The Wear SDK doesn't appear to have anything similar to the Pebblekit JS Framework. Does this mean that any watch app that wants to access the internet (such as a simple weather app) will need a dedicated companion phone app? Or am I missing something?
The Wear emulator technically looks like Android, but on a small screen, and with a different "launcher".
You can run many existing Android apps on it. I tried one of mine, and it worked, more or less, but the UI was squished as would be expected.
This is why it's called "Android Wear". It's just an Android variant. There may be some "normal" Android APIs it won't support, and there will be watch specific APIs I'm sure.
IMO, it makes sense and is smart of Google to do this. I don't want to deal with 10 different smartwatch OS's.
NOW is the time for a bigger, richer smartwatch OS, because it's now possible to put enough ARM compute power in a watch sized device.
I presume that Google Play will support watch apps at some point. And I'm looking forward to seeing custom watch ROMs. I hope there won't be too much locking down of devices, or at least a Nexus watch or 2 that can be unlocked.
I agree with all of your comments, but I also think the cool thing about pebble is that I can write a watch app that will, for example, get weather from a JSON source on the internet without requiring the user to install another phone app. I don't think you can do that with Wear.
Related
Hi everyone,
I have not found this info so far, so I'm asking here:
Can Android Wear Smartwatches be equipped with custom watchfaces out of the box, like the Pebble? I know that Motorola is planning something like this, but I'd like to know, whether we'd be stuck with whatever Samsung, LG or whoever made the device allows, or if we can install Watchfaces from the Playstore/other sources? This would be a big factor for different screentypes, AMOLED could benefit greatly from Black and White watchfaces for example.
The same goes for the general theme/style. Is that alway "stock" Google Now look, or can we adjust it to fit our needs and/or to conserve power on AMOLED screens?
Thanks.
You can find Google I/O prese.tation on youtube and just find Android Wear presentation. It shows watchfaces, wallpapers etc.
Short answer - Yes you can change everything.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app
skraam said:
You can find Google I/O prese.tation on youtube and just find Android Wear presentation. It shows watchfaces, wallpapers etc.
Short answer - Yes you can change everything.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I was aware of the wallpapers, but not sure about watchfaces, since those are, according to what I read, the only things manufacturers (eg. Samsung, Sony et al) are allowed to customize. Now, just because Sammy is allowed to customized doesn't mean they'll allow me to customize...
I'll rewatch it and see what exactly they say...
UPDATE: I watched the presentaion again, but did not find any concrete evidence either way. Apps can have a custom UI, but I found nothing on 3rd party watchfaces.
Another question just popped up in my brain: What happens when the watch is not connected to the phone? How much functionality remains?
Also, can you actually answer a call on the watch? I'd assume not, since it has no speaker...
CommanderROR said:
Thanks,
I was aware of the wallpapers, but not sure about watchfaces, since those are, according to what I read, the only things manufacturers (eg. Samsung, Sony et al) are allowed to customize. Now, just because Sammy is allowed to customized doesn't mean they'll allow me to customize...
I'll rewatch it and see what exactly they say...
UPDATE: I watched the presentaion again, but did not find any concrete evidence either way. Apps can have a custom UI, but I found nothing on 3rd party watchfaces.
Another question just popped up in my brain: What happens when the watch is not connected to the phone? How much functionality remains?
Also, can you actually answer a call on the watch? I'd assume not, since it has no speaker...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding 3rd party watchfaces, that functionality isn't available today but has been promised in an upcoming release. Wear devices currently run Android 4.4W so I would assume it will roll out with L (if not before).
Just tested the functionality of the LG watch when not connected to a phone. It has limited functionality. No voice commands (because it normally uses the internet through your mobile device) but you do have access to the basics: steps, agenda, timers, timers alarms, stopwatch, etc and apps that don't require internet.
When you receive a call can answer/decline or decline & send a text (with preset and on the fly voice I think) straight from the watch but I believe you will need to use your phone or another Bluetooth device to actually talk the the person on the other end.
Hope this helps.
Thanks. That does help!
Android Wear watch face
CommanderROR said:
Hi everyone,
I have not found this info so far, so I'm asking here:
Can Android Wear Smartwatches be equipped with custom watchfaces out of the box, like the Pebble? I know that Motorola is planning something like this, but I'd like to know, whether we'd be stuck with whatever Samsung, LG or whoever made the device allows, or if we can install Watchfaces from the Playstore/other sources? This would be a big factor for different screentypes, AMOLED could benefit greatly from Black and White watchfaces for example.
The same goes for the general theme/style. Is that alway "stock" Google Now look, or can we adjust it to fit our needs and/or to conserve power on AMOLED screens?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see any watch face yet for Android Wear but there are already watch faces in the Android Wear itself available for you..
Custom Watch Faces for Android Wear
Yes I dont see any watch faces yet hope they will have an app for editing and creating your own watch face for Android Wear..:cyclops:
senseijuan said:
Yes I dont see any watch faces yet hope they will have an app for editing and creating your own watch face for Android Wear..:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom watch faces for Android Wear start appearing in the Play Store
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.
↑This!↑
I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.
Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).
Hi, I recently got a Moto 360 as a present. But sadly, I soon came to the realization that you can't run Android Wear without GAPPS installed (I'm running CM10.2). I'm not going to install Google's spyware just so I can use a watch.
