...by 'proper', I mean 'standalone'!
Basically the same as my old Vapirius AX (similar to Rock/Z1) that I've used daily for 2 years, but much cheaper and runs Android 4.1 and it has 320x240 2'' screen and not the square 240x240 1.5'' style of most watches which I can't get on with.
I'm going to order it and check it out. .
Nothing to lose at that price!
http://www.hongkongeek.com/en/smartwatches/5337-20-inches-watch-an1-with-android-41.html
Wearable Smart Phone Watch AN1 2.0" Touch Screen Android 4.1.1 w/ Camera / Wi-Fi - White + Silver - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
Looks like the Neptune Pine...
The AN1 Reviewed (I Think Comprehensively)
Here's what you need to know about the watch, which I've used for several days. It's more a sweet novelty than a gadget of genuine use. But it works. It's basically a mini-tablet phone (or phablet) and functions via the exact same Android protocols, except the master controls are hard, physical buttons built into the left and right sides, rather than soft touch-buttons on or below the screen. And of course the interface is configured to adapt to the tiny size. Yet at two-inches, that screen is a bit big for comfort if you like wearing the watch face on the inside of your wrist (which I do). So I sometimes rotate it to switch position.
Touch sensitivity seems excellent, as well as touch accuracy, which is hugely important given the minuscule QWERTY keyboard that pops up when you need to enter text. Unlocking the startup screen is frustrating at first until you figure out that you have to swipe the icon up or down, not to the side, as on bigger screens. There's no icon or hard control to access the active-apps screen (from which you can toggle back and forth between active apps and turn running apps off); as on certain larger phablets, you get to it by long-pressing the home screen button.
Because the AN1 is small, its WiFi receptivity is modest (the signal is strongest the closer you are to the source). So's volume but it's not bad for the size. You won't hear much through the earphones except in relatively quiet places, unless you have a separate sound booster; but in quiet places it isn't bad. However, it's impossible to attach the earphones one-handed; at least it is for me: You have to hold open the protective soft plastic flap that covers the mini-USB port (which is where they attach), which means you can't wear it while setting that up. That said, the AN1 will also transmit to Bluetooth headsets. And video/audio playback is very smooth. Even impressive, all things considered. Not a gamester, so no idea how gameplay would go. But with a two-inch screen, why would you want to?
Believe it or not, eBook reading is also a very decent experience in either the page or landscape aspect, though for simple eye-to-text positioning, page view works best if you take the watch off and operate it two-handed. In landscape view, though, you can make like **** Tracy. The only reading app I've tried so far is Amazon Kindle, but every feature seems to work per normal. Whatever normal is at that size.
No problem with the phone detecting a SIM card or storage-expansion microSD card (I added the 32G max, which costs all of $10 on eBay). But the cards are tricky to insert, because the lock flaps that secure them in place are so flimsy. However, once they're in, they're in. And insertion of the expansion card is critical, since the Internal Storage provided is write-protected; you won't be able to download (via internet) or sideload (via computer) files or apps without providing extra storage.
The battery is built into the back cover. Comes the time when it no longer holds a charge, one would need a replacement cover. I assume those are available or will be made so eventually.
There's no Playstore app included; plus it's futile to sideload-and-install Playstore from another source, since the app quits as soon as it boots. There is instead the HiMarket app, whose store features mostly Chinese text; but if you know the apps you want/need, you can still enter a search in English and find them -- most of the time. Sideloading and installing other apps also seems to work -- most of the time.
And oh, yeah -- in the "Good safety tip, Egon" department -- don't wear the AN1 (or any other Android watch of similar concept) in inclement weather. With an exposed speaker grille and exposed miniUSB access port (the protective flap doesn't fit snugly), not to mention hard buttons that aren't part of the case proper, bringing this out into very moist air or, worse, active precipitation, would be like putting your iPad in a filling toilet tank to see how high the water has to go before it fries.
Not encountering anything much in the way of buggyness yet. All in all, the AN1 does precisely what it claims to do. And for the conversation-pieceness of it, and frankly, the satisfaction of my curiosity, I'm happy to be an owner. It won't collect dust. But it's not for the customer looking for significant enhancement of his electronic life beyond what he already has.
Thanks for the review.
Also been using the AN1 for a couple of weeks and fairly impressed, but then I've been wearing a similar one for a couple of years and have only that and a conventional phone to compare it with.
Confused what you say about the battery; my AN1 has a battery on the back that can be detached and changed by pressing a small recessed lug/clip. The battery is the same as the old Z1/Rock/Vapirius so is readily available. Are you sure your battery is non-removable?
Also, as it's rooted - although Superuser is not installed - all current Play Store and Google services, sync adapters etc can be side loaded into system/apps, changing permissions the usual way. I am running all the latest Google App stuff now, but you're right about the Chinese Market and I removed it immediately along with anything Baidu related.
My only mild criticism of the watch (I can live with the floppy USB port cover as most mobile phones have no cover whatsoever) is the screen, not the digitizer which as you point out is responsive and works well, but the outside screen. It's scratched badly already and cleaning it makes it even worse. It's almost like a bad plastic. My other smartwatch has been used every day for two years and the screen still looks brand new without protection.
Lesson is get a good screen protector BEFORE even touching it! Although is fairness, the scratches don't really show when the screen is powered.
The sound can be tweaked in the engineering settings (I've forgotten the number/symbol sequence to access those settings right now) and I have managed to get it sufficiently loud to annoy other people listening to a phone conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxzycSNQsz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yjVVHpP1AM
Cheers!
marcusroberts said:
Thanks for the review.
Also been using the AN1 for a couple of weeks and fairly impressed, but then I've been wearing a similar one for a couple of years and have only that and a conventional phone to compare it with.
Confused what you say about the battery; my AN1 has a battery on the back that can be detached and changed by pressing a small recessed lug/clip. The battery is the same as the old Z1/Rock/Vapirius so is readily available. Are you sure your battery is non-removable?
Also, as it's rooted - although Superuser is not installed - all current Play Store and Google services, sync adapters etc can be side loaded into system/apps, changing permissions the usual way. I am running all the latest Google App stuff now, but you're right about the Chinese Market and I removed it immediately along with anything Baidu related.
My only mild criticism of the watch (I can live with the floppy USB port cover as most mobile phones have no cover whatsoever) is the screen, not the digitizer which as you point out is responsive and works well, but the outside screen. It's scratched badly already and cleaning it makes it even worse. It's almost like a bad plastic. My other smartwatch has been used every day for two years and the screen still looks brand new without protection.
Lesson is get a good screen protector BEFORE even touching it! Although is fairness, the scratches don't really show when the screen is powered.
The sound can be tweaked in the engineering settings (I've forgotten the number/symbol sequence to access those settings right now) and I have managed to get it sufficiently loud to annoy other people listening to a phone conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxzycSNQsz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yjVVHpP1AM
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all good and great but remember its running android 2.x!
cylent said:
all good and great but remember its running android 2.x!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The AN1 is running 4.1.1. The older Vapirius watch I mentioned is running 2.1.
with the z1 smartwatch / Vapirius they stopped with the clean rom I would like to see a custom rom for this :fingers-crossed:
I found this clone of Galaxy Gear and it's even cheaper at $85.99 !?
http://vifocal.com/mobile-phones/ot...-2-os-dual-core-wifi-fm-1-54-inch-screen.html
And a review for it:
http://www.quadcoremobiles.com/2014...ewgalaxy-gear-clone-dual-core-android-4-2-os/
Wasn't the Galaxy Gear a fail.
