Related
I read lot's of good info under this post, but I would like to ask what would be the best move to buy for $100?
I have a Sony Xperia Z Ultra, so it will be so easy to check my wrist instead of pulling that monster out of my packet every time. Also I am looking something "classy" looking watch face , please help me out. Will be a good choice the Smart Q Z?
SmartQ Z isn't really what I'd call a classy design. Are you looking for something with calling features? Or just a watch that can give you notifications? If you're looking for calling features, I'd probably go with a LX36 Galaxy Gear 2 clone (dhgate.com). It's a dumbwatch, meaning it runs a j2me system, not full Android, but, it has notifications and calling. If you're looking for notifications and mini-apps, I'd pick up a Sony Smartwatch 2 off of ebay. They're going for right around $100 these days and has a classier design. Other than that, there's not much on the market for $100.
atti_clearw said:
I read lot's of good info under this post, but I would like to ask what would be the best move to buy for $100?
I have a Sony Xperia Z Ultra, so it will be so easy to check my wrist instead of pulling that monster out of my packet every time. Also I am looking something "classy" looking watch face , please help me out. Will be a good choice the Smart Q Z?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the elegance u8 thread
What I am looking for ,something has a design look , clear screen, has a built in camera (works itself not as remote) & I can use for saving pdf or notes for test in the class.. Large enough screen to see it, not necessary a standalone device, answer phone call would be a plus ,but I am not expecting a lot about that considering to the noise reduction , etc.. Would be nice with an app for running , or hearth reading
Other than that , I don't really care...
atti_clearw said:
What I am looking for ,something has a design look , clear screen, has a built in camera (works itself not as remote) & I can use for saving pdf or notes for test in the class.. Large enough screen to see it, not necessary a standalone device, answer phone call would be a plus ,but I am not expecting a lot about that considering to the noise reduction , etc.. Would be nice with an app for running , or hearth reading
Other than that , I don't really care...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...basically you want a watch that has everything. Kingelon K2, which is a Galaxy Gear 1 clone, is the only one that's going to fit your price range. Doesn't have the heart rate monitor, but, it has the camera and can save pdf/notes. It runs full Android. It can be found at dhgate.com as well.
Yes , that Star Kingelon K2 really looks nice, but I couldn't find on Ebay, I know Vifocal.com was selling under $90, but they are out of stock. Also I was reading about it , and they saying the battery holds for only 6h??
What about ZGPAX S5 or S6?
atti_clearw said:
Yes , that Star Kingelon K2 really looks nice, but I couldn't find on Ebay, I know Vifocal.com was selling under $90, but they are out of stock. Also I was reading about it , and they saying the battery holds for only 6h??
What about ZGPAX S5 or S6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
K2 can be found on dhgate.com from numerous sellers. ZGPAX S5 and S6 aren't what I would call a classy design and are both standalone phones with no sync software from the company itself. They also both run an outdated Android 4.04 operating system out of the box.
atti_clearw said:
Yes , that Star Kingelon K2 really looks nice, but I couldn't find on Ebay, I know Vifocal.com was selling under $90, but they are out of stock. Also I was reading about it , and they saying the battery holds for only 6h??
What about ZGPAX S5 or S6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more functionality a watch has = less battery life. And vice versa so you have to make a choice which you prefer.
The WeLoop gives 2-3weeks but with basic functions and the opposite side you have the Gear S.
atti_clearw said:
Yes , that Star Kingelon K2 really looks nice, but I couldn't find on Ebay, I know Vifocal.com was selling under $90, but they are out of stock. Also I was reading about it , and they saying the battery holds for only 6h??
What about ZGPAX S5 or S6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more functionality a watch has = less battery life. And vice versa so you have to make a choice which you prefer.
The WeLoop gives 2-3weeks but with basic functions and the opposite side you have the Gear S.
So why is the Star Kingelon K2 is better than the original Samsung gear watch is cheaper now ? K2 around $100 SG is around $90-100.
Is the K2 knows more things?
atti_clearw said:
So why is the Star Kingelon K2 is better than the original Samsung gear watch is cheaper now ? K2 around $100 SG is around $90-100.
