Hello all,
I love my Touchpad. It got me through College, especially with its completely underrated out-of-the-box office suite. However now it just functions as my Alarm Clock on my bedside table on a Touchstone dock.
When the Amazon Echo Show came out, I think I can saw we all laughed a little. After all, who would would want a tablet with at-a-glance information that they can't carry around with them. Then I realized, that's *exactly* how I use my Touchpad in Exhibition mode. So that got me thinking: how could I transform the hardware I already have and love into a device similar to the Echo Show.
Now, in my mind, there are three ways to do this:
a) Keep webOS and install the somewhat buggy ACL made by Phoenix Communications then install the Alexa handsfree app from the new Fire10 tablet (if I can find the APK). Basing myself on this article: https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a...s-as-a-cheap-echo-show-with-hands-free-alexa/
b) Install Android 6.0+, and make the Google Assistant my Alexa stand-in. I would therefore need to find a way to port-over webOS's Exhibition Mode. Also perhaps the Prelude fonts, as I find Roboto completely unappealing.
c) Install ANY version of Android, and use the same Alexa handsfree app from a), setting it to be constantly on (no screen lock).
Given the Touchpad's aging hardware, any Android ROM would need to be fast, minimal and barebones as I don't intend to use this for much else. It does, however, need to be stable enough to not crash every time I say "Ok Google" or "Alexa".
Any tips on how I should proceed?
Thanks in advance!
Sheik
Sheikboy said:
Hello all,
I love my Touchpad. It got me through College, especially with its completely underrated out-of-the-box office suite. However now it just functions as my Alarm Clock on my bedside table on a Touchstone dock.
When the Amazon Echo Show came out, I think I can saw we all laughed a little. After all, who would would want a tablet with at-a-glance information that they can't carry around with them. Then I realized, that's *exactly* how I use my Touchpad in Exhibition mode. So that got me thinking: how could I transform the hardware I already have and love into a device similar to the Echo Show.
Now, in my mind, there are three ways to do this:
a) Keep webOS and install the somewhat buggy ACL made by Phoenix Communications then install the Alexa handsfree app from the new Fire10 tablet (if I can find the APK). Basing myself on this article: https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a...s-as-a-cheap-echo-show-with-hands-free-alexa/
b) Install Android 6.0+, and make the Google Assistant my Alexa stand-in. I would therefore need to find a way to port-over webOS's Exhibition Mode. Also perhaps the Prelude fonts, as I find Roboto completely unappealing.
c) Install ANY version of Android, and use the same Alexa handsfree app from a), setting it to be constantly on (no screen lock).
Given the Touchpad's aging hardware, any Android ROM would need to be fast, minimal and barebones as I don't intend to use this for much else. It does, however, need to be stable enough to not crash every time I say "Ok Google" or "Alexa".
Any tips on how I should proceed?
Thanks in advance!
Sheik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea! I don't use my TouchPad very much anymore away from it being my alarm clock on the Touchstone dock.
I'd definitely try to upgrade it to an Alexa enable tablet if possible.
Will follow this thread with interest!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Quick Update:
Option a) does not work. As I suspected, the ACL simply doesn't work well enough to run the Google Assistant and listen for the Ok, Google hotword. I didn't run the Alexa app, but I suspect I'll run into similar issues with it.
This leaves me with options b) and c). I've been installing all sorts of different ROMs for the past day and I keep running into a recurring issue: the WiFi on my tablet doesn't seem to be working. It works fine in webOS, but in every single Android version I've run it gets stuck on "turning WiFi on".
I suspect I have an issue with the ath6kl driver, but I can't find a replacement driver updated for anything past CM9. Can anyone help me? I seem to be having the exact same issue OP is having in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/help/wifi-wont-clean-flash-t3612062
Sheikboy said:
Quick Update:
Option a) does not work. As I suspected, the ACL simply doesn't work well enough to run the Google Assistant and listen for the Ok, Google hotword. I didn't run the Alexa app, but I suspect I'll run into similar issues with it.
