Database Users

Google Device Seeding Program

I just got an email from Google saying that I qualify to get a Verizon Droid or Nexus One for having an app with over 5,000 active downloads from the market (which I do) for free through their seeding program.
Has anyone else received this and can vouch for the truthfulness of the offer?
Thanks!

Diceman4 said:
I just got an email from Google saying that I qualify to get a Verizon Droid or Nexus One for having an app with over 5,000 active downloads from the market (which I do) for free through their seeding program.
Has anyone else received this and can vouch for the truthfulness of the offer?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers/browse_thread/thread/49da01a3cb7f8803?pli=1
Quite a few news outlets reporting the same as well (5k+ dls and 3.5+ stars apps)

Congrats man! I'd be super stoked if I were you... get the Nexus One!

If you read through all 80+ messages in that thread, people from Google do confirm it is NOT fake.
Congrats!

Wow, that's damn nice of Google, especially since the requirements seem very reasonable (5000 downloads, 3.5 rating).
I don't think you get to pick which device you get, however.

I received it too. IT'S SO NICE! THANKS GOOGLE! I'm in EU so I'll get a nexus one for sure =)

I got the email as well. I couldn't go to the Google event in London where they gave out free phones, so this is a nice surprise

Congratz guys! Yes I've read bout that too, and its great of Google to appreciate your hard work.
So tell us what apps you guys made so we can try em out.

uansari1 said:
Congrats man! I'd be super stoked if I were you... get the Nexus One!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction... if you're dev'ing games, then get the Droid. Seems the N1's touchscreen isn't as advanced when it comes to MT.

Becoming an android developer is slowly a no brainer.
Google gives you an updated device every chance they get.
So that you can develop next gen apps at their expense.
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Thats cool i hope next year i can attand a few google events or mayybe have an app in the store.

GNOve said:
Becoming an android developer is slowly a no brainer.
Google gives you an updated device every chance they get.
So that you can develop next gen apps at their expense.
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Thats cool i hope next year i can attand a few google events or mayybe have an app in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to say whats up GnOve!!!

GNOve said:
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, I guess they can. But Apple's not about technic, it's about religion. ("Google wants your data, but Apple wants your soul")
Now, seriously. I really think Apple often polarizes with its easy to use but very homogene and restricted concept. So a lot of Apple users/developers wouldn't touch a non-Apple device (aka "blatant rippoffs") with a stick, while a lot of Android users/developers despise Apple's restrictions (and costs).
Of course most professional software companies prefer money over religios wars, but lots of apps are from hobby developers.
Besides, the differences in development aren't defined by the language's syntax but the used frameworks and APIs. Even though they're "object oriented", there are worlds between VC++/MFC, VC++/SDK, C#/.NET, Java/Swing, Java/Struts(Cx), Java/JSF, Android, and Objective C. Dialogs/forms are created differently, user interaction is handled differently, frontend/backend separation works differently, there are "specials" like MS' "device contexts", different XML files and annotations for Java frameworks, or Android's "Intents", etc.

Anyone found any updates/information about this?
I'd love to get a mail with a "we've confirmed your registration, you'll recieve a device between X and X" or something like that.

Absolutely cool.
Guess I need to start developing for android.
Now to figure out the next big thing and to learn a language that results in an app.. Hell, I've learned 12 different programming languages, whats one more. LOL.

Official FAQ.
http://sites.google.com/site/developermarketandroidgiveaway/faq

David Horn said:
Official FAQ.
http://sites.google.com/site/developermarketandroidgiveaway/faq
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, dont know how I missed that!

