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I'm tired of the GPS not working accurately on my vibrant. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone in the first place. Who really needs a faster processor and sharper resolution when you can't use it for something as basic as navigation and finding the number and address of your local grocery store?
This is why I have switched to a Garminfone. I do not have to pay for a data plan. Who really surfs the net on a tiny screen? that's what laptops and tablets are for. Can anyone here say their Vibrant GPS works just as accurately as a Garmin device? I want to know if it's because I have an older Vibrant model. Have the new Vibrants fixed the GPS issue completely? My Garminfone is accurate in locating me within 2-10 meters and can find me in 2-3 seconds! Plus it was made to integrate directly with your car, so there is a windshield holder with power outlet.
No real software can truly fix the GPS since it's a hardware limitation. Probably why my Garminfone is heavier. It uses a real GPS, not aGPS! And it's made by Asus which is an excellent brand!
No flaming intended, but HOLY CRAP a Garminfone?
Ouch dude.
You picked a GARMINFONE over an SGS? The ONLY thing that phone does better is GPS.
That being said, the GPS on my Vibrant works great. I have no idea why some Vibrants can't see a bird to save their lives, and some work. Supposedly the newer hardware makes it more likely that it will work.
Good luck with your new GPS that can make phone calls.
LOL at picking a Garminfone over the Vibrant.
On second thought...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<composes himself>
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dominic77m said:
. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone
Who really needs a faster processor and sharper resolution when you can't use it for something as basic as navigation
This is why I have switched to a Garminfone.
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Weird... I thought the true reason to use a mobile phone.... was to call people??
I thought about the Garminfone briefly before I settled with a Vibrant.
Software updates for the Garminfone are really non-existent and any modding/hacking Roms is almost extinct as well. The device is on life support at best.
That being said I've seen Vibrants with superb 5 second GPS locks by just spending 10 patient minutes doing the GPS hardware fix listed in the sticky.
dominic77m said:
Who really surfs the net on a tiny screen? that's what laptops and tablets are for.
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I do. Everyday. Especially at work.
dominic77m said:
Can anyone here say their Vibrant GPS works just as accurately as a Garmin device?
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My GPS locks faster and recalculates less often than my Garmin.
dominic77m said:
No real software can truly fix the GPS since it's a hardware limitation. Probably why my Garminfone is heavier. It uses a real GPS, not aGPS! And it's made by Asus which is an excellent brand!
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Click to collapse
True. There is a hardware issue with the GPS as stated in the sticky in the General Section. But once that issue is corrected the GPS is just as good as any standalone device I've every used. There are about 90 other people who will back me on that too. Oh and my phones GPS is set to Standalone, no aGPS here...
those that are replying, keep in mind....
does you GPS work properly without a Data plan???
my point is, if you're paying an extra $30 a month which is $330 a year for data when there is wifi in just about every mall, mc donalds, star bucks...why even bother?
and on top of that, why pay for data if you already have wifi at home and in the workplace??
Seriously, no one truly browses a full web page on a phone. You do that on a laptop or tablet. The Garminfone has android 2.1. So what is if it doesn't have 2.3? The issue is always going to be T-mobile will be a few builds behind the latest one. Are you really going to save the world with 2.3???
It's all about functionality and value!!!!
I can be in the middle of nowhere and get GPS directions, address and telephone numbers without a data plan! No paying $330 yearly!
So back to my question, does your GPS on your Vibrant work accurately without a data plan or wifi?
omg is this thread for real. me and my wife had a garmin when they first came out cause of the buy one get one deal. we couldnt give those crappy phones back fast enough. really garmin phone why dont you just get a tom tom duct tape it to your vibrant if you want gps so bad.
I looked at the Garminfone for about 10 minutes. I am not going to bash your choice because everyone has different needs for their devices. I will however say that my decision to NOT go with that phone was I read a ton of bad reviews on overall hardware and software issues. Plus I really hardly use GPS unless I am bored.
If you truly need GPS and just use a phone to call and text then that is what suits you best.
Good luck with your purchase, come back in a few weeks and prove us wrong I guess
After reading through this post, I don't why the OP even created this post in the first place when he knows for a fact that our phone requires a data plan for GPS to work. As for me, I am out most of the time and it's just much more convenient for me to use the data plan to go online and email without having to look for a place with wifi. On top of that, my replacement phone sees 11 to 12 birds and locks on to 6 to 8 birds in about 10 to 20 seconds. Maybe the OP regrade switching over and is trying to justify himself for the switch.
he might as well get a cup and string along with a star chart to map with for location for a phone.
dominic77m said:
I'm tired of the GPS not working accurately on my vibrant. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone in the first place.
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The irony is freaking delicious.
i see a lot of people here are new to TECHNOLOGY. I've been around computers since the first desktop computer came out. Many on here started using computers only when facebook became popular. The point is, the true value in technology does not lie in paying for a device at it's birth.
I repeat, $330 a year for what???
It's $330 for service...not a device that can be resold and make half your money back in a year. What do you really need so badly to download from the internet that requires you to get a data plan instead of using wifi?