This leaves me with options b) and c). I've been installing all sorts of different ROMs for the past day and I keep running into a recurring issue: the WiFi on my tablet doesn't seem to be working. It works fine in webOS, but in every single Android version I've run it gets stuck on "turning WiFi on".
I suspect I have an issue with the ath6kl driver, but I can't find a replacement driver updated for anything past CM9. Can anyone help me? I seem to be having the exact same issue OP is having in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/help/wifi-wont-clean-flash-t3612062
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the Evervolv ROM.
shumash said:
Use the Evervolv ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm currently running. I also changed the Kernel to see if that's what was causing the issue but it isn't.
I know for a fact it's not the hardware, because webOS's wifi works perfectly.
Sheikboy said:
That's what I'm currently running. I also changed the Kernel to see if that's what was causing the issue but it isn't.
I know for a fact it's not the hardware, because webOS's wifi works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can tell you is that wifi works perfectly for me (and most others based on the devs-base forum). I have no problem with Google Assistant and "OK, Google" voice recognition.
shumash said:
All I can tell you is that wifi works perfectly for me (and most others based on the devs-base forum). I have no problem with Google Assistant and "OK, Google" voice recognition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey !
Thanks to kernel and settings found here, my TouchPad is now usable.
I plan to use it as a control screen for my home automation system, and a echo show / google home like.
You told that the Google Assistant was active, and usable on your TouchPad. Could you please explain me how did you activate it ?
I tried some tricks found on xda dev, but i'm stuck with google now...
Thank you !
thedeathspirit said:
Hey !
Thanks to kernel and settings found here, my TouchPad is now usable.
I plan to use it as a control screen for my home automation system, and a echo show / google home like.
You told that the Google Assistant was active, and usable on your TouchPad. Could you please explain me how did you activate it ?
I tried some tricks found on xda dev, but i'm stuck with google now...
Thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Assistant - Root works
I still haven't been able to fix the WiFi on my Touchpad. It works perfectly in webOS, but it just remains stuck on "Turning WiFi On" on every single Android ROM iIve tried. I'm not quite sure what to do at this point
shumash said:
Get Assistant - Root works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll try.
Related
I along with the others in the community have recently been served by GOOGLE with the pull of the apk servers.
If you happen to hard reset your Q then your Q can no longer be setup rendering it useless.
I am willing to payout $50.00 to any dev that can engineer an apk that will allow the user to setup a stock NEXUS Q without googles servers.
The APK will have to do the following -> access and setup the initial setup, this includes, wifi, bluetooth, nfc and adb debugging to be able to load APK's to the systems as I am sure many will be coming that will make the Q worth building this for, hence why GOOGLE pulled the servers because they saw this coming ....all as the original apk did but without the GOOGLE servers or need for servers.
I have 3 of these units and they are great for music, I love the internal amps and want to retain all the internal functions of the ports, also the audio is better quality when stock compared to rooted and cm10.1'ed.
I have one working setup still, one on the shelf and one with cm10.1 working with cheapcast.
Bounty is as follows this will be updated as members add their payment amounts.
IAN-$50.00
***If you are going to attempt this or have questions DEVS email me is best.***
Thanks-Ian
ianandamy said:
I along with the others in the community have recently been served by GOOGLE with the pull of the apk servers.
If you happen to hard reset your Q then your Q can no longer be setup rendering it useless.
I am willing to payout $50.00 to any dev that can engineer an apk that will allow the user to setup a stock NEXUS Q without googles servers.
The APK will have to do the following -> access and setup the initial setup, this includes, wifi, bluetooth, nfc and adb debugging to be able to load APK's to the systems as I am sure many will be coming that will make the Q worth building this for, hence why GOOGLE pulled the servers because they saw this coming ....all as the original apk did but without the GOOGLE servers or need for servers.
I have 3 of these units and they are great for music, I love the internal amps and want to retain all the internal functions of the ports, also the audio is better quality when stock compared to rooted and cm10.1'ed.