Specs'
acb123 said:
I found this clone of Galaxy Gear and it's even cheaper at $85.99 !?
http://vifocal.com/mobile-phones/ot...-2-os-dual-core-wifi-fm-1-54-inch-screen.html
And a review for it:
http://www.quadcoremobiles.com/2014...ewgalaxy-gear-clone-dual-core-android-4-2-os/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For $85.99 you get: +$15 delivery to UK
8MP Camera
Android 4.2 OS
Thickness is about 8-9mm
MTK6572 Dual core processor, 512M RAM+4G ROM
350mAh Battery
E-Compass, Direction, acceleration, temperature,pressure, ambient temperature and linear acceleration sensor
Not bad. I wonder if its splash proof?
** More importantly, can you use Play Store? Anyone? **
simple1i said:
For $85.99 you get: +$15 delivery to UK
8MP Camera
Android 4.2 OS
Thickness is about 8-9mm
MTK6572 Dual core processor, 512M RAM+4G ROM
350mAh Battery
E-Compass, Direction, acceleration, temperature,pressure, ambient temperature and linear acceleration sensor
Not bad. I wonder if its splash proof?
** More importantly, can you use Play Store? Anyone? **
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't a Play Store compatible device. Also, looking at the pictures, the apps are proprietary.
Some Android devices, especially Chinese ones that I've used, Google Services aren't installed and have been done so manually in order to get all the Android features.
This isn't one of them.
I can give the firmware for the AN1 if someone would like to make a custom rom.
marcusroberts said:
This isn't a Play Store compatible device. Also, looking at the pictures, the apps are proprietary.
Some Android devices, especially Chinese ones that I've used, Google Services aren't installed and have been done so manually in order to get all the Android features.
This isn't one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shame hey.
All those sensors are useless if there's no app for it.
sensors
They've caught on to a great idea, but it seems pretty pointless as said before. Hopefully there will be some improvements in the (less expensive) range of android wear.
google apps
with the z1 i used gapps install zip and gapps copy zip.You guys that have the AN1 do you have these for this watch or can you point me to the place to get them.
1bluemax said:
with the z1 i used gapps install zip and gapps copy zip.You guys that have the AN1 do you have these for this watch or can you point me to the place to get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Details on how to load all the Google stuff onto the AN1 and most other similar Chinese devices are here (reply#7):
http://linuxslate.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1399895851
These are the steps:
Here are my instructions for putting all the correct Google Play stuff and thereby having a full non-Chinese Android. Remember to totally uninstall all the Chinese Market and Baidu.
Download the files from here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/56ppcal1t9dwm6g/AACubjVgwQIcFjVv0_wvo05na
1. Use Root Explorer
2. Copy GoogleServicesFramework.apk, GoogleLoginService.apk and Google_Play-v3.8.17.apk to the system/app folder on your phone with Root Explorer.
3. In Root Explorer click Mount R/W. Change the permissions of the 3 files to match the permissions of the other files in the folder rw-r--r-- (6-4-4). Then click Mount R/O and exit Root Explorer.
4. Install GoogleCalendarSyncAdapter and GoogleContactsSyncAdapter the usual app way.
5. Reboot your phone. Hard reset is not necessary.
6. Go to Accounts & Sync in your phone's settings, click Add account and enter your Google/GMail account details.
7. Go to your apps and Launch Google Play.
8. Update any Google stuff from Play Store if prompted.
I'll do a vid of this sometime.
Good luck!
Marcus
Thanks for the info.:good:
AN1 Battery Clarification
Hey, Marcus -
Sorry to take so long to reply.
When I said the AN1 battery was non-removable, I meant that the back of the AN1 watch IS the battery, for all intents and purposes, and is the battery housing, not a mini-case into which a battery could fit. Yes, as you say, it's removable via the lug-clip and that gives you access to the card slots. But I didn't know one could buy a replacement; the lug-clip architecture is so specific to the watch build that I thought an AN1 battery replacement would have to be sold as a locked-to-the-model accessory. (Well, until today; trolling around eBay I saw a Z1 battery/back panel replacement for sale and kind of assumed it would fit the AN1. But it was $39 which struck me as high, so I didn't purchase. I'll do a broader search for Z1 replacements now, though. If you know of where they can be gotten cheaply, chime in.)
No Real Need for Rooting
By the way ...
Even though the AN1 isn't Play Store compatible, I've been able to load everything on it that I need. I either find direct links to download the APKs desired, or APK store links that bring me to the APK. In any event, sideloading from my computer is easy, then I just use File Manager to open the apps. If the apps don't work, I uninstall them. Most of them do. And there are so many choices that you can eventually have it doing everything you desire of it. (Beasr in mind, it's not really practical to install anything too unique or fancy on the watch because of its screen size; it's best for basic utilities that let you play videos, read books, manage calendar data, email, facebook, etc. And it does all that handily. Sometimes not with apps that work on your larger Android devices; but it doesn't take much time at all to find something that'll do the job as well in miniature.)
Related
Wow! It is fast....
I know others have said this but I must reinforce that. I have been running WM6.5 on my (old!) HD for a while and with the new manilla 2.5 (sense) UI it is clearly struggling a bit. I am sure that Dutty and co will improve on that but the HD2 is clearly much more able to handle this impressive UI.
Just got mine from T-Mobile UK so here is my initial feedback to those still drooling over the videos and pictures:
Appearance - Looks great, actually feels slimer than the HD - I know it is but you will see what I mean when you handle one. The curved back (like i-phone) makes it even slimmer at the edges than the 11mm measurement would make you think. The screen looks great - you can see the dots across the screen in certain light reflections (directly across the screen) but I have not noticed any at all in use - just with bright light at shallow angle across the screen. The screen is noticeably bigger than the HD, same brightness. The screen edges are also (as reported) closer to the edge which adds to the impact of screen real-estate on offer.
Only adverse comment on design is the sharpness of the edges to the camera lens surround - the lens edging is sharp enough to damage furniture so beware. HTC need to fix this one. It is minor on the scale of things but completely at odds with the rest of the device which oozes quality.
Branding. T-mobile have put their mark on the phone - nothing externally but the boot-up and shut down splash have T-mobile branding. There is a T-mobile (Web & Walk) spalsh screen that pops up when you start Opera (otherwise completely standard) and there is a T-Mobile IM tool that has failed to work so far.
Unboxing - my box (standard green HTC box just like the videos) had no pouch (leather case). I called T-Mobile and they will be sending one but according to their list they have no mention of either the pouch (that is what HTC call it) or the (miserly) 2Gb miro SD card. There is no (micro) CD like you see in some videos and apart from standard HTC stuff there is a T-Mobile folded sheet about something - was far too busy plying with my new toy to read the paperwork...
Software - all the usual stuff is there. Notes is in 'Outlook' and there is no Co-pilot software to test for 15 days (unless its on the micro SD card (not checked), just ordered and downloaded Co-pilot 8 because it looks great on the HD2.
