would you want this (Android on the Gear S)?
a) Tizen SUCKS
b) Tons of basic functionality is missing
c) There are very few apps
d) Most apps to obtain standalone functional equivalence to a shipping Samsung Android device are paid apps - these things should have been included (like an on-device app store) - it is a stand-alone capable device, yet Samsung treats it like it is still bluetooth only. This reminds me of the early WinCE/WinMobile days when all apps had to be installed from a host PC.
e) I could continue, but this isn't an "I Hate My Gear S" response. Except for the lack of a front-facing camera, I LOVE the design and innate hardware functionality of the Gear S - much better than the blocky (but full featured) Neptune Pine.
f) F - the grade I would give Samsung on their use of Tizen for the Gear S
2)having Android on the original was painful.
That's why I never purchased the original Gear - without standalone functionality it can only ever be a "companion" device and Android is not designed for that. However, with the Gear S' standalone capability and its much larger screen, Android is a much better fit than Tizen.
3)tethering was a major PITA
"Standalone" - what don't you understand about that?
Gear S is a full phone/data/WiFi device - these old arguments are invalid.
4)AndroidWear
Not interested in Wear - as stated before, Gear S is/can be standalone and Wear is only for bt companion devices.
Something like the Google Glass interface would be better than Wear - but I still prefer full Android (with a customizable launcher for the smaller screen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all being good points, except #3. Do you know how much power or heat is produced by the bluetooth tether that the watch currently uses? Almost none.... I cant say the same about the wifi/3g radio as that thing gets hot no to mention the hit on battery life. That being the case, Im not one to complain that I have to plug in the watch when I go to bed same as all my devices. Seriously, the people that complain about a 5 second task at the end of their day should be taken out back and beat with a hose.
All points considered, I have to agree with you in most part. If Tizen had the same amount of devs behind it that Android does then Tizen would be awesome. Sadly, thats not the case. I am actually working both (thanks to my wifes gear s) and am in the process of getting the original pit file so I can experiment a little. There was one dev (whose name escapes me right now) that wrote up how to roll back the original gear to android, the missing part there is the pit file for our devices. If I can figure that out then the rest "should" be somewhat easy.

Infos3c said:
So, I've had my Gear S for a couple of months now and I feel qualified to respond:
1) Why would you want this (Android on the Gear S)?
a) Tizen SUCKS
b) Tons of basic functionality is missing
c) There are very few apps
d) Most apps to obtain standalone functional equivalence to a shipping Samsung Android device are paid apps - these things should have been included (like an on-device app store) - it is a stand-alone capable device, yet Samsung treats it like it is still bluetooth only. This reminds me of the early WinCE/WinMobile days when all apps had to be installed from a host PC.
e) I could continue, but this isn't an "I Hate My Gear S" response. Except for the lack of a front-facing camera, I LOVE the design and innate hardware functionality of the Gear S - much better than the blocky (but full featured) Neptune Pine.
f) F - the grade I would give Samsung on their use of Tizen for the Gear S
2)having Android on the original was painful.
That's why I never purchased the original Gear - without standalone functionality it can only ever be a "companion" device and Android is not designed for that. However, with the Gear S' standalone capability and its much larger screen, Android is a much better fit than Tizen.
3)tethering was a major PITA
"Standalone" - what don't you understand about that?
Gear S is a full phone/data/WiFi device - these old arguments are invalid.
4)AndroidWear
Not interested in Wear - as stated before, Gear S is/can be standalone and Wear is only for bt companion devices.
Something like the Google Glass interface would be better than Wear - but I still prefer full Android (with a customizable launcher for the smaller screen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to break it to you, if Android ever does get ported, you would come back to Tizen.
Android on this you would get 2-4 hours of battery.
Go into your settings on the watch and make your mobile network to always on, turn on mobile data, and turn off bluetooth.
Think of what apps you use, facebook? Bye bye even getting that 2-4 hours.
What kind of screen on time do you use on your phone?
Now think about what you get on your watch without all the apps.
Remember the watch only has 300mAh of battery.
The amount of programming in Tizen with regards to battery are crazy, you wouldn't get that in android.

