Database Users

ARA/Phonebloks doomed from the start?

I have been somewhat following the whole Phonebloks and ARA scene, participating in the Dscout missions, and generally have to say that there is a lot of buzz and hype with very little meat behind it. The general populace is thinking legos, colors, fancy shmancy materials, and other appearance related nonsense. There seems to be very little technical content, and the majority of the crowd seems to be lured by key words such as "eco", "reusable", "repairable", "customizable" and so on.
Certainly, in terms of driving sales, this is good attention, something Motorola needs.
The downside, however, seems to be that people do not understand how things work, have no patience for it, and want things to "just work."
I highly doubt that this will be something that is user friendly out of the box.
The biggest misconception seems to be that you will be able to build anything you want out of this. If this idea is not curbed, this project will fail. People will become disappointed. Already they seem to think that they can have an espresso maker and a telescope added to the thing.
On top of it all, Motorola has a track record of taking good ideas and executing them poorly. Think Atrix lapdock.
So what is the clear mission of this project?
Ease of repair? That can already be done using current production methods. Look at the iPhone vs Galaxy series in terms of screen replacement. Its night and day.
Reusing parts? What could you reuse from an iPhone 4 when building a 5s? The headphone jack? Batteries die, radios, memory, sensors, processors, become old news by the time they hit the assembly line, and screens evolve at a fast pace.
There is no mention of a core device with expansion bays, the project seems to suggest you could swap all basic components on the fly. This is nonsense. Is it really worth taking steps back to make separate little bricks for Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC, GSM radio, etc., when current production methods can squeeze these into a single system-on-chip design at a fraction of the cost?
Imagine for a minute if Googorola took the Moto X approach to hardware: You log into your Motomaker account, and at checkout you pick your options. 3 choices of screen size, 3 choices of processors, 3 choices of storage capacity, an 8, 13, or 16 Mpix camera, 3 different battery capacities, cdma, gsm, or global radio, etc., then once you select your hardware, you customize the case colors, and you're done.
I know this rant is way into the TL;DR territory, but there are other factors to consider, perhaps profitability being paramount. Open source phone, with open source modules, etc. How will Motorola make $ on this? How long till knock off modules hit the market? What is the pricing scheme, etc.
I would love to get a serious discussion going, touching on some of the things I brought up.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I wouldn't say they're doomed from the start but their social network app and stuff seems pretty gimmicky to me. I definitely think that modular phones are in the future but they need to spend more time talking about the actual hardware and open sourcing drivers and stuff instead of their weird Instagram clone in my opinion. I'm still staying optimistic if they don't do it someone else will.
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Nice idea, but people here at xda would have a nightmare with such a thing, meaning rom development for every and each component combination.......

Lets ask ourselves, when would it be appropriate or papamount to upgrade a hardware component of any of our phones now? The reasoning now is more like, 'it would be cool if we could'. I cant think of any necessary reason now for needing to change harware unless it needs repair. I believe necessity should be a starting point for this whole concept. Necessity often drives truly good design.

I personally think that this would be good because of the fact that technology advances at such a rapid pace that being able to upgrade your components when a better version comes out would be good. Obviously there would be some compatibility issues between some parts that would be unavoidable. It would be more for the person who wants the high end device. Take me for example, I have the S4 and I love it but next year when the S5 comes out it wouldn't be the latest and greatest and I can't upgrade for two years. I could love a Moto X but I don't wanna pay the off contract price for it. So I think this is the only time it would be good and efficient, not a huge game changer but a slight game changer.
Also about the knock off or cheap parts, if they have the drivers and protocols open source than it shouldn't be to big of an issue, not anymore than buying a knock off replacement screen. Still something to look out for when buying modules.

I think that the idea from Phoneblocks or Ara are really good but I think that the project will prospere

Project Ara.
Being a modular design, brings complications, but with those complications comes new opportunities in the hardware section as well as the software side of the development.
The metric is quite valid and tangible, even more so today, wth the manufacturing techniques available, this idea actually makes far more sense than feeding the giant a steady diet of the same old thing.
You save money if all you require is a modified version of the RF section, you install that block.
The same goes for the remainder of the phone, easy upgrading, no downtime, and lower overall cost for the entire market, not to mention the lowering of landfill garbage from dumped devices that could not be upgraded.
The engineering end of this is wonderful, I wish it arrived years ago. A 'Lego-Phone' you build and upgrade as you need to, no more buying an aircraft carrier, when all you require is a shuttle.
We can finally drive the market, provide for ourselves, push manufacturers in the direction we need them to head, instead of driving us with their own thoughts on what is necessary.
I don't use much in the way of media, so anything more than 720P is of little use, but I do appreciate an HDMI-type format screen.
The RF section is far more important to my needs, and of course, a micro-SD card slot.
I prefer a sensitive front end, high dynamic range, and a superbly augmented IP3(third intercept point) as a basis for my receiver design.
I have grown tired of matchbox quality RF systems, and when in poor signal areas, or in a heavily wooded area with sparse cell tower penetration, i prefer my phone have the ability to connect with a site even if the RSSI indicates no signal, at least a data channel should be able to 'hear' a short text message for help if sent.
If the phone can't hear well, it can't talk well, either.
Most subscribers assume that cell signals are routed through the power lines*!*
I have had customers that actually said this...But this is the basis of my most desired and important 'want', a solid RF system, receiver and transmitter section that works!
High density areas have few problems with dropped calls, if the site loading is low, but in rural areas, loading is not an issue, it's accessibility, and sites spaced 10 miles apart, can actually have users drop calls even near by, due to dense foliage or hilly/mountainous terrain, even though the tower is within eyesight, you still drop a call. This is where fresnel zones come into play, and where a good RF section makes the difference.
If you think rain kills RF signals, see my pic I just snapped from my door, of the trees filled with heavy snow!
Poorly designed RF systems can't decode signals properly, the B.E.R suffers, causing message failures, call time-outs as well as just lousy QOS due to noise, echoing, raspy speech processing and a host of other problems.
The memory subsystems are important, as well as the GPU and video systems, but you can still make a call if the video drops, not so much if the RF section dies.
We all have our own desires, as well as what is most important to our needs, but overall, i do believe that project Ara is a great step in the right direction for a change....Where the customer drive the market, not the manufacturers!

Now I don't know if you were aware, but Google only owns Motorola's Research Lab. The actual company was purchased by Lenovo a few weeks ago.
Besides, I sort feel the same way, because, besides the hubbub, it doesn't seem like a very user friendly process in my mind. That's why I think it feels like nothing more than a research project with a couple of news reporters locked inside their facilities.
Sent from my ST21i using XDA app-developers app.
Don't forget to hit thanks if I helped!