Camera - the pictures are great and it takes photos immediately - it really has no lag at all on almost anything. The flash is actually quite bright.
Performance - did I say it was fast? Vista sync with PC was faultless, everything just happens immediately - this is also enhanced because apps are never actually closed. There is, as reported, no HTC 'X' task manager to close apps so they are just minimised. So when you start them up again in fact all you are doing is lttbbing back to the app that may already be open. The result is near instant response and when you select, for instnce, Google Map, it is not only already loaded but has maps present too (albeit the last maps). Opera is much faster than on the HD. IE is still very poor by comparison (BTW - Opera is called 'Web & Walk' in the start menu on this T-Mobile phone). The "My location" function just works - on GPRS, HSDPA, WiFi ann PC sync. Weather looks really neat!
Initial Software Loading and trials - just had to hard reset! I installed Monocube Safemode and could not then start-up the handset in other than safe mode!!! Not impressed - wonder if that is something to do with the capacitive screen.
Resco Explorer 2008 - great
Coreplayer - installed OK but noticed that 700Mb DivX film had audio sync problem. This film and this coreplayer version on HD seemd to have no problem.
more to come when I have re-loaded the software and re-synced - don't use Monocube Safe Mode.
I cannot rule out something else having cause the need to hard-reset but it only occured after my first power-up after installing the sotfware. I will report this to Monocude (who make it) and report back if I get anything.
Love the phone - very happy.
This is my first HTC and to be frank, I LOVE IT. Maybe because it replaced my SEX1?
Playing music is a delight, the speaker is amazing. Had to reduce the sound to 50% as it was too loud.
Picture taking, could be better, but as I'm used to SEX1, I can say its impressive.
Fast? Fast? It's lightning fast. This device changed my opinion towards WM. I was appalled, but now I'm extremely happy.
Only one annoying thing, when there is no data connection I get this pop up every time I turn on the phone, which is quite annoying.
Overall, I give it a 8/10. It could very easily be improved with ROM updates.
But why did they make sms notification so small?
I got mine yesterday. (Donated by a certain someone, you know who you are . )
Gotta say it truly is one of THE most amazing pieces of mobile tech I've seen in all my years as a technician. For the 1st time I can finally say winmo users finally have something that knocks the socks of the (in my opinion) now defunct iPhone and indeed any others available to date The speed of everything on this is just amazing, never did I think winmo could achieve this. Of course HTC did an amazing job covering over winmo you really never see it for anything.
I've been reading reviews online and in papers (ya I know, paper, im so old-fashioned sometimes lol ) and all the reviews say the HD2 still couldn't beat the iPhone etc so I was holding off buying it. But don't listen to the reviewers they're just too critical, this phone really is the biz, go get it.
Also, as this phone has no Hardware Keyboard it can be a bit tricky at first. I used to refuse to own a phone without a physical one but replacing the default HTC softKB with Fingerboard and everything is perfect Some minor tweaks and videos, battery etc are all working above and beyond any media smartphone I've used (and Ive even used the iphone for 5 weeks).
Anyways enough of my wild ravings about the phone. If anyone wants to know anything about the HD2 gimme a shout, happy to answer anyone
Just got mine today from.... Vodafone!!! Can you believe for once they've got it out with everyone else????
It's every bit as good as I'd hoped (not surprising as I'm stepping up from an early Tytn).
As tony wheeler found though, you can be too clever.... I originally had an XDA 2 with TomTom Nav 5, forced my Tytn to load it years ago and long before TomTom supported it (in fact I'm not sure they ever did). Tried to force it on the HD2 and all I got was a corrupt screen and it froze. Only needed a soft reset to get it going again, but a bottled out at that point.
I noticed that my favourite game (Bubblet) is missing (I'm a simple soul) and so far I cn't get .tsk skins to load properly, but hey - it's only day one.... plenty of time yet.
Update: sorted Bubble using hints and tips at the top of this forum, thanks TB!! Also, got my skin working by pasting it into the windows folder. It then appears in the advanced Today edit screen.
Lag in messaging
Guys,
people have been complaining about the messaging application being laggy especially for contacts which have long message trail...is this correct? Are you experiencing it?
anshkhanna said:
Guys,
people have been complaining about the messaging application being laggy especially for contacts which have long message trail...is this correct? Are you experiencing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, not really.
Ive already got 113 messages (+25 on my SIM) on mine and not noticed any slow down or lagg. Also have loads of emails and no slow down on the email tab either.
Mine arrives tomorrow via DHL, looking forward to it.
Moving back to WM from iPhone, been playing with iPhone for the last six months. I have always been a WM believer, but I always look and test the competition in the real world. Then I have a opinion based on first hand experience.
While the iPhone has many nice features, when it comes to business it isn't as flexible or useful as a WM device.
That's not to say WM doesn't have issues, it does. That's for another thread though.
iphone switch
I will be interested to hear your honest opinion of the HD2 compared with iphone.
The IP screen and nav functions are very fluid, but I think the HD2 is equal or better.
The HTC Shell makes a huge difference.
Without it I would have bought an iphone myself, and that is saying something!
Nighthawk said:
Mine arrives tomorrow via DHL, looking forward to it.
Moving back to WM from iPhone, been playing with iPhone for the last six months. I have always been a WM believer, but I always look and test the competition in the real world. Then I have a opinion based on first hand experience.
While the iPhone has many nice features, when it comes to business it isn't as flexible or useful as a WM device.
That's not to say WM doesn't have issues, it does. That's for another thread though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Thanks for the small review! Runkeeper or other runner's app work on it?
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own a ZGPAX s5 and I see this watch on ebay as well.
For the processor they are the same :MTK6577 1GHz Dual Core
Both IK8 and s5 actually run the same system as well (android 4.0.4)
They look different just because of different default launchers.
I just root mine and use Launcher 8 instead.
The real difference should be the position of the camera.
Both camera are 2MP and 5MP interpolated.
s5 is better for selfies and Skype while IK8 is better for taking photo shots.
Both are 2G as well.
They even share the same battery!!! ZGPAX s5 got 500mAH and 700mAH and IK8 should be 700mAH
You can take a look of this
http://www.ikwear.com/wangzhanjianshe/1.html
It should be a rebrand product.
The best solution is to mix the two products' camera into one LOL
Then I can selfie and take normal shot!!! :laugh:
Cheers!
---------- Post added at 09:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 AM ----------
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Google Now, Just refer to the last two pages in [GUIDE] ZGPAX SmartWatch::1/22::Embedded more Videos/ OP
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51806814&postcount=764
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a couple of quick questions if you don't mind. I find some interest in this smartwatch
1 How do you like this smartwatch now?
2 I noticed on a youtube video that this smartwatch seems to have a sort of hidden menu button and back button located at the bottom of display. Am I correct?
Any thing else you would like to comment on would be appreciated.
Thanks
sny11 said:
Got a couple of quick questions if you don't mind. I find some interest in this smartwatch
1 How do you like this smartwatch now?
2 I noticed on a youtube video that this smartwatch seems to have a sort of hidden menu button and back button located at the bottom of display. Am I correct?