The initial bad reviews for the Garminfone was because it only supported 1.6 at the time. 2.1 isn't that bad. And get this, Garminfone is made by Asus which is the best quality PC brand!
Of course the vibrant is better...well it ought to be if you're paying $330 more a year!!! It all comes down to price! You expect more if you pay more!
If you bought your Vibrant through Tmobile, you could have easily swapped it out for a newer model without the hardware problem at no cost to you. My GPS is working fine, and yes in some cases it fares better than standalone units.
People use their phones for browsing all the time, that's kind of the major point of a smartphone...
As for the data plan, I use Audiogalaxy to stream my entire music collection (upwards of 200 gigs of music) from my computer at home, to my car. How would you do that without a data plan again?
dominic77m said:
my point is, if you're paying an extra $30 a month which is $330 a year for data when there is wifi in just about every mall, mc donalds, star bucks...why even bother?
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What about everyone who doesnt have wifi at work. Those who don't visit malls or fast food restaurants. What about the fact then even those who do have wifi at work also have many restrictions to go along with it. I'd rather have the network with me at all times than to have to go somewhere to use the internet
dominic77m said:
and on top of that, why pay for data if you already have wifi at home and in the workplace??
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Again... You assume everyone has wifi at home/work.
dominic77m said:
Seriously, no one truly browses a full web page on a phone. You do that on a laptop or tablet. The Garminfone has android 2.1. So what is if it doesn't have 2.3? The issue is always going to be T-mobile will be a few builds behind the latest one. Are you really going to save the world with 2.3???
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Again. I use my phone for full web browsing on a daily bases even at home. As do many others who do too. You shouldnt make statements like that without knowing peoples habbits for a fact.
dominic77m said:
It's all about functionality and value!!!!
I can be in the middle of nowhere and get GPS directions, address and telephone numbers without a data plan! No paying $330 yearly!
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Cool story. Whatever works for you. But don't pretend you know whats best for everyone just because its best for you.
dominic77m said:
So back to my question, does your GPS on your Vibrant work accurately without a data plan or wifi?
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Again. Yes my Vibrant is just as accurate and in some cases MORE accurate. And it is possible to use the GPS without a data plan.
dominic77m said:
i see a lot of people here are new to TECHNOLOGY. I've been around computers since the first desktop computer came out. Many on here started using computers only when facebook became popular.
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O, rly? Source?
dominic77m said:
I repeat, $330 a year for what???
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Unlimited access to the cloud and everything that entails, at speeds that are often faster than the average wifi connection. This also works when in a car, on a bus, at the beach, in the mall, in an airport, while doing handstands, practicing your backflips on a trampoline, hell even when I'm walking to the office, dropping my drawers, and dropping a deuce all over my ****ty Asus netbook
dominic77m said:
It's $330 for service...not a device that can be resold and make half your money back in a year. What do you really need so badly to download from the internet that requires you to get a data plan instead of using wifi?
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Its consistent convenience. Social Networking, streaming radio (including jacked into my car stereo), XDA app, certain games, Market access anytime, etc.
dominic77m said:
Of course the vibrant is better...well it ought to be if you're paying $330 more a year!!! It all comes down to price! You expect more if you pay more!
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Agreed. You pay less for a less enjoyable experience.
regP said:
Again. Yes my Vibrant is just as accurate and in some cases MORE accurate. And it is possible to use the GPS without a data plan.
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Exactly, and with Maps 5.0 you have offline route caching, so you can still navigate when you lose data service.
people really need internet on a tiny little device 24/7 for $330?
Sure everything is case by case, but $330 in this economy when MOST people already have wifi. This is how ridiculous cellphone plans are! It use to be a device for talking and now people describe it like a NECESSITY!
This is exactly why Americans are always broke! They don't know the meaning of value. It's one thing that you're Donald Trump, but MAJORITY of people don't need internet service with them 24/7.
If you're using your mobile device for tethering, then that's a good thing...but when you already have wifi at home like most people, this is completely a waste!
Does anyone have proof that the Vibrant GPS works great by itself without a data plan. I'm looking for proof online. Maybe a video or article.
Hey, if the aGPS works like real GPS on the vibrant, I'd completely switch back.
dominic77m said:
people really need internet on a tiny little device 24/7 for $330?.
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i only pay 180 a year!! got tmo to lower it to 15 dollars a month when my contract expired and its been that way for 2 years now
dominic77m said:
Hey, if the aGPS works like real GPS on the vibrant, I'd completely switch back.
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The vibrants GPS can operate in 3 different modes. One of which is STANDALONE. meaning the phone gets its data directly from the sats. Meaning no network connection is needed.
OK, so I tried the unit in the car and placed on the passenger seat. It received a signal but keep losing it. I then moved it closer to the dash by the radio and it kept the signal much better. The third scenario was I placed it lying down on the dash and it kept the signal with no problem, or loss of signal.
Conclusion on the GPS is that it is definitely better with ICS update but a stand alone GPS it is not, unless it is mounted on your win shield with some type of Mount. Problem is that it then blocks a good potion of your view.
