Anyone gets a SWAP EC309 smartwatch ?? I cant find any review at the moment but it has been released already.
But it seems strange that the official website still not yet updated ???
"Product Description
sWaP EC309 Smart Android 4.0 Watch phone 512M + 4GB MTK6517 Android wrist Phone - 2.0M Camera - Wifi - GPS Muti-languag Support
This watch has exceptional functionality. Using a Dual Core 1.2G chip and communicating via 2G/3G network, using the Android 4.0 operating system, you can stay in touch anywhere in the world. It comes complete with WIFI and GPS integration allowing you to surf the internet and use social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, Google Play and more. With a 4G flash drive you'll have plenty of room for the latest games, apps, and playlists that will be accessible to you using touch screen technology."
Interesting, though I can't find any reviews either.
For that price and those specs, either get the Omate TrueSmart (waterproof and only $199 on kickstarter) or the upcoming Neptune Pine. That's ridiculously priced.
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
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Click to collapse
Do you have any experience with the 309? Ali has it for $300.00.
Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a seller offering the 309 for $219. Think it is worth it?
Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Lokifish Marz you appear to be one of the world's leading expert's on smart watches; I'm curious - is there a watch you would recommend?
I got here from the Omate thread re: CES 2014 where you said the EC309 firmware was better than the Omate's.
I'm looking for the best Android watch that has access to the Google Play store (unofficial or not, I don't care), has accessibility service so I can get notifications and ideally has 1GB of RAM, good battery life etc. I don't care about IP6 waterproof etc. Headphone jack would also be a major plus.
Would love to hear your thoughts....thank you for your time.
javaguy44 said:
@Lokifish Marz you appear to be one of the world's leading expert's on smart watches; I'm curious - is there a watch you would recommend?
I got here from the Omate thread re: CES 2014 where you said the EC309 firmware was better than the Omate's.
I'm looking for the best Android watch that has access to the Google Play store (unofficial or not, I don't care), has accessibility service so I can get notifications and ideally has 1GB of RAM, good battery life etc. I don't care about IP6 waterproof etc. Headphone jack would also be a major plus.
Would love to hear your thoughts....thank you for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...will do. I really want one though!
Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ZGPAX could be the best of the bunch, but as of yet, there is no Devs working on it. A custom rom would make this top notch.
If you want to use skype or similar apps for front facing camera, This is the only one thus far. Others have camera's on the side or other weird positions.
Skype works on this, but it does heat up alot with any cpu intensive app.
I have tried the apps that change the cpu such as rom toolbox, MTK6577 CPU governor Switch, etc, but none of the settings (ondemand performance, powersave, or super powersave have done much to lower the overheating problem.
fibroman said:
The ZGPAX could be the best of the bunch, but as of yet, there is no Devs working on it. A custom rom would make this top notch.
If you want to use skype or similar apps for front facing camera, This is the only one thus far. Others have camera's on the side or other weird positions.
Skype works on this, but it does heat up alot with any cpu intensive app.
I have tried the apps that change the cpu such as rom toolbox, MTK6577 CPU governor Switch, etc, but none of the settings (ondemand performance, powersave, or super powersave have done much to lower the overheating problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys got BigBison420, didn't do the TWRP recovery. I also can't find any 3G bands listed for it anywhere, just that it has it.
Lokifish Marz said:
You guys got BigBison420, didn't do the TWRP recovery. I also can't find any 3G bands listed for it anywhere, just that it has it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, there are no custom ROMs per se but so far I am enjoying this little beast for sure. :highfive:
Not sure about 3G but I was only connecting with 2G when I tried my SIM card with ATT. Didnt play much with it as I only do it when at the Ice Rink and for data I connect to their free wifi so the SIM card is just for calls and MMS at that point.
Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Lokifish Marz now that CES 2014 has gone and passed, would you be able to make a smartwatch recommendation? I didn't see anything really new that runs Android...the Intel one looks interesting but couldn't tell if it is running a proprietary OS or Android.
I'm all ears as to what you think is best at the moment!