Is the K2 knows more things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Gear 1 is supposed to only work with Samsung phones. There are some mods to get it working on non-Samsung phones, but, notifications are screwy without additional notification software like Tablet Talk. Not to mention, the Gear 1 received an update which converted the watch over to Tizen rather than Android. Tizen has a long way to go in terms of functionality and apps compared to Android.
It seems it would be a lot less hassle to just get a watch that would be supported on your non-Samsung device out of box and one that runs Android by default. That's the K2.
Thank you for all of you , I just need to find one now for a better price? 1 more question, is the K2 has an option to read pdf ?
atti_clearw said:
Thank you for all of you , I just need to find one now for a better price? 1 more question, is the K2 has an option to read pdf ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you're going to find a better price. You're asking a lot for such a small price. The K2 runs full Android so yes, it can read PDFs. You may have to download an app to read them if support isn't there out of box. But, yeah, it'll do a PDF.
Thank You again. The cheapest I found is $110.87 free shipping.
1 more thing Any of you heard about Cross Country watch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkVNnNl8Ds
http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_69404.html
atti_clearw said:
1 more thing Any of you heard about Cross Country watch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkVNnNl8Ds
http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_69404.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a Umeox OEM watch. Sold under numerous names like Omate Truesmart. It's a stand alone phone. Not worth it according to many Omate users.
atti_clearw said:
1 more thing Any of you heard about Cross Country watch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkVNnNl8Ds
http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_69404.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, its the Omate clone, its got every functionality you want, it had many names, Z8, Z15 is the latest name for $129
Here's the thread.
Battery life is an issues with ALL watches, this one is slightly better then the others.
Wait... You're looking for basically a $100 cheating watch?
Sent from my m7spr
Not just for cheating, but it is a plus I would call it "the reminder"..
atti_clearw said:
Not just for cheating, but it is a plus I would call it "the reminder"..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you I would buy the Galaxy Gear... Keep it on android and install the SWApp Link app on your Phone and Smartwatch, instead of using Samsung's notification system and problem solved. Galaxy Gear looks great, superb OLED screen, and fast GPU and Processor, its basically an underclocked Galaxy S2
Hi guys,
I've recently received my Galaxy S5 and I'm currently looking for a smartwatch to act as a compagnon.
First of all, I am not looking for a smartwatch that acts as "second" phone (stand-alone-phone), I'd like to connect my smartphone to the watch and keep it on the same line, if you know what I mean.
If it happens to be the best smartwatch that does have a simslot, I wouldn't mind, as long as it doesn't have disadvantages.
Now I have the following question: I am looking for a smart watch that offers as much functionality as possible for the lowest price, but with a good price-quality ratio.
I've seen the Following smart watches:
IKWEAR IK8
ZGPAX S5 & S6
K2 W100 (Samsung Gear imitation)
Sony SmartWatch 2
After reading and watching a lot of reviews, I have become increasingly uncertain about my choice. As one reviewer hates the watch, the other has something good to say.
To give you a good impression of what I'll expect of the smartwatch:
Prize: very important. I am willing to pay €125 max. ($160 - £100)
[*]Bluetooth: very important. Since I want to connect my SW to my smartphone.
[*]Quality: important. I do not prefer that the SW will fall apart after some days of usage.
[*]Functionality: important. A device that works well does have my preference. E.g. the touchscreen that works well etc.
[*]GPS: preferred. As I would like to use this watch as my navigator from time to time.
[*]Microphone & speakers: convenient. Handy to have for calls, listening to music, watching videos, etc.
[*](Google) PlayStore: convenient. This would be a good thing to have, but I can root afterall.
[*]Camera: optional. If I can buy a smartwatch doesn't have a camera, but seems to be the best overall, I don't mind not having a camera build in.
[*]Sim Lock & mobile network functionality: not important. Since I want a smartwatch that I will not use as a "second" phone, I do not see this as a necessity.
I might have forgotten to include the other features.
I hope I gave you an impression of what I'm looking for. If you have anymore questions, please let me know!
I wanted to thank you by taking time and reading this!
Cheers,
Jay.
I am in the same shoes, went with K2 W100
First off, your requirements constitute a full fledged sim based SmartWatch. Your not going to get GPS, cams and G-play in most companions.... Unless your comfortable with rooting/flashing ROMs.
After owning, using, testing and writing reviews for the Pebble, Gear, Gear 2, SW1, SW2, Z-Watch, Omate TS, Neptune Pine, and Meta I've seen the best and worst these have to offer.