Here is a link to the video I shot this afternoon during my drive to test the GPS function. Please dont atempt this on your own... I am a profesional http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFoo_jMWOE&feature=youtu.be
Standing in my yard it locks on a signal within 20-30 seconds and grabs 11-13 Sat's and locks on 10-12 of them.
Now that GPS does work it makes it much more difficult to return, except that it has some minor screen bleed on the upper right side of the screen. Other than that the tablet is amazing with the update. Desisions, desisions
Two observations...
1) Your route was a short straight line. There are algorithms in most GPS s/w to compensate for signal loss. A straight line doesn't show how well the Prime was actually keeping up with the satellites.
2) The jumping and stuttering of the arrow signifying your position would indicate loss of signal.
There are some videos posted of a G-Tab using CoPilot. You'll see the difference.
Who on earth would use their tablet for a turn for turn navigation? Dont you have a smart phone? The only thing I would want GPS for is weather etc which probably wouldnt need too much of a signal
DroidHam said:
Who on earth would use their tablet for a turn for turn navigation? Dont you have a smart phone? The only thing I would want GPS for is weather etc which probably wouldnt need too much of a signal
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I do. And I'm tired of people that don't questioning why anyone else would. You do whatever you want. Nav s/w makers wouldn't be offering tablet-ized versions of their products if people weren't buying them.
It was meant to show people that the tablet did lock a signal. It wasn't a trip to Canada. I had absolutely no lock on Satellites before the update not in my yard and most defiantly not in my car. Now it locks without any issues, both in my car and in my yard. Some my find the information useful while others may not. Do with it as you wish.
BarryH_GEG said:
I do. And I'm tired of people that don't questioning why anyone else would. You do whatever you want. Nav s/w makers wouldn't be offering tablet-ized versions of their products if people weren't buying them.
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So your telling me you put your tablet on your dash and look at it? What kind of phone do you have? And how is your vision?
I don't use it as to Navigate, it was just to demonstrate that after the ICS update I was able to lock on to a signal. Before the update I had Nada.
DroidHam said:
So your telling me you put your tablet on your dash and look at it? What kind of phone do you have? And how is your vision?
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Its turn by turn with voice prompt. Turn left on XXX. In 1/4 mile turn right onto xxx. You do not have to actually watch the screen. I do not see what issue people have with the concept of someone using a Tablet for GPS. When I had a Xoom I put it on the passenger seat and listened to the prompts.
BarryH_GEG said:
I do. And I'm tired of people that don't questioning why anyone else would. You do whatever you want. Nav s/w makers wouldn't be offering tablet-ized versions of products if people weren't buying them.
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Barry, you are a vast minority. Face it. If you have such issues, deal with it. Sick of you incessantly *****ing, over about your issue. Thread after thread after thread. Please return it and move along.
I could give 2 craps about my GPS, but it works fine for me. My 4.6" screen on my phone is fine, when I don't want to use the nav in my car. 10" is ludicrous for my need as an in car van unit.
Thank you OP for your test that was summarily dismissed by some certain people.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
rz22g said:
Its turn by turn with voice prompt. Turn left on XXX. In 1/4 mile turn right onto xxx. You do not have to actually watch the screen. I do not see what issue people have with the concept of someone using a Tablet for GPS. When I had a Xoom I put it on the passenger seat and listened to the prompts.
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What kind of phone do you have?
DroidHam said:
So your telling me you put your tablet on your dash and look at it? What kind of phone do you have? And how is your vision?
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I use it when I travel, both here and in Europe.
Here are the reasons:
1) The larger screen real estate gives you a greater view of where you are and what's upcoming.
2) Tablet nav s/w has a split view making turns and expressway exits easier to navigate.
3) The tablet's battery will go five times longer than my i9100's.
4) Tablets have better GPS chips and antennas than phones and (not in this case) get and keep a signal better.
5) My phone's free to use as a media player and to take BT calls.
6) I don't drain my phone's battery.
I have a stand for it with a thin bean bag bottom and it sits on the passenger seat unless I'm with someone and then they hold it.
I'm not justifying myself to you, but some might be curious what the benefits are. And I really don't care whether others use their phone, stand-alone GPS, a compass, a sextant, or Citgo maps.
NO problem, thanks for your input.
Bimboy said:
Barry, you are a vast minority. Face it. If you have such issues, deal with it. Sick of you incessantly *****ing, over about your issue. Thread after thread after thread. Please return it and move along.
I could give 2 craps about my GPS, but it works fine for me. My 4.6" screen on my phone is fine, when I don't want to use the nav in my car. 10" is ludicrous for my need as an in car van unit.
Thank you OP for your test that was summarily dismissed by some certain people.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
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If it's unimportant to you, why are you so hell bent on convincing other people that it should be unimportant to them too? Granted, people using tablets for navigation are a minority but it was important to enough people that they returned their Prime's over it. People trying to convince others that it's unimportant are as bad as what you're accusing me of.