Thanks
shaolin95 said:
Oh yeah, there are no custom ROMs per se but so far I am enjoying this little beast for sure. :highfive:
Not sure about 3G but I was only connecting with 2G when I tried my SIM card with ATT. Didnt play much with it as I only do it when at the Ice Rink and for data I connect to their free wifi so the SIM card is just for calls and MMS at that point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got a ec308 and it says its supposed to support 3g bands but can only get 2g with my att sim as well. anyone else been able to get 3g with this thing? false advertising it seems at this point. 2g is only good enough for email
johnnobts said:
got a ec308 and it says its supposed to support 3g bands but can only get 2g with my att sim as well. Anyone else been able to get 3g with this thing? False advertising it seems at this point. 2g is only good enough for email
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ec-308= 2g
ec-309= 2g/3g
Lokifish Marz said:
ec-308= 2g
ec-309= 2g/3g
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Click to collapse
excuse me, the auction said it was the ec309 watch, but still only letting me register on 2g networks so they obviously sold me the ec308 and advertized falsely... not happy.
johnnobts said:
excuse me, the auction said it was the ec309 watch, but still only letting me register on 2g networks so they obviously sold me the ec308 and advertized falsely... not happy.
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Click to collapse
It's not exactly the device's fault. Go after the seller. Was this on ebay where you got it?
Ordered mine from chinavasion.com (with comes with 1yr warranty) on 9 Jan and received today! So far so good!
Am whatsapping on mine.
mcmlxxvi said:
Ordered mine from chinavasion.com (with comes with 1yr warranty) on 9 Jan and received today! So far so good!
Am whatsapping on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question... Can you sync this watch with a phone at all? i.e. SMS sent to the phone show up on the watch? Also, can you take a phone call through the phone on the watch (watch serving as a bluetooth headset for the phone)? I'm looking for something of a companion device to my phone, but not necessarily a watch that serves as my primary phone.
This is a standalone watchphone so it doesnt sync with your phone as a second screen.
Not sure if there are downloadable apps for this.
I tried pairing via bt with my tab 3 7.0 and it could only use the watch as an internet access point.
With a dual core 1.2ghz processor, the watch is no doubt powerful. Youtube videos stream in HD without a glitch. And i suspect you could run pretty intensive games on this thing. But i seriously doubt the 500mah battery could see it thru a couple of hours.
At best this would be adequate as a messenger and voice call notifier kinda device, maybe some push email and calendaring and thats about it. Perhaps the odd google lookup for an address or location.
Will still need another device for decent portable net surfing and entertainment and real work if any.
Related
You know, the more I think about the Xoom the more I feel like it is missing 1 key ingredient. A built in IR sensor thing for the T.V.
It would make a great universal remote! I've seen plenty of high end remotes that have the same dimensions. Plus what a better way to tie in Google T.V.
I could see a t.v. guide app on the Xoom where you touch the program you want to watch, and it changes the channel for you, or sets the DVR up to start recording.
what is a feature that you think can improve upon the Xoom?
well if you use tivo I believe there is a remote for that. PS3 integration will work as well.
It's too big for a remote, and the battery life isn't there. Most connected TV solutions have wifi remote interfaces. IR would be cool, but it was never the most successful feature in phones. Side note, isn't it possible to run a 3rd party IR blaster from the top mounted headphone port?
Like this thing http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/redeye-mini-converts-iphone-ipad-or-ipod-touch-into-ir-beaming/
EDIT: It's missing a kickstand.
Does encrypted PPTP VPN finally work in Honeycomb?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
There's already a Google TV remote in the Market. I have the Sony 40" Google TV and the Android app works great.
edit: the app uses WiFi to control the TV.
well, not everyone has a Google TV...
I wasn't trying to start a debate on only my topic, just asking what everyone wants to see in an Android tablet. Thats a feature I would like.
...stares..
ok now what would you like to see...
There is no SD card I believe
..atleast there is a slot for one hah
.....
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I've read conflicting results on the SD card. The official specs on motorola's website does not list an SD card slot / expansion. others have said it comes disabled by default and will be enabled via a software update post release. Sill others say it comes with a usable SD slot.
No idea 100% though. If it's excluded, I'm not going to get one.
Same thing for full HDMI output of the screen. I don't think I want it without it, and I can't confirm / deny that it can/will do that.
Face recognition software
How about some productivity integration. I've got no problem with Google Docs as it is, I just don't enjoy opening a web page to type, what if I'm offline? I haven't been with android for a while so there could be a decent native app that I don't know about.
I've looked at the Tablet version of Quickoffice which looks quite impressive, though the considerable lag put me off.
A lower price tag
yen223 said:
A lower price tag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then buy an Archos:
http://www.archos.com/products/ta/index.html?country=us&lang=en
Or go to Sears and get a ViewPad 10: <edit>
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00382001000P
Or go to Walgreens if your really cutting a tight budget:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/computers...-android-tablet-no-prescription-required/4185
Or even get a Galaxy Tab for $399 (special activation price) at best buy...requires in store activation or you'll pay $499
If you cant afford it, then buy something you can. I wish it were cheaper, but I also wish my car and house payment were cheaper too.
