Related
I recently ditched my iPhone 4s for a galaxy nexus. I'm thinking of ditching my iPad 2 for an android tablet. Anyone used both the iPad 2 and Galaxy tab?
I will primarily use for work. Invoicing, emailing, watching videos in an airport lounge.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Just throw your ipad in the bin. I wouldn't even insult a android tablet by paying for it with money from selling an ipad lol. So in answer to your question. Yes, get rid of it. Buy a tab 10.1 and you will not be dissapointed ;-)
I have both, and I only use the iPad2 for Skype mostly, Everything else feels like a App store dependent device, there is nothing free you can actually enjoy since most apps are optimized for iPod/iPhone, you need to pay extra for HD apps which are sometimes iPad specific. What a ripoff.
I've totally ported over everything I need for official use on the Android.
-Gmail
-Voice Features to type my mail easily (ICS)
-A more CONTROLLED and responsive Youtube.
I hate how Apple forces you to watch the HD version which renders almost impossible in airport lounges (Since I travel alot) and their Standard also loads like an old man crossing the street.
But ofcourse, user opinions differ. This is just my 2 cents, I do however feel the iPad2 is a complete waste since I have the iPhone4 and it's almost EXACTLY the same **** but on a bigger screen. Unlike the Galaxy Tab the iPad2 can't play anything else except mp4 format, it can handle more BUT you need to be jailbroken to install VLC for iOS which is custom and not on the app store.
Thanks for the responses.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I just got my tab 10.1 on Saturday. I come from the Applesphere - have owned 3 macs, iphone 3gs, 4, 4s, ipad 1 & 2. I got the tab because i work in IT support and would like to know more about Android and how to operate/support it.
I will say that I prefer the ipad (whether because i'm predisposed to Apple stuff or not). I feel like its more fluid and responsive than the tab, and the android market just sucks. Also - coming from the idevices, all my music and apps have been purchased on the app store. I was able to import the music with relative ease using doubletwist (although since i use itunes match - i have to download all the music and import it using doubletwist or uploading to google music). But it pisses me off to have to rebuy the same apps that ive already purchased on the ipad, but thats my problem - not androids.
Having said all of this, id still recommend the tab as a viable work machine. Heres why:
- price beats the ipad.
- can remote desktop using many apps on the market (i chose jump due to familairity with them in ios)
- vpn works as does on ipad (cisco anyconnect for me)
-teamviewer works
- several office compatible apps available
-web browser is capable of viewing sharepoint sites
- exchange support works just as well as on ipad
- very easy to carry around the office or to the movies/dinner etc if on-call
All in all - the tab is every bit as functional as the ipad in terms of work use, but the ipad (in my opinion) is more stable and responsive. (I am using Galaxy task 14 full on my tab).
One other thought from an IT guys point of view - be sure to check with your IT dept if youre not sure that they will accept your device on the network and whether it is capable in your environment (vpn, email, etc).
Disclaimer: this post is not intended to start a fanboy flamewar.
Agreed no fanboyism included, I do respect the view's from both sides and my dad is a *fanboy* of apple and I too at some point, but I have tasted other water's and so far so good Android's ability to be customized appeals me.
I'm not going to tell you that iPad2 sucks, It has it's strong points but if you prefer simplicity and being tied down to one interface, Seeing as you already have an iPhone you already know how the layout is, and you'll soon realize, "Oh it's a big iPhone4", The only downsides that turns me off towards Apple iDevices in general is their ability to be uncustomizable. Their keyboards cannot be changed to your choice and whim, User integrity matters because some user's have sausage sized fingers to women who have baby carrot like fingers and Apple tends to assume that everyone's finger size is one general size.
Here's an example of keyboards on both devices, My dad tends to have big hands like me and ofcourse being so the static touch read by most devices matter based on area*size of the detected touch. So unlike Android tablet's where I am able to spam because of the many variety's of customizable keyboard apps to suit my style of typing, the apple however just has keyboard upgrades to add certain features, forcing you to be tied down to one style of typing.
Being an IT person aswell, I prefer bringing my tablet everywhere and reading the forums on my tablet to avoid the bulky laptop or spending thousands for a thinner laptop that has more downsides. I'd like to know that when I see a song or file available for download that I may be able to integrate it with the stock music player or reader without the need to move files to be read. Sadly apple hasn't given you the option to do so and you may need to search files manually, the downloaded songs on the go cannot be added to your playlist without being sync'd via a laptop, Which then degrades the whole idea that the iPad is supposed to cancel out my need for a laptop.
Sure the iPad has amazing hardware acceleration making it more smooth and amazing, but also realize that ICS has fixed most of the flaw's that HC and Gingerbread have failed to accomplish which is why in a few months, MangoOS (Windows) iOS (Apple) and ICS(Android) will all be H/W Accelerated OS's for fast processing and much more responsive. Currently HC and Ginger aren't HW Accelerated as iOS is only because of battery and no proper support for multitasking.
I guess it's best to wait till ICS and iOS 5.2 release to draw you conclusion, Dont get me wrong, both are amazing devices and I am proud to be an owner of both, I only prefer the Gtab as it negates the need for a Laptop as everything can be done outright without the need for Sync or anything.
Just bought one, totally unimpressed with it, tried to airplay from ipad on ios7, just get audio
Try it on my galaxy note 3, won't play showbox through it
Anyone else bought one?
markeymark said:
Just bought one, totally unimpressed with it, tried to airplay from ipad on ios7, just get audio
Try it on my galaxy note 3, won't play showbox through it
Anyone else bought one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got one last week, and am a little more impressed with it than you are. Tried it last night with my Nexus7 (2012), and had it quite happily streaming a movie onto the TV via both its own iPush app and also various DLNA apps (Skifka, MediaHouse etc). Setting it up was reasonably easy compared to some reports I've read online about it, although the interface was a little clunky and took a while. Plus of course the written documentation shipped with the device is awful, although ironically the on-screen stuff that the iPush actually displays on the TV when you connect it is much clearer.
So far I only see a couple of negatives. The biggest one is that its built-in WiFi hotspot seems to have a fixed password and always be broadcast (even when it's connected to another device/router), which I would say is a fairly major security hole as it could let someone into the network as a back door. Secondly when I tried it with my HTX 8X (WinPhone 8) it was visible as a renderer to MyMediaHub when the phone was connected directly to the iPush's hotspot, but it didn't seem to pick it up when connected via another hotspot (my Ravpower WD-01 filehub) even though my N7 happily did so in the same scenario. But that second one could just as easily be a glitch with the HTC.
But I have read elsewhere of several people having issues with iOS and Airplay, which I think were also mentioned in the Amazon sales blurb when I got mine (being on Android I didn't take too much notice as it doesn't apply to me). Basically that there wasn't video support for Airplay due to license/copyright issues or something, but beyond that maybe a little Google-Fu could turn something up?
Anyway there seem to be a few firmware updates around which may (I hope) address the wifi password concern. But that's tonight's little project.
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.
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.
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 agree and would love to see a slimmed down android on this device. The battery issue does pose a serious concern though (why I said 'slimmed down')
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....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Sent from my SM-N915V using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
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?"