Very cool. Thanks for putting this together to show what is indeed possible. I think this is the first video we have seen of a working navigation while driving. I understand results will vary, but you give us hope.
Is that co-pilot?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Very cool. Thanks for putting this together to show what is indeed possible. I think this is the first video we have seen of a working navigation while driving. I understand results will vary, but you give us hope.
Is that co-pilot?
No, I used Sygic, I have Copilot also, was gonna test it on Co Pilot tomorrow, but based on all this back and forth I'm not sure I will.
BarryH_GEG said:
If it's unimportant to you, why are you so hell bent on convincing other people that it should be unimportant to them too? Granted, people using tablets for navigation are a minority but it was important to enough people that they returned their Prime's over it. People trying to convince others that it's unimportant are as bad as what you're accusing me of.
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Click to collapse
I am not hell bent on anything. From reading past posts of yours, you are not unintelligent. Here is somebody who took the time and ingenuity to satisfy the whims of people just like you to show that his GPS works, and you can't get off your ass to do the exact same test, using your imposed parameters, but instead just bash the person for showing their results. Seriously.. wtf. Jeesh.
Think.. you can do it.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I'd get a 3g A-GPS enabled tablet if i'd really rely on its GPS and would want it to use as my main navigation device. It really helps alot when driving through tunnels and stuff.
Bimboy said:
I am not hell bent on anything. From reading past posts of yours, you are not unintelligent. Here is somebody who took the time and ingenuity to satisfy the whims of people just like you to show that his GPS works, and you can't get off your ass to do the exact same test, using your imposed parameters, but instead just bash the person for showing their results. Seriously.. wtf. Jeesh.
Think.. you can do it.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
You mean like these three 10 minute videos showing multiple different scenarios using two different types of nav s/w so people would have something to benchmark against?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1428404
lmfao. lets not start a war over GPS. Barry doesn't even have a Prime, I think. He just adding what he knows from experience with tablet navigation.
demandarin said:
lmfao. lets not start a war over GPS. Barry doesn't even have a Prime, I think. He just adding what he knows from experience with tablet navigation.
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And if you re-read my response to OP, it wasn't negative. It was simply pointing out some observations based on his testing. If it came off that way, especialy to OP who took the time to post his results, I'm sorry. And demandarin, is right. Since I am a heavy tab nav user (a minority) I'm just trying to share what I know from experience.
Hello all!
Looking for some advice from Android experts on potentially utilizing Android for a super simple but small mobile device.
Particularly looking for advice and/or a direction on which base will probably be best 2.X, 3.X, 4.X as well as what's even possible.
Think of a device the size as an iPod Nano Touch with all the bells and whistles of a smart phone (no screen). Trying to aim for a standby time of 180 hours.
Help!
AK-shay said:
wow 180 hours??
now thats definitely impossible..
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~180 hours standby! this potential device won't see much use, but will still have all the bells and whistles to be utilized by apps/services later down the road.
Goodluck with that
flyrocket said:
Goodluck with that
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it's going to happen, just a matter of tweaking and hardware specs.
the device will be on the market in under 12 months. want to embrace the culture here at xda to help it along its way =)
Not ready yet, may be in the future (5 years) for smartphone.
Good
AK-shay said:
wow 180 hours??
now thats definitely impossible..
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Click to collapse
Its very good!
from the research i've gathered, the technology is already there (hardware-wise) - it's all about software/OS and i'm interested in trying Android (if possible) instead of a Real Time OS like ThreadX - due to sheer amount of support
@androidpros would love for some advice!
How minimal are you talking? If you just want great battery life and some texting, why not just get a dumb phone?
MissionImprobable said:
How minimal are you talking? If you just want great battery life and some texting, why not just get a dumb phone?
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the target customer can't use a phone. (even a dumb one)
and dont even think about a smartphone w/ a screen. xD
its tough to see the market potential if you aren't in the market, but think of your grandparents or maybe even parents. as young tech savvy ppl, its easy to say "just make an app for it" but for them, you have to put yourself in their shoes.
imagine putting oven mitts, ear plugs, and have allergies (eyes) at all times and try to work a dumb phone, let a lone a smartphone.
hence - I reiterate: looking to use android but want to get a feel from experts to see if it's possible to strip it down as bare as possible but still be able to be activated to use all of the components in a smartphone (gps, accelerometer, camera, etc...) at a moments notice.
the device would be in standby pretty much at all times, but must either always be somewhat connected to the mobile network (2G, 3G) or connect periodically to the network. all other components would be on demand so not really worried about their battery consumption.
its a very interesting project and if it's possible and we get to product launch. we'll be giving away devices to xda members to hack away at. =D
I think it is impossible! unless u don't use anything except processor
that's the intent. device should last as long as possible in a standby/hibernation state where the processor is in a super low power state(just enough to stay connected to the mobile network)
there are plenty of dumb phones out there that had 300 hours of standby (untouched phone but still connected to network) now of course they had relatively big batteries, but these phones were manufactured years ago. i'd hope by today, we can put together a combination of hardware and software innovation to achieve this goal.
does it need to stay connected to mobile network, or could it just powerup the radio on event?