Any thing else you would like to comment on would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It is stand-alone watch phone, android v4.04 system, high definition touch screen, high resolution camera, you can use it smoothly and freely like a smartphone.
2. There is menu button and back button on the side of the watch, not at the bottom of display. And you can touch the screen to get what you want...
See more @ watchphonechina.com/watch-phone-china/
Zwatch said:
2. There is menu button and back button on the side of the watch, not at the bottom of display. And you can touch the screen to get what you want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the IK8 for a few days now, and I discovered that there is definitely a menu- and back-button located directly underneath the display. In fact, they often get in the way while trying to touch lower areas of the screen .
Is this $120 the same one on AliExpress?
it gives notifications when connected to a phone?
It says 700mah battery. .. many days use do you get from it?
I got mine from Aliexpress It's super fast for me just two days to arrive to Hong Kong! I ordered another one earlier before from Chinavasion to Scotland and it takes me four days.
Sent from my PadFone using XDA Premium HD app
IK8
simple1i said:
Is this $120 the same one on aliexpress.com/item/IK8-Smart-Watch-Phone-154-Inch-Screen-MTK6577-Dual-Core-50MP-Front-Camera-OGS/1851182462.html ?
it gives notifications when connected to a phone?
It says 700mah battery. .. many days use do you get from it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the same device to me. Just be cautious since this seller has only received feedback once. I'm not sure if this deal is legit, especially since the price is incredibly low. The IK8 usually sells for about $135 - $145.
Since it's a standalone Android device, you don't need any additional phone running a companion app in order to receive notifications. Just insert your SIM card (regular SIM) and you're ready to go. If you'd like to pair the IK8 to your smartphone and receive notifications over Bluetooth, maybe it is possible to install the Osmart app which is originally developed for the Omate Truesmart. I'm not sure if this will work, but it's worth giving it a try. XDA user 'KOAO' already had some success using this app with his ZGPAX S5, which is not that different from the IK8;
KOAO said:
I am successfully able to receive notifications from Emails, and texts. i haven't tried to reject a call yet. However, i used the Osmart Companion app from the omate truesmart. You download the companion app to you watch by loading the Ostore app on your watch(i might ....might link the APK file i extracted from the Truesmart OS)Then you go to the post at the bottom, join the group and then download the master app to your Andriod based smartphone. Then you pair them up and test. If successful, WIN if not then try again.
Osmart Master app:
plus.google.com/109641424466258907138/posts/8PrkrDdUsR4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original battery supplied with the IK8 is 500mAh in contrary to what is promised on most websites/shops, it's exactly the same type of battery as used in the ZGPAX S5, but I'm not sure if they are interchangeable since the plastic 'mounting clips' look a bit different. With WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS turned off and the screen set at the lowest brightness I get about 7 - 8 hours of battery life. But I haven't been using the device a lot yet, so I think battery life will probably increase.
I ordered my IK8 from Aurabuy and received it within 1,5 week (to the Netherlands with SingPost).
Edit: I came across several 'relabeled' versions of this watch lately. They are all exactly the same, but simply indicate different brand-names. For as far as I know, the IK8 Smartwatch is originally known as the TCW-006 and is being manufactured by Tecomax Electronics. This also explains the build-number visible in Android; TECO_V2.0_20140420.
haven't posted in xda for a while..let alone in the smartwatch section...but here we go. was in hong kong for a conference and decided to drop by the it shop. came across a host of smartwatches and just for fun picked up the ik8 for $90. haggled it down to $80 and figured i'd ditch it sooner or later. didn't play around with it until like 5 days later after i got back to melbourne. lo and behold, was actually quite surprised and impressed with it. my 2 cents worth:
display/interface
- not bad, quite responsive though i replaced the screen protector with a matte (anti-glare) one
- the small keyboard takes some getting used to but once you've used it you'll get around the limitations. i still make the occassional mistake but that's only when i'm using playstore
hardware
- camera is quite good though i have no plans of using it as i have my note 2
- speaker is surprisingly loud for such a small device
- one con i have is the lack of a 3.5mm jack. the built-in micro usb (for data transfer and charging) is also the plug for the earphones which comes with the watch. thus you can't really plug your own set of earphones...unless of course you use bluetooth
- quite light, watch strap is quite sturdy
- took in my 32gb microsd with no problem. pretty easy and straightforward in mounting the card
- same with the sim, but no plans on using the phone function
- don't think its "water proof" as some smart watches that claim to be (e.g. omate). but i'm not complaining.
internals
- i installed adw launcher which spiced up the homescreen (better than the default launcher). no hangs or whatever
- installed a bunch of widgets, just have to be careful as some are obviously built for larger screens. example, clokr (time widget) tends to not fit due to the length
- installed button savior to avoid using the hardware buttons. no need for root as i only need home, back and power off
- mx player works well, can actually watch a movie on it. no plans though as i have my note 2
- not planning on using this for music but poweramp works well on it. though there is sometimes a tendency for some icon labels to overlap given the small screen
gps
- i had to put a separate review on gps as i'm quite impressed with it
- installed navigon, apk had no problems loading. through wifi, the additional data and maps were installed
- also installed gps tester as well as other apps for cycling
verdict: gps signal takes around 1-2 minutes to get a good fix. the watch is able to lock on 4 satellites. accuracy is quite good but tends to be a little off when it's cloudy. the gps is not as spiffy as the one in my note but i'm not complaining. for a device this small, i was quite impressed how good the gps works
- strapped on the watch on my bike, used bikemate app. speed was quite accurate as well as keeping it locked on the satellites. didn't lose a signal as i cycled away
- had no issues with navigon. plotted home and the watch took me back to my house with no problems
haven't really tried out the full extent of the battery but without using wifi and gps, i was able to use it for 3 days before having the charge. with gps, battery went down to like 50% after riding for an hour or so. not bad in my opinion. overall, quite happy with it and i've now removed the speedo on my bike. no more wires and no more replacing batteries. this watch has now taken over the speed indicator duties for my cycling.
cheers
I got me one of these too, ordered from a Dutch guy who'd better pay back the import taxes caused by him drop-shipping it while pretending he had it in stock, or he'll be getting some negative publicity. Having to wait 3 weeks was bad enough.
I already had a ZGPAX S5 which I damaged, which is why I got this as a replacement. This is almost exactly the same hardware, as evidenced by the ability to restore a complete TWRP backup from the IK8 on my S5 with everything functional except the cell phone system. The IK8 is definitely the better of these two watch phones though: better build quality, no buzzing during calls, better cell signal reception, better clock & launcher system, no dead zone on the touchscreen. Definitely not waterproof with the gaping hole of the microUSB port, but it looks not as vulnerable to a few raindrops as the S5, whose screen doesn't even seem to be glued tight.
For the rest I concur with Robson, very good loudspeaker, the GPS is indeed impressively good and seems better than on the S5, at the condition that one does the usual dance of enabling EPO etc.
Can't login to Google PlayStore
The problem is that the teeny tiny keyboard is just too hard to navigate and when I try to switch the keyboard from alpha to numeric I get an "Android Framework has stopped" error message and the Google setup/sign-in app crashes and reloads.. Arrrggghh..
