Wear for running? Google Pixel Wear? - Wear OS Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I am in the market for a new smartwatch/fitness band and I am intrigued but not sold on the Ticwatch E/S. They seem like quality devices at an affordable price, but I'm not sure they check all the boxes for me.
What I want is to run with my strava app without my phone, meaning leave my phone at the house. I also like to listen to podcasts and music while I run meaning I need some onboard storage. I also need the sensors (gps, gyro, heartrate etc..) to be fairly accurate and decent battery life 2-3 days would be awesome!
Does anyone have a good recommendation? Also what are the odds we will see a Pixel Wear device at Google I/O? I have a google store credit, but there are no watches available on the store at the moment.

GatorsUF said:
So I am in the market for a new smartwatch/fitness band and I am intrigued but not sold on the Ticwatch E/S. They seem like quality devices at an affordable price, but I'm not sure they check all the boxes for me.
What I want is to run with my strava app without my phone, meaning leave my phone at the house. I also like to listen to podcasts and music while I run meaning I need some onboard storage. I also need the sensors (gps, gyro, heartrate etc..) to be fairly accurate and decent battery life 2-3 days would be awesome!
Does anyone have a good recommendation? Also what are the odds we will see a Pixel Wear device at Google I/O? I have a google store credit, but there are no watches available on the store at the moment.
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I run with my Urbane 2 all the time. There is a spreadsheet over on Reddit that lists info for all AW watches. A lot of active users as well that could answer about the Ticwatch in the AndroidWear subreddit.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...3bkyp1UzT0S5Iahy3W9dAQf_sfc/edit?usp=drivesdk

Related

Anyone use both a smartwatch and fitness band?

I have a Sony smartwatch an thinking about picking up a fitness band. Looking at the Garmin vivosmart because of its touch screen yet slim profile. Also does notifications. But main reason because android wear sucks at fitness stats. But I can't help but feel having both is a bit redundant. Anyone out there using both? Together? Separately for different occasions?
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
What specifically are you looking for that you can't get out of programs like Endomoto, Runkeeper, and Ghostrunner?
So, i ask, because before my SW3, i had (and returned) a Garmin 920XT (same software line as the VivoSmart). While the 920XT was functional, i couldn't find anything it did that justified the price over the SW3. While its not a great program, Google Fit keeps track of steps, and the aforementioned programs track and record fitness activities just great (Ghostrunner can export to Runkeeper or Strava). Perhaps you are in need to the really serious stats that the Garmin RUN-HRM, but then i would point you to the 920XT, and not the Smart...
Divine_Madcat said:
What specifically are you looking for that you can't get out of programs like Endomoto, Runkeeper, and Ghostrunner?
So, i ask, because before my SW3, i had (and returned) a Garmin 920XT (same software line as the VivoSmart). While the 920XT was functional, i couldn't find anything it did that justified the price over the SW3. While its not a great program, Google Fit keeps track of steps, and the aforementioned programs track and record fitness activities just great (Ghostrunner can export to Runkeeper or Strava). Perhaps you are in need to the really serious stats that the Garmin RUN-HRM, but then i would point you to the 920XT, and not the Smart...
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It's not running activity that my Sony SW fails to take care of, it's the daily day to day fitness aspects such as steps taken, distance, inactivity, etc. And it's not a direct reflection on the Sony. It's android wear and it's terrible implementation of fitness tracking. The sony just actually benefits for running/biking because of the gps. But I wish it did the things I mentioned a second ago. It does steps but can't trust it at all.
For what its worth (again, having had the Garmin and going to the Sony), the Sony does no worse than the Garmin in terms of step accuracy (as in, its not). My 920 would count any bump (driving was particularly bad). Between google fit and runkeeper i get my same total information i did using garmin connect, so it works. But certainly, YMMV.
I'm using a Moto 360 and a Fitbit. The Fitbit is nice because you can use it to connect to MyFitnessPal to update and compensate for how much working out you've done. Currently Moto 360 has to be linked with the Jawbone UP app, which kinda blows.
I use a vivosmart to compliment my wear watch. In the end I didn't think the integration with my health ecosystem worked well enough and I am a heavy Garmin user as I am a keen cyclist
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spencer_uk said:
I use a vivosmart to compliment my wear watch. In the end I didn't think the integration with my health ecosystem worked well enough and I am a heavy Garmin user as I am a keen cyclist
Sent from my SGP612 using Tapatalk
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I had bought that and returned as I thought it was redundant having two things that displayed notifications. But now I'm tempted to get it again. Just sick of android wear an its lack of fitness tracking. I was going to get the fitