Hi all,
After doing some research on BLE support for Android, I'm somewhat disappointed by the apparent lack of commitment on both Google and Samsung's part to get this sorted out properly, especially given the fact that they advertise BLE support on the product's packaging. By "properly" I mean the ability to find and pair with devices using the device's native Bluetooth Settings menu, not varying support from app to app. There seems to be a bit of information floating around for Nexus and Galaxy S3 devices, but none for the Note 3 - which prompted me to start this thread.
I have a BLE Heart Rate Monitor (Mio Alpha Pro strapless HRM watch) which I have been using to test functionality with my stock, unrooted Galaxy Note 3. Here is a summary of what I've discovered so far:
The Galaxy Note 3 does not find the HRM using the system Bluetooth scan feature,
Samsung's built in "S Health" app does not find/connect to the HRM.
The "BLE Heart Rate Monitor" app in the Play Store finds/connects to the watch fine and receives the HR signal, all without changing the Bluetooth icon's connection status in the notification bar.
Runtastic is the only fitness tracking app that finds and connects to the HRM, with no issue, straight from the app store. Endomondo, Runkeeper, MapMyRun etc have all failed to find and connect to the HRM
xda user dimfish has posted this thread in the Android Software and Hacking General forum, it's a mod that enables BLE conectivity for Fitbit (I am yet to test this, but replies suggest that is working on all 4.3 ROMs).
Given the fact that BLE connectivity works fine on Runtastic (and now Fitbit, with the mod), I am hopeful that native support for all hardware capable Android devices isn't too far away. In the meantime, please share what your thought's experiences are.
Cheers,
BT
bobbytod said:
Hi all,
After doing some research on BLE support for Android, I'm somewhat disappointed by the apparent lack of commitment on both Google and Samsung's part to get this sorted out properly, especially given the fact that they advertise BLE support on the product's packaging. By "properly" I mean the ability to find and pair with devices using the device's native Bluetooth Settings menu, not varying support from app to app. There seems to be a bit of information floating around for Nexus and Galaxy S3 devices, but none for the Note 3 - which prompted me to start this thread.
I have a BLE Heart Rate Monitor (Mio Alpha Pro strapless HRM watch) which I have been using to test functionality with my stock, unrooted Galaxy Note 3. Here is a summary of what I've discovered so far:
The Galaxy Note 3 does not find the HRM using the system Bluetooth scan feature,
Samsung's built in "S Health" app does not find/connect to the HRM.
The "BLE Heart Rate Monitor" app in the Play Store finds/connects to the watch fine and receives the HR signal, all without changing the Bluetooth icon's connection status in the notification bar.
Runtastic is the only fitness tracking app that finds and connects to the HRM, with no issue, straight from the app store. Endomondo, Runkeeper, MapMyRun etc have all failed to find and connect to the HRM
xda user dimfish has posted this thread in the Android Software and Hacking General forum, it's a mod that enables BLE conectivity for Fitbit (I am yet to test this, but replies suggest that is working on all 4.3 ROMs).
Given the fact that BLE connectivity works fine on Runtastic (and now Fitbit, with the mod), I am hopeful that native support for all hardware capable Android devices isn't too far away. In the meantime, please share what your thought's experiences are.
Cheers,
BT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up!
no news from app vendors in terms of adding BLE support. Don't much understand why it should be that difficult now that the android 4.3 OS does add support for it. So from the app standpoint it should be quite straight fwd!
It looks like Samsung is backing Ant+ rather than BLE somewhat.
The good news for us competitive cyclists that use Garmin products (Garmin owns Ant+), the Note 3 now ties-in with our heart rate monitors and power meters.
While I don't see me strapping the Note 3 to the handlebars, it can stay in my jersey and record the data.
peakjunkie said:
It looks like Samsung is backing Ant+ rather than BLE somewhat.
The good news for us competitive cyclists that use Garmin products (Garmin owns Ant+), the Note 3 now ties-in with our heart rate monitors and power meters.