Antiskunk said:
How about some productivity integration. I've got no problem with Google Docs as it is, I just don't enjoy opening a web page to type, what if I'm offline? I haven't been with android for a while so there could be a decent native app that I don't know about.
I've looked at the Tablet version of Quickoffice which looks quite impressive, though the considerable lag put me off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
www.quickoffice.com/quickoffice_connect_suite_android
generic.imitation said:
...I could see a t.v. guide app on the Xoom where you touch the program you want to watch, and it changes the channel for you, or sets the DVR up to start recording.
what is a feature that you think can improve upon the Xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comcast has an app that does this already, so its definitely possible
Sent from my Evo using Tapatalk
p-slim said:
Comcast has an app that does this already, so its definitely possible
Sent from my Evo using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish Cox Communications would show some initiative and make an app. And they wonder why I download TV.
A earlier release date
itsmefu said:
A earlier release date
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I'm a little annoyed. Original rumor had it being released yesterday. I was counting on that date for a week or two before I heard the 24th. And now that might not even be the day. /cry
Versions for all cell carriers like the Gal Tab... oh and 600$ or less for contract price... on Sprint
A Amoled / Super Amoled / Super Amoled Plus would be appreciated instead of TFT LCD. TFT looks super reflective
I thought that I would ask for now and into next year.
My requirements in no particular order. Watch face which can last on all day, WiFi ,SD card support or 16Gb memory minimum, rootable and unlockable.
I will be interested in any opinions and suggestions.
Standalone will need some sort of data connection so the list is pretty short. "watch face which can last on all day" is a short list too. Problem is there's no cellular capable smartwatch, rumored or otherwise, that has a "watch face which can last on all day".
Lokifish Marz said:
Standalone will need some sort of data connection so the list is pretty short. "watch face which can last on all day" is a short list too. Problem is there's no cellular capable smartwatch, rumored or otherwise, that has a "watch face which can last on all day".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being on Verizon I assumed that. WiFi or USB would be the way to sideload apps so cellular service is not a high priority. So what watches are left?
ronaldheld said:
Being on Verizon I assumed that. WiFi or USB would be the way to sideload apps so cellular service is not a high priority. So what watches are left?
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Click to collapse
With "SD card support or 16Gb memory minimum, rootable and unlockable" as part of your requirements on top of "can last on all day" there's nothing out there right now or even rumored, that I know of. The closest would be the AW-414/AW-420/TrueSmart but that "Watch face which can last on all day" requirement would not be met. I say give it another year or two and maybe you might find one.
Ignoring the amount of RAM the current limitation is power for the display to remain on all day?
ronaldheld said:
Ignoring the amount of RAM the current limitation is power for the display to remain on all day?
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Click to collapse
Hmm, I'll put it this way.
Can your phone last all day with it's screen on? Now imagine a tiny device(a watch) having all the features of your phone, but, having a far smaller battery capacity.
....Power Storage is a major problem in this modern age.
Not the phone because of the radios. A watch with no radios on should be able to with little usage of apps in principal,
ronaldheld said:
Not the phone because of the radios. A watch with no radios on should be able to with little usage of apps in principal,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I see, you're looking for a smart watch with limited capabilities that can keep the screen on all day. There are a few of those, but can't recommend any. You could look at the cockoo smartwatch, casio g-shock and the qualcomm tok.
|SavageD| said:
Oh I see, you're looking for a smart watch with limited capabilities that can keep the screen on all day. There are a few of those, but can't recommend any. You could look at the cockoo smartwatch, casio g-shock and the qualcomm tok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose the takeaway is wait a few more years for the OP requirements to exist?
ronaldheld said:
I suppose the takeaway is wait a few more years for the OP requirements to exist?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my friend, we must all wait patiently until that one perfect smartwatch arrives.
While I impatiently wait for my Omate TS, I have been poking around for an alternative. I have simple requirements (at least I thought so) that I would like: GPS, Bluetooth, and the ability to run Android apps. You see, I really just want an Endomondo watch. Enter the V Strike.
It looks very similar to the IM Watch, but includes GPS and 2G GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz). The selling point is $213, direct from China - of course.
www.chinavasion.com/kixe/
Thoughts?
Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards
shaolin95 said:
Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons: that ugly camera and branding.
mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.
shaolin95 said:
mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean as much as who made it, rather the placement of the brand on the front of the watch. At this point, they all seem to be Chinese Factory developed watches.
It is yet another EC-308 rebrand and not even an EC-309 so no 3G or HSPA+.