In the beginning, they will have to offer options in a controlled environment like one poster abive said. It will be similar to
1. CHOOSE YOUR PROCESSOR:
a. Good
b. Better
c. Best
Etc etc....
The first question probably will be "Choose Your Carrier". Then all of the module choices will be pre-screened to function together on that network.
Samsung Galaxy S4 "Fort Knox Edition"

Guys, believe in Google. They made a search engine wich is now the most used engine. They also made a very good browser, an operating system for mobiles, an online map wich has street view and many other good things. Why they couldn't make project ara?
Sent from my LG-P880 using xda app-developers app

PenguinStyle said:
Guys, believe in Google. They made a search engine wich is now the most used engine. They also made a very good browser, an operating system for mobiles, an online map wich has street view and many other good things. Why they couldn't make project ara?
Sent from my LG-P880 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just making sure it wasnt a misinterpretation but google did not create android, Android Inc founded by andy rubin(correct me if im wrong) http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...e-phones/a-complete-history-of-android-470327

PenguinStyle said:
Guys, believe in Google. They made a search engine wich is now the most used engine. They also made a very good browser, an operating system for mobiles, an online map wich has street view and many other good things. Why they couldn't make project ara?
Sent from my LG-P880 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All those things you mention are software, that runs on high performance computers. What ARA requires is a total rethinking of the hardware and engineering of today's mobile phones.
Can any module be swapped for some other type of module? How do they interface? What bandwidth limitations do these interfaces introduce?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

SynGates said:
All those things you mention are software, that runs on high performance computers. What ARA requires is a total rethinking of the hardware and engineering of today's mobile phones.
Can any module be swapped for some other type of module? How do they interface? What bandwidth limitations do these interfaces introduce?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ARA developers conference already answered most of this, so its possibility is not the question. Its availability and adaptability is the question. Will people flock to it or despise it?? Will it make people feel more in control?
If google can advertise this thing as something that gives people more power it will definitely catch on. Plus if Google is truly looking to start their own mobile network as rumoured, then they could start in that manner and make others envious to catch on.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

It's going to be a wait and see what happens on release thing I think. I don't personally don't think it's going to explode instantly onto the mobile scene but give it a year or two and hopefully it will start changing the game. With everything being open source it might pave the way for smaller companies to get into the handheld scene where they don't have the money or resources to develop full devices but can focus on just a single module. Much like the way of the custom pc market.

replicamask said:
It's going to be a wait and see what happens on release thing I think. I don't personally don't think it's going to explode instantly onto the mobile scene but give it a year or two and hopefully it will start changing the game. With everything being open source it might pave the way for smaller companies to get into the handheld scene where they don't have the money or resources to develop full devices but can focus on just a single module. Much like the way of the custom pc market.
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Click to collapse
My sentiments exactly.

Koreans will really fight against this project. They won't be willing to loose the cellular market to Google. ARA has a lot of potential in developing countries, provided the prices for modules will be adequate. But yes, even with adequate pricetag such innovation will require a drastic change in marketing-infected minds of people.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk 4

I hope it could work really well. I'd like to see the ability to transfer all the core modules from one endo 'frame' to another - SIM, WiFi, ROM, storage plus camera and perhaps CPU/RAM from a larger 'everyday' frame to a smaller 'night out' frame. I'd like an 'everyday' camera and a 'holiday' camera. I might carry a speaker module, but would swap it in against a torch module only for those occasions I'd need it. I'd carry spare battery modules and expect to see external chargers for them.

Didn't read the whole thread, but I'd say the whole "eco friendly" concept is BS from the beginning. People will start buying new components everytime they are out, thus generating MORE electric waste.

till22 said:
Didn't read the whole thread, but I'd say the whole "eco friendly" concept is BS from the beginning. People will start buying new components everytime they are out, thus generating MORE electric waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is possible and a good point. I think they could counter this by placing some inherent value on modules so you could trade them in for cash or credit towards other modules.
I think this will work much better than trading in phones since all modules should work for all ara phones.

What you all need to remember is that the microcomputer revolution didn't really become a mass market phenomenon until the IBM PC arrived with its open "Industry Standard Architecture". This allowed the rapid emergence of third party expansion cards and other "PC compatible" hardware, and "PC clones". Not only did this accelerate the pace of technology development it also pushed prices down significantly. If IBM had not made the PC architecture both expandable and open, general purpose computing would have remained an expensive and specialised tool available only to business and the very rich. Imagine the effect that wouls have had on the development of the worldwide web a decade later.
If you are of the generation who grew up uaing laptops you may not have realised that modular technology is cheaper and more flexible, and it means longer hardware lifecycles.

Abardeen F80 stand-alone detachable watch phone [custom ROM v4, TWRP]

This is a relatively new model and still difficult to obtain, although availability is increasing and prices are dropping.
It is a standalone smartwatch, or watch phone as I call it. It could be compared to the Neptune Pine, but is not as bulky. It can be easily detached from its wristband and mounted into accessories like a bike handlebar mount or windshield mount. Thanks to the detachability, it is quite practical as a telephone (no Knight Rider poses or arm cramp required, just slide it from the wrist and it becomes a small handheld). Unfortunately it performs not too well as a handheld telephone due to mediocre sound quality from the microphone and subpar signal reception. A headset is recommended.
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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This is made for the Chinese market, the manual and the website are in Chinese only. A factory reset sets the phone to Chinese. There seems to be a variation called “AbarGoo” that might have some extra features like limited 3G, NFC, and charging contacts on the back. However, nobody has been able to find one for sale, let alone buy one. It may only have been a prototype that was never put into production.
It looks a lot like the discontinued Motorola Motoactv. My guess is that they salvaged parts of the Motoactv manufacturing line and modified them. Aside from the scratch-resistant glass top and overall looks however, this has little in common with the Motoactv.
Specs:
Android 4.2.2
MT6572 1.2GHz Cortex A7 dual-core
1GB RAM
8GB NAND
550mAh battery (built-in). Of course the sales pages mention 700mAh, which means this one has a Chinese gullibility mAh tax of 27%.
5MPixel camera (which is actually true for once!)
GPS and compass
microUSB port, micro-SIM slot
3.5mm headset jack
light sensor & accelerometers
WiFi, Bluetooth, EDGE (no 3G though).
Despite being 100% Chinese (AFAIK), this is not the average cheap rubber-and-plastic Chinese watch phone that will fall apart after half a year of usage, at least not the watch body. The hardware is really good, which warrants its higher price tag. It looks water-resistant, but is not. I reckon it can withstand minor splashes of water or even a very short dunk, but water can get inside through a tiny gap around the display. It is possible to vastly improve water-resistance by sealing this gap.
The camera (t8ev5) is impressive: true 5MP with autofocus and macro up to 5cm (pixel-level details tend to get lost in aggressive noise reduction though). The screen is also very good, the first Chinese watch phone with perfect multi-touch that I have encountered. It is a far cry from the crappy screen on e.g. the ZGPAX S5.
Bluetooth keyboards work, which I consider a must have, especially on such small device. It is a rarity on these Chinese phones.
GPS is pretty good, better than one would expect from the typical integrated MediaTek hardware.
Overall, very nice hardware aside from lack of true water resistance, as well as not so great microphone performance during calls. If you want to be understood during calls, you either have to use a headset, or follow a specific ritual as described in my more extensive review.
The software is less impressive: it runs a rather crippled Android 4.2.2. No Play store, nerfed system settings, and a limited set of mostly custom apps. Even when set to English, there still is Chinese in many places. It has an annoying bug in its theme that causes white text on white backgrounds in many dialogs, especially important ones Other nuisances are huge fonts everywhere (makes sense, because Chinese characters require a larger font), and no clock in the status bar (hey, wasn't this supposed to be a watch?)
I made a more extensive review for those interested.
​
Custom ROM (a.k.a. FrankenROM)
I solved the problems with the stock ROM by basically replacing it for the most part with another ROM. I started from a custom TrueSmart ROM by Dees_Troy, and combined it with parts from the stock system. I also fixed the layout problems that were in the dialer, etc.
The ROM includes a TWRP recovery image as well, based on the one for the Omate TrueSmart.
I fixed the most annoying problems, I even managed to add permanent tweaks for the poor audio, which makes handheld phone calls quite feasible. Overall this is a huge improvement over the stock ROM. Next to fixing the bugs, it provides a working Play store, multiple languages, and the other goodies one would expect from a proper Android system.
Download the custom ROM or update package (version 4) (released 2015/03/14, update 06/18: repartitioning)
Users of version FR3 can download an update package to be flashed through TWRP.
The latest download (since June 18th) includes the possibility to choose between 1GB, 1.5GB, or 2GB internal space for installing apps (of course, user partition will shrink accordingly). Existing users can rely on TWRP to repartition without losing their apps. See the README for instructions.
The download includes instructions in a README file. The ROM must be flashed through SP Flash Tools, because the F80 is sold with different ROMs that have different layouts, so I cannot just distribute only a TWRP partition and a system partition like I did with version 2. (Users of FR2 can upgrade by only flashing the ANDROID partition, see the README for details.)
I reckon this ROM will also work fine with the ‘AbarGoo’ version of this phone if it exists at all, but 3G capability will most likely be lost when flashing this ROM. After opening up the F80 however and seeing empty soldering pads, it seems very likely that the F80 was originally intended to be the AbarGoo, but it was too ambitious and they had to omit the 3G parts because they did not work. I do not think we'll see the AbarGoo anytime soon.
Many thanks to Dees_Troy, Lokifish Marz, AdamOutler, toastcfh, and kuronosan, who worked directly or indirectly on the TrueSmart ROM that I used as a basis for this ‘FrankenROM’.