I am thinking something along the lines of a 3g based safety device, eg device wakes up and calls in to indicate an emergency condition.
something like this would not need to power more than the CPU and some sensors, till the "event" then it could powerup additional hardware.
mervincm said:
does it need to stay connected to mobile network, or could it just powerup the radio on event?
I am thinking something along the lines of a 3g based safety device, eg device wakes up and calls in to indicate an emergency condition.
something like this would not need to power more than the CPU and some sensors, till the "event" then it could powerup additional hardware.
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Click to collapse
on the right track. you hit it on the nail in regards to the usecase of the device, however there is a need to be able to ping a device at any time and get a timely status update (including location info) which makes things a little more difficult.
we see two potential routes
1. keep the radio always on and connected (of course battery drain but how bad is it really? - examples being the dumb phones in the past with 300h of standby but still being connected to the networks)
2. have the radios power up every so often to check to see if there is a command awaiting it, if so, execute, if not, power back down.
going route 2 would mean you can't get an on demand ping ability, but worst case, longest wait time = one power down-up cycle of the radio (let's use an example of 5 minutes)
of course, we'd like to go with route 1, but typically in an emergency, its the user of the device that initiates whereas a ping is more for information (parent looking for child or device - yes it might be an emergency, but probably not life-threatening)
You might want to have a look at SONY's $150 android watch.
try "One Power Guard" download from onexuan.com,It can help you extend battery life .
Discuss from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1889740
I got mine yesterday and so far I don't know what this watch was made to do. I love the curved design and the large screen, but why add a SIM card and make it not a stand alone device? Personally I would rather have a thinner watch.
Controlling this device is a head ache to me, the scrolling is sometimes glitchy, the keyboard is oddly shaped and apps don't load information like it should. I owned the first Gear watch and thought it was a cool first step in the right direction of smart watches but some how I feel the first Gear worked better.
I am taking mine back and waiting for a thinner one to come out that functions smoother.
Hawkhell said:
I got mine yesterday and so far I don't know what this watch was made to do. I love the curved design and the large screen, but why add a SIM card and make it not a stand alone device? Personally I would rather have a thinner watch.
Controlling this device is a head ache to me, the scrolling is sometimes glitchy, the keyboard is oddly shaped and apps don't load information like it should. I owned the first Gear watch and thought it was a cool first step in the right direction of smart watches but some how I feel the first Gear worked better.
I am taking mine back and waiting for a thinner one to come out that functions smoother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of, one biggy is not being able to add tasks or reminders. I don't know why but that buggs the crap out of me. I was able to with the first and 2nd gen gear watches. It was said this watch would have more support and more apps but from the looks of it the parts of the SDK for this watch seem to be broken thus slowing down app development.
Where are the thousand apps that was said to be avail at launch? I only see maybe 300 apps? (I have a note 4 that should show all of them you would think)
The watch is cool, don't get me wrong. I like it and I like the ability to make calls and receive calls and notifications when I am away from my phone... Im just dumbfounded that you can do something as simple as add a reminder or a task lol. S voice is hit or miss too. S voice on the Gear 2 was on point! (I kinda miss my gear 2)
I think it needs many sw updates and apps to reach its full potential.
ronaldheld said:
I think it needs many sw updates and apps to reach its full potential.
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Click to collapse
Yeah the big question is if there is development. I already feel that gear 2 was abandoned and the gear s isn't far behind
I am thinking the smartwatch development cycle is so short, that a given watch is abandoned before it's peak is reached.
Hawkhell said:
I got mine yesterday and so far I don't know what this watch was made to do. I love the curved design and the large screen, but why add a SIM card and make it not a stand alone device? Personally I would rather have a thinner watch.
Controlling this device is a head ache to me, the scrolling is sometimes glitchy, the keyboard is oddly shaped and apps don't load information like it should. I owned the first Gear watch and thought it was a cool first step in the right direction of smart watches but some how I feel the first Gear worked better.
I am taking mine back and waiting for a thinner one to come out that functions smoother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is still a standalone device so I'm not sure how you mean it isn't.
As for the glitches it could either be hardware issues or software, but thinness doesn't seem to be anything that could help.
We are early adopters and with that comes risk but I haven't had problems that would disappoint me to the point of wanting to return it.
It is an advancement for me. But hurry up and take it back if it irritates ya. It isn't for everyone.
if anything I think this watch has exceeded my expectations. I expected to hate the size, hate the batter, hate the useability. I have been please on every aspect.
Sure we need more apps. Some of us are working on that.
If you were expecting custom ROMs and someone porting android then this is not for you. That will likely never really be the case.
gottahavit said:
if anything I think this watch has exceeded my expectations. I expected to hate the size, hate the batter, hate the useability. I have been please on every aspect.
Sure we need more apps. Some of us are working on that.
If you were expecting custom ROMs and someone porting android then this is not for you. That will likely never really be the case.
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Click to collapse
Oh God no, the farther away from Android I can go the better. I only want root so I can dig around in it to learn.