While I don't see me strapping the Note 3 to the handlebars, it can stay in my jersey and record the data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a developer point of view, the ANT+ API is much, much simpler to implement than the BLE API. The ANT+ API already handles device discovery and decoding of data events from sensors into the useful data without even reading the Device Profile. You just request access to heart rate, cadence, etc, and then subscribe to the event handlers which pass the data to you decoded. The BLE API still requires a lot of work to do the decoding properly, handling characteristics, etc
BLE
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/bluetooth-le.html
ANT+
http://www.thisisant.com/APIassets/.../plugins/antplus/pcc/AntPlusHeartRatePcc.html
Any update
bobbytod said:
Hi all,
After doing some research on BLE support for Android, I'm somewhat disappointed by the apparent lack of commitment on both Google and Samsung's part to get this sorted out properly, especially given the fact that they advertise BLE support on the product's packaging. By "properly" I mean the ability to find and pair with devices using the device's native Bluetooth Settings menu, not varying support from app to app. There seems to be a bit of information floating around for Nexus and Galaxy S3 devices, but none for the Note 3 - which prompted me to start this thread.
I have a BLE Heart Rate Monitor (Mio Alpha Pro strapless HRM watch) which I have been using to test functionality with my stock, unrooted Galaxy Note 3. Here is a summary of what I've discovered so far:
The Galaxy Note 3 does not find the HRM using the system Bluetooth scan feature,
Samsung's built in "S Health" app does not find/connect to the HRM.
The "BLE Heart Rate Monitor" app in the Play Store finds/connects to the watch fine and receives the HR signal, all without changing the Bluetooth icon's connection status in the notification bar.
Runtastic is the only fitness tracking app that finds and connects to the HRM, with no issue, straight from the app store. Endomondo, Runkeeper, MapMyRun etc have all failed to find and connect to the HRM
xda user dimfish has posted this thread in the Android Software and Hacking General forum, it's a mod that enables BLE conectivity for Fitbit (I am yet to test this, but replies suggest that is working on all 4.3 ROMs).
Given the fact that BLE connectivity works fine on Runtastic (and now Fitbit, with the mod), I am hopeful that native support for all hardware capable Android devices isn't too far away. In the meantime, please share what your thought's experiences are.
Cheers,
BT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi BT,
Have you had any success in this since the post. Got the same gear you have and given Alpha MIO says the phone was supported i find this very dissappointing.
Hi mate,
It turns out support for the Alpha is down to application level. I am using it with the latest version of Endomondo and it works as it should. I believe Runtastic works as well, but anything else I can't speak for.
Good luck!
BT
andrewisinchina said:
Hi BT,
Have you had any success in this since the post. Got the same gear you have and given Alpha MIO says the phone was supported i find this very dissappointing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore... i found it, thanks
bobbytod said:
Hi mate,
It turns out support for the Alpha is down to application level. I am using it with the latest version of Endomondo and it works as it should. I believe Runtastic works as well, but anything else I can't speak for.
Good luck!
BT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I have loaded BLE Heart Rate and can get that to work but was wanting something like MapMyRide as it autolinks to MyFitnessPal. Will take a look at Endomondo.
---------- Post added at 03:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:36 AM ----------
andrewisinchina said:
Thanks, I have loaded BLE Heart Rate and can get that to work but was wanting something like MapMyRide as it autolinks to MyFitnessPal. Will take a look at Endomondo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi BT,
Just went endomondo premium but cant get it to hook up the Note 3 and the watch? Do i still need to buy the premium app seperate from the premium account?
thanks for the help
Andrew
It Works
andrewisinchina said:
Ignore... i found it, thanks
Thanks, I have loaded BLE Heart Rate and can get that to work but was wanting something like MapMyRide as it autolinks to MyFitnessPal. Will take a look at Endomondo.
---------- Post added at 03:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:36 AM ----------
Hi BT,
Just went endomondo premium but cant get it to hook up the Note 3 and the watch? Do i still need to buy the premium app seperate from the premium account?
thanks for the help
Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE: I have Endomondo Premium, Linked with MyFitnessPal and this now works well. I have used it for the past 6 weeks no problem. You need to connect in the right order but this does work.