I love the way it's detachable from the strap but still looks good. Waiting for a clone to buy

WHAT!?!?!??!?! :0
This is almost the exact copy of motorola MOTOACTV!!!!
Wtf

hackerse7en said:
WHAT!?!?!??!?! :0
This is almost the exact copy of motorola MOTOACTV!!!!
Wtf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeed! The Chinese have done it again.
Only, this is different hardware with better specs all across the board. It is a bit bulkier (13mm thick instead of 9.6mm), but for that you get a 5MP camera and full standalone ability with a pretty good built-in speaker and mic. The only thing that seems identical is the glass top, which they probably took from the discontinued Motoactv manufacturing line. It is not a coincidence that this showed up not too long after the Motoactv was discontinued…
What is without any doubt worse though, is the software it ships with. Anyone looking for a finished ready-to-use product like the Motoactv should not buy this. But once it is flashed with a better ROM, it becomes a very capable tiny wearable smartwatch.

$299 dollars on aliexpress
all these chinese watches kinda suck....
edit: this one is also standalone and costs 1/10th

JarlSX said:
edit: this one is also standalone and costs 1/10th
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny that you picked that one, because it was the first watch phone I had… six years ago. People had no idea what it was back then and were pretty surprised when I told it was a telephone. Was actually pretty decent as a phone, but a thick lump when worn on the wrist, and had a prehistoric operating system.

Where did you buy it?
Where did you buy this?

KOAO said:
Where did you buy this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get this on Taobao, or try searching the keyword abardeen on Aliexpress, the price should be around $230 or $180 ( )

KOAO said:
Where did you buy this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got this on AliExpress indeed, had to nag the reseller because availability seemed low at the moment. Availability seems better now. Try combinations of "F80", "watch", "abardeen", and "abargoo". There appear to be two variations, one with the "Abardeen" logo and one with "AbarGoo", the latter might have some extras like NFC, charging contacts at the rear, and limited 3G.

DrLex said:
Got this on AliExpress indeed, had to nag the reseller because availability seemed low at the moment. Availability seems better now. Try combinations of "F80", "watch", "abardeen", and "abargoo". There appear to be two variations, one with the "Abardeen" logo and one with "AbarGoo", the latter might have some extras like NFC, charging contacts at the rear, and limited 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr. Lex i find this watch in Aliexpress for 179.00. In description, says that this watch can be used like a companion watch. Its true in your watch?

Interesting, good review. I would like to see a comparison to a real sports watch, but that only makes sense when BTLE is supported, which requires Android 4.3 or later. KitKat is expected for MT6572 soon, maybe MediaTek has made a better job and maybe even releases sources?
Hopefully the MT watches can cooperate, as DrLex started here.
It has some extras like FM and wired headphone I could live without. My use case is as a sports watch replacing a Garmin. I miss vibration, IP67 (even if it seems decent) and a barometer, NFC (as in the AbarGoo) and ANT+ would be a big bonus too.
A Sport Watch must be possible to operate without the screen, this at least has 4 buttons. That works OK with IpBike and an adapted Xposed Additions module: I can get multi and combo actions. (A link in Omate TrueSmart thread)
I consider giving up on my Omate TrueSmart, GPS broken which is a key feature for me.
Hm, should I wait for something better or get a TomTom with barometer instead?

arovaris said:
Dr. Lex i find this watch in Aliexpress for 179.00. In description, says that this watch can be used like a companion watch. Its true in your watch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the right app like SWApp Link installed, it should work as companion (haven't tried it). In the stock ROM there is an app that is supposed to have link functionality, but it is something custom that requires an APK to be downloaded from a Chinese only website, and manually installed on the other phone. That's probably the meaning of the description on AliExpress…

DrLex said:
With the right app like SWApp Link installed, it should work as companion (haven't tried it). In the stock ROM there is an app that is supposed to have link functionality, but it is something custom that requires an APK to be downloaded from a Chinese only website, and manually installed on the other phone. That's probably the meaning of the description on AliExpress…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, can you make a YouTube review??

arovaris said:
Please, can you make a YouTube review??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can wait, I won't have the opportunity to do that the next three weeks…

arovaris said:
Please, can you make a YouTube review??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are YouTube reviews or at least presentations of SWapp Link.
The weak point is not the app but the connection between the connected devices.
The Omate TS defualt ROM did not work for me at all, the BT ROM DrLex used for the F80 should work better.

DrLex said:
If you can wait, I won't have the opportunity to do that the next three weeks…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I want a f80 YouTube review.
---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------
Well, buyed one. Now wait...

gerhardo said:
Interesting, good review. I would like to see a comparison to a real sports watch, but that only makes sense when BTLE is supported, which requires Android 4.3 or later. KitKat is expected for MT6572 soon,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the PLUM GATOR uses a Mediatek MT6572A chipset too
And it seems that it has been already upgraded to Android 4.4 (Download link to the ROM...)
Search "Upgrade/Update Plum Gator 4.4.2 KitKat"
(I would I liked to post the link but ALL new users prevented from posting outside links in their messages)
Looking forward to see that happening on the ABARDEEN F80 too.

Bad. I buyer from a aliexpress seller but bad description. pictures are "abargoo ", but watch is abardeen, without 3g. Order cancelled.