Wow, this truly is amazing. I don't have enough downloads on my two apps but I do have the ratings. Oh well. I need to write apps that will be more widely used.

nurre said:
Anyone found any updates/information about this?
I'd love to get a mail with a "we've confirmed your registration, you'll recieve a device between X and X" or something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received this email a few minutes ago
Code:
Dear Guy,
We’ve received your information for the Android Market Device Seeding Program and have successfully validated the Google Order Number from your developer account.
Your information will now be sent to our shipping partner for order processing. Just to confirm, the information we received from you was:
Guy Mobile
"PERSONAL INFO"
"EMAIL
"PHONE"
If you need to make any changes to your information above, please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible. Otherwise, you should receive your phone in 2-4 weeks!
On behalf of the Android team,
Thanks, and happy coding!
Google, Inc.
1600 Amphitheater Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043

I just received that email too! Yesssss

Give me some reasons why I should get a Xoom and trade my iPad 2

I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with Android. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.

Reason #1, it gets you away from Kool-Aide drinking mac-bots who think everything has to be white.

Anyone else have a constructive response?

gqstatus0685 said:
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with the Evo. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those of us who show our loyalty to google will be rewarded with land and women once the takeover is complete.
Additionally, flash is neat, USB hosting, I'm fairly siked about google music. Greater customization. I'd wait to see how 3.1 runs but it looks very promising in the dev notes.

you are not bound to itunes, you can customize your UI, your notifications wont interrupt you, its positioned to be compatible with a ****load of other devices, hdmi ready, amazon and sony love android

gqstatus0685 said:
Anyone else have a constructive response?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that not contructive? Apple confines you to their standards. Time to open up and do what the user wants to do....Coca-cola taste a ton better than Kool-Aide

Best advice I can give you is just read the reviews and see if you like it. Seriously read up.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Upcoming ice cream sandwich!
Sent from my Evo using XDA Premium App

http://cameradojo.com/2011/04/20/my-take-on-android-tablets-vs-ipad/

dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.

Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.

MitchRapp said:
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.

gqstatus0685 said:
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see, something you could have easily checked online Google Body is one of the "made for Honeycomb" apps. It was released along with the XOOM.

gqstatus0685 said:
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of tablet apps and "tegra HD" apps available.
Also, pretty much every app I've tried that didn't specify Honeycomb support worked anyways. the "HD" games are spectacular (youtube "pinball HD honeycomb" ... it's 2.99 USD (2.84 CDN haha) and it rocks.

multitasking, much better webexperience than safari, flash support
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Starting a thread like this is just to fan the flames of fanboyism. Don't come on this forum and try to stoke fires. Go try them out and make your own decisions.

I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom

h_zee13 said:
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to pull the trigger and do the trade. I still have an iPad 1st gen so I can fall back on the apps I love like Netflix. Hopefully they hack other OS's on the Xoom like Linux. Thanks for all the positive responses from the few of you who weren't just looking to increase your post count.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

In short, it's not quite a slick as the iPad 2 and there are nowhere near enough tablet specific apps, but imo the browser is better, it's more customizable, google maps is far better as is the multi-tasking. But you should know that HD videos will require re-encoding due to the Tegra2 chip and it's limitations.

I think the biggest reason you have already mentioned in your post.
Jail-break.
iPad2 is a Jail. It needs to be broken.
I used to be an iPhone user (3GS and 4G).
I am sick of being told you should do things this way and if you don't , you are screwed.
Xoom and all other android device brings me "freedom" in what I OWN.
Specifically in terms of functions
0. Flash
1. You get much better camera (5mp back, 2mp front facing)
2. You have the rights to root it, install customized roms/themes
3. You can install third party apps freely.
4. You can flash kernels to overclock your CPU to 1.5Ghz while iPad 2 is stuck at 1G max
5. You have strong Dev community to create stuff. as long as there is a need. Apparently it requires certain level of computer proficiency but from what you mentioned, you definitely have it.
6. You have google rolling out more and more exciting updates and with an open source concept, the market share of Android will bypass iOS by much and developer community will definitely notice this part of the market and create apps (commercial apps) around it.
7. many apps you know what is going on because you can see source code.
8. To someone who may worry that iPad apps are more than Honeycomb apps, I think at the current rate of brining new apps to platform, it wont be a problem a few months later at all.
9. Oh, you can install and dual boot Ubuntu in it.

Any other devs for the A7/A7+?