Are there other Apps that work with AndroIid Wear Devices? My smartphone does support Bluethooth 4 and BLE. A little bit digging showed me that some dedicated people got some functionality to work on their Iphone without Google Services. Alos when I install the Pebble App it recognzes my phone (but can not connect)
I really just want to get notifications to my watch, control music , set an alarm and maybe get my pulse data on my phone. Are there third party apps that can do that?
The person who ported the Android Wear functionality to Iphone has a Github repository of his Iphone app under shiitakeo/android_wear_for_ios . If there is no option I will have to write my own app and I'm going to orient myself on what he did there.
So you are looking for an app to connect your android phone to the iOS wear connect app on moto360? And not android wear app?
I'm looking for a third party android app that lets me connect my Moto 360 with my Phone aCyanogenmod 10.2 without gapps installed.
Without gapps I can't install the offical Android Wear app. Taking a peak in the IOS world shows me that it' s possible to do that with a device that supports Bluethooth 4.0 and BLE. The Pebbles app also recognizes my watch but does not let me connect it, this tells me that they must use a similiar protocol or maybe even the same. My question is, if someebody already did write such an App, that lets you connect your Android phone with your smart watch (without installing gapps!), or if I have to do this on my own. (I'm a software developer but never did anything with Bluethooth or much in Android.)
I'd also like to find a non-gapps solution for this. Have you found one?
Apple spies for Facebook. You'll sell your integrity no matter what.
I live in a rural area where my best chance of getting service relies on having my phone shoved in a window. However, I carry a Samsung Gear Live on a daily basis, and it's very convenient and capable.
Because of where my phone is placed, I often have no access to it, and I do a lot of things at home that don't warrant wearing a watch, not to mention it's not exactly comfortable. Because of this, I've searched for various solutions to the problem of using my phone when I'm away from the phone. Thus far, there's obvious options like AirDroid, but that's unappealing since you need to leave this tab open at all times.
Yappy was an idea, but what made it most painful is it hardly ever sent my texts, and there was no configuration or history for the notifications when it passed through. Apparently, Microsoft's Cortana can integrate with the phone to allow notifications and texting from the PC.
What just baffles me is... why is there no app or extension that just uses the Wear API? Am I missing something, or is there just nothing out there that can connect via the Wear API, to offer as many features as a Wear watch, and not need to do much more than that? I imagine a simple app that connects like that would work just fine. I do understand the case of there being Wear apps that it would wanna use, but I also know that 4.4W was very rudimentary. So rudimentary, I couldn't even install much more than a Wear Bottle Spinner app. No new watch faces, no Skype or Music integration. It's so simple, I could imagine someone using the basic 4.4W framework to create an app to connect to Android Wear.
I'm unimpressed by the existence of apps that do their own thing, like Desktop Notifications, or Yappy, that ask you to use their apps together to achieve the best results. A Chrome extension, a Windows application, something simple that just connects with Android Wear over Wi-Fi. I think it's so simple, but so capable.
Have I just not searched enough? Am I missing something, a core aspect that makes it impossible to use the API in a simple Chrome extension, or has there just been no one who wanted to do it?
UltimaXtreme said:
I live in a rural area where my best chance of getting service relies on having my phone shoved in a window. However, I carry a Samsung Gear Live on a daily basis, and it's very convenient and capable.
Because of where my phone is placed, I often have no access to it, and I do a lot of things at home that don't warrant wearing a watch, not to mention it's not exactly comfortable. Because of this, I've searched for various solutions to the problem of using my phone when I'm away from the phone. Thus far, there's obvious options like AirDroid, but that's unappealing since you need to leave this tab open at all times.
Yappy was an idea, but what made it most painful is it hardly ever sent my texts, and there was no configuration or history for the notifications when it passed through. Apparently, Microsoft's Cortana can integrate with the phone to allow notifications and texting from the PC.
What just baffles me is... why is there no app or extension that just uses the Wear API? Am I missing something, or is there just nothing out there that can connect via the Wear API, to offer as many features as a Wear watch, and not need to do much more than that? I imagine a simple app that connects like that would work just fine. I do understand the case of there being Wear apps that it would wanna use, but I also know that 4.4W was very rudimentary. So rudimentary, I couldn't even install much more than a Wear Bottle Spinner app. No new watch faces, no Skype or Music integration. It's so simple, I could imagine someone using the basic 4.4W framework to create an app to connect to Android Wear.
I'm unimpressed by the existence of apps that do their own thing, like Desktop Notifications, or Yappy, that ask you to use their apps together to achieve the best results. A Chrome extension, a Windows application, something simple that just connects with Android Wear over Wi-Fi. I think it's so simple, but so capable.
Have I just not searched enough? Am I missing something, a core aspect that makes it impossible to use the API in a simple Chrome extension, or has there just been no one who wanted to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I want to hack together an android app for my own needs and side load it on a wearable running, or capable or running, wear os. My hardware requirements are minimal: no SIM, GPS, haptics or any special hardware required -- just something cheap and readily available in China, where I am now. I see the name Ticwatch cropping up on these forums, but might be overkill.
What are the odds I can load Wear OS on a random android-looking device off Taobao?
Thanks for any recommendations.