So, Myfitnesspal is linked to Endomondo Premium (needed for the Heart Rate Monitor)
On first application you need to ADD the Heart Rate Monitor in the Endomondo APP itself, with the Alpha in Workout mode. Make sure you turn WIFI off, on your phone for connection. After the first application the following works everytime
1. Alpha on, put into find heart rate
2. Turn WIFI Off and then Bluetooth on and GPS on (if tracking run or ride)
3. Ignore connection from Native Samsung connection
4. Go into Endomondo, after about 10 secs its then connects
5. Press to start workout mode on the alpha (Endomondo will still track the heart rate and zones even if you forget to put it in workout mode as the app is purely using the Alpha as a heart rate input device.
6. Press Go in Endomondo.
At the end of the training session, do the above in reverse order
Related
Ok got something interesting here and wanted to see if anyone else got this issue. I currently use a motorola bluetooth head set (S9-HD) when working out, I now have a polar bluetooth heart monitor that I use with sportstraker live (i have also used other apps to see if the issue happens in them and it does) Now here is the issue I am having. If I try to use both bluetooth devices I lose signal to the heart rate monitor and the audio cuts in and out on the headset...If I only use the heart rate monitor it works find and I have to use a wired head set which also works fine...my theory is that the blue tooth stack can not handle 2 devices asking for information...does this theory hold true? And if so is there a way I can have it where I can modify the stack so I can use both devices? I am using cyanogen 6.1 btw
I can't really offer any technical advise here. However, I did want to check and see if you've posted this over in CM's forum's as well. Your honestly probably going to get more help there since it's their ROM.
HI All,
My Nexus 4 was ota to 4.3 last night. This morning I have been trying to get my H7 to pair via bluetooth, given that both the Nexus 4 and H7 support Bluetooth Smart.
Has anyone managed to pair their H7's over bluetooth? If so what did you do and which app did you use.
I think that the H7 is working as it's sending a t31 signal to my polar f6 watch, so i'm assuming that the bluetooth is also switched on, however I no way to verify this, as i don't have another bluetooth smart receiver to check it with.
Thanks
Satpal
Polar H7 can get paired with android 4.3
schander said:
HI All,
My Nexus 4 was ota to 4.3 last night. This morning I have been trying to get my H7 to pair via bluetooth, given that both the Nexus 4 and H7 support Bluetooth Smart.
Has anyone managed to pair their H7's over bluetooth? If so what did you do and which app did you use.
I think that the H7 is working as it's sending a t31 signal to my polar f6 watch, so i'm assuming that the bluetooth is also switched on, however I no way to verify this, as i don't have another bluetooth smart receiver to check it with.
Thanks
Satpal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just have tried it also without success. But just take the battery of the H7 short out and you will be able after inserting the battery to get paired. So hardware works fine now, but apps aren´t working yet: edemondo pro, runtastic pro. Does somebody have already an app that works?
Same here. I was able to pair after removing the H7 battery and inserting again but is not showing my heart rate.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Same here!
My N4 is able to pair with the H7, but apps don't show my heart rate..
Hi,
I also tried this and my Nexus 4 was unable to find the H& in the BT pairing menu.
I realised yesterday that my wifes S3 also support BT smart, via smasungs own bt stack. I tried to pair via the normal BT menu but failed. However I download an app called NRF (by Nordic Semi) and managed to pair the device directly from there, so atleast i know that my H7 works. I guess it just matter of time before support is introduced by the various apps.
I wonder if manufacturers like Samsung will provide wrappers for the own BT Smart api's to conform with the Android API v18 (the one with BT Smart)
Thanks
Satpal
HI
i tried yesteday to connect the Polar H6 to the Nexus4 using Runtastic app. Didn´t had success i tried to reboot the phone and also released the battery of the polar sensor.
Do you know if there´s other software which i can use to pair them? Or how bluetoot smart pairing works in general?
I am also unable to pair my Bluetooth Smart heart rate monitor to my Nexus 4.
I am using a 60beat Blue and the device is not detected in either the Bluetooth settings menu or the Runtastic PRO V4.0 App.
When I try and connect to a app 'nRF HRM Demo' (the app 60beat support directed me too to test if the device worked) I get a message pop up "Bluetooth Low Energy isn't supported by your phone " Could other users try this app and let me know if they get the same message before I reply to 60beat?
I am running Android 4.3 (stock factory image and I am not rooted) JWR66V
I am waiting for a reply from Runtastic support to see if this device is compatible with their APP.