Overall, each watch has their pluses and minuses. However, one thing sticks out among the myriad of watches I've had... The Samsung devices work best inside their own ecosystem (of course).
From your requirements above, i would go with a Gear. Lately, I've been seeing those go for ~$100-125 on eBay barely used and in like new condition. Since you have an S5, these will be the most headache-free choices
Not sure if you're going to miss things like the GPS and camera... Hard to get and work with these features on a watch.
I agree with the others, go the the Gear Clone or even the Sony SW2 (assuming it works with your Galaxy S5).
The Omate Clones would give you lots of features too, but slightly less battery life and maybe more bugs, the the Z15 comes with Play store, but not sure about the notifications app.
Alright guys, thanks for the replies.
I just got an offer to buy the Gear 2 (used) for only €150. (which is more than my limit, I know)
But I've decided to pick it up this eve. Any reasons not to?
Jay.
Hello,
I'd like to ask you people for help regarding my choice of smartwatch that I'd love to buy very soon.
There are criteria that I'd like the watch to fulfill.
1.) Make/answer calls with the watch
- speak to the watch through a built-in microphone and get answer from a built-in speaker
- possibility of getting answer to headphones, when connected to a phone, while being able to normally talk to the watch while making a phone call
2.) other stuff like controlling the music player, send messages (can be templates) etc., I don't really care for anything else, oh and yea, It should also look nice, the display I mean, I don't want any casual looking digital-like watch.
I've been searching through the internet for days or even weeks without any satisfying results.
My phone is SGS2 running on CM11 4.4.4 and I know it is possible to even connect it to Gear 2 and other Android Wear watches, which need 4.3+ Android , but I'm also not sure wheter to go for Tizen or Android Wear, I really like the Moto 360 but if it can't make calls, then it's a no go. Gear 2 can make phones on the other hand as well as Sony Smartwatch 2, but it's Tizen in the first case and I'm not sure how it would work with i9100, because it's running on custom firmware after all and in the second case I don't want to buy the old model with so many cool watches comming out.
Has anyone possibly tried this with S2, or does anyone have experience with it? Is it possible for Android Wear to support fully functional phone calls later in time?
I'm desperate please help.
Unfortunately, without having Samsung's factory OS with all of the touchwiz junk... You may run into many incompatibilities with the Gear line of products.
The SW2 lacks speaker and mic functions.
I would keep an eye on the Asus zen and LG's R that are about to hit the market. One of these might suit your needs.
Otherwise, keep an eye on SmartQ's upcoming releases... They may have something for you at a reduced price.
Good luck.
mghtymse007 said:
I would keep an eye on the Asus zen and LG's R that are about to hit the market. One of these might suit your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither of those watches has a speaker. Overall, Android Wear doesn't support making/receiving calls on the watch. Heck, it doesn't even have speaker support built in yet. It has bluetooth support, but, not a speaker. That's one of the things preventing me from pulling the trigger on one of the Wear devices.
doc_lee said:
Neither of those watches has a speaker. Overall, Android Wear doesn't support making/receiving calls on the watch. Heck, it doesn't even have speaker support built in yet. It has bluetooth support, but, not a speaker. That's one of the things preventing me from pulling the trigger on one of the Wear devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about Smartwatch 3?
Edit:
Nvm, just found out it doesn't support it.
Somehow Sony thought it would be a great idea to include phone call possibility in the new Sony SmartBand but not in the Smartwatch 3
I was looking about a smartphone with the same capabilities and I found RWATCH M26 on Gearbest .
Using the coupon TSRWHF, the price will be $28.99. Not bad at all .
I've also read the comments on the seller page and I didn't found any big problem. I'm looking forward to buy it.
You can also watch some youtube videos of it.
Hello!
1. Why nobody says that round smart watches -lack the ability to show everything that needed on the round screen.
2. there is a problem of showing whatsapp notifications?
3. A way to integrate between the smart watch heart rate sensor and sport tracker apps?
With such problems-there is a question about buying such watches.
Waiting for your opinions.
Thank
alfi07 said:
Hello!
1. Why nobody says that round smart watches -lack the ability to show everything that needed on the round screen.
2. there is a problem of showing whatsapp notifications?