Very good points on the last few posts, I like choice so I'd like the option of android but I honestly love my gear s on tizen so I'm not fussed.
But an android port thread is something I would follow with great interest as this is where xda is at its best, where the community come together to make something impossible happen.
Sent from my SM-T320 using XDA Free mobile app

There is a software company that has made an apk to tpk program(not out yet) so android apps would be able to be installed using sdb when it happens.

Infos3c said:
So, I've had my Gear S for a couple of months now and I feel qualified to respond:
1) Why would you want this (Android on the Gear S)?
a) Tizen SUCKS
b) Tons of basic functionality is missing
c) There are very few apps
d) Most apps to obtain standalone functional equivalence to a shipping Samsung Android device are paid apps - these things should have been included (like an on-device app store) - it is a stand-alone capable device, yet Samsung treats it like it is still bluetooth only. This reminds me of the early WinCE/WinMobile days when all apps had to be installed from a host PC.
e) I could continue, but this isn't an "I Hate My Gear S" response. Except for the lack of a front-facing camera, I LOVE the design and innate hardware functionality of the Gear S - much better than the blocky (but full featured) Neptune Pine.
f) F - the grade I would give Samsung on their use of Tizen for the Gear S
2)having Android on the original was painful.
That's why I never purchased the original Gear - without standalone functionality it can only ever be a "companion" device and Android is not designed for that. However, with the Gear S' standalone capability and its much larger screen, Android is a much better fit than Tizen.
3)tethering was a major PITA
"Standalone" - what don't you understand about that?
Gear S is a full phone/data/WiFi device - these old arguments are invalid.
4)AndroidWear
Not interested in Wear - as stated before, Gear S is/can be standalone and Wear is only for bt companion devices.
Something like the Google Glass interface would be better than Wear - but I still prefer full Android (with a customizable launcher for the smaller screen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm definitely agree with you.
I have the original Gear 1 with android since the beginning (now with null rom of course) AND the Gear S since one month, and it's clear for me : i have the opportunity using Amazon (i'm in france) to return the Gear S till end of January and that's what i will probably do in a few days UNLESS there is a good reason to think that something like Null rom could happen to Gear S.
The Gear S plus Full android would be great because it works pretty good on Gear 1 and because Gear S can be used as a standalone device.
But the best would be Gear S + camera (like in the original Gear).
I think that what a lot of people want ( probably unconsciously) is a small smartphone on their wirst, that's why i presume that the first Apple watch itself wil be desapointing for many people.

I am bitterly disapointed with my Gear S, unsure if all my flack should be flung at Tizen or Samsung but fact is, I am getting virtually no use from my Gear S
I have a Tab S 10.5 LTE which it does not connect to, so using it standalone with no features.
I should not have to use a different device in order to get more features from my watch, that aint happening as I have the bets tablet on the market so not going lower down in the spec
As soon as some clever cat puts Aindroid on their Gear S I will be first in line to do mine!!!
I cant even add an email account to my watch as it tries to sync....
So SMS and phone that whats I am paying 24 X £21, so thank you Samsung, not!!