That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.
jimlivingston said:
That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are not looking for a stand alone cellular smartwatch then the SmartQ Z would be a better choice. Newer Android version, BT 4.0, water resistant and is less than half the price. I'd say hit up the SmartQ thread and see if somebody will test some apps for you.
If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hold The Phone
jimlivingston said:
If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't test this myself, however, someone in the SMartQ thread says that the watch INDEED has GPS. Even though its not Advertised. Though don't quote me on that.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016..._9&btsid=e3820829-251e-4719-b3dc-b10666a039f4
has anyone seen that watch? it is water resistant BUT is it a standalone watch? it is not mtk6572 but has gps, 3g.
Seems pretty nice!
Enviado desde mi MX5 mediante Tapatalk
negriton said:
Seems pretty nice!
Enviado desde mi MX5 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i like the idea that is water resistant but is it like the D5 or Wear watch?
okay, i've talked to a seller that i've purchased from him before and he is the seller that also sells chargers and any other parts for these standalone watches and he is selling the i2 and i understood that it is a standalone watch and has a sim slot and the google apps store ammmm....maybe i'll buy too i like watches... 150$ is not that bad.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016..._9&btsid=d33f34da-3626-4e07-8b0e-a93184485b7c
"3G" is pretty vague. Anybody found what 3G frequencies it supports?
Nevermind- 2100MHz only and 15mm thick. I'll pass.
Lokifish Marz said:
"3G" is pretty vague. Anybody found what 3G frequencies it supports?
Nevermind- 2100MHz only and 15mm thick. I'll pass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're right same me :\ i really wanted because of water resistant but not if it going to be really thick and as you said only 2100mhz. well...hope other will come, do'nt get me wrong i love the D5 but i wish it was also water resistant ip67\68.
Lokifish Marz said:
"3G" is pretty vague. Anybody found what 3G frequencies it supports?
Nevermind- 2100MHz only and 15mm thick. I'll pass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with your observations, and I could also add that I don't like the design, but 3 points are worthy of some close examination:
1- The watch has the newer MTK6580 SoC which is a quad-core (!!!) and already has support for Android 5.x
2- The watch has Android 5.1
3- The watch seems to have very interesting new features in his watch faces, look at the attached images.
cyrux75 said:
I completely agree with your observations, and I could also add that I don't like the design, but 3 points are worthy of some close examination:
1- The watch has the newer MTK6580 SoC which is a quad-core (!!!) and already has support for Android 5.x
2- The watch has Android 5.1
3- The watch seems to have very interesting new features in his watch faces, look at the attached images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting pictures. It looks like the watch face has touchable areas for calls and messages. Perhaps that means this is more of a full tethering watch than the D5/K8 class. My budget is pretty well shot for buying new watches, but I tell you what. If any of you are inclined to contact the seller @soniasophie9697 suggests and recommend they send a sample unit to me for a SmartWatchTicks YouTube review before you make a decision to buy, I'll do you right and run it through the mill, including taking it apart and looking inside. Hey, worth a try! The reason I ask is I *may* have two other vendors sending me two new watches for review to get them some exposure, so this concept might be catching on. We'll see. Here's sonia's link again: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016..._9&btsid=d33f34da-3626-4e07-8b0e-a93184485b7c
Thanks!
smartwatchticks said:
Very interesting pictures. It looks like the watch face has touchable areas for calls and messages. Perhaps that means this is more of a full tethering watch than the D5/K8 class. My budget is pretty well shot for buying new watches, but I tell you what. If any of you are inclined to contact the seller @soniasophie9697 suggests and recommend they send a sample unit to me for a SmartWatchTicks YouTube review before you make a decision to buy, I'll do you right and run it through the mill, including taking it apart and looking inside. Hey, worth a try! The reason I ask is I *may* have two other vendors sending me two new watches for review to get them some exposure, so this concept might be catching on. We'll see. Here's sonia's link again: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016..._9&btsid=d33f34da-3626-4e07-8b0e-a93184485b7c
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you could have direct contact with the vendor of that watch:
http://iqi.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-802698717/New_I2_Smart_Watch.html
---- Edit ----
Same watch seems to be available with some different design
cyrux75 said:
Here you could have direct contact with the vendor of that watch:
http://iqi.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-802698717/New_I2_Smart_Watch.html
---- Edit ----
Same watch seems to be available with some different design
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @cyrux75. I'll give it a try. Always better to work with the vendor. More motivation for total product line marketing to support exposure.
Are the bands removable?
Enviado desde mi HUAWEI RIO-L01 mediante Tapatalk
pablormago said:
Are the bands removable?
Enviado desde mi HUAWEI RIO-L01 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not unless you have replacement bands with antennas in them.