DrLex said:
This is a relatively new model and still difficult to obtain, although availability is increasing and prices are dropping.
It is a standalone smartwatch, or watch phone as I call it. It could be compared to the Neptune Pine, but is not as bulky. It can be easily detached from its wristband and mounted into accessories like a bike handlebar mount or windshield mount. Thanks to the detachability, it is quite practical as a telephone (no Knight Rider poses or arm cramp required, just slide it from the wrist and it becomes a small handheld).
View attachment 2893181​
This is made for the Chinese market, the manual and the website are in Chinese only. A factory reset sets the phone to Chinese. There seems to be a variation called “AbarGoo” that might have some extra features like limited 3G, NFC, and charging contacts on the back.
It looks a lot like the discontinued Motorola Motoactv. My guess is that they salvaged parts of the Motoactv manufacturing line and modified them. Aside from the scratch-resistant glass top and overall looks however, this has little in common with the Motoactv.
Specs:
Android 4.2.2
MT6572 1.2GHz Cortex A7 dual-core
1GB RAM
8GB NAND
700mAh battery (built-in)
5MPixel camera
GPS and compass
microUSB port, micro-SIM slot
3.5mm headset jack
light sensor & accelerometers
WiFi, Bluetooth, EDGE (no 3G though).
Despite being 100% Chinese (AFAIK), this is not the average cheap rubber-and-plastic Chinese watch phone that will fall apart after half a year of usage. The hardware is really good, which warrants its higher price tag. It looks quite water-resistant. I reckon it could withstand a short dunk, although IP67 might be a stretch.
The camera (t8ev5) is impressive: true 5MP with autofocus and macro up to 5cm (pixel-level details tend to get lost in aggressive noise reduction though). The screen is also very good, the first Chinese watch phone with perfect multi-touch that I have encountered.
Bluetooth keyboards work, which I consider a must have, especially on such small device. It is a rarity on these Chinese phones though.
GPS is pretty good, better than one would expect from the typical integrated MediaTek hardware.
Overall, very nice hardware.
The software is less impressive: it runs a rather crippled Android 4.2.2. No Play store, nerfed system settings, and a limited set of mostly custom apps. It has an annoying bug in its theme that causes white text on white backgrounds in many dialogs, especially important ones Other nuisances are huge fonts everywhere (makes sense, because Chinese characters require a larger font), and no clock in the status bar (hey, wasn't this supposed to be a watch?)
I have not managed to get TWRP working yet. Recovery partition is only 6MB which complicates things (as does my lack of knowledge about it). Any help with this would be appreciated. For now, I resort to MtkDroidTools for backups, and a slow and bloated version of SP Flash Tool for flashing.
I made a more extensive review for those interested.
Custom ROM
I solved the problems with the stock ROM by basically replacing it for the most part with another ROM. I started from a custom TrueSmart ROM by Dees_Troy, and combined it with parts from the stock system. I also fixed the layout problems that were in the dialer etc. Some small problems are left, but overall this is a huge improvement over the stock ROM. Next to fixing the bugs, it provides a working Play store, multiple languages, and the other goodies one would expect from a decent Android system.
Download the custom ROM (version 1)
The download includes instructions. Due to lack of TWRP at the moment, it is a bit kludgy to install, but it is worth it
I reckon this ROM will also work fine with the ‘AbarGoo’ version of this phone, but I guarantee nothing.
Many thanks to Dees_Troy, Lokifish Marz, AdamOutler, toastcfh, and kuronosan, who worked directly or indirectly on the TrueSmart ROM that I used as a basis for this ‘FrankenROM’.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me your recovery image.

arovaris said:
Bad. I buyer from a aliexpress seller but bad description. pictures are "abargoo ", but watch is abardeen, without 3g. Order cancelled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone kindly provide links to the cheapest one, I found $236 on AliExpress.
its ¥ 1388.00 on their site

[Discussion] Neptune ecosystem with the Hub and Duo?

Neptune, the company behind the Pine wearable phone, is coming back around, but their efforts are curious now. First, they boast the Neptune Duo, an idea of flipping the watch and phone to make the phone the companion and the watch the core.
The phone part is considered a peripheral. Replaceable, non-essential. The watch is where the magic happens.
But then they update their website. The ability to reserve or pledge for a Duo disappears. In its place, a teaser for their newest idea, one to truly make the personal computer...
It mentions the Hub, as a primary source. I have nothing but speculation and curiosity.
Neptune made a name for themselves when they proposed the idea of a smartwatch that could truly be your only device. The Pine didn't quite live up to those expectations. It fell flat as fast as it rose. But Neptune looks like they're far more professional about this, with plans to change the world through a model that merges two other models that most of us weren't aware of. They plan to balance the understanding of use cases, but make it work with one device? It's interesting, but impossible considering there are many kinds of people.
This isn't even the first time. Canonical built Ubuntu Touch with an intent on allowing you to make a dockable phone that would allow the phone to be a full-on computer for easy and simplified use. That is still in the works, and not even being seen yet from the Aquaris E4.5, the only phone with Ubuntu Touch currently.
What do you think? Can Neptune pull it off for real this time?

A good concept
I recently became the proud owner of a stand alone smart watch.
The main disadvantage of super small stand alone smartphone watches (with only 1.5 inch screen) is that typing sms-es or search criteria becomes a true challenge.
The usage of a companion screen that allows for a bigger interface (and thus a larger keyboard), only when needed, is the perfect solution.
Why is the protocol between the "hub" and the screen a propriatary thing?
I think there is a market for the Duo, if the price is right.

It's no longer the Duo, but the Suite. The protocol is not proprietary. It is actually WiGig, an advancement on existing Wi-Fi that takes form in the unused 60Ghz band, able to send 700mb/s wirelessly. The Hub is the center of the system with flagship specifications. The Pocket Screen is the most equivalent to a phone. The Tab screen is a 10-inch display, Keys for physical function, Earphones for sound and charging, and a dongle for TV use.
WiGig technology is simply not consumer-grade yet. Neptune Suite should change that.
The Hub uses a 2.4in display, and they're currently arguing the choice of OLED vs. E-Ink display. I personally think OLED is a better option. Since the WiGig technology is energy-efficient, the worry of OLED for energy consumption sort of gets canceled out due to streaming data to a completely different device.
Since you'll get the equivalent of a flagship phone in watch size, a phone, tablet, keyboard, headphones and dongle bundled, the price comes out to $900.

Interesting. Thanks for that information. Price seems high.
A nice spec Android smart watch phone: less than $200
A nice Android tablet : less than $200
If one has both already, what does it take to use te tablet as a second screen and keyboard? If tablet connects through the Phone hotspot, All I would need it for is to:
Surf: tablet
Sociale networks: tablet
Video: tablet
Phone: phone
Music: Phone or tablet
Edit contacts, type sms: both with tablet to help me for typing
I admit that it would require some user discipline to do all what the duo/suit can do,
....... for half the price of less

Well, to be fair, this is potentially the strongest smartwatch that will be available. It does more than the Samsung Gear S or Apple Watch, it runs Android, it has Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, 802.11b/g/n/ac + ad for WiGig.
The extra hardware doesn't even operate without the Hub. That seems bad, but it acts as a sort of security feature, and the Hub is the center of all the hardware, so you have the same data at your disposal whether you use the phone or the tablet. Your idea has that issue where data and apps would potentially be out of sync.
With 64GB, this is likely supposed to be the answer to the businessman on the go. Tired of carrying cables to sync data over, and doesn't care about the operating environment, someone who can use Android, iOS, OS X, or Windows. Carries his data on his wrist, never worries about leaving hardware because if it's a good enough product, he can just buy a new Pocket screen at a Wal-mart. Maybe wouldn't mind going out for a jog once in a while, and won't need to carry the Pocket screen because the Hub is a phone at the heart of it.
The price sort of makes sense. On the Indiegogo page, they offer the devices individually, and the Hub + wireless earphones came up for $400, which seems good for a watch of this magnitude. Likely, that's backer price, and it would be $500+ on its own. $900 seems worth it, of course, if you want to entrust the time between here and now, it's $649.