I do know my heart rate monitor uses the Transmission frequency of 2.4 GHz maybe this is the problem.
I will reply again once I receive a response from Runtastic as I requested a list of compatible hardware.
It does seem strange that I am unable to find much information about this new feature and how to test it.
FIngers crossed we will be able to definitive rundown of what works and does not work on both the Nexus 4 and Android 4.3
After having no luck getting a response out of Runtastic I have finally found an App in the store that reads my 60beat cheststrap (released today);
I am unable to post a link to the Play store but search for BLE Heart Rate Monitor
My device still does not show up in the setting menu but at least I know that 4.3 is working with BLE and it's Runtastic's fault that my monitor does not pair with it's APP.
I will reply again once I hear back from Runtastic with there response to this issue.
Let me know if anyone finds any other apps that work with their devices.
Dichdude said:
After having no luck getting a response out of Runtastic I have finally found an App in the store that reads my 60beat cheststrap (released today);
I am unable to post a link to the Play store but search for BLE Heart Rate Monitor
My device still does not show up in the setting menu but at least I know that 4.3 is working with BLE and it's Runtastic's fault that my monitor does not pair with it's APP.
I will reply again once I hear back from Runtastic with there response to this issue.
Let me know if anyone finds any other apps that work with their devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that Info with BLE
Will try it also and report if its also working for me
Sirbubu said:
Thanks for that Info with BLE
Will try it also and report if its also working for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested it out BLE is also working for me so its really a Runtastic issue.
I will also write them.
Sirbubu said:
Tested it out BLE is also working for me so its really a Runtastic issue.
I will also write them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a response from Runtastic via Twitter;
"@Runtastic Why do you lock out the use of other BLE HRM from you Android Platform, I thought the point of BLE was for easy implementation?
@Dichdude From now we don't offer support for third-party hardware anymore. Thanks for understanding."
To sum it up Runtastic will only work with there own BLE heart rate monitor. I did reply asking them why and that it looks like a money grab but they have not responded to that question (suprise), so it looks like we will have to wait for other Dev's to implement Smart BT.
We just have to wait for developers to update their apps to be able to make use of BLE. The internal libraries don't yet support that protocol even though the phone does. I'm sure it won't be that long until apps updates start rolling out for the more popular apps. Unfortunetly there is only the one app (BLE HRM that a few have mentioned) that works. Considering 4.3 was released/announced less then 2 weeks ago, we should give the developers some time to get that update out before we start to fully complain.
Sirbubu said:
Tested it out BLE is also working for me so its really a Runtastic issue.
I will also write them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got an H7 today and downloaded BLE Heart Monitor. As soon as I started scanning I got it in the list of devices. I was able to connect and it seemed pretty accurate. However, I'm not able to connect again and it's not even detected as a device. I tried taking out the battery, re-booting the phone but nothing seems to work. Anything else I can try to get this to connect again with my Nexus 4?
Runtastic says they will only support their Runtastic-branded Bluetooth Smart HRM chest strap. I'm still waiting on Endomondo & RunKeeper to respond to my inquiries. The best thing to do is keep hounding them.
Confirmed working Polar h7 - at least in a basic app that was just updated today.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
jawz101 said:
Confirmed working Polar h7 - at least in a basic app that was just updated today.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wondering, can you pair the h7 every time? I can do it once, get to the heart rate screen, see my heart rate but if I close the app it will no longer pair with the H7. It will show it in the list of devices but will hang on the "Connecting" screen. After this I have to clear the data for the app and take out the battery of the H7 to get them to pair again.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I'll check when I get back home.
I tested for a little while tonight. Doesn't seem to handle a reboot nor temporary disconnection. I'd hope it would reconnect if I toggle the Bluetooth radio for a moment. In the event of temporary loss of signal I had to stop the app in android settings and once I restarted the app it would recognize the monitor once more.
My concern with all of that is my phone could reboot for whatever reason mid-run and I'd have to mess with whatever running app again. I'm usually listening to Stitcher radio and using whatever running app in places where phone signal isn't always great. That combination seems to cause my phone to restart on rare occasion which already annoys me so I'd expect reliability.