Just wondering if there were any other developers willing to work on the A7 or (more preferably) the A7+. Dexter seems to have quit or lost interest his development permanently on either devices (I think he doesn't have a physical device to work with anymore, but I don't remember where I heard this). The last time he logged on to Tablet Roms was on "04-27-2012", and the last time he logged on to XDA was, well, today actually but he doesn't seem to have any interest in the eLocity forum section. He DID leave us with quite a lot of quality ROMs to work with, especially since the kernel was released for the + in March.
If there aren't any developers willing to work with the A7/A7+ because they don't have a physical device, I would willingly offer remote testing on my A7+ (AKA they give me the compiled ROM(s) or whatever and I try it out and give feedback). It just seems like such a shame to leave both devices with nothing better than a buggy (but still awesome) Honeycomb or a working stock 2.2. ICS seems like it would be doable, again especially since the kernel was released.
I will try to contact the user "chinabull" in the referred link as he seemed like he knew what he was doing when he said "It seems to have all the driver source code we need."
And I have also posted this over at TR.
EDIT- Turns out I can't send PM's to chinabull here, forgot about that. I'll find some other means of communication.
EDIT2- I'm crazy- the message got through; chinabull messaged back! And... he said that he already returned his A7+. So we've got no leads there.
If anyone knows some devs who haven't even heard of the A7/A7+ but might be willing to pick up where Dexter left off, please contact them or let me know so that I can contact them.

6Leinad6 said:
Just wondering if there were any other developers willing to work on the A7 or (more preferably) the A7+. Dexter seems to have quit or lost interest his development permanently on either devices (I think he doesn't have a physical device to work with anymore, but I don't remember where I heard this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be willing to pony up CDN $20 towards the purchase of one for a talented (and dedicated) dev to work with. Here in Canada they are available as refurbs for about $90 from places like factorydirect dot c a ..
Anyone else want to donate some dinero ?
Cheers

Sorry for the late(ish) reply, I was out of town.
I don't have any money to donate, sadly, as I just spent it on the A7+...
But, like I said in the OP, if you are willing to work from afar we could do that.

It's a shame it's dead. Prices are around $90 in the US too. With all the china pads out there getting 2nd tier dual core processors with 600 res screens for very little more, it's easy to see why this would go by the wayside. One plus would be built in bluetooth which no china pad has at anything close to this pricepoint, and it probably has a better battery than many of them as well.

We've got someone over at Tablet Roms who will be working on the A7+! He is just waiting on the tablet to arrive.

digidog_A7+ said:
I would be willing to pony up CDN $20 towards the purchase of one for a talented (and dedicated) dev to work with. Here in Canada they are available as refurbs for about $90 from places like factorydirect dot c a ..
Anyone else want to donate some dinero ?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd donate if you're talking about developing for the (older) A7. I still use mine and it would be nice to see a fresh rom for it.

I'd be in if I didn't just pick up the ZTE Optik from Sprint. Can't beat free and can't beat running JB via CM10. That 800 res is quite nice.

I'd greatly appreciate someone picking up work on the A7+. I still haven't flashed the newer firmware with the blank screen from sleep fix because I was holding out hope for a new custom rom. I'd have to root and install the outdated gapps again... And I'm sure we don't have unreasonably high expectations. I'd just like a rom without those awful elocity apps, doesn't black screen when I wake it, with google play, and with functioning hardware, anything more is welcome but uneccessary.