Extremely intrigued by the Neptune...
I'll admit, I'm a bit obsessed with the concept of a true standalone smartwatch, and am a big believer that delegating simple tasks like phone calls and sending/receiving texts and emails (made easier by voice) to a smartwatch while using a small tablet for heavier browsing/app usage is simply a more effective and efficient use of technology. For those reasons, I LOVE what Neptune is trying to do here (especially leveraging WiGig, which I didn't obviously know they were doing...) A few concerns I still have:
- How are app developers realistically supposed to design apps (both in terms of UI and functionality) for a platform that scales from 2.4" all the way up to potentially 60-80" TV's (using the dongle?)
- What's the point of having a hub "always on me" when the cuff is so darn thick that I can't possibly wear it comfortably during my workday, or fashionably outside of work?
That said, I love that they've made the necklace both a charging cord and a more attractive alternative to the standard Bluetooth necklace/headset. They've done a LOT of brilliant things with their new suite, but a few glaring holes still terminal in my mind.

Well, you have the passion for the idea like I do. Something about all that power in a pocketable form factor is always so intriguing, and we already carry phones with high specs, so a high-spec smartwatch would be impressive, as Neptune is going for.
Regarding your issues, I can see what you mean, but this is a fairly moot point. Let me explain...
Android devices of all shapes and sizes exist for all types of purposes. The core of the display driver is the resolution and the pixels per inch. Now, I don't know the PPI for the Hub itself, but it's certainly going to be high. Apps will probably display at their "full size" in the 2.4inch display, but that's like reading a microscope. My mother has an LG Optimus Fuel, and apps such as Pinterest are impossible to use on that thing, as they are sizing for large displays, while being on a very small display. So, yes, some apps won't be optimized to be viewed on that type of display.
As for stretching through the dongle, I'm sure it'll hit a limit and it'll perform like, say, the Amazon Fire TV. A fair size, almost like a tablet was blown up, but you'll have the keyboard at your disposal to manage it. I can't explain that bit, you'd just have to use a Fire TV and see what I mean.
Regarding the design, Neptune is working with Pearl Studios on that front. Pearl Studios focuses on design above all else, so the appearance of the device should be fittingly elegant, especially in workplaces with the suit and tie attire, the business-centric lifestyle. Ultimately, though, it's personal preference, and you probably need to know if you like a 36mm watch before you purchase this. They'll also offer sizes for various wrist sizes, so it won't quite be one-size-fits-all.
I do see what you mean, though. As someone who's mostly working in environments where your appearance should be presentable at minimum, as well as continuing his education, I am not certain how it will be to wear it in my every day life. It's going to be a waiting game from here to April.

Resource for smartwatch makers

THIS IS A RESOURCE FOR SMARTWATCH MAKERS
Northern English pronoun & adverb for nothing is 'Nowt'. The Nowt smartWatch by XDA members.
The corporations won't make a good smartwatch due to greed, smaller firms can't, due to lack resources and software access/rights (more greed by corporations). Crowd funding has repeatedly failed, see Omate TS. Time for a simple revolution ... can XDA members (or the people in general) build a good smartwatch?
Software is one of the biggest issue, but can't a 1000+ committed, devs, electronic engineers, analyst, passionate horologists and very ... very tenacious dreamers attempt it? Starting with finding solutions to the most common issues faced by those who 'have already been there and not quite made it'? If there's one place where the right people are, its here on XDA.
Lots of debates about the issues have been made and forgotten, see the Omate TrueSmart threads and some blogs.
Here's one: http://www.smartwatchgroup.com/overview-smartwatch-industry/
http://www.xda-developers.com/smartwatches-had-no-year-again/ - another one, see @Lokifish Marz comments. Other comments below to start the discussion off . . . .
______________________________________________________________________________
@Lokifish Marz said:
General rules with Chinese Android smartwatches
Broken firmware
Major security holes
Little to no official support (this includes the phone side app)
English (or any other language other than Chinese) for the phone app is very rare
Incomplete source code (when you can even get it) that is a generic build pulled from a phone
Inconsistent battery life due to broken firmware
IP67 is more like IP54 if lucky
Poor build quality and QC by western standards
Not Lokifish supported (I've walked away from the industry as a whole until they get their collective heads out of their butts)
kuronosan's time is limited so fixes may be slow
Depending on your needs and goals. Talk to Ingenic. The HW is a little slow on the Newton (SmartQ Z uses it), not sure about the Newton 2. Either way they have source (Linux, Android, etc). The package is small enough that you could design and build a smartwatch that's about the same size as a real watch, but the display will need a new "crystal" to pull it off nicely. Find a compatible round display, and you should be able to use off the shelf watch cases with minor modifications giving you a 200m diver's smartwatch if you do it right.
*Side note
Even with a 1/2 million buy in for 3000 units we designed ourselves, Umeox still would not have provided source code, and little to no support. That's what the Chinese ODM's are like. kuronosan can verify this.
______________________________________________
@Lokifish Marz said:
JZ4775 supports;
Linux (image and source available from Ingenic)
Android (image and source available from Ingenic)
Wear (Com 1's prototype was running Wear before Google strong armed Com 1 and pretty much killed the company)
_________________________________________
simple1I said:
I've come to the conclusion that the only way to build a decent smartwatch is by 500 (or more) xda members coming together on a project:
- committing our own money.
- Electing a group of experts.
- HARDWARE - building from scratch,
- SOFTWARE - take what's out there and amend it.
- trawling thru members ideas.
- People powered, no management, no profits. Not even kickstarter.
The advantage over all other watches would be the 'no profits', so a good quality long lasting watch could be crafted.
I'll leave it for someone else to post the disadvantages...
____________________________________________________
@Lokifish Marz said:
- You would still need some sort of hierarchy.
- 15-20% net profit cap would still be much lower than the industry and allow for growth.
- HW is not the big issue. SW, case design and source are
- ODMs deal in +1000 unit lots so the "buy in" is very expensive
Let's just say this comes from a been there, tried that perspective minus the xda member support. XDA members were not approached, neither was the public, due to one main reason. Corporations with far more purchasing power and capitol are known for "borrowing". Especially in China.
This is of course off topic so back to Mars I go.
____________________________________________
So . . . the software and stealing ideas and people is an issue, how can we overcome these?

If this goes anywhere I'll contribute, and also see if I can get Watch U Seek involved.
Maybe a WUS/XDA collaborative work smartwatch? If that happened, that alone would have a lot of pull in both the traditional and smartwatch communities.