EFCLEE said:
I am bitterly disapointed with my Gear S, unsure if all my flack should be flung at Tizen or Samsung but fact is, I am getting virtually no use from my Gear S
I have a Tab S 10.5 LTE which it does not connect to, so using it standalone with no features.
I should not have to use a different device in order to get more features from my watch, that aint happening as I have the bets tablet on the market so not going lower down in the spec
As soon as some clever cat puts Aindroid on their Gear S I will be first in line to do mine!!!
I cant even add an email account to my watch as it tries to sync....
So SMS and phone that whats I am paying 24 X £21, so thank you Samsung, not!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok.... um, this is your own fault. The watch is meant to pair to a phone, A PHONE. A small device that is kept in your purse or back pocket, not a 10" tablet. There really is nothing wrong with the watch. It works as advertised, with the devices it was advertised for. Honestly people its a watch, they sold it as a WATCH. There was no bait and switch, they didnt say it was a phone and then snuck a watch into the box. It was advertised as Tizen not Android.
This is the same thing that happens to every single smart watch that comes out and all the haters come out of the woodwork.
Oh its not a wrist size Galaxy S6 with a quadcore processor, 128gb of memory, all my android apps, a full blown phone and a week of battery life?! I hate it! So Im gonna buy it anyway and then complain about why it doesnt do the things that nobody ever said it would do. I hate to be the one to break it to everyone, but Android isnt everything. Years ago, the big dog on the block was PalmOS then Blackberry, hell even Windows Phones. Now its down to iOS, Android and the slowly growing TIzen while nobody even remembers the older OS's. Google in all is might and glory will most likely suffer the same fate as EVERY other tech giant. They have great products, huge server farms and an ever growing massive user base but it will come to a point where there will be too much to maintain while still being innovative AND turning a profit. So they either become SkyNet or just fade into the background like HP and soon Microsoft. Theres a ton of no name chinese watches on eBay that run full blown Android, mind you the quality is complete crap since their isnt a big company like Samsung or Apple behind it, but it runs full blown Android.
I can speak from experience. I have had every single smart watch you can possibly have. From the white label chinese crap running Android to the original Gear->Gear 2 Neo->Gear 2 ->LG G Watch->Moto 360 and now the Gear S. Full blown Android is too much for a watch, so then people recommend a slimmed down version of Android so you get better battery life and just the basics, you know like the phone,emails & text,music player, a web browser and some other stuff... you know, the basics, oh wait... isnt that what Tizen is? Or go to Android Wear, thats a whole other can of worms. When I had the Moto 360, I thought "damn, this is a nice WATCH. look at all those freakin awesome watch faces" and thats it, thats all it does. It tells the hell out of time, and some very very limited interactions with notifications. If I could justify the cost of the Moto 360 and the fact that it was JUST a watch then sure, but on eBay it went. I was even happy with the Gear 2 Neo, the only reason I went to the the standard Gear 2 is because the Neo is too light and feels a bit weird on the wrist and from the Gear 2 to the S, well curved screen and a damn sim card... nuff said.
You dont like Tizen? Then do what I did, learn some code, head over to developer.samsung.com/gear and get to work. There is a HUGE potential for Tizen, not just oh screw it...this is too hard. Someone please put weeks of work into it for no apparent reason and port Android over but it better be the latest version, and my apps better run perfectly on it oh and battery life better be awesome too!
This watch is well worth the money IMHO. If I dont have to pull my phone out of my pocket 10 times per day just to glance at an email or text or dont hear my phone across the house when it rings and the watch lets me know theres a call. Hell, just the fact that my phone stays in my bag and I can use the watch to control my music is well worth it for me. The S-health features (mine are disabled) are pretty cool for the fitness buffs and the dev's are slowly but surely coming aboard.
Take what I say with a grain of salt, DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONAL, DO NOT GET OFFENDED, THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM. These are valid fact presented to all those people who feel that Android should be ported over to a device that was never really meant to do it....