I have one working setup still, one on the shelf and one with cm10.1 working with cheapcast.
Bounty is as follows this will be updated as members add their payment amounts.
IAN-$50.00
***If you are going to attempt this or have questions DEVS email me is best.***
Thanks-Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
put this to the top sticky please
Even if somebody makes an apk, there's still the issue of getting it on a stock locked Q.
lokifish marz said:
even if somebody makes an apk, there's still the issue of getting it on a stock locked q.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it would be used from your phone like the factory apk
The problem I see is the Q's original BT authentication method has to hacked. If this passes through the servers then this is a serious hurdle. You cannot pair anything that requires you enter a pin on the Q as the dialog doesn't even exist. Considering how crippled stock is, unlocking and installed either a stock based ROM or CM10 would be my suggestion.
Lokifish Marz said:
The problem I see is the Q's original BT authentication method has to hacked. If this passes through the servers then this is a serious hurdle. You cannot pair anything that requires you enter a pin on the Q as the dialog doesn't even exist. Considering how crippled stock is, unlocking and installed either a stock based ROM or CM10 would be my suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if someone can write a stock rom or explain how to get adb debugging via usb working without the need to authorized it that would be a start. Because adb via wifi doesnt get the prompt and once you hookup a mouse in host mode you can not get the same usb to mount adb.
Any suggestions??
That is the biggest road block for me, while i know you can work around that it is a big crippling part of the q.
Is there enough interest for a dev to look at the factory setup procedure and see if they can re engineer around needing the servers? ? IDK
ianandamy said:
Well if someone can write a stock rom or explain how to get adb debugging via usb working without the need to authorized it that would be a start. Because adb via wifi doesnt get the prompt and once you hookup a mouse in host mode you can not get the same usb to mount adb.
Any suggestions??
That is the biggest road block for me, while i know you can work around that it is a big crippling part of the q.
Is there enough interest for a dev to look at the factory setup procedure and see if they can re engineer around needing the servers? ? IDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There has been a working stock based ROM for about a year now. Prior to Google killing the Q function it worked as a dual mode with Nova Launcher as a desktop. Even now the desktop mode still works. All that's needed is a keyboard. Also ADB starts on boot even on a fresh install and even after a hard reset. In the current test build everything except Q mode and BT work.
Lokifish Marz said:
There has been a working stock based ROM for about a year now. Prior to Google killing the Q function it worked as a dual mode with Nova Launcher as a desktop. Even now the desktop mode still works. All that's needed is a keyboard. Also ADB starts on boot even on a fresh install and even after a hard reset. In the current test build everything except Q mode and BT work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about the one I used in my tutorial?
In dual boot does it have external AMP support?
So it does not prompt you for authorizing ADB once you try to? all 4.2.2 roms include that unless someone deved around that.
Yes I can adb in recovery on the rom I am using but not once booted into the rom it comes up unauthorized.
My Q's must have internal amp support. That is the whole point of the Q, if it doesn't why wouldn't I just go get a Denon Receiver and plug in a chrome cast??
ianandamy said:
Are you talking about the one I used in my tutorial?
In dual boot does it have external AMP support?
So it does not prompt you for authorizing ADB once you try to? all 4.2.2 roms include that unless someone deved around that.
Yes I can adb in recovery on the rom I am using but not once booted into the rom it comes up unauthorized.
My Q's must have internal amp support. That is the whole point of the Q, if it doesn't why wouldn't I just go get a Denon Receiver and plug in a chrome cast??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which tutorial, what ROM?
The ROM I'm talking about supports every function that the stock Q does. BT never worked correctly without a workaround on the Q initially. The needed support was missing in the stock firmware when they released it.
It does not require ADB auth to connect.
Again, it supports every function that the stock Q does as well as having Nova as a "desktop".
(hint- check my sig)
Lokifish Marz said:
Which tutorial, what ROM?
The ROM I'm talking about supports every function that the stock Q does. BT never worked correctly without a workaround on the Q initially. The needed support was missing in the stock firmware when they released it.