XDA/WUS watch project
Lokifish Marz said:
If this goes anywhere I'll contribute, and also see if I can get Watch U Seek involved.
Maybe a WUS/XDA collaborative work smartwatch? If that happened, that alone would have a lot of pull in both the traditional and smartwatch communities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For those that dont know WatchuSeek is the largest watch forum, @Lokifish Marz - would you like to post a thread on WUS or shall I, its just that you'll receive more attention or I can start it and you can add your support?
CEO of OnePlus, Pete Lau's excellent interview, one former hardware employee of Oppo that made a successfull product in 1.5 years with only five employees. How did they start? With lots & lots of community ideas, we (the XDA community) to a certain extent already have loads of ideas and feedback already, we have learned a lot of the Omate Truesmart watch failure and Lokifish Marz has (i'm sure others too) have already attempted the first iteration, this is all feedback and ideas to base the new watch on.
@E:V:A - you mentioned - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52695562&postcount=28 -
There are plenty of HW/SW experts who'd have been willing to contribute for free (including myself) to an awesome product, but in hindsight, Omate's primary purpose was clearly to become rich quickly, and not to create or build.
The most important success indicators are:
1) How you handle customer issues
2) How you keep your product's marketing promises
3) How fast you can deliver the product
4) How you get and keep an expert team
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you say?

Get as many core points covered as possible (devs and the like), then approach WUS members. I'm still pretty much unknown there (most of my stuff is in the Russian section) but have no issue posting on WUS once HW/SW folks are on board. I suggest this route because traditional watch lovers are a very hard sell and the more flashed out it is, the greater chance of getting folks on board.
Like I've said elsewhere, my ideas at this point are up for grabs so here's a partial list off the top of my head;
PCB and battery same size as display or smaller
Design it as if it's a dial and movement, allowing for greater case variation
1-2mm border between edge of display and case max
Dress = 1 crown, no pushers
Sports = 1 crown, 2 pushers
Diver = same as sports but sealable mic port and functional bezel
42mm or smaller (the big watch thing is starting to go out of style anyways)
Square designs based in iconic square watches
I also personally suggest Acrylic "crystals" on certain models. The may be easier to scratch but near impossible to shatter, and most scratches can be buffed out.
I also suggest playing with the concept of lume in the display itself on certain models. It has some technical hurdles but has a number of advantages. One being that as long as you have a light source (flashlight, etc) you can "recharge" the "secondary passive backlight" (lume) and get a couple hours of night adjusted eyesight visibility without the use of a backlight. The battery savings is obvious.
In response to your list;
Set standards, warranty terms and procedures early and stick to them. Back it up with people that care and know the product first hand
Don't approach the market until a fully functional prototype with all the features exists.
Don't offer it til in a position where all you need to do is send the money to the ODM for production of the final product.
Not sure about the get part but, the team needs to be seen as being a part of the device itself. I even had the idea of using microdots or micro engraving the teams names into the inside of every watch. The physiological reasons are obvious. If there is a pay thing, that's what business planners and accountants are there for.

@Lokifish Marz - I see this will take a lot of planning, I haven't forgotten, I'm thinking things thru.
The most important question is, will this project be for a stand-alone or a notifier? This will determined what support we'll get form the community.

Greetings,
I am a senior Electrical Engineer with 9 year experience and I do PCB design for a living. I am interested in helping this project. To start with, we need a list of what we want / need in the design, a wish list. From there we can put together a plan for building the circuit board, the specifications document. Let me know if you can use me. I do have access to PCB layout and design tools, and experience using them.

As long as you dont mind MIPS android, you could use the M200, from igenic. They provide Android or linux based sources, and the newton2 dev chip is cheap, $100.
Edit: I forgot to add: 1.2 gHz plus a low power core, along with active voice recognition.

If you get this off the ground, I will help with UI, concept, and clock design and offer any other assistance I can provide.

I know we don't have enough support at the moment, but can we start with some ideas based on past experiences.
Standalone like the InWatch Z or a notifier like the Qualcomm Toq? Both of these examples are best thing we have to a decent attempt at a smartwatch.
Should we build a notifier or a Standalone? Or like the LG Urbane both.
One idea I've been thinking about, would a color screen like the new Pebble Time work with Android? I don't think it would handle video, the battery life would be an advantage.

I don't think a standalone device is really practical as a first try. I believe there are regulations in the EU and US, regarding basebands and IMEIs, that the small Chinese companies just ignore. Also, if you are thinking of using off-the-shelf cases then getting decent reception for phone antenna becomes a big problem and using a special strap for it, as some manufacturers do, would not be an option.
As someone who has been wearing a Mimi mi-w3 for the last few months I would never again consider a watch that doesn't have an always on, sunlight readable screen and I suspect that may well be true for many other people. Perhaps you could put together some kind of poll or survey?

Pseud O'Nym said:
I don't think a standalone device is really practical as a first try. I believe there are regulations in the EU and US, regarding basebands and IMEIs, that the small Chinese companies just ignore. Also, if you are thinking of using off-the-shelf cases then getting decent reception for phone antenna becomes a big problem and using a special strap for it, as some manufacturers do, would not be an option.
As someone who has been wearing a Mimi mi-w3 for the last few months I would never again consider a watch that doesn't have an always on, sunlight readable screen and I suspect that may well be true for many other people. Perhaps you could put together some kind of poll or survey?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're 100% right about the W3. It would really be hard to go back to a watch that was unreadable out doors.

chainsol said:
As long as you dont mind MIPS android, you could use the M200, from igenic. They provide Android or linux based sources, and the newton2 dev chip is cheap, $100.
Edit: I forgot to add: 1.2 gHz plus a low power core, along with active voice recognition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ingenic has been at the top of my list for some time for those very reasons.
simple1i said:
Should we build a notifier or a Standalone? Or like the LG Urbane both.
One idea I've been thinking about, would a color screen like the new Pebble Time work with Android? I don't think it would handle video, the battery life would be an advantage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Companion should be first. The display is a preference thing. I don't like E-Ink due to it's low ppi, poor refresh rates and ghosting. A smooth UI will require something else. I still think transflectives are the way to go for a number of reasons, and a black transflective (Sony SW2) is better than silver (inWatch). I still have yet to play with the secondary backlight but will as soon as I figure out what smartwatch to sacrifice to test it.
I saw your post about a case in another thread. The problem with most smartwatch cases is they are not designed to the same standards as a traditional case. There are also far more watch case manufacturers than smartwatch case manufacturers due to smartwatches being completely in-house. That allows for more base variations and most likely lower costs.
Off topic- Latest watch project. Original on the left, finished mod on the right.

Standalone
Remember for standalone: we'd have to go through all of the certifications for connections in the us, and for Android in general, to have google apps, we'd have to pay for inspection: 25 to 75k.

chainsol said:
Remember for standalone: we'd have to go through all of the certifications for connections in the us, and for Android in general, to have google apps, we'd have to pay for inspection: 25 to 75k.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Android = No official certification, ever.
Wear = Google partners only.
Linux = No limitations, but it has to be a truly complete package.

Lokifish Marz said:
Straight Android = No official certification, ever.
Wear = Google partners only.
Linux = No limitations, but it has to be a truly complete package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha, I misread an article slightly, we'd be using a pretty standard version of Android, with no competition to Google, so you are absolutely right.