I tried installing two different Bluetooth keyboards to get around this problem but when you link the keyboards and go into the settings it will say "Use as input device" great, but when you go into "Languages and Input" to set the default to the Bluetooth keyboard the Bluetooth keyboard is NOT shown as an option just the default AOSP keyboard.. Can one of you guys help?? You know what a PIA it is to return anything to China so I just may be stuck with this which sucks because I can't use any of my Google apps (e.g. Gmail) which is why I bought this thing in the first place!
Any and all replies are appreciated!
Chris R.
crodgers79 said:
The problem is that the teeny tiny keyboard is just too hard to navigate and when I try to switch the keyboard from alpha to numeric I get an "Android Framework has stopped" error message and the Google setup/sign-in app crashes and reloads.. Arrrggghh..
I tried installing two different Bluetooth keyboards to get around this problem but when you link the keyboards and go into the settings it will say "Use as input device" great, but when you go into "Languages and Input" to set the default to the Bluetooth keyboard the Bluetooth keyboard is NOT shown as an option just the default AOSP keyboard.. Can one of you guys help?? You know what a PIA it is to return anything to China so I just may be stuck with this which sucks because I can't use any of my Google apps (e.g. Gmail) which is why I bought this thing in the first place!
Any and all replies are appreciated!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried to get Bluetooth keyboards and mice to work with two different phones that use this same chipset and Android version. My conclusion is that it is impossible. The devices pair, but the phone does not react to them. It looks like a fundamental bug in this Android release. If anyone has more success, I would certainly want to hear about it.
Your best option would be to install a half-size keyboard like Slidy Press, that has much bigger keys. Of course, installing the official version would require logging into the Play store first Your only option is to download the APK and install it from the file manager. I have made a customized version of Slidy Press available for download. I would post the link here, but for some reason the forum forbids this, so you will have to Google for this exact phrase between quotes: "I recommend installing Slidy Press" and you'll find the download link.
Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped
DrLex said:
I have tried to get Bluetooth keyboards and mice to work with two different phones that use this same chipset and Android version. My conclusion is that it is impossible. The devices pair, but the phone does not react to them. It looks like a fundamental bug in this Android release. If anyone has more success, I would certainly want to hear about it.
Your best option would be to install a half-size keyboard like Slidy Press, that has much bigger keys. Of course, installing the official version would require logging into the Play store first Your only option is to download the APK and install it from the file manager. I have made a customized version of Slidy Press available for download. I would post the link here, but for some reason the forum forbids this, so you will have to Google for this exact phrase between quotes: "I recommend installing Slidy Press" and you'll find the download link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!! I installed Slidy but I'm now finding that if I touch any key that appears in the lower left corner I get a "Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped" error and the app crashes. Any ideas???
Thanks again!!!
Chris R.
crodgers79 said:
Thanks!!! I installed Slidy but I'm now finding that if I touch any key that appears in the lower left corner I get a "Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped" error and the app crashes. Any ideas???
Thanks again!!!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, regardless of the keyboard you're using, it always crashes when you touch the lower left key? That is extremely weird. Do you also get strange things when you touch that location without keyboard? Maybe your screen is defective and you'll have to send it back anyhow…
i concur with lex, i've never had this problem despite installing multiple apps on the watch. in your posts you mentioned that the error message first came up when you tried switching from alpha to numeric. and again the message comes up when you touched a key in the lower left. coincidentally, both areas you touched are on the lower left portion of the screen. there might be something wrong with your device/screen. unless of course another app is somehow causing this issue? though somewhat related, i once installed usb toggle in my note 2. though rooted, it seems that my note didn't like the app and frequently crashed. i had to fix it up it to the point of going to the bootloader to wipe out the cache. in any case, uninstalled it and now my note functions well. the same could be for your watch. again, unless of course there's something wrong with your screen/device...in which case you should have the watch replaced.
at first in setting up my wifi connection, playstore id/password, etc..it was quite a burden. though the keyboard is small, you'll eventually get the hang of it. i still get the occassional mistake of pressing the wrong letter. but i rarely do this anymore since the watch has been set up to what i need it to do (which is mostly for gps).
the one thing i'm looking around for is trying to either deactivate or change the watch face. i noticed that this can be done for the sony smartwatch...i'm still trying to find a way for the ik8. no luck at the moment though...
Returning
Guys,
Thanks.. I've done a Factory Reset and the problem persists. I think the digitizer is faulty in that one spot so I'm sending mine back for another.. Will let you know if the next one acts up! Thanks for all of the replies!
Chris R.
IK8 Review
I wrote a review about the IK8 (I think I should be allowed to post links by now). Because I already had a ZGPAX S5 and the IK8 is very similar, the review mostly focuses on the differences between the two. The general conclusion however is that the IK8 is noticeably better in most aspects.
The review also contains a list of tweaks and hacks, and custom versions of the clock screensaver and launcher. Enjoy!
DrLex said:
I wrote a review about the IK8 (I think I should be allowed to post links by now). Because I already had a ZGPAX S5 and the IK8 is very similar, the review mostly focuses on the differences between the two. The general conclusion however is that the IK8 is noticeably better in most aspects.
The review also contains a list of tweaks and hacks, and custom versions of the clock screensaver and launcher. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey lex
thanks for sending that link to your review. I rooted the phone to change the watch face lock screen. I think somewhere along the line I sort of did something wrong because now the lock screen watch won't come up....which is a good thing! what I did was installed ADW Launcher and used a live wallpaper for a nice watch face. I kept the home screen free of any widgets. Swiping to the right then brings up a whole bunch of short cuts and widgets which I use.
cheers
crodgers79 said:
Guys,
Thanks.. I've done a Factory Reset and the problem persists. I think the digitizer is faulty in that one spot so I'm sending mine back for another.. Will let you know if the next one acts up! Thanks for all of the replies!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried change the launcher and see if that spot keep faulty, my motoactv had a faulty spot on screen related to massive battery discharge, factory reset didnt work, but the problem was zeam i changed to adw, smooth as silk, i think it woth a shot
Ok, I'm around day 5 or 6 of trying to get my new Samsung Galaxy S-5 to be 'ready for prime time'.
[ It isn't. ]
I'm NOT new to Android (I own a Nexus-7 and a Nexus-10...oh, and a TV-dongle, too.)
And, I've developed a couple of apps (I use Android Studio, on my laptop), and
Eclipse before that.
And, yet, this new Galaxy, being my first SMART phone, is putting me into mumble-mode, with
all the svc-stoppages, and crazy behaviors that its 'phone' app is exhibiting.
Ok, my phone app is the 'default'...iirc, it is called 'phone' and has a green background with a
white pic of an old telephone hand-receiver on it.
The sub-optimal behaviors list of the app includes:
(1)It has decided to allow screen-rotation, but I don't want it to, as I am not (yet)
planning to use a headset or earpiece...at least not full-time.
(2)Even worse than rotation, it sometimes totally blanks the screen during rotations...not
sure if that's a bug or just a side-effect, but I didn't want that anyway.
(3)Not even sure I want it's numeric keypad to EVER go away, but when I perform other
actions, e.g. choose 'recent', then ok..makes some sense for it to discard
the keypad to get more screen real-estate for those ancillary use-cases.