It does not require ADB auth to connect.
Again, it supports every function that the stock Q does as well as having Nova as a "desktop".
(hint- check my sig)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do you log in to it without the nexus q apk not working now since its stock based?
I'm game to try this on my one rooted q running cm10.1 is it possible to and chromecast support or cheapcast to it?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
ianandamy said:
So how do you log in to it without the nexus q apk not working now since its stock based?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking ADB or initial setup? If you are talking ADB, then there is no login. Simply connect the Q to your computer and start ADB. If you are talking inital setup then you connect a KB and hit the "HOME" key and it skips setup and takes you to Nova launcher.
darb said:
I'm game to try this on my one rooted q running cm10.1 is it possible to and chromecast support or cheapcast to it?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best option is to use BubbleUPnP and AirCast or similar app to fill in the gaps. Depending on how things go I may have an update in the next week or so.
Lokifish Marz said:
Your best option is to use BubbleUPnP and AirCast or similar app to fill in the gaps. Depending on how things go I may have an update in the next week or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would be great if you could.
thanks
Lokifish Marz said:
Are you talking ADB or initial setup? If you are talking ADB, then there is no login. Simply connect the Q to your computer and start ADB. If you are talking inital setup then you connect a KB and hit the "HOME" key and it skips setup and takes you to Nova launcher.
Your best option is to use BubbleUPnP and AirCast or similar app to fill in the gaps. Depending on how things go I may have an update in the next week or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how is that updated rom coming for the q?
ianandamy said:
how is that updated rom coming for the q?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not well. Check the weather in San Diego (over 90deg) and imagine no AC and the only ventilation is air from the outside.
Upnpcast...
For everyone still looking for Chromecast support: You may try upnpcast by bubbleguum. It runs as a service on your phone / tablet and enables you to cast to any dlna renderer on your network.
The cool thing about it is, that it works right out of the gmusic app on your phone. As soon as a dlna device is detected on your network,the chromecast button will appear in the gmusic app. Just select the renderer you want to play to and you are good to go.
To play to the Q, install cm10.1 and a dlna renderer (I use bubbleupnp). Running for hours now without a prob. Note though, that the app is 1.99 for unlimited use.
Due to the oppressive heat in my home I purchased some portable A/C units. It cost me going to and speaking at the Big Android BBQ this year which kind of bites as it was to one my last one for a while (baby on the way). Good news is that it is cool enough to run my box and now have a ton of time to dev.
How would you guys fell about xbmc/yatse vs bubble? I'll post more details as they become available.
Lokifish Marz said:
Due to the oppressive heat in my home I purchased some portable A/C units. It cost me going to and speaking at the Big Android BBQ this year which kind of bites as it was to one my last one for a while (baby on the way). Good news is that it is cool enough to run my box and now have a ton of time to dev.
How would you guys fell about xbmc/yatse vs bubble? I'll post more details as they become available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed your ROM last night working well. Is there a way to default it to boot to the launcher without it being attached to a keyboard or display seems some of the other streaming options don't load till it hits the launcher screen other then that cheapcast is always working for me. Wish we could also get the q to sleep when unused and turn off the ring.
Can we build a chromecast rom without using cheapcast? I.e lunch the same software as the chromecast device on our Q's?
If we build chromium content shell for android and feed it the app.conf from the chromecast firmware OTA (I cant post links so I cant post the full app.conf)? Or do we need something more? Any linux/android experts have a clue? We can build the content_shell using the build instructions on the chromium wiki @ goggle code. (I cant post outside links). I cant find any web-server or something like that in the chromecast OTA 12940 firmware dump I found on the internet. Does the content_shell include a web-server?