Ok his name is jam4 over at TR - check the thread for updates http://www.tabletroms.com/forums/elocity-a7-general-discussion/5362-any-other-devs-a7-a7.html
@dibmem jam4 is developing on the +, sorry
@frankwg83 yes he is working on honeycomb at the moment, but it sounds like your problems would be easily fixed... it takes 5 minutes and a flashdrive to install the Play Store and a root explorer and a 1-click-root app to get rid of the bloatware

6Leinad6 said:
Ok his name is jam4 over at TR - check the thread for updates http://www.tabletroms.com/forums/elocity-a7-general-discussion/5362-any-other-devs-a7-a7.html
@dibmem jam4 is developing on the +, sorry
@frankwg83 yes he is working on honeycomb at the moment, but it sounds like your problems would be easily fixed... it takes 5 minutes and a flashdrive to install the Play Store and a root explorer and a 1-click-root app to get rid of the bloatware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think he would develop on the A7 if he had the hardware? I'm the type of person who'd buy one second hand just to donate it to a willing and capable dev.

dibmem said:
Think he would develop on the A7 if he had the hardware? I'm the type of person who'd buy one second hand just to donate it to a willing and capable dev.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, I don't know. You'd have to ask him yourself - http://www.tabletroms.com/forums/members/jam4.html

"I am about 2 weeks out from releasing a working Honeycomb build for the A7+. Let me know how many of you are interested, either by pm or an email to [email protected]"
Everyone go PM or Email him!

So...2 weeks out? How'd that go?
Btw, the A7+ is at 1saleaday again for $70 this time. I'm willing to buy one and ship it to a developer if that's a hurdle since I'm pretty sure there are enough people out there that would want a solid Honeycomb or even Gingerbread firmware. I don't have the time/obsession to figure out the coding myself.

[Q] Sourcing from China (with Android)

I want to source an Android smart watch from China for a project am working on. I want to change the menu interface it comes with and replace with a custom interface specific for my purpose (means no custom control to intended audience).
Thoughts Needed
Does anyone here have a similar experience?
Are they good at customizing ROMs and interfaces according to requirements?
If not, how easy is it to hire somebody to build a custom ROM with custom interface (for say MTK6572)?
Any recommended suppliers you know?
Phase 1 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements - 100 Units Order
Android OS
GSM/GPS
Touch screen
Mic/Speaker
Charging points on the back side (no micro-usb slot on the side)
Shortlisted AK-S5 or AK-S7
Phase 2 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements
All from Phase 1
IP67 or IP68
Magnetic based charger point on the backside
Heart rate sensor at the backside
Shortlisted - None available yet

abuduri said:
I want to source an Android smart watch from China for a project am working on. I want to change the menu interface it comes with and replace with a custom interface specific for my purpose (means no custom control to intended audience).
Thoughts Needed
Does anyone here have a similar experience?
Are they good at customizing ROMs and interfaces according to requirements?
If not, how easy is it to hire somebody to build a custom ROM with custom interface (for say MTK6572)?
Any recommended suppliers you know?
Phase 1 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements - 100 Units Order
Android OS
GSM/GPS
Touch screen
Mic/Speaker
Charging points on the back side (no micro-usb slot on the side)
Shortlisted AK-S5 or AK-S7
Phase 2 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements
All from Phase 1
IP67 or IP68
Magnetic based charger point on the backside
Heart rate sensor at the backside
Shortlisted - None available yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note: to date no Chinese Android watches are IP67, even the ones that provide proof of IP certification, I've learned that the hard way
AK-55 is the Z01
The AK-S7 is or looks like ZGPAX S7
I'm sure you have experience dealing with Chinese sellers, but if you don't . .. . be extremely careful, even using Paypal, trust no one!

simple1i said:
Please note: to date no Chinese Android watches are IP67, even the ones that provide proof of IP certification, I've learned that the hard way
AK-55 is the Z01
The AK-S7 is or looks like ZGPAX S7
I'm sure you have experience dealing with Chinese sellers, but if you don't . .. . be extremely careful, even using Paypal, trust no one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot @simple1i.
I have a chicken-egg question ... Which came first - AK-S5 or Z01? Which of these (or among numerous others on Alibaba) is "original" (designed first)? If there is no traceback and everyone is using the same reference design, as long as it works as intended, does it matter? I did get this supplier to show me the watch on skype video (though it doesn't prove anything).
My main question is - if the supplier really has a "fully working version" of S5 or Z01, and is ready to supply - they also say they will do ODM - any experience on their skills to make a custom ROM and change the menu interface to my needs? If not, anyone here willing to build the ROM and interface (paid)?