(4)The biggest defect, seems to be that, after I complete a call, and I press
the red 'end-call' button, next thing I know, if I then carry out other use-cases, such
as hitting 'Recent', checking a few things, and then hitting the 'go-back' button
(at the bottom-right now, that some side-effect often kicks in, and my
phone decides to go off and make a call to the most-recent person that I
talked to. I respond with one or two 'go-back' button presses, and then I may
see a popup saying "whoops...some 'svc' just died/crashed". [The fourth or fifth
time that happened, I had to hold-down the small button on side of the unit, and
choose 'power-down' and shutdown/reboot Android, to clear out the stacked
operations that it seems to want to re-invoke. ARGH...
Bottom-line...I want this phone' app to mostly behave with mindset of how a 'not-as-smart'
flip-phone works...as though the numeric-keypad are hardware-keys, and don't
try to out-think me. i.e. When I take the phone away from my ear, to see the keypad
in order to press a key, do NOT blank the screen and do not rotate, etc, etc
Ok, some some reasonably-intelligent tech suggest that, maybe, I could find an
alternate app for 'phone'...i.e. she suggested that I go to the app store and serially
find and install alternate 'dialer' apps, until I find one I like better.
[ She then demoed a phone running M$'s tablet-OS, and I gave it a plus-one
for being smart enough NOT to rotate it's layout when I rotated it with its
dialer active. But, no, it's gonna be either Android or go back to a flip-phone for me. ]
I retorted that I'd rather find some list of 'most-popular' alternate phone-apps for
Android, so that at least I could try out alternatives in other than a random-order.
Anyone 'been down this road', that could advise me how to proceed?
[I tried disabling 'screen rotation' but that is global to ALL apps, which is NOT
what I want. I want ONLY that one app to quit rotating...why isn't that already
an app-specific setting, under its "three-vertical-dots' icon?]
EDIT: Oh, by the way, who signed-off on defaulting to this 'phone' app?
Google or Verizon (or some other company)?
[ So as I'll know whose stock to sell short. ] :laugh:
Ok, making phone calls just isn't ready-for-prime-time yet
Even after several more days, no one at a couple of different Verizon stores could come up with
satisfactory workarounds for the 'Phone' app's bad behaviors.
And, meanwhile I noticed several more negatives with trying to make a 5-inch 'phablet' meet
my needs. Such as:
(1) On day 1, the "Otter" holster that I bought with this Galaxy got snagged as I was getting
into the car, and broke the clip. (Luckily, that vendor gave me a new outer-frame w/clip, no
questions asked.) But, the seat-belt covered it which wasn't comfortable. And, when standing,
with the phone horizontally on my left-front, I couldn't even bend down comfortably, to stretch
or when exercising, etc.
(2) On day 3, I happened to need to lie down under a kitchen sink to make a minor repair,
and the only way to be comfortable, was to completely remove the Galaxy from my belt
and lay in on the counter. Whereas, the flip-phone that I've owned for the last 5 or more
years, comfortably has NONE of those issues...I never have had to remove it, in any of
those situations.
Long story short, I have now returned that goofy too-large-to-wear 5-inch phablet, and
upgraded to a brand new LG VN170 FLIP-PHONE, that works just like the flip-phone
I had (so there's nothing that I am required to learn to use it), yet it has lots of new
software features and subtle improvements over the LG VX6300 that I'm replacing.
Note: I strongly considered Google 'Glass' for quite a long time. Conceptually, that
product is closest to my needs (now that I understand them better) !
So, to summarize:
Flip-phones rule (for low-cost portable/wearable devices to make phone calls with) !
I love my 7-inch Nexus-7 Android tablet, and will continue writing apps for Android.
[ More than enough said? ]
What's the point of this thread?
GT08 Smart Watch. looks a lot like iWatch hitting aliexpress.. Thoughts?
jiggygent said:
GT08 Smart Watch. looks a lot like iWatch hitting aliexpress.. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.... someone needs to buy and review it!
I just ordered one last night. I'll do a review and possibly a video when I receive it.
JoshClarke said:
I just ordered one last night. I'll do a review and possibly a video when I receive it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you done the review yet?
janez2001 said:
Have you done the review yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't received it yet. These things usually take awhile to arrive since they are being shipped from China.
When your GT08 does arrive, I was wondering if you'd be willing to answer a few questions about it for me:
Does it have a compass? I've seen some product descriptions say "yes" and others say "no". (This is a very important feature to me, for no valid reason whatsoever other than it's cool to have a compass on your watch.)
Is it water-resistant? I don't necessarily need to go diving with it, but something that could survive a quick hit by a water faucet would certainly be useful.
How customizable are the watch faces? I know that it comes with several built in, but is there a way to make a custom watch face?
Is it usable WITHOUT a SIM card just over Bluetooth?
Thanks, and let's hope those ePackets have swift wings!
- Dave
I just received it. I will still do a more thorough review, but for now I will answer your questions.
There is no compass. Sorry.
I'm afraid to wash my hands while wearing it. I don't think it would survive.
There are 3 watch faces and they cannot be customized.
It is usable over Bluetooth. A lot of the features require an Android phone, so I cannot test them because I have an iPhone. The phone features work and all audio from the phone (music, voice navigation, etc.) can be routed through the watch.
Keep in mind I've seen multiple versions of this watch, so my answers may not apply. Mine has a mix of iPhone and Android icons. I paid $60, so I can't complain. Video review coming soon.
GT08 review
Just ordered mine. I'm going to make a full review with photos and videos on my blog when I receive it, stay in tune.
JoshClarke said:
I just received it. I will still do a more thorough review, but for now I will answer your questions.
There is no compass. Sorry.
I'm afraid to wash my hands while wearing it. I don't think it would survive.
There are 3 watch faces and they cannot be customized.
It is usable over Bluetooth. A lot of the features require an Android phone, so I cannot test them because I have an iPhone. The phone features work and all audio from the phone (music, voice navigation, etc.) can be routed through the watch.
Keep in mind I've seen multiple versions of this watch, so my answers may not apply. Mine has a mix of iPhone and Android icons. I paid 55.85€ so I can't complain. Video review coming soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Josh, could you please test phone calls through the watch sim? Thank you
janez2001 said:
Have you done the review yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sneak-peak on how it's look like:
youtube.com /watch?v=my439mw5zOA
Has anyone can make a rom dump installation freware to watch if I give this dump rom?
It is called Aiwatch GT08?
This smartwatch costs only €39,99 on the site tidybuying.com
I like this smart watch and price is relatively low.
It has 1.54 inch screen,
ROM 128 MB
RAM 64 MB
and it supports 2G.
Firmware for GT08
Hi
I'm looking for a firmware to download, because my version has only English and
Chinese languages installed.
Thanks
Klaus
I bought the GT08 smart watch today and can't wait till I get it. I noticed that there were lot of different names for the same thing (GT08, CK3s, Oumax S6 etc...) and the screenshots on the watch look slightly different, so there must be different firmwares. Does anyone know if the firmware can be downloaded, edited or flashed in some way? Is it possible to install apps or games on this system? Java apps perhaps? This would be sooo cool :fingers-crossed:
any good review ? please include available watch faces and what do you think of it ? is it worth buying ?