cipherswitch said:
ok.... um, this is your own fault. The watch is meant to pair to a phone, A PHONE. A small device that is kept in your purse or back pocket, not a 10" tablet. There really is nothing wrong with the watch. It works as advertised, with the devices it was advertised for. Honestly people its a watch, they sold it as a WATCH. There was no bait and switch, they didnt say it was a phone and then snuck a watch into the box. It was advertised as Tizen not Android.
This is the same thing that happens to every single smart watch that comes out and all the haters come out of the woodwork.
Oh its not a wrist size Galaxy S6 with a quadcore processor, 128gb of memory, all my android apps, a full blown phone and a week of battery life?! I hate it! So Im gonna buy it anyway and then complain about why it doesnt do the things that nobody ever said it would do. I hate to be the one to break it to everyone, but Android isnt everything. Years ago, the big dog on the block was PalmOS then Blackberry, hell even Windows Phones. Now its down to iOS, Android and the slowly growing TIzen while nobody even remembers the older OS's. Google in all is might and glory will most likely suffer the same fate as EVERY other tech giant. They have great products, huge server farms and an ever growing massive user base but it will come to a point where there will be too much to maintain while still being innovative AND turning a profit. So they either become SkyNet or just fade into the background like HP and soon Microsoft. Theres a ton of no name chinese watches on eBay that run full blown Android, mind you the quality is complete crap since their isnt a big company like Samsung or Apple behind it, but it runs full blown Android.
I can speak from experience. I have had every single smart watch you can possibly have. From the white label chinese crap running Android to the original Gear->Gear 2 Neo->Gear 2 ->LG G Watch->Moto 360 and now the Gear S. Full blown Android is too much for a watch, so then people recommend a slimmed down version of Android so you get better battery life and just the basics, you know like the phone,emails & text,music player, a web browser and some other stuff... you know, the basics, oh wait... isnt that what Tizen is? Or go to Android Wear, thats a whole other can of worms. When I had the Moto 360, I thought "damn, this is a nice WATCH. look at all those freakin awesome watch faces" and thats it, thats all it does. It tells the hell out of time, and some very very limited interactions with notifications. If I could justify the cost of the Moto 360 and the fact that it was JUST a watch then sure, but on eBay it went. I was even happy with the Gear 2 Neo, the only reason I went to the the standard Gear 2 is because the Neo is too light and feels a bit weird on the wrist and from the Gear 2 to the S, well curved screen and a damn sim card... nuff said.
You dont like Tizen? Then do what I did, learn some code, head over to developer.samsung.com/gear and get to work. There is a HUGE potential for Tizen, not just oh screw it...this is too hard. Someone please put weeks of work into it for no apparent reason and port Android over but it better be the latest version, and my apps better run perfectly on it oh and battery life better be awesome too!
This watch is well worth the money IMHO. If I dont have to pull my phone out of my pocket 10 times per day just to glance at an email or text or dont hear my phone across the house when it rings and the watch lets me know theres a call. Hell, just the fact that my phone stays in my bag and I can use the watch to control my music is well worth it for me. The S-health features (mine are disabled) are pretty cool for the fitness buffs and the dev's are slowly but surely coming aboard.
Take what I say with a grain of salt, DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONAL, DO NOT GET OFFENDED, THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM. These are valid fact presented to all those people who feel that Android should be ported over to a device that was never really meant to do it....
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Totally agree with @cipherswitch. Enough wining people. You knew what you were buying. It is not supposed to be the Holy Grail, is it just the (by far) most advanced smart watch out there. Of course it is not perfect. But the 3G functionality as well as the GORGEOUS curved screen make this thing a one of a kind smart watch. It is everything Aplle fans would hope the Apple Watch would be and maybe more.
I am an Apple fan, mind you. I am using the Gear S as standalone mainly and sometimes with my iPhone 6+. If my main phone was an Android the total experience would be perfect.
One more thing: Having owned the Gear 1 with almost every OS variation. Tizen, stock Android, almost every single version of NUll ROM I can personally guarantee that a fully blown Android OS is just wrong for a smart watch. It is the triumph of gadgetry over practicality.
Battery life with Android was a total joke and one can only imagine what would happen when the Gear S (running Android) was used standalone. I bet you would be able to literally see the battery meter dropping.
Long story short: Do your homework before buying a piece of (fairly) new tech. Accept the fact that we are being early adopters. Try to get the most out of your Gears S and if you still do not like it, just get rid of it.

Ironically just posted in the other forum. Agree and as to the write your own apps. Is what i did. Html5 and javascript. Looked at examples from others an adapted. Now it beats my gear fit hands down.
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I think that what a lot of people want ( probably unconsciously) is a small smartphone on their wirst, that's why i presume that the first Apple watch itself wil be desapointing for many people.
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thats exactly what I consciously wanted and thats effectively (ok almost effectively) what i now have

I need sm-n750v firmware. If someone get me that. I will take the challenge to get android working on the gear. It might take me a few weeks to get the tweaks worked out. But it will be working. Null and I worked side by side on the first. Gear. And I sure won't give up on the gear s
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blazinandroid1 said:
I need sm-n750v firmware. If someone get me that. I will take the challenge to get android working on the gear. It might take me a few weeks to get the tweaks worked out. But it will be working. Null and I worked side by side on the first. Gear. And I sure won't give up on the gear s
Sent from my SM-N915V using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
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Um. Huh? Im sure you mean the R750V, in which case the SM-R750VZWAVZW. This is the Verizon wireless variant, no firmware download available. Nor is there one for the Sprint variant. Not as of right now anyways. If there was I'd be all over it like white on rice In all honestly, and not bashing Null as I have great respect for all that bio-digital jazz that was put out with that ROM and even personally used it. Im sure it was alot easier to go back to Android on a watch that started out as Android. Gear 2 and forward, Qualcomm has done a very very good job with their bootloader security, dont see it being done. But thats just my opinion, I may be horribly wrong.

Better Mobile App

welcome