Where are sound files kept, what is the file structure. Pull and push for light modding.
This watch reminds me of the N900. Sooooo much potential ...
My issues with this watch ates the swype key doesn't work all the time. It completely doesn't choose the word I was spelling. The dang call forwarding almost never works. I constantly get error messages that it can't connect to my phone remotely, my phone will be sitting in a good signal area. And a few times i had to restart the gear because all of a sudden it couldn't read the Sim card. These little issues make me regret buying it.
Hawkhell said:
I got mine yesterday and so far I don't know what this watch was made to do. I love the curved design and the large screen, but why add a SIM card and make it not a stand alone device? Personally I would rather have a thinner watch.
Controlling this device is a head ache to me, the scrolling is sometimes glitchy, the keyboard is oddly shaped and apps don't load information like it should. I owned the first Gear watch and thought it was a cool first step in the right direction of smart watches but some how I feel the first Gear worked better.
I am taking mine back and waiting for a thinner one to come out that functions smoother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am loving it. Screen is great, connection or remote connection works well, and I love the scrolling on it, as it seems smooth and more fun. I had Gear 1 and 2, and find this far superior so far. Battery very good, even with Always on mode going I get a full day. Bluetooth works well with my headset at the gym, and emails seem to work better, as I can read full Exchange emails, as long as I clear out the notification after each one. News updates are really cool looking too.
I'm not terribly disappointed - I think the device itself is a feat in design however, I do have gripes with the software capabilities and not being able to respond to things like notifications directly from the device.
I think when more apps/updates are developed for the device, the experience/usability will drastically improve.
simpletona70 said:
My issues with this watch ates the swype key doesn't work all the time. It completely doesn't choose the word I was spelling. The dang call forwarding almost never works. I constantly get error messages that it can't connect to my phone remotely, my phone will be sitting in a good signal area. And a few times i had to restart the gear because all of a sudden it couldn't read the Sim card. These little issues make me regret buying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours is defective. Exchange it.
RChang said:
I'm not terribly disappointed - I think the device itself is a feat in design however, I do have gripes with the software capabilities and not being able to respond to things like notifications directly from the device.
I think when more apps/updates are developed for the device, the experience/usability will drastically improve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just my Gear S yesterday and I'm impressed with the design just like I am with the Note 4. I bought the Notifications app to be able to reply. I'm still trying to figure that out. The Gear S looks huge but surprisingly feels like a normal watch to me. I can see it wouldn't feel right if you have tiny wrists though. I'm going to test the watch out for 14 days and see how much I'll use it.
I just feel Samsung didn't put much effort in this device as they have in their phones.
I personally hate that it has its own sim card and it seems that it without a sim slot and the chipset for 3g and wifi it could be a thinner device and still do what most people need it to. I just find it silly to have WiFi and 3g when you can't download it's own apps and not to mention the price difference.
I really thought it would have better apps first and 3rd party since Samsung isn't new to the watch market.
I do like the way the watch looks aside from it being thicker than I think it should be. I own a Note 4 and Note 3 and I think the Note 4 looks better but the Note 3 feels better in hand. Also I fail to understand why the Note 4s screen sticks out further than its bezels unlike the Note 3 where the bezels are out to protect the screen.
I am totally in love with mine. I love that it has its own SIM card slot, which is also why I bought it. For active people, it's a great device, because they can leave their cell phones at home (they are just too darn big these days).
I wish it had a few of the apps I use on my watch, and in general many more apps, and that Samsung would be straight-forward about which tablets work with it and which don't.
Also, I never saw the point of a wrist worn second display to your phone, but now that I have the Gear S, I can even see the appeal of the other (SIM-less) smart watches.
What I hate, though, is that Samsung sells it carrier-locked in the US. The sheer amount of work I have done so far in trying to get an unlocked version is insane, and I am still not done.
simpletona70 said:
My issues with this watch ates the swype key doesn't work all the time. It completely doesn't choose the word I was spelling. The dang call forwarding almost never works. I constantly get error messages that it can't connect to my phone remotely, my phone will be sitting in a good signal area. And a few times i had to restart the gear because all of a sudden it couldn't read the Sim card. These little issues make me regret buying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask, which carrier version of the watch do you have, and what kind of SIM is in it?
I'd like to know because I am currently using the T-mo version with a T-mo card and have not had any such problems, however, I also have an unopened ATT version that I am waiting to get unlocked (I'll return the tmo one).
xendula said:
I am totally in love with mine. I love that it has its own SIM card slot, which is also why I bought it. For active people, it's a great device, because they can leave their cell phones at home (they are just too darn big these days).
I wish it had a few of the apps I use on my watch, and in general many more apps, and that Samsung would be straight-forward about which tablets work with it and which don't.
Also, I never saw the point of a wrist worn second display to your phone, but now that I have the Gear S, I can even see the appeal of the other (SIM-less) smart watches.
What I hate, though, is that Samsung sells it carrier-locked in the US. The sheer amount of work I have done so far in trying to get an unlocked version is insane, and I am still not done.