Smartwatch GT08 / CK3s / Oumax S6
Ok I'll try a short review then...
Hardware
The watch arrived today and on the first sight it looked really cool and good quality. It's big of course but not too big and I like the design very much ( seems they 'borrowed' it from the apple watch) . The belt can not be changed because it contains the nfc antenna. This is bad, because the shutter is really annoying and bad quality. You can insert a micro sim card and a TF card into the watch, so it can be used as a phone itself but I didn't try it out. There is a built in camera but it has only 0.3M and the pictures are really crap (sorry for that). The screen ist colorful and bright but its not IPS and the viewing angles are very small, the touchscreen works very good.
Software
The watch has some strange chinese proprietary firmware and not android wear so it is not possible to install any apps. In fact it feels like a litte time warp to the time before devices had android. There is a filemanager and I've copied some java apps to the watch but the system doesn't know what to to with them. Some of the pre-installed apps don't work either. There is a browser (useless because you don't have wlan or 3g) and a FM-Radio which is also useless, because you have to plug in earphones as antenna and the watch simply has no jack für earphoes. One app is a qr-code to download btnotification software for your smartphone, but the code points to a dead link. There is a pedometer that works, but I don't know what it actually does (at least it doesn't count steps) and some other smaller things (alarm, stopwatch, voice recorder, sleep monitor, etc..)
There are only few possibilities for personalisation: 3 (boring) analog watch faces and 3 themes (meaning backgrounds for the menus).
Bluetooh pairing worked well and after I tried some apps from the playstore I got notifications from my smartphone at last. I was able to remote control my smartphone to make and receive calls with the watch and to access the contact list of my phone. I've tried to use a bluetooth headset with the music player but the sound quality ist so very bad, its abolutely useless. So you have to play the music on the tiny built in speaker but who would want that? So the music player ist also useless, which would have been an important feature for me.
my opinion
Don't buy! I will definately return it to the seller, because it is so very not what I wanted.
Ok, it is a cheap watch with benefits and a telephone funktion. The design and built quality is very good for a chinese smartwatch but when it comes to usability, customisation and all day handling there is hardly anything positive to tell. I wanted to post pictures but I didn't understand how. I clicked the icon and was asked to enter some url? Anyway there are some reviews on youtube, just enter one of the names GT08 / CK3s / Oumax S6 which mean all the same device.
the steve said:
Ok I'll try a short review then...
Hardware
The watch arrived today and on the first sight it looked really cool and good quality. It's big of course but not too big and I like the design very much ( seems they 'borrowed' it from the apple watch) . The belt can not be changed because it contains the nfc antenna. This is bad, because the shutter is really annoying and bad quality. You can insert a micro sim card and a TF card into the watch, so it can be used as a phone itself but I didn't try it out. There is a built in camera but it has only 0.3M and the pictures are really crap (sorry for that). The screen ist colorful and bright but its not IPS and the viewing angles are very small, the touchscreen works very good.
Software
The watch has some strange chinese proprietary firmware and not android wear so it is not possible to install any apps. In fact it feels like a litte time warp to the time before devices had android. There is a filemanager and I've copied some java apps to the watch but the system doesn't know what to to with them. Some of the pre-installed apps don't work either. There is a browser (useless because you don't have wlan or 3g) and a FM-Radio which is also useless, because you have to plug in earphones as antenna and the watch simply has no jack für earphoes. One app is a qr-code to download btnotification software for your smartphone, but the code points to a dead link. There is a pedometer that works, but I don't know what it actually does (at least it doesn't count steps) and some other smaller things (alarm, stopwatch, voice recorder, sleep monitor, etc..)
There are only few possibilities for personalisation: 3 (boring) analog watch faces and 3 themes (meaning backgrounds for the menus).
Bluetooh pairing worked well and after I tried some apps from the playstore I got notifications from my smartphone at last. I was able to remote control my smartphone to make and receive calls with the watch and to access the contact list of my phone. I've tried to use a bluetooth headset with the music player but the sound quality ist so very bad, its abolutely useless. So you have to play the music on the tiny built in speaker but who would want that? So the music player ist also useless, which would have been an important feature for me.
my opinion
Don't buy! I will definately return it to the seller, because it is so very not what I wanted.
Ok, it is a cheap watch with benefits and a telephone funktion. The design and built quality is very good for a chinese smartwatch but when it comes to usability, customisation and all day handling there is hardly anything positive to tell. I wanted to post pictures but I didn't understand how. I clicked the icon and was asked to enter some url? Anyway there are some reviews on youtube, just enter one of the names GT08 / CK3s / Oumax S6 which mean all the same device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try the mediatek app ? it allows you to some stuff, from playstore. does it look cheap ? I think the bezels are too big for the screen. How much did you get it for ? I have a store here selling it for 68$.
Plus, I have seen it pop a keyboard for typing an SMS, and have a reasonably long battery life. I don't know why you didn't like it. What makes the galaxy Gear 1 for example more special than this ? (forget S-crap)
And did you try having the earphones in THE PHONE, maybe that will make the radio work on the watch, just some thought.
Yes, I used the mediatek app. Thats how I made the notifications work although I had some troubles with it loosing the connection or crashing the app. It was not possible to install anything over the app onto the watch, maybe it is made for other models or firmware. It also didn't look, as if there were lot of possibilities with the app and the app had nothing to do with a playstore.
The watch has the ability to write sms and pops up a small onscreen keyboard. It is really small but can be customized. I didn't say I like the Samsung smartwatches better, I didn't try and it would be too expensive and without a real phone funktion. Maybe it's not yet time for a good and cheap smart watch, using real android. There are some offers from simvalley, but their models look really big and ugly.
Of couse I can put earphones in the phone, but what use will the watch have then? It is possible to stream music via bluetooth from the phone to the watch but not the other way. The fm-radio is a feature of the watch and needs the earphones plugged in the watch as an antenna, otherwise noting will happen. I thought it would be possible to use the watch as musicplayer without the phone, but it doesn't work good with bluetooth headset.
I payed about 60€ for the GT08 from a german seller, but I know there are offers from chinese stores about 35$. For me it was important to have the ability to return it easily if something wasn't right and get my money back then.
I have noticed that another member of this forum (BigBison420) has made a review of the oumax s6 smart watch some time ago which is the same device. for additional information it might be worth reading. I'm sorry I can't post links yet, but I'm just new to this forum.
---------- Post added at 01:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 AM ----------
I mentioned in my review that I will send back the GT08 smart watch, because it was not the real thing I was looking for. Now I found a new device which has nearly the same design, a better screen and runs on android (including playstore). It is just called K8 android 4.2 3G smart watch, I don't know if I'm allowed to tell the sellers page (I cannot post links yet). Here some specs:
OS:Android 4.2
CPU: MTK6572 Dual Core 1.0GHz
GPU: Mali-400 MP
RAM+ROM: 512MB+4GB
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth V2.3
Display: 320*320 pixels
Camera: 2.0MP
Support MP3/MP4/GPS/WiFi/3G Function
Compatibility：Compatible with Android smart phones
Notes: Provide E-file English manual
Note: This phone will only work with GSM+WCDMA networks: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz WCDMA 850/2100MHz
It looks really promising and seems to be a lot smaller and more beautiful than other android watches with those specs and it'll cost below 100$. I can't wait to get it, but delivery will last about two weeks or more. If anyone is interested, I can do another review, altough I didn't have much practice on that...