app.conf
Code:
[
{
"url": "${POST_DATA}",
"local_only": true,
"app_name": "Fling",
"use_channel": true
},
{
"url": "XXX/tv?${POST_DATA}",
"app_name": "YouTube",
"use_channel": true
},
{
"url": "XXX/tv/i/mixed?${POST_DATA}",
"allow_empty_post_data": true,
"app_name": "IMAX",
"use_channel": true
},
{
"allow_empty_post_data": true,
"dial_info": "<port>9080</port><capabilities>websocket</capabilities>",
"command_line": "/bin/logwrapper /netflix/bin/netflix_init --data-dir /data/netflix/data -I /data/netflix/AACS -D QWS_DISPLAY=directfb -D LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/system/lib:/netflix/qt/lib -D NF_PLAYREADY_DIR=/data/netflix/playready -D KEYSTORE=/data/netflix/AACS -D KEYBOARD_PORT=7000 -D ENABLE_SECURITY_PATH=1 -D DISABLE_SECURITY_PATH_VIDEO=0 -D DISABLE_SECURITY_PATH_AUDIO=1 --dpi-friendlyname ${FRIENDLY_NAME} -Q source_type=12&dial=${URL_ENCODED_POST_DATA}",
"app_name": "Netflix",
"external": true
},
{
"url": "XXX/cv/receiver.html?${POST_DATA}",
"app_name": "ChromeCast",
"use_channel": true
},
{
"url": "XXX/video/avi/eureka?${URL_ENCODED_POST_DATA}",
"allow_empty_post_data": true,
"app_name": "PlayMovies",
"use_channel": true
},
{
"url": "XXX/eureka/sample/tictactoe/tictactoe.html?${POST_DATA}",
"allow_empty_post_data": true,
"app_name": "TicTacToe",
"use_channel": true
}
]
it seems like the content_shell is launched with this script
Code:
#!/bin/sh
exec /bin/logwrapper /chrome/content_shell --webcore-log-channels=Media --app-config-path=/app.conf --vmodule=*third_party/libjingle/*=3,rendezvous_connection=2,*=0 --js-flags="--trace_gc"
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.
Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.
Introduction
I've been working on a project to incorporate Amazon's Alexa into an Android application as a standalone. It started as an Android TV project, and then got ported over to Android mobile. This weekend I finally got the project to work on Android Wear, so now you can speak to (and listen, if you have speakers or connected Bluetooth speakers) Alexa from your wrist. Because I only have access to an LG G Watch, for the moment, I would love to hear any feedback you all have on issues you find or how you think the project can be made better. The more Wear hardware that it's tested with, the better.
Download
You can get the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.willblaschko.android.alexalistens or download the APK from the Android TV link above.
More Details
If you want to read a little more about the code behind the implementation, I've done a write up for the TV/phone app here and will be putting together a piece on the Wear app.
Thanks!
Do I need to have an Alexa unit in order for this to work?
Great app, thanks. Ran into a persistent crash issue quickly though. If I uncheck the "Android Wear Preferences"->"Play on mobile" option and try anything from my Huawei watch it shows a message on the phone saying that Alexa Listens has crashed and it does not work. If I leave the option checked it works fine especially where I can hear the voice response on my phone, it was pointless to hear the response from the mobile also which is why I wanted to disable it.
is there a link for a version of this that will install on KitKat? this app looks exciting and I tried downloading earlier apk versions of this app but just get the "error parsing package" pop-up ... really want to try it out but upgrading from android 4.4 on my note 3 probably isn't gonna happen ... this looks awesome thanks
still really excited to try this. i have a Huawei Watch and my phone is Samsung galaxy note 3 on android 4.4 ... my note 3 hasn't exploded yet so I can't risk an upgrade to a newer android version but still really want to try your app!