May I ask, which carrier version of the watch do you have, and what kind of SIM is in it?
I'd like to know because I am currently using the T-mo version with a T-mo card and have not had any such problems, however, I also have an unopened ATT version that I am waiting to get unlocked (I'll return the tmo one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My swipe is more accurate than I thought it would be but less than on the keyboards I use on my Note 4.
Hawkhell said:
My swipe is more accurate than I thought it would be but less than on the keyboards I use on my Note 4.
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Click to collapse
I have to say, I can't figure out how to best use the keyboard. It detects the actual letter I want to type maybe 50% of the time at most.
Hawkhell said:
I just feel Samsung didn't put much effort in this device as they have in their phones.
I personally hate that it has its own sim card and it seems that it without a sim slot and the chipset for 3g and wifi it could be a thinner device and still do what most people need it to. I just find it silly to have WiFi and 3g when you can't download it's own apps and not to mention the price difference.
I really thought it would have better apps first and 3rd party since Samsung isn't new to the watch market.
I do like the way the watch looks aside from it being thicker than I think it should be. I own a Note 4 and Note 3 and I think the Note 4 looks better but the Note 3 feels better in hand. Also I fail to understand why the Note 4s screen sticks out further than its bezels unlike the Note 3 where the bezels are out to protect the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
--
The Note 4 has a 2.5D glass screen with the chamfored aluminium contour to give it a more premium look. It has definitely made a difference and makes the phone feel silky smooth. I really don't think the plastic trim around the Note 3 protected it much and it certainly wasn't attractive. People complained like hell to Samsung regarding premium design, they listened and they delivered and people are still moaning.
As for the Gear S, well looks are subjective and I for one believe it looks stunning. The thickness is down to many factors like a decent speaker, bigger battery, sensors and the sim tray. Comparing it to the Galaxy Gear and the LG G watch r, it's about the same in thickness. The fact it curves round the wrist makes it seem less bulky.
It's not silly to have a 3G and Wifi feature, it's what makes the watch stand out from the others. It's not meant for downloading apps, it's for use when your phone is unavailable. I believe you are missing the whole concept. If you want a thin fashion watch then this isn't the right watch for you and I doubt Samsung ever intended it to be fashionable. It's a techies dream and as far as I am concerned is the best smartwatch out there right now. Granted it is expensive but early adoption is always so. The same reason there aren't thousands of apps for it just yet.
My answer to the original question of whether I am disappointed with the Gear S. . it's an easy and resounding NO!
--
Sent from my SM-T705 using Tapatalk
Hawkhell said:
I just find it silly to have WiFi and 3g when you can't download it's own apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what even just wifi gives you is at, say your office or home, you can leave your phone sitting on your desk or nightstand and roam freely about the place and still get calls and notifications on the Gear S.
Which to me, is awesome. And clearly better than the Gear Live (which can only helpfully remind you you've left your phone out of range when you walk into the next room)
---------- Post added at 08:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------
xendula said:
I have to say, I can't figure out how to best use the keyboard. It detects the actual letter I want to type maybe 50% of the time at most.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are three keyboards. Perhaps one of the others will work better for you?
schettj said:
There are three keyboards. Perhaps one of the others will work better for you?
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Click to collapse
I'll try out the others. Haven't even checked for other keyboards - duh!
I am planing on getting a gear s but I have hear nothing but bad things about does anybody hear like the device and if so what are the pros and cons you have found of this device is it woth get it g or should I wait for the next gen gear to come out
Sent From The EDGE
jolly_roger_hook said:
I am planing on getting a gear s but I have hear nothing but bad things about does anybody hear like the device and if so what are the pros and cons you have found of this device is it woth get it g or should I wait for the next gen gear to come out
Sent From The EDGE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haters gonna hate. Thats the only way to look at it. Its a cool piece of hardware but theres haters for everything. Hell you tell people the battery will last 2-3 days and they scream bloody murder, "oh it sucks, thats horrible!". Then you tell them the Apple iWatch battery will only last 8 hours and they are all like " oh well thats probably ok" (I dont actually know what the iWatch battery is like). I did just go on a little rant here. It should give you some insight into why people talk bad about it.
Thanks I'll check that out
Sent From The EDGE
cipherswitch said:
Haters gonna hate. Thats the only way to look at it. Its a cool piece of hardware but theres haters for everything. Hell you tell people the battery will last 2-3 days and they scream bloody murder, "oh it sucks, thats horrible!". Then you tell them the Apple iWatch battery will only last 8 hours and they are all like " oh well thats probably ok" (I dont actually know what the iWatch battery is like). I did just go on a little rant here. It should give you some insight into why people talk bad about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'll check that out
Sent From The EDGE
Love mine. Yes charge it daily. Do i really need to not sure but rather it last than run out half wau through. Disnt have apps i wanted. So wrote my own. So now it pretty much does everything i want. I quite often leave my phone at home if popping to shops etc. Has step counter and sleep log. The apps i have downloaded are quite cool but dont use them often.