3. A way to integrate between the smart watch heart rate sensor and sport tracker apps?
With such problems-there is a question about buying such watches.
Waiting for your opinions.
Thank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your points. I prefer the round design because it more like the traditional watches I wear. Also, there are so many great custom watch faces that look awesome and I don't see as many square faces that are as great. While you can put a round watchface on a square watch, to me it just doesn't look right. As to apps, there has been some great work done on making apps work for the round face. I know there are some problems with some, but I don't find it too bad. The two things that cause me pause with smartwatches in general is: 1) the lack of 3G US bands (1900) and 2) if you have an iPhone like me, there is still a lack of connectivity versus an Android phone. I know that has a lot to do with Apple locking down their operating system and not giving true access because they want you to buy an Apple watch. But knowing this does not change the fact that since I have an iPhone, my connectivity issues or just simple lack of connectivity, it going to make the smartwatch experience less than stellar.
I have already been looking around a lot, but there are so many watches with little nuances that are hard to keep track of. I am a regular watch wearer, never wanted a smart watch because they were a little too gimmicky when they first started. The technology is getting so good and useful now, that I am finally interested in swapping my regular watch for a smartwatch. I would like to find something on the cheap end for the first one in case I don't like it. Old and discontinued is fine if it meets my requirements
My requirements are:
1) Good battery, it needs to make it through a whole day at the minimum
2) Always on face is preferred. If I am ditching my regular watch, I would like for the face to be on and at least look like I am still wearing a watch. Kind of petty, but I prefer it. I can do without depending on how easily and quickly the face comes on.
3) Ability to use faces from places like facer or facerepo, and custom make my own face with watchmaker if I can't get what I want. The biggest thing for me is that I want an interactive face with a rotating on-screen bezel. I am wiling to design my own. I don't know how, but I learn well and will figure it out if I have to.
4) Round screen of good resolution without the notch on the bottom like the moto 360. I want to make a bezel face that needs the whole round screen.
4) Alert notifications for text, email, alarms, etc. is all I require for smart features. I do not care, nor do I really want fitness features like heart rate monitor, pedometer, etc. So if they don't work well on a model that otherwise meets my needs, that's fine.
5) Size on the smaller side. I can't really wear anything bigger than abut 45mm, so smaller than that is preferred.
I have been looking a lot and found some watches like the No. 1 and KingWear that seem to use their own version of Android OS. The battery life is amazing, but the faces are too limiting. My biggest concern is being able to make an interactive watch face with the moving bezel, zoom, and chronograph subdials. From what I have read, those watches take VXP faces, and they are not compatible with the features I want to have. They just have hour, minute and second hands. So am I supposed to be looking for something that just uses Wear OS or straight Android OS? The Fossil watches look good, as does the Galaxy, but I don't want to spend that much to try this out. Is there an older, sluggish, discontinued watch that will let me mess with faces on Watchmaker and make the face I really want? I feel that once I have a face I like, I will buy a newer watch and just use my proven face on it and be done. I would like to spend under $150, obviously the less the better. I have seen older Samsung watches like the S2 available at a fair price used, just not sure if there is a clone I could order new for less money, or something even cheaper I could use to get my face dialed in. I am totally open to suggestions if anyone can help.
For always ON and facer/watchmaker there are just Samsung > S2 (S2 has only a degraded always ON) or Wear watch. All are higher than $150. Always ON with an OLED screen is not very good idea I think, it feel strange with a wrist star war laser
dersie said:
For always ON and facer/watchmaker there are just Samsung > S2 (S2 has only a degraded always ON) or Wear watch. All are higher than $150. Always ON with an OLED screen is not very good idea I think, it feel strange with a wrist star war laser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. I didn't realize how limiting the always on feature would make my choices. But you're right about the OLED. So if I scratch that requirement for always on face, do you have a recommended way to proceed looking? Like what to look for and what to avoid? Specific models if you know any, but I would like to know what to look for in the specs, like OS or firmware that will allow the faces I want to be used.
Almost same answer.
Facer/Watchmaker works only on Tizen (Samsung) and WearOS. So your choice stay only in Samsung or Wear Watch.
Just Gear S2 is OK without real Always ON.
To increase your choice you must delete the Watchmaker/facer option.
dersie said:
Almost same answer.