Wow, this is great. Good work!
oh man this looks like something I really really want ... does anyone know how to alter the apk so I can install this on a Samsung note 3 with android 4.4.2? (modifying build.prop didn't work)
Enjoying the possibilities with this app. I have it on a oneplus 3 with a Huawei Watch. When it works it is great, but quite often from the watch it will not respond. I can then go into settings on the phone app and deactivate the always on listener then reactivate it. After that it works from my watch again for a while... until it doesn't and I have to do the deactivate/reactivate all over again. Any ideas?
works perfect for me, Voice response and all. But i was wondering could u add the option for the mic to auto listen on launch? as oppose to having to click the mic when u want to talk to it, would make it easier to use without all those screen taps
---------- Post added at 08:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 AM ----------
also this app literaly breathes NEW LIFE into my huawei watch, this feature alone single handly makes my android watch a must have, " Turn off lights " on the wrist and " request a uber" a is exactly what the google claimed the android watch would be bale to do, but until this app was unable to do
Works well, thanks for this. I did remove it but for some reason it still shows up on the watch even though it is not on the phone. Any idea why?
Hi will,
thanks for the great app, I really love it! I just picked up an Asus Zenwatch 3 and this is a Must-Have
As I'm using it quite often now, I tought I should share my experiences.
The ZW3 comes with two mappable buttons, I put Alexa Listens on one of those, that's really convenient. I'd love if Alexa would listen automatically after starting the App, I think this would be a nicer UX.
Alexa Speech Output has some minor flaws. I did some German Skills, which I used for testing. One replies with SSML - audio and speech afterwards (e.g. on Echo Dot), Alexa Listens only plays the audio (but this could be a flaw in my Skill too).
When Alexa isn't understanding my input, there's no real feedback, it just remains silent (or maybe I'm missing something). Echo Dot usually replies with "I didn't understand that" or similar, that's nicer.
@will.blaschko You aren't open sourcing this, are you? Personally, I'm a huge fan of TuneIn on all devices - I'd love to write the player support for the app, just to get it
Thanks again for the great app!
Working on a new version now, so hopefully that'll be available soon --including support for UK/DE.
If you want to look at the source that powers most of the app: https://github.com/willblaschko/AlexaAndroid
New version is in the Play Store, I can post here as well if you want .
will.blaschko said:
New version is in the Play Store, I can post here as well if you want .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating right now, will give feedback asap - thanks a lot
Hello!
(Please Forgive my not so good English!),
I use this awesome Skill/App now for a couple of weeks, and it is exactly what I'm looking for, but I have a little Problem!? - I have a Sony-Smartwatch-3, and after Using the App on it, the App starts/reopens itself again and again!? - I must everytime make a Reboot on the Smartwatch to solve this!
Please take a look at it!
Thanks!
RoseL.
Listener Sensitivity!
Hello!
The App is Awesome, but far to Sensitive!? I have Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S (LTE) with Stock-Android-6.0.1 rooted, and the App reacts all few Seconds!? When I set "Not Sensitive" in the Sensitivity-Options, I can Yell, but the App don't reacts at all, and when I set "Normal", it reacts all the time all few Seconds!? Can You Please add a Possibility to set the voice-sensitivity in percent!? Or a Option between "Not Sensitive" and "Normal"!? I really want to use this App every Day, and I will Donate to, but how it is now, a cannot use it, because it reacts not at all, or every few seconds!?
Thanks!
Problem installing app
Hi I tried to install this app on my Zenwatch 3, however, if I go to the app-store, it says the app is not compatible. What am I doing wrong?
Hi all,
Hope I'm posting this in the right place. If not, please move.
I have Remix_OS_for_PC_Android_M_64bit_B2016072603 installed as a virtual guest in Virtualbox 5.0.24_Ubuntu r1083 with Xubuntu-core 16.04 as the host machine. Using a Toshiba Satellite Pro L510. Took me four days to nut out how to get to this point, but installed and booting and stable now.
My issues:
1/ Location: When I try to run an app from Play Store it thinks I'm outside of Australia/New Zealand (the app I'm trying to run is specific to those regions). I'm in Australia, the app works fine on my phone (am logging in exactly the same way).
(* Update: I installed GPS Status and it tells me GPS is not switched on. Was hoping to then change the location with Fake GPS, which I also installed. It won't do anything with same message: GPS not enabled or similar.)