The two i wrote. Access cctv and view from watch. Control domoticz home automation from watch. Yup lazy can turn lights on and off from bed and couch. The tizen ide for programming is not too bad.
Anyways to sum up i love it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
I just got mine yesterday and so far I like it. I had the original Gear 1 and a Moto 360. I will say that the Moto 360 seemed to work better with Google stuff such as Hangouts, but it was far more limited as a device compared to the Gear S. I loaded the Gear Notification Extender, and now I can reply to both Gmail and Hangouts using the Gear S, very nice!
I do like the option of using something like the Opera Mini Browser to view Gmail and such. And I can't wait to try it out this spring while cycling, it would be nice to leave my phone at home or in the car when riding my bike.
Hope this helps.
its a fantastic piece of kit
to be fair i've struggled with it a bit understanding the settings and permutations but the functionality seems to be improving day by day.
the choice of useful apps isn't massive but that hasn't been a problem for me personally,
I'm not a great fan of the interface on my related S4 smartphone but i can live with that
the liberation of just having the watch (ok with your compatible samsung plugged in or turned on somewhere else) is the main attraction for me
i dont understand the haters especially those deriding the battery life, the appearance (it looks great on your wrist in real life), the concept ( i don't think i need one why would anybody else?) or the need to have a samsung phone to go with it ( I'm not charmed by that either that but Samsung are no worse than others in that regard and there are I guess technical reasons why it has to pair with something short of being a brick on your wrist) at least with the Gear S that pairing can be at a distance or indeed you can just use it as a phone on its own
some people have posted here and on android central that they have returned the watch but most actual users who see the use case for them, have checked out the limitations, have persevered or been patient with some of the glitches and understand why its the best in its class
i see your a "senior member" so apologies for showing granny how to suck eggs - apart from that buy it - or hang on a little longer to see if there really is a Gear S 2 coming soon!
alanshortt said:
its a fantastic piece of kit
to be fair i've struggled with it a bit understanding the settings and permutations but the functionality seems to be improving day by day.
the choice of useful apps isn't massive but that hasn't been a problem for me personally,
I'm not a great fan of the interface on my related S4 smartphone but i can live with that
the liberation of just having the watch (ok with your compatible samsung plugged in or turned on somewhere else) is the main attraction for me
i dont understand the haters especially those deriding the battery life, the appearance (it looks great on your wrist in real life), the concept ( i don't think i need one why would anybody else?) or the need to have a samsung phone to go with it ( I'm not charmed by that either that but Samsung are no worse than others in that regard and there are I guess technical reasons why it has to pair with something short of being a brick on your wrist) at least with the Gear S that pairing can be at a distance or indeed you can just use it as a phone on its own
some people have posted here and on android central that they have returned the watch but most actual users who see the use case for them, have checked out the limitations, have persevered or been patient with some of the glitches and understand why its the best in its class
i see your a "senior member" so apologies for showing granny how to suck eggs - apart from that buy it - or hang on a little longer to see if there really is a Gear S 2 coming soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chrisreese said:
I just got mine yesterday and so far I like it. I had the original Gear 1 and a Moto 360. I will say that the Moto 360 seemed to work better with Google stuff such as Hangouts, but it was far more limited as a device compared to the Gear S. I loaded the Gear Notification Extender, and now I can reply to both Gmail and Hangouts using the Gear S, very nice!
I do like the option of using something like the Opera Mini Browser to view Gmail and such. And I can't wait to try it out this spring while cycling, it would be nice to leave my phone at home or in the car when riding my bike.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dagaz said:
Love mine. Yes charge it daily. Do i really need to not sure but rather it last than run out half wau through. Disnt have apps i wanted. So wrote my own. So now it pretty much does everything i want. I quite often leave my phone at home if popping to shops etc. Has step counter and sleep log. The apps i have downloaded are quite cool but dont use them often.
The two i wrote. Access cctv and view from watch. Control domoticz home automation from watch. Yup lazy can turn lights on and off from bed and couch. The tizen ide for programming is not too bad.
Anyways to sum up i love it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the replies very helpful now I just have to decide if I want to get the vzw version with its own number or wait for T-mobile to get them in Stock so I can have root
Sent From The EDGE
jolly_roger_hook said:
Thanks for all the replies very helpful now I just have to decide if I want to get the vzw version(as its my service provider) with its own number or wait for T-mobile to get them in Stock so I can have root
Sent From The EDGE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent From The EDGE
I would get one that can be rooted. Mine may go back because of the lockdown.
What type of lights are you turning on and off? And what brand camera? I didn't see your apps on gear store
Thats because i wrote the apps for myself.
My home lights via domoticz
Accessing a cctv server system to view live images.
Might adapt them for the store at some stage but presently just because i wanted them.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
I have the WEMO light switches and wished there was an app for it on my watch. And I have foscam cameras, not necessary for a watch but I thought it would be cool.
kieso said:
I have the WEMO light switches and wished there was an app for it on my watch. And I have foscam cameras, not necessary for a watch but I thought it would be cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No apps maybe, but you can go to the website for your Foscam using the Opera browser on the watch. Cheers!