x201 model
abuduri said:
Thanks a lot @simple1i.
I have a chicken-egg question ... Which came first - AK-S5 or Z01? Which of these (or among numerous others on Alibaba) is "original" (designed first)? If there is no traceback and everyone is using the same reference design, as long as it works as intended, does it matter? I did get this supplier to show me the watch on skype video (though it doesn't prove anything).
My main question is - if the supplier really has a "fully working version" of S5 or Z01, and is ready to supply - they also say they will do ODM - any experience on their skills to make a custom ROM and change the menu interface to my needs? If not, anyone here willing to build the ROM and interface (paid)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started looking into smartwatches on XDA from Mar 2014, so my history before then is limited. For me it started with the Omate TrueSmart, their Kickstarter campaign that promised it all and delivered a lie. I could be wrong, but Omate made the watch first (x201) and the rest copied (or someShenzhen firm made it first and Omate copied ) @pizzaman77 - knows the full history of Omate clones x201. But yes, now it does not matter as long as it works.
As for the development, you might get lucky and find that someone is already doing what you want or similar on the Omate forum - search on the Android development threads. I'm not a dev, so I don't if the Chineses sellers have the skills, doubt it. But the Devs on XDA will have. Look at this Omate thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/oma...rom-omate-truesmart-ironman-firmware-t2998434 - lots of dev going on on the Omate and its clones.
@kuronosan - is a key dev, still active, he might be able to help with paid work. You should start with making a new thread in the Omate Dev forum with your request.
@Lokifish Marz - knows a loooot but is not too actives these days
Please keep me informed on your dev plans (if its not top secret ) - i really really want to also buy a bulk order (maybe only 5 to start with) from China and sell them in the UK, but i need to join someone who is ordering in bulk so that i CAN only buy 5 units to start with. The other issue is i would need to fix any software issues first then sell them and if they sell then buy more. Can PM me if you wish. Thanks.

simple1i said:
I started looking into smartwatches on XDA from Mar 2014, so my history before then is limited. For me it started with the Omate TrueSmart, their Kickstarter campaign that promised it all and delivered a lie. I could be wrong, but Omate made the watch first (x201) and the rest copied (or someShenzhen firm made it first and Omate copied ) @pizzaman77 - knows the full history of Omate clones x201. But yes, now it does not matter as long as it works.
As for the development, you might get lucky and find that someone is already doing what you want or similar on the Omate forum - search on the Android development threads. I'm not a dev, so I don't if the Chineses sellers have the skills, doubt it. But the Devs on XDA will have. Look at this Omate thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/oma...rom-omate-truesmart-ironman-firmware-t2998434 - lots of dev going on on the Omate and its clones.
@kuronosan - is a key dev, still active, he might be able to help with paid work. You should start with making a new thread in the Omate Dev forum with your request.
@Lokifish Marz - knows a loooot but is not too actives these days
Please keep me informed on your dev plans (if its not top secret ) - i really really want to also buy a bulk order (maybe only 5 to start with) from China and sell them in the UK, but i need to join someone who is ordering in bulk so that i CAN only buy 5 units to start with. The other issue is i would need to fix any software issues first then sell them and if they sell then buy more. Can PM me if you wish. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton @simple1i. I will start a thread there.
Do you know any Android watches that fit my Phase 2 requirements (couldn't find any on Alibaba or similar sites)?
I did find a few watches fitting my spec without Android (either Nucleus or similar). Is it advisable to build on those platforms given that Android is now into wearables Reason I chose Android is because I want to be able to easily change supplier and/or watch hardware (looks) later easily and just port the code/functionality rather than getting locked. Else it will become an EXPENSIVE affair later. Am I right in thinking so?