2100MHz is ok for Europe .
but i am only interested in this device if there are enough donations for Loki that he would pimp the rom
The company behind this watch (as referred by @cyrux75) calls this watch the Q1 and has a video on it here:
http://iqi-smartwatch.com/iqi-new-smart-watch-q1/
Wow - that's a chunky beast !!
I contacted them to see if they would be interested in letting out some samples.
pablo11 said:
Wow - that's a chunky beast !!
I contacted them to see if they would be interested in letting out some samples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, but it's good to know that now there will be upgraded android watches, i just wish that more apps will suit these watches since the community of users is big. i do'nt want the Wear watch not because of the price but because it is not usable without the phone and the gear s\s2 do'nt have many apps for them.
soniasophie9697 said:
yep, but it's good to know that now there will be upgraded android watches, i just wish that more apps will suit these watches since the community of users is big. i do'nt want the Wear watch not because of the price but because it is not usable without the phone and the gear s\s2 do'nt have many apps for them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'll be watching with interest :good:
IQI, the supplier, I know personally.
Just to be clear, there is no Google of any sort, according to IQI. They say they want to partner with some US companies willing to provide Google.
I would suggest their M200 model, it is thinner.
FyverIO said:
IQI, the supplier, I know personally.
Just to be clear, there is no Google of any sort, according to IQI. They say they want to partner with some US companies willing to provide Google.
I would suggest their M200 model, it is thinner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad part is they can't, at least legally. Google has gone after a couple of makers and has made it very clear that no full Android smartwatch can have Google Services. It's either their private Club Wear or nothing.
Lokifish Marz said:
Sad part is they can't, at least legally. Google has gone after a couple of makers and has made it very clear that no full Android smartwatch can have Google Services. It's either their private Club Wear or nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are No.1, FINOW, and ZGPAX treading on thin ice then? All three offer full GPS (Google Play Services) complete with updates through the GPS (Google Play Store). Seems like Google would cut them off the update process at a minimum. Something doesn't add up.
smartwatchticks said:
Are No.1, FINOW, and ZGPAX treading on thin ice then? All three offer full GPS (Google Play Services) complete with updates through the GPS (Google Play Store). Seems like Google would cut them off the update process at a minimum. Something doesn't add up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here the issue. In China, where these watches come from, Google has little power. The Chinese laws regarding IP are, well, fluid. Companies are more or less left to keep their stuff secret and if pilfered, "to bad, so sad". Start making waves outside of China and it's a different game. For example;
Omate was including Google apps on their Omate TS, Google didn't notice. Omate got popular and covered very heavily in the press and Google took notice. An "oh no you don't" from Google and . . . Google apps "disappear" from the TS and are hidden behind a "secret code". Google catches wind of this and Omate gets a "we should talk". After that, Google apps are removed completely.
Tons of devices are released every year with some of them being different by only a couple of lines in the build.prop. If Google said, "no more w812a"s get access", the ODM can change that line to say "W812a" then "w812A" and so on. Multiply that by the hundreds of different Android devices that come out of China every year. Another thing to consider is that, at least for smartwatches, without official certifications there is no interest by app devs as a whole to support these devices. This leaves these devices without properly formatted apps which kills interest for most folks.
So little to no western market presence is both a blessing (Google doesn't take notice) and a curse (less sales).
My father-in-law is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's. Can these Android 4.4 or 5.1 smartwatches be tracked remotely with GPS using something like the Android Device Manager website's "locate my phone" feature?
Thanks
Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
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RASTAVIPER said:
Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
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Due to his disease, he has already lost two mobile phones. We think he'd be less likely to lose a smartwatch.
Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
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Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
RASTAVIPER said:
Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
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thankyouxda said:
Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
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Oh, yes
I searched this weekend and it turns out there are quite a few!
Here's a whole Google+ community dedicated to them:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118329295257118922433/communities/109827242607524552712
I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.
thankyouxda said:
I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.
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I'm pinning my hopes on the upcoming Finow X1 Plus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQBPmHpC2GQ
But I'll first need to read some convincing reviews before biting!
If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html
afblangley said:
If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html
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Thanks, but for some reason although there are many such watches for kids, there are very few for the elderly. Also, many of them rely on expensive US-based subscriptions and charge extra for other countries. The thing that I like about these full Android watches is that they're way cheaper and you can simply use a regular SIM card with cheap pre-paid service anywhere in the world. *Assuming the battery life and GPS are decent*, which is yet to be seen
Don't expect GPS-enabled watches to last for more than 1 day, without charging.
Unleashed by my M1 NOTE