So I confirmed that turning Bluetooth off and on will resolve the connection issue, it's able to re-connect everytime. I did a ride today running both BLE Heart Monitor and RunKeeper and I had a stable connection throughout. At the end I just entered the average heart rate in RunKeeper. I really wish RunKeeper would release an update already or at least provide an ETA!
You're saying runkeeper saw it? Nm. I just read it
Hi,
I have been searching around the interwebs for a 4.3 ROM for jfltexx, but i can't seem to find any that lets me create application for LE. I have tried the latest cyanogenmod and slimbean ROMs (failes the hasSystemFeature check), and also looked around for any mentions on this subject. From what i have found i can't see that anyone has confirmed BLE support on their ROM. I might have missed something though, so does anyone know how i can BLE functioning on my Galaxy 4?
Much appreciated, Henrik
henfos said:
Hi,
I have been searching around the interwebs for a 4.3 ROM for jfltexx, but i can't seem to find any that lets me create application for LE. I have tried the latest cyanogenmod and slimbean ROMs (failes the hasSystemFeature check), and also looked around for any mentions on this subject. From what i have found i can't see that anyone has confirmed BLE support on their ROM. I might have missed something though, so does anyone know how i can BLE functioning on my Galaxy 4?
Much appreciated, Henrik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit:
Forgot to say that i can detect BLE devices with the bluetooth scan in settings, and pair with them. Only application fail the BLE check.
henfos said:
Edit:
Forgot to say that i can detect BLE devices with the bluetooth scan in settings, and pair with them. Only application fail the BLE check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, it's even worse. BT LE devices can not be detected with my i9500.
As far as I learned, Android failed to deliver proper BT-stacks. Not sure if any developer cares about this. I didnt see any development in any forum
With "BLE Heart Rate Monitor" from play store, I can connect my heartrate belt with BT LE. But my fitness apps can not connect with it. It seems that they use the improper original Android BT-stack (afaik)
I'm reading where the S5 has ANT+ by default and I see where the ANT+ app is installed on my S5. I also see where the Garmin heart rate monitors are listed in the supported devices via the S Health app, but I can't figure out how to get the phone to sync with my HRM? I was thinking it was under bluetooth (the same chip), but it didn't seem to find the HRM when I had BT turned on and was searching.
Anyone else have issues?
JDuc said:
I'm reading where the S5 has ANT+ by default and I see where the ANT+ app is installed on my S5. I also see where the Garmin heart rate monitors are listed in the supported devices via the S Health app, but I can't figure out how to get the phone to sync with my HRM? I was thinking it was under bluetooth (the same chip), but it didn't seem to find the HRM when I had BT turned on and was searching.
Anyone else have issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoping now that it's been a few days, there might be some others who have experience?
I have been using the Polar App and H7 HRM. No problems. I have also sued a Scosche HRM but I don't think either are ANT+. Have you tried using a fitness app, not the S Health, and seeing if you can pair it in the app?
Mark0824 said:
I have been using the Polar App and H7 HRM. No problems. I have also sued a Scosche HRM but I don't think either are ANT+. Have you tried using a fitness app, not the S Health, and seeing if you can pair it in the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like an idiot now. I realized just a few moments ago that you have to pair from WITHIN the app, not from the Bluetooth screen.
Pretty straight forward once I realized that.
Same here,
I want to sync my Tacx I-genius within the Tacx Training app, but nothing happens while searching devices.
Any experiences?
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
I have a Note 4 with Kit Kat 4.4.4
I am able to pair the Polar H7 heart sensor.
But it does not work on my Runtastic app.
Did anyone get it to work?
What other heart sensor will work on the Note 4?
Thanks!
chong67 said:
I have a Note 4 with Kit Kat 4.4.4
I am able to pair the Polar H7 heart sensor.
But it does not work on my Runtastic app.
Did anyone get it to work?
What other heart sensor will work on the Note 4?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
i presume that you're talking about the Polar H7 Bluetooth chest (strap) H/Rate sensor..?
If so, I have used it on my Note3 and also Note4 with my Gear 1 watch. I have the Runtastic pro app and also struggled to connect... manage to get it only once or twice connected.