abuduri said:
Thanks a ton @simple1i. I will start a thread there.
Do you know any Android watches that fit my Phase 2 requirements (couldn't find any on Alibaba or similar sites)?
I did find a few watches fitting my spec without Android (either Nucleus or similar). Is it advisable to build on those platforms given that Android is now into wearables Reason I chose Android is because I want to be able to easily change supplier and/or watch hardware (looks) later easily and just port the code/functionality rather than getting locked. Else it will become an EXPENSIVE affair later. Am I right in thinking so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yes @simple1i, I will definitely keep you in the loop on the bulk ordering.

abuduri said:
Thanks a ton @simple1i. I will start a thread there.
Do you know any Android watches that fit my Phase 2 requirements (couldn't find any on Alibaba or similar sites)?
I did find a few watches fitting my spec without Android (either Nucleus or similar). Is it advisable to build on those platforms given that Android is now into wearables Reason I chose Android is because I want to be able to easily change supplier and/or watch hardware (looks) later easily and just port the code/functionality rather than getting locked. Else it will become an EXPENSIVE affair later. Am I right in thinking so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'd stick with Android, lots of resources available, gives more flexibility. I don't think Nucleus OS is a viable option yet, it would be too expensive.
I take it SIM is a requirement too? I'll look around, the IP67 is not available yet, maybe the Ironman 3rd generation might be IP67, but the company (Unova) is full of liars, I was ripped off with the 2nd generation, I proved it's not IP67. Other then the IP67 the rest might be available, you'll need to search for it on AliExpress.
What country are you from?

simple1i said:
Yes I'd stick with Android, lots of resources available, gives more flexibility. I don't think Nucleus OS is a viable option yet, it would be too expensive.
I take it SIM is a requirement too? I'll look around, the IP67 is not available yet, maybe the Ironman 3rd generation might be IP67, but the company (Unova) is full of liars, I was ripped off with the 2nd generation, I proved it's not IP67. Other then the IP67 the rest might be available, you'll need to search for it on AliExpress.
What country are you from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with 2G. 3G really not needed but if it comes with it, cool. Couldn't find any with android and heart rate on back side, keeping IP67 on the side.
Am currently in Boston (originally from India).

simple1i said:
Yes I'd stick with Android, lots of resources available, gives more flexibility. I don't think Nucleus OS is a viable option yet, it would be too expensive.
I take it SIM is a requirement too? I'll look around, the IP67 is not available yet, maybe the Ironman 3rd generation might be IP67, but the company (Unova) is full of liars, I was ripped off with the 2nd generation, I proved it's not IP67. Other then the IP67 the rest might be available, you'll need to search for it on AliExpress.
What country are you from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@simple1i ... is Android Wear OS same as Android 4.4 etc running on Z01 (and others) etc?

abuduri said:
@simple1i ... is Android Wear OS same as Android 4.4 etc running on Z01 (and others) etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the answer ... http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-operating-systems-do-wearable-devices-run-on/
Looks like Android Wear needs a compatible Android phone for it to work.
So, I'll stick with just Android.

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.

@abuduri - I'm not sure if my reply to your PM went thru? I can't see it in my sent folder. Did you get it?

I'm still working on stuff for the Omate. I just haven't actually had any free time as of late. I can't just take off of work to put work into a device that's difficult to troubleshoot. If I can be of any help let me know.

I've just started working with smartwatches, but I'm happy to help however I can. I'll be attempting some work on the s8, and I know my way around Android pretty well.

kuronosan said:
I'm still working on stuff for the Omate. I just haven't actually had any free time as of late. I can't just take off of work to put work into a device that's difficult to troubleshoot. If I can be of any help let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@kuronosan @chainsol - thanks guys.
The thread for the new smartwatch is here, we have 5 people so far: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3115221 - including an electronic engineering. [emoji818]

firmware files of z01
abuduri said:
I want to source an Android smart watch from China for a project am working on. I want to change the menu interface it comes with and replace with a custom interface specific for my purpose (means no custom control to intended audience).
Thoughts Needed
Does anyone here have a similar experience?
Are they good at customizing ROMs and interfaces according to requirements?
If not, how easy is it to hire somebody to build a custom ROM with custom interface (for say MTK6572)?
Any recommended suppliers you know?
Phase 1 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements - 100 Units Order
Android OS
GSM/GPS
Touch screen
Mic/Speaker
Charging points on the back side (no micro-usb slot on the side)
Shortlisted AK-S5 or AK-S7
Phase 2 MUST HAVE Minimum Requirements
All from Phase 1
IP67 or IP68
Magnetic based charger point on the backside
Heart rate sensor at the backside
Shortlisted - None available yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
need firmware files for z01 (android 5.1)