Facer/Watchmaker works only on Tizen (Samsung) and WearOS. So your choice stay only in Samsung or Wear Watch.
Just Gear S2 is OK without real Always ON.
To increase your choice you must delete the Watchmaker/facer option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. I actually like the looks and size of the S2, but I don't know if I would actually like it. They can be found easily for under $100 USD, so the price is right. But going to a straight Andorid watch (non Tizen or Wear OS) might be the smartest thing for the future.
One thing I really don't understand. On a straight Android watch, are the faces just ordinary APKs running as a widget or regular application on the watch? Or is there a different file/application type that is used to make a face for an Android watch? I think that's what I have not been able to really understand.
I have tried making an Andorid app in the past and it was beyond my ability. That's why I thought Watchmaker would be a little easier for me to use. But if I can't get what I want because of the hardware, I will try my hand again at making an app or hiring someone to do so, if that's what needs to be done.
Gear S2 is really a very nice Smartwatch. Just screen a little small : 1.2". But very better than any pure Android Watch.
All pure Android watch are not really "smart" because they have almost 0 connected features. Just notification and almost nothing else.
Watchfaces for Android only watch ? we can almost say that they are non existent. We can not really found any faces for Android only, try to search on the store. Existent faces are only for special Android watch where the manufacturer has created special option for, ex Amazfit Stratos.
dersie said:
Gear S2 is really a very nice Smartwatch. Just screen a little small : 1.2". But very better than any pure Android Watch.
All pure Android watch are not really "smart" because they have almost 0 connected features. Just notification and almost nothing else.
Watchfaces for Android only watch ? we can almost say that they are non existent. We can not really found any faces for Android only, try to search on the store. Existent faces are only for special Android watch where the manufacturer has created special option for, ex Amazfit Stratos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see now, watches like the Kospet advertise as having customizable faces, but it appears all you can really do is customize the background image. It is not false advertising, but it is misleading a bit. And I see other watches like KingWear say something like "hundreds of watch faces to choose from", which like you said, come from the manufacturer. So I get it now, without a Wear OS watch or Tizen, I am limited. That's fine and understandable.
What I have not tried yet, is to see how the Watchmaker app works. If I want a face with a rotating bezel around the edge, and subdials for chronograph features, can I build that in Watchmaker? The biggest one is the ability to have a round graphic around the edge of the watch that rotates by touch like a dive bezel on a diver's watch. If that can be done in Watchmaker, I'll go for the S2 to play with it. If not, I will see if I can get an Andorid app to work with the features I want and then run that on a watch.
All I really want is a watch with rotating bezel, chronograph subdials and an analog or digital clock. I've seen the faces available, but the subdials don't do what I want, and I don't think the on screen bezel rotates like I want.
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm finally getting a good understanding here and I think you've pointed me in a good direction with the S2 for a very affordable watch to test.
gadsden said:
What I have not tried yet, is to see how the Watchmaker app works. If I want a face with a rotating bezel around the edge, and subdials for chronograph features, can I build that in Watchmaker? The biggest one is the ability to have a round graphic around the edge of the watch that rotates by touch like a dive bezel on a diver's watch. If that can be done in Watchmaker, I'll go for the S2 to play with it. If not, I will see if I can get an Andorid app to work with the features I want and then run that on a watch.
All I really want is a watch with rotating bezel, chronograph subdials and an analog or digital clock. I've seen the faces available, but the subdials don't do what I want, and I don't think the on screen bezel rotates like I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use facer and after Watchmaker for the beginning of this apps. If I can resume : I think we can do all we want with Watchmaker. The apps has all needed features. For rotating it has a "rotate" on his field for the item image, so you can rotate all you want and in the way you want because it has also an user "script" (LUA) applied on all items you want.
dersie said:
I use facer and after Watchmaker for the beginning of this apps. If I can resume : I think we can do all we want with Watchmaker. The apps has all needed features. For rotating it has a "rotate" on his field for the item image, so you can rotate all you want and in the way you want because it has also an user "script" (LUA) applied on all items you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks. I'll buy the premium and just try it out to see if I can do what I want. If I get anything going, I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for your time and replies.
gadsden said:
Cool, thanks. I'll buy the premium and just try it out to see if I can do what I want. If I get anything going, I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for your time and replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with Free version you can test all you want. I think premium is just for unlimited faces.