Watch size and case design
Case sizing
Something often ignored in the smartwatch world is proper case sizes. It's almost as if they are betting that the recent (past 5-10 years) over sized watch fad continues so they can ignore what is considered proper watch sizing. Speak with any watchmaker or jeweler with a reputation for quality and you will get some very simple rules.
A proper fitting watch should never be wider than your wrist. The strap should also never droop over the wrist. Apparently smartwatch makers never got that 100 year old memo;
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Now there is a simple guide to proper sizing that many in the watch community agree on. It's called the the "Golden Ratio". The golden ratio is probably one of the most common seen ratios seen in the world. Architects, painters, car designers, and even nature uses it.
Now there cannot be a one size fits all of course, but you can get close. First one has to take into account certain commonalities in wrist sizes. The average man's wrist is about 7.5 inches in diameter, and the average woman's wrist is around 6 inches. A 40mm case diameter it puts you in between too large for women with small wrists, and too small for men with larger wrists. Additionally, if you look at the entire Rolex large unisex collection, it averages out to about 40mm. Other quality/luxury brands are also about the same.
At 40mm diameter it puts the near ideal display size at 31-33mm in diameter, or 1.2-1.3in . This allows for a Sports and Diver's model with functional bezel while giving enough leeway for a slightly smaller "dress" watch. Another factor in case design is the case/bezel to crystal ratio.
Bezel to display ratio
Dress/Formal
On most dress/formal watches they have a case/bezel to crystal ratio of about 1:0.937. This means the display diameter is 93% that of the case/bezel diameter. This allows for two things. Larger display or smaller case. Traditionally, dress/formal watches are smaller in size so I suggest a smaller case for this group.
Sports/Diver's
Here that average ratio is 1:0.8, or 80%. This gives a bezel that is not too fat or too thin while retaining enough width for markings.
Display resolution
240x240 and 320x320 are a little short on ppi. 400x400 is slowly coming available which puts a 1.2-1.3in display over the 300ppi mark should a source for such a size be found. This also puts the display at Nexus 4/iPhone 5 level of detail.
Square vs Round
Square smartwatches are often referred to as "not a watch" by the uninitiated. This is of course very far from the truth. Some of the generally agreed upon iconic watches are square. Part of the issue with smartwatches is an attractive square design is difficult. A perfect square is unpleasant to the eye but the wasted space around square displays is equally unpleasant. There is also the issue of orientation of rectangular displays. Most are horizontal which leads to a "fat watch" look. If square displays are to be used then a taper at the top and bottom should be used or a minimalist design. Here's some examples;
Tapered (tapered poses an issue with overall length being too great unless smaller displays are used)
Minimalist (even with lugs this can be a very attractive design)
(This is all based on a ton of research, informed smartwatch users complaints, and traditional watch users complaints, with a dash of personal opinion for flavor.)
EDIT:
Something to investigate. If a more suitable size can be found with a decent capacity or even custom size.

It's easier to go companion and add features than standalone and add companion.

In terms of open-source smartwatch,there is an important development going on here!
Check the github repo, it's almost ready!

First a watch...
So as long as we don't have huge opposition (which is unlikely) it's agreed then, we'll build a companion watch.
But like most 'everyday watch' it needs lots of functions that make it a good watch first, that can also do excellent notifications. My backup & most trusted watch is a Casio Protek, it just works all the time . . . can't really afford a Rolex, which also 'always works' too with greater style & class. But I must say as classless as a Casio may be to some, its like a Toyota, not much to look at, but reliable. No offence to anyone, I have both.
By a good watch, I mean stylish, durable with enough functions that it can be used/worn without a phone, as a time peice, as a sports aid with lots of sensors to make it alive. So in a matter of speaking it needs to be a like a standalone minus the SIM.
Still lots of discussion about the hardware is needed, but we really need to also start a serious and challenging discussion about the software/OS, here's where most smartwatch' fail, however we have a huge pool of talent on XDA. I intentionally haven't posted any announcement on the other (Sony, Samsung, Pebble) forums, because we need to get some general idea for the software first then get others to help develop those ideas, else we'll might be flooded with too many suggestions.
So software?
Web OS, no or no? [emoji51]
Wear is a no & can't
Linux was mentioned...?

Linux for the Ingenic is available and GPL compliance should not be an issue. Would be a foundation and up build which is more difficult, but could be tailored specifically to our needs unlike Android or Wear.
WebOS has a lot of potential and is open source as well but HW specific source may not be available for Ingenic. That requires somebody very familiar with WebOS to work with Ingenic on building it. Again, compliance should not be an issue.
NucleusOS may be an option but not sure if they have an Ingenic build and full GPL compliance may be an issue.
Anybody here familiar with what going on the BSD side of things? I ask because GPLv2 and GPLv3 are not compatible with each other and allows for proprietary code to be withheld. BSD licenses are more a "as long as you give me credit" type setup and is far more open/flexible than GPL.
If I missed anything let me know.

No.1 Watch S3 - New circular Smartwatch by No.1

I recently found a new smartwatch on the NO.1 website which I did not see listed on any shop yet, it's called simply No.1 Watch. It pretty much looks like the No.1 Sun S2 in a more subtle body, but without the heart rate sensor. Additionaly they added a SIM slot and MicroSD slot to it instead. Here's a little overview:
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"lightbox_share": "Share",
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"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
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(Source: http://en.001phone.cn/product-no-1-watch-102.html)
According to a NO.1 employee the watch should be released middle of this month already. Curious if they can hold up to their plans.

The watch is now listed as No.1 T3 in some shops for a price at 60$ for the end of august.

KloNom said:
The watch is now listed as No.1 T3 in some shops for a price at 60$ for the end of august.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This watch case is produced by another Chinese company which is also working for multiple vendors. Looks like they are also producing OEMs products from this ID

Here are some first motion pictures of the watch:

KloNom, whether the size of the display is the same as No1 Sun 2?

Monipeev said:
KloNom, whether the size of the display is the same as No1 Sun 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know anything for sure, but from the pictures and the video it very much seems like that No.1 is using the same display in the S3 as in the Sun S2.

NO.1 S3 Scratchproof Bluetooth Smart Watch
$63 on pre-order on EverBuying.net
But Bluetooth 3 only?
...and one Gearbest and DealsMachine. But it'll be the same old story ...again.

After seeing that backplate setup, water resistance is out.

Lokifish Marz said:
After seeing that backplate setup, water resistance is out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it not support watch resistance

Seems that S3 change to mt2502 cpu, so it can connect both android and IOS system, that will be great

We have adopted a similar solution, also our Android/Linux watch can connect to Android, iOS and Windows 10. In order to achieve that we had to modify the Bluetooth module so the watch is visible with two different channels, one to act as a Bluetooth headphone and one to act as a Bluetooth device. This is because iOS does not allow any Bluetooth device to connect automatically so some workarounds are required on the hardware profile.

NO.1 S3 MT6260 Capacitive Touch Screen Bluetooth 3.0 Smart Watch Review：

Yes but they are way behind the current technologies. They still have Bluetooth 3.0, what's the point considering that Bluetooth 4.0 has been released a year ago or even more?

I have seen this watch also on an other store, there it is called No.1 T3, but it is the same thing.