Future of our Pixel C - Goal reached -

Hello friends,
As you all already noticed, there has been some breakthrough in development for our (aging) device. @followmsi did a great job maintaining the 3.18 kernel, bumping up our device to the latest android versions where @tschmid took care of providing us with the pixel experience builds. Recently we managed to get project treble running and some time later @Vartom surprised us with a proof of concept a 4.9 kernel, ported from the shield TV which shares the same Nvidia chipset. This breakthrough means that we are on the edge of a bright future for the Pixel C for as long as Nvidia continues to support and update their 2015/2017 shield line. We expect this to continue for a couple more android releases.
Now we got to the point that @Vartom, with his knowledge, is the only one capable of porting the drivers to get everything running on our system and he has spend numerous hours already in his free time. On the shield development, there is also 1 lead developer (Aaron Kling) who maintains custom lineage builds for the complete shield line. I saw a big advantage in merging our 4.9 project in their trees and continue development together (https://gitlab.incom.co/groups/CM-Shield). Unfortunatly, Aaron does not own a Pixel C tablet, which means that he can not support Vartom in further development of the kernel which has hit dead ends on some problems.
By this, I am setting to set up a donation thread to donate a used Pixel C device to Aaron. On ebay they sell around 150 - 200€. It will be shipped straight from the auction to Aaron. I would like to ask the pixel C community to support them by donating a small amount to keep our device up to date and bring new features like 4K youtube playback, faster performance, ... to our device. I will start with a donation 20€ and I hope we will reach the target soon to provide Aaron a development device. All updates on the shipping status and tracking will be shared here. The maximum amount of donations is set at 200€. If the device costs less, the rest amount will be transferred to Vartom for all the hours he spent on getting the 4.9 kernel in the alpha 3 state.
Thank you for your time and we hope to continue work on our great device for many years to come!
https://paypal.me/pools/c/8qkkaa2HAm
Thank you to the following donators so far:
Paul - @proeprnorf - @tabormeister - @mortysantiago - @redukt - Jens - Chan
Update 29.06:
200€ donated, we reached our goal and bought a pixel C, thank you all so much! 
More info in my latest post in this thread.
Best regards,
Vartom, Tschmid, Followmsi, Michie

michie said:
Hello friends,
As you all already noticed, there has been some breakthrough in development for our (aging) device. @followmsi did a great job maintaining the 3.18 kernel, bumping up our device to the latest android versions where @tschmid took care of providing us with the pixel experience builds. Recently we managed to get project treble running and some time later @Vartom surprised us with a proof of concept a 4.9 kernel, ported from the shield TV which shares the same Nvidia chipset. This breakthrough means that we are on the edge of a bright future for the Pixel C for as long as Nvidia continues to support and update their 2015/2017 shield line. We expect this to continue for a couple more android releases.
Now we got to the point that @Vartom, with his knowledge, is the only one capable of porting the drivers to get everything running on our system and he has spend numerous hours already in his free time. On the shield development, there is also 1 lead developer (Aaron Kling) who maintains custom lineage builds for the complete shield line. I saw a big advantage in merging our 4.9 project in their trees and continue development together (https://gitlab.incom.co/groups/CM-Shield). Unfortunatly, Aaron does not own a Pixel C tablet, which means that he can not support Vartom in further development of the kernel which has hit dead ends on some problems.
By this, I am setting to set up a donation thread to donate a used Pixel C device to Aaron. On ebay they sell around 150 - 200€. It will be shipped straight from the auction to Aaron. I would like to ask the pixel C community to support them by donating a small amount to keep our device up to date and bring new features like 4K youtube playback, faster performance, ... to our device. I will start with a donation 20€ and I hope we will reach the target soon to provide Aaron a development device. All updates on the shipping status and tracking will be shared here. The maximum amount of donations is set at 200€. If the device costs less, the rest amount will be transferred to Vartom for all the hours he spent on getting the 4.9 kernel in the alpha 3 state.
Thank you for your time and we hope to continue work on our great device for many years to come!
https://paypal.me/pools/c/8qkkaa2HAm
@Vartom @tschmid @followmsi @michie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea thanks
Gesendet von meinem Pixel 2 XL mit Tapatalk