I have then used another app BLE Hart rate (in app) Endomond, Polor beat fitness coach etc... they all work on my Note4, but its a hit and miss.. Then it works today, then next day it does not want to connect. Very annoying and frustrating...!
Also the chest sensor battery is quite heavy Regular use( about +- 1 month use) , then battery is flat, compared to the standard chest sensor battery life.. (i easy get about +- 3 mths use.)
So eventually i got fed up and now use the standard chest sensor. (I use my hart rate sensor x 4 times a week.. every week)
Yes the Polar H7 Bluetooth does work with certain H/ rate apps but for me its a hit and miss and not worth struggling to connect when you want to go for a run Just stick to the standard chest sensor..!
good luck
willcor said:
hi,
i presume that you're talking about the Polar H7 Bluetooth chest (strap) H/Rate sensor..?
If so, I have used it on my Note3 and also Note4 with my Gear 1 watch. I have the Runtastic pro app and also struggled to connect... manage to get it only once or twice connected.
I have then used another app BLE Hart rate (in app) Endomond, Polor beat fitness coach etc... they all work on my Note4, but its a hit and miss.. Then it works today, then next day it does not want to connect. Very annoying and frustrating...!
Also the chest sensor battery is quite heavy Regular use( about +- 1 month use) , then battery is flat, compared to the standard chest sensor battery life.. (i easy get about +- 3 mths use.)
So eventually i got fed up and now use the standard chest sensor. (I use my hart rate sensor x 4 times a week.. every week)
Yes the Polar H7 Bluetooth does work with certain H/ rate apps but for me its a hit and miss and not worth struggling to connect when you want to go for a run Just stick to the standard chest sensor..!
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
Why is it a hit and miss? I cant even get it to connect to my Runtastic app. It does PAIR with no problem. I might have to return the Polar H7 chest strap sensor.
What is the standard chest sensor?
chong67 said:
Thanks for your reply.
Why is it a hit and miss? I cant even get it to connect to my Runtastic app. It does PAIR with no problem. I might have to return the Polar H7 chest strap sensor.
What is the standard chest sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi ,
well thats how i label it ,one moment it will connect and work fine on a run ( with any of the above apps i mentioned, in my previous post ) and then next day ,it does not connect via bluetooth (.Yes ,i also had it paired ,) I suspect 'maybe ' its got something to do with the workings of bluetooth v 4.0 and bluetooth 4.1 compatibilty ???.I can remember when i use my Note3 with Polar sensor( my Note3 was still on bluetooth v4.0) and if i wanted to pair it or scan to connect ,it did not even show in my device /phone settings or listed .When Note3 via a later software update (got bluetooth v4.1) it showed ( to me it was"strange" that it did not show in my listed pair devices on v4.0 etc etc )
I suspect the whole problem is that it is not " fully /compatible " with our phone v 4.1 bluetooth ...even i think Polar claimed it to be v4.1 ??? ...not to sure.
I have not used bluetooth sensor H7 ,for quite some time due to this hassle !
I have also noted that Samsung has Ant+ technology ( ANT Hal service and Ant Radio service and Ant plugin installed on our phones ....eg Note3 and Note4 ..etc ).You can check you phone under "Application manager " in phone "Settings "it will be listed there, as installed .
I still want to rather buy a Ant+ chest strap and sensor and test it .i am sure it will work 100% better ..???( i noticed that these sensors is similar/basic same , in price than Polar ) Ant + is basic from what i understand an older technology, but very good .A fact to consider is why does Samsung " endorses/installsl it, on our devices /phone ? .....as it works "better" than bluetooth in this case ?
Standard sensor i meant ,the Polar watch and chest strap combo ( i have been using for years and for me the better option . ) I would suggest you look for Ant + technology chest strap ,and plse note
Runtastic and other apps ,i mentioned is not compatible/work with those Ant+ ( not sure )
You must look for an app that will work with it ??
Good luck( which ever way you go Ant+ or standard .)
I have Garmin HRM Chest Strap & Garmin Vivofit 2.
I both sync perfectly on my Note 4 N910H.
Garmin HRM chest strap is an ANT+ device, it's working perfectly using S-Health & Garmin Connect (through Vivofit 2).
Garmin Vivofit 2 is sync using Bluetooth 4.0
I never tried syncing using other Apps though.