2/ Resolution: The screen defaults to portrait, as expected I suppose, but I have a 1366x768 monitor and it doesn't fit in the screen. Consequently, I have a scroll bar because as Virtualbox Guest Additions is not compatible with Remix OS at this point there is no mouse integration (I need to hit Right Control to use mouse in host and same to use in guest again). I need to press a bunch of keys to just scroll the screen up and get back to where I was going. :|
Other than that, all working great, Remix OS is great, thanks to the team that created it. The main reason I was wanting to use it is to use this one app on my computer (AFL Live) and plug my computer into the TV. I don't use my phone for anything other than that one app, SMS and the occasional call so I am by no means an Android junky. In fact, before this, I knew very little about it (but a lot about Linux/Ubuntu).
This install has been a quest, a learning curve, and these are my last two hurdles so I'm calling for help if it's out there. Trawled the net, tried some things, but have hit a brick wall with these two problems.
My first post so not sure of the protocol. If these two issues should be the subject of two separate threads, mods please advise and I will edit accordingly and create a new thread.
Tnx in advance.
(* Further update: Just having a read of this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/remix/remix-os/remix-os-installation-rooting-t3293769
Wondering if rooting the device would allow me to change any of these, in particularly, the location to Australia where it should be, or switch on GPS so my app can see where I actually am. I'm presuming it thinks I am in the Cocos Islands or somewhere else!)
(* And further update: The screen resolution was as easy as typing Alt+F1 to launch a terminal then 'wm size 1366x768'. That looked terrible, though, so changed it to 1048x768 (from memory) and it is good enough, though not perfect. I may be able to get closer with further tweaking. Now the last, and most important, hurdle to leap: How do I get Remix OS, and more specifically my AFL app, to know I'm in Australia. Frustration. It's taken about ten days, on and off, to get here and still not quite where I want to be, but hopefully my travails can help someone else along the way ...)
Gave up on it. If anyone comes up with a way of running Remix OS in Virtualbox and setting the location, please post. Guestadditions would probably fix it and maybe one day ROS will be compatible with it.
On the other hand, I did learn a lot more about Android than I cared to know, but am now thinking about buying my first ever Android tablet to do the job with a USB/HDMI adapter.
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Gentatsu said:
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
ruggs1234 said:
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Gentatsu said:
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Gentatsu said:
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
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Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
ruggs1234 said:
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
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Do the markings include the path/trail? I've used the black background one before, and the building outlines are (kinda) white. Yeah, I do have my watch affixed to my handlebars on my bicycle.
Great - Thanks! It's much appreciated! How come it was hard work, if you don't mind me asking? Ah, yep. That was one of the first things I forgot to change! I completely forgot about it! I've made it so that if you zoom/pan, it'll stick unless you press the "my location" button again.
Huawei watch 2 built-in GPS not working anymore
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
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Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
angelrc96 said:
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
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Hello Angel,
The app still works ok on my watch, I tested it yesterday.
With my phone switched OFF I use my watches inbuilt sim to start the route (the app needs data to download the initial route, it can use the connected mobile but mine was switched off). I then switch off the sim in my watch and follow the route using only the gps in the watch. The app worked as it always has.
HOWEVER, my watch isn't running the latest version of Wear OS (it's running Wear OS 2.0, Home app 2.16). I never update anything Google if i'm not forced too, their updates often break more things than they fix. Everything I use on the watch works great and i'd like it to stay that way....
Hi,
well, I gave it a test (full paid version) - TicWatch 3 Pro 4g/LTE (all up to date). It doesn't work. All tested in standalone mode (no phone involved).
- app crashes when there is no GPS fix (GPS is on, but no fix yet)
- when I set an route to navigate (pin or search) it just endlessly shows progress circle and nothing else happens (GPS on with fix, LTE on and working)
So...
BR, Doman.
I installed the Demo version on my ticwatch 3 pro gps (updated everything to current versions and no modifications (yet))
App is starting, map is not showing, just the gps location button on the left and a white/grey screen. I can pin a location on the white screen and its actually getting a location next to me and tries to route there - but without any map showing.
Any app for Gear S3 ?