Has anyone obtained this apparently little-known watch?
I'm not sure it's made by UWatch, even though some places claim it is, and the model name follows their pattern.
But it has some interesting characteristics that blend the U8, U8 Pro and U10 together:
- it can act as a phone, with a SIM, but only through an additional (included) magnetic "SIM shell" that makes the watch a little thicker; without it, it's very thin, less than 9mm
- a detachable shell is also used for USB charging
- it has a compass like the U10, but maybe no barometer/altimeter like the U8 has, since a seller told me so, even though some specs listing suggest otherwise
- the screen is a whopping 320x320 resolution 1.56" IPS (the U8 is 128x128 TN and the U10 is 240x240)
- the battery is quite large, 360mAh, with a claimed life of 10 days (!)
- the CPU is a newer MTK2502C, though I'm not sure it runs Mediatek's Linkit like some other newer watches (there is no hint that you can install apps)
- of course, there are the usual stopwatch, step counter, sleep monitor, and so on
It is around €55, but it can only be obtained from China, I found no European reseller.
If anyone has it (or has found detailed reviews):
- does it run Linkit? Can Linkit apps be installed (through, for instance, the MediaTek SmartDevice app)?
- does it have motion gestures (for instance, does it turn on when you rotate your wrist towards you)?
- is the battery life up to promises?
- is the software solid or buggy?
- any other highlights?
I ordered one of these after I tried and was pleasantly surpised with an u8 clone(...).
There very basic if you compare them with say samsung gear s2 which runs Android and is over 330€ up here. I would rather use the word "robust". With sandby time of nearly 10 days! Thats standby offcours.
The u8 and u11 seem to use the same Nucleus os.
And though the u11 is better in every aspect it still lacks a animated and interactive notification system that Android smartwatches have.
Nonetheless one can do more with Nucleus devices then meets the eye. Its just not an open os where you can just install apps on the fly. Android devices seem to need more power especialy xburst which runs a fair amount higher in clock.
But Nucleus is also more capable then the current roms used on these smart watches.
I have yet to recieve the u11, but from what I have read it will suffice my needs for the moment.
Though I have to be honest that I do not like the U8's battery life at all. It's just ridiculously short when bluetooth is on all the time. The u11 does come with bt4.0 and the battery is bigger but it also has a faster cpu, uses gsm(if activated) and has a bigger(IPS)and higher res screen. Time will tell what the inpact is on battery life. Not much info is on the net right now.
Anyway, its a nice watch with an original design(..) an better build then the u8. Using metal alloy opossed to plastic for the case, better strap, tweaked interface with two themes, nicer clock faces etc.. and I realy like the modular design to keep the watch slim.
Hopefully someone will tweak and customize some U11 roms here at xda
Found this review(in spanish)
Does anyone have the u11 rom ? I corrupted something on mine by installing an app. Now it's stuck on the clock. Touchscreen works... it still connects to my paired phone but I can't navigate the menus.
Can't help you. I still have to recieve it but
what do you mean with you installed an app?
Benwayqb said:
Does anyone have the u11 rom ? I corrupted something on mine by installing an app. Now it's stuck on the clock. Touchscreen works... it still connects to my paired phone but I can't navigate the menus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ebsbow said:
Can't help you. I still have to recieve it but
what do you mean with you installed an app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long story short, many notifications did not work. Facebook, Messenger, Gmail to name a few.
I tried different apps on my Galaxy S6 and ended up with a totally incompatible app that tried to install something on the watch and corrupted something.
Thats interresting. Maybe add what app so we dont make
the same mistake again.
Did you try to reset the watch?
I mean reset not restart. There should be small hole
( the one thats not the mic) which you can use to reset the
device by puching a needle gently in there. Just make sure
its not the mic!
Mediatek Smartdevice should work.. ?
It's actually Mediatek Smart Device that messed up my watch.
I didn't find a reset button. Disconnected the battery and reconnected it with still the same result. I left the battery disconnected and I'll try gain in a few days.
I dont think removing the battery will reset the device. Flash ram isn't power dependant.
Maybe the manual can tell where or if there is an reset button?
There is no reset button. I did reset the ram via the Flashtool and I still can't access the menus. The clock did revert back to the default one.
I will need somebody to make a backup of his u11 firmware and post it !
Got mine today. Sadly I ordered Black and gotten a Gray color item. :-/ (don't buy at banggood, they will send random color when there stocks are low) Not to happy.
Anyways.
First impression is good. Metal case, in my case, Gray silver..
Battery wasn' t charged so I could not test it right away
but after a small charge it booted, silently, into clock mode.
The screen is nice at 320p. Clockface is analog which I switched
to digital for no specific reasson. Theres two faces of each, all just fine.
Two themes for menu. Menu is nicely organized with features that
matter easy to access. Much better then the U8 if I may compare.
Notification system is also much better. with a preview of the
sms or other notification that arrives. Longer notifs are clear and cripst to
read on the 320p screen. Which pops on when an notif arrives or when you lift your arm in the right direction. Very usable indeed though shaking would be better.
Every app is nicely tweaked. And the added compass works fine.
Very nice watch and very slim. Obviously adding the gsm module will add a few milimeters. Still have to test this though.
If I get around a pc I will upload the rom for those who want it or just incase. But lets see for an update first.
Misses:
A notif has an menu when swiping from the right. When a large email arrives and you want to access the menu(open, delete, block) the watch may freez.
You dont really need the menu that badly but when it locks, just press the side button for approx. 12 sec. and reboot. No biggy but unfortinute. edit; A long press on an item in the list also pop's upp the menu which works fine.
The vibrator is somewhat to loud. It makes more noice then the alarm sound(in low volume). Sadly no way of turning it down. Turn it off at the cinema or you'll get popcorned!
No Calc! This is a smartwatch, right?
Screen could be a little less bright in the dark. Although a amoled would have been great its a nice ips screen. But a lower setting would be nice.
So did you find a way to make a copy of the firmware?
Thanks
No I have not. I dont have an pc availible. I did try
it on my W10 tablet but W10 isnt beeing very likable.
Can you share the program you used, with drivers, then
I will give it an other try. Also did you use the cable that
came in the box to flash the watch?
My table did not recognize the device. Could be the OTG,
the cable or just plain old W10
I used the cable provided. But I had to use an older laptop running Windows XP. Wouldn't work on my W10 laptop.
I am currently in a moving phaze, so I dont think I can help you right now.
All my stuff is tight up.
Maybe a virtual machine with xp on a w10 tablet/pc will work...
If somebody else can jump in here? I see what I can do here. No promises though.
Benwayqb said:
I used the cable provided. But I had to use an older laptop running Windows XP. Wouldn't work on my W10 laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you found an issue ?
Benwayqb said:
Does anyone have the u11 rom ? I corrupted something on mine by installing an app. Now it's stuck on the clock. Touchscreen works... it still connects to my paired phone but I can't navigate the menus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems i have a same issue, only clock menu. depending on chosen clock I can access to call and message fonctions.
Best regards