In for 20! Let's keep it running.
Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

tabormeister said:
In for 20! Let's keep it running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your contribution!

Donated 10, all I can't do right now. Thanks to all for their work

mortysantiago said:
Donated 10, all I can't do right now. Thanks to all for their work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your contribution!

Im in at monday 29. with 20.--
Gesendet von meinem Pixel 2 XL mit Tapatalk

20 € - Check ✓

redukt said:
20 € - Check ✓
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your contribution!

Thank you for your contribution Paul!

Thank you for your contribution Jens!

I would like to contribute but unfortunately, money pools aren't available in my country. any other way?

proeprnorf said:
I would like to contribute but unfortunately, money pools aren't available in my country. any other way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your contribution!

michie said:
Thank you for your contribution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there other ways?
Gesendet von meinem Pixel 2 XL mit Tapatalk

Thank you for your contribution Chan!

225 USD donated, we reached our goal, thank you all so much!
We found a good deal on Ebay and did not hesitate to buy the item for about 150 USD, It will be shipped straight to Aaron. (https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/184346276104)
I transferred the remaining 75 USD to Vartom.
Please remember and take in account that Aaron, as well as Vartom do this as a hobby in their spare time so the pace of development will depend on this.
Progress can be monitored on gitlab (https://gitlab.incom.co/CM-Shield) and we will post further updates on the 4.9 kernel thread on xda.
Thanks again!

Thanks to everyone for the help in the form of collected funds for the purchase of the tablet. And also thanks for the fact that the remaining part of these funds from the purchase was transferred to my paypal account. This is the first donate I received for working on this tablet.

Hi all,
I hope everyone is safe during these difficult times. I want to share some updates about the current status of the 4.9 kernel. It does boot and seems to function fairly well but there are several issues which haven't been sorted out yet.
From Aaron:
1) Sound on the latest kernel. Vartom had it working using an older kernel branch, but no one has got it straight on the current.
2) Embedded memory controller stuff. Vartom has that working with a massive revert of common code. We should be able to make that work using stuff similar to what icosa (Nintendo switch) does. This and sound are the main blocker for merging everything to my main shield branches.
3) Gamma issues. This is common to all shield builds, but it's pretty stark on the dragon tablet builds. Once (if) this is fixed for one device, it'll be fixed for all. It can be worked around by disabling hwc overlays in dev settings, but that's not something I want to enable by default and ship. Kills performance of the ui.
4) Power management. LP0 has issues (Deep sleep, ..), but that's not the main issue. Reboot, power off, etc. None of those actually work. And I can't figure out what the bootloader is actually looking for. If I try to reboot, the device just hangs after everything powers down. Have to do a hard power off and turn it back on.
Ill inform about the status as soon as there is improvement.

michie said:
Ill inform about the status as soon as there is improvement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update? I'm keen to try this

brackenhill_mob said:
Any update? I'm keen to try this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that Aaron is busy with Lineage 18 trees for Nvidia devices. Not particular just for ours but all of them so I think that work on the kernel side of the pixel C is not yet continued. You can follow his work here:
https://gitlab.incom.co/groups/CM-Shield/-/activity
I will check if we could do a kernel build for lOS 17 in it's current state for people to try.