By the way, if you are looking for a round smartwatch maybe this one is worth a look:
http://www.gearbest.com/smart-watches/pp_203003.html
It has a heart rate sensor, and infrared remote controller. It is waterproof and quite thin for a smartwatch and costs below 50$. Sadly it has no slots for sim and TF card so it can't be used as standalone device.

raffaeu said:
Yes but they are way behind the current technologies. They still have Bluetooth 3.0, what's the point considering that Bluetooth 4.0 has been released a year ago or even more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It already become bluetooth 4.0, due to them use mt2502 cpu now, you can check official website, http://en.001phone.cn/product-no-1-watch-102.html change yesterday

Current market trends:
1. There's the Chinese poor quality manufacturers - cheap price and quality. With the Chinese rubbish you know where you stand, you pay less and then after a short time you buy another cheap product and there's no support at all, they copy others people's hard work.
2. The bigger companies (Samsung, Apple, sony.. Etc) that will actually spend more money and time in R&D to intentionally design products so it won't last long, Planned obsolescence (Wikipedia). So that they make more money as a policy. Also massive marketing campaigns that makes you feel yo need the next version, every year. With the large corporations, they very are sneaky by what they say and what they actually do, because it's all about profits.
3. Good quality manufacturers, like some Swiss, very good quality, but expensive.
In these modern era of entrepreneurs, Open Source (3D printers to help with concept designs), online collaboration ...etc there's a middle way, that's the route we should hold on too. The dreamers with a vision, with a lot of hard work. OXY smartwatch seems like those dreamers with potential, there's others too, I wish them all success, as all seem to want to build a genuine solid product, but finance is always an issue, but its doable.
It's tempting to buy the cheapest stuff because it fulfills a short goal to have a nice looking watch that will impress for a while, there will always be a market for these cheap products and for the uninformed that want the 'latest iProducts' who will overpay as long as they have the latest famous brands.
As ethical humans I think it's important not to support the unethical companies mentioned above and give the entrepreneurial who are taking massive (calculated) risks with their wealth, time/life our full support as long as they hold true to the ethical values. ... So nice to have a watch that just works, one that I can pass down to my kids if only for sentimental reasons.

simple1i said:
Current market trends:
1. There's the Chinese poor quality manufacturers - cheap price and quality. With the Chinese rubbish you know where you stand, you pay less and then after a short time you buy another cheap product and there's no support at all, they copy others people's hard work.
2. The bigger companies (Samsung, Apple, sony.. Etc) that will actually spend more money and time in R&D to intentionally design products so it won't last long, Planned obsolescence (Wikipedia). So that they make more money as a policy. Also massive marketing campaigns that makes you feel yo need the next version, every year. With the large corporations, they very are sneaky by what they say and what they actually do, because it's all about profits.
3. Good quality manufacturers, like some Swiss, very good quality, but expensive.
In these modern era of entrepreneurs, Open Source (3D printers to help with concept designs), online collaboration ...etc there's a middle way, that's the route we should hold on too. The dreamers with a vision, with a lot of hard work. OXY smartwatch seems like those dreamers with potential, there's others too, I wish them all success, as all seem to want to build a genuine solid product, but finance is always an issue, but its doable.
It's tempting to buy the cheapest stuff because it fulfills a short goal to have a nice looking watch that will impress for a while, there will always be a market for these cheap products and for the uninformed that want the 'latest iProducts' who will overpay as long as they have the latest famous brands.
As ethical humans I think it's important not to support the unethical companies mentioned above and give the entrepreneurial who are taking massive (calculated) risks with their wealth, time/life our full support as long as they hold true to the ethical values. ... So nice to have a watch that just works, one that I can pass down to my kids if only for sentimental reasons.
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Hello!
Of course I get your point and I truly respect your 'buy quality or nothing'-opinion.
I think this thread is made by (and meant for) users who can not (or want not) spend 300$ or more for an original Samsung/Apple smartwatch. We know of course, that we don't get everlasting high quality products, but anyway we also like to have nice gadets and we can get happy with the cheaper stuff, too. Some of the chinese products also have functions and abilities that the original and expensive devices don't have, like slots for SIM or TF cards or full android system sometimes.
Talking about technology: smartphones, tablets or smartwatches are replaced after a few years by most users, because they simply want something new or better, although their old devices still work. We don't even wait for the 'planned obsolescence'. I think my kids will not be overwhelming happy, if I pass them my old Galaxy S3 smartphone or my old not-flatscreen-TV from the 90s in about 10 or 15 years :laugh:
But again, I know what you mean and I respect your point. It is just economic and responsible long-range-thinking against trends and wishes for something smart and new.

Being entrepreneur in the field of IT hardware nowadays can be easy, that's true, but it is also an high risk and investment. We started with a Nordic Semiconductor PCB more than 1 year ago and we end up with the PCB of Ingenic Newton2 after 12 months of R&D which drained my personal investment, and I have a wife and a baby boy. Of course with 3D printing you can achieve a barely acceptable prototype and we have one like that but do you have any idea of how complex it can be from there to achieve a full watch case in Stainless Steel including an OS like Android? It take times, resources, communications and a lot of passion and perseverance. If one of these factors lack, your project will die within few weeks. Trust me.
Plus hardware is manufactured only in Shenzhen and Taiwan, that's it, and trust you have to fly there, meet people, speak, give them a try and that takes really a lot of time. For me almost 5 months.
Many times I decided to quit, to give up cause no VC is interested in an Open Source platform and no VC is interested in selling a Smartwatch for 200$ when the production cost is over 50$. But for us, our margin is more than enough to keep running our company and our vision and of course pay out the bills and the salaries.
The dream is to simply give an open platform. Buy our product (Smartwatch, Smartphone or Tablet), which run an open source version of Android. Download the source code if you want or simply download the free apps available on the market. That's it. That's what should be technology in my own opinion . We saw the Ingenic Open Platform and we are one of the first manufacturers in adopting it and I personally believe that is a good platform that can easily compete with WEAR or Tizen.
We also want to deliver quality. Our Round Display amoled costs us 40$ per piece, so as you can imagine we are not giving to customers cheap crappy chinese hardware that last 2 months. I am wearing OXY Square for more than a month now and every day I am more impressed about durability and battery life. But of course we still have so much to do before sitting down and watching our e-commerce getting orders
Of course we will run a Crowdfund in November, but not because we are not ready for mass production but because we need cash. To produce 20,000 pieces Ingenic wants cash and the best way to find 20,000 buyers within 30 days is to launch your Smartwatch on IndieGogo or Kickstarter. It's risky, because the exposure can be massive, but this is what we want. We have a system which is now stable, we have an SDK, two manufacturers and a marketing campaign. If we will succeed I don't know but we are doing our best to break the massive market of fidelity and show to the world that a quality product can be released and does not have to cost a fortune.
If OXY Watch will be a success, next year we will release OXY Phone, a quad-core phone 4G enabled for a very competitive price.
As I said before, I have a mission and hopefully I will find people passionate like me that want to join my train and ride it with me.

meh...
...this is called 'viral marketing' I suppose...
Why don't you OXY-guys make your own thread? Give specs of your watch there and put a price tag on it and then see who cares. Maybe you can tell some fantasy stories there about your struggle and fight against the evil chinese companies and your sacrifice of women and children just to built a smartwatch.
My opinion.