ANT+ based HRM is better in battery life (I get almost 1 year of battery life before I have to change it's battery) & more mature in development way.
Bluetooth 4.X based HRM is in its infancy in development way.
So if you want something reliable for monitoring your heart rate better choose ANT+ based device....at least for now...especially Note 4 has a builtin ANT+ sensor.
d4rkkn16ht said:
I have Garmin HRM Chest Strap & Garmin Vivofit 2.
I both sync perfectly on my Note 4 N910H.
Garmin HRM chest strap is an ANT+ device, it's working perfectly using S-Health & Garmin Connect (through Vivofit 2).
Garmin Vivofit 2 is sync using Bluetooth 4.0
I never tried syncing using other Apps though.
ANT+ based HRM is better in battery life (I get almost 1 year of battery life before I have to change it's battery) & more mature in development way.
Bluetooth 4.X based HRM is in its infancy in development way.
So if you want something reliable for monitoring your heart rate better choose ANT+ based device....at least for now...especially Note 4 has a builtin ANT+ sensor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
yes, if i think way back ( a year or two ) i could not decided if i must buy the Garmin (Ant+) or the Polar (Bluetooth) I was holding both in my hands and was unsure... As bluetooth, was the in thing that time... i choose the Polar Bluetooth... bad choice !
I intended after my failed Polar bluetooth experience.. to get the Garmin (Ant +) cheststrap, never got round to it. Just carried on using Polar watch and standard combo .
S HEALTH, (from my experience) is not the answer for me . It's ok for basic hart rate and storing your data etc but i used it with my Note 3 and Note 4 + Gear 1 watch eg... pedometer , not really impressed.
I would also agree that using Ant + is the better option
good luck
willcor said:
hi,
yes, if i think way back ( a year or two ) i could not decided if i must buy the Garmin (Ant+) or the Polar (Bluetooth) I was holding both in my hands and was unsure... As bluetooth, was the in thing that time... i choose the Polar Bluetooth... bad choice !
I intended after my failed Polar bluetooth experience.. to get the Garmin (Ant +) cheststrap, never got round to it. Just carried on using Polar watch and standard combo .
S HEALTH, (from my experience) is not the answer for me . It's ok for basic hart rate and storing your data etc but i used it with my Note 3 and Note 4 + Gear 1 watch eg... pedometer , not really impressed.
I would also agree that using Ant + is the better option
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I almost never use S-Health.
I only try it several times just to compare the result with my Vivofit (via Garmin Connect).
After that I never use it at all.
And now after I upgrade my tracker to Vivofit 2, it seems there's no reason to open S-Health other than Water counter
How does Runstastic and any other app know how much calories I burn? It guesstimate base on your height n weight and how fast you going? Does it matter? I just want to get a heart sensor thing because of this accuracy.
Runstastic does support Ant+ Whats the most popular Ant+ sensor? I want to strap to my chest unless there is a other choice.
I thought there are progress being made on BT.
chong67 said:
How does Runstastic and any other app know how much calories I burn? It guesstimate base on your height n weight and how fast you going? Does it matter? I just want to get a heart sensor thing because of this accuracy.
Runstastic does support Ant+ Whats the most popular Ant+ sensor? I want to strap to my chest unless there is a other choice.
I thought there are progress being made on BT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several factor to calculate calories outtake:
Age
Height
Weight
Heart rate
Steps
The result is a rough estimate that can be used to guide your day.
Heart rate data make it more accurate but still not laboratory accurate.
My suggestion for ANT+ HRM is Garmin & Wahoo.
Garmin is the most popular + reliable ANT+ HRM I know & it quite affordable too.
Wahoo is relatively new compared to Garmin but it supports both ANT+ & Bluetooth 4.0.
Other cheaper unbranded HRMs are available on eBay but I wouldn't recommend them as mine (yes, I bought one for around $25 to try it) broke after around 7 months.
Links:
Garmin HRM $60
Battery lasts around 3 years with 1 hr/day usage estimate.
Garmin Premium Soft strap HRM $69
Battery lasts around 4.5 years with 1 hr/day usage estimate.
Wahoo Tickr $59.99
Battery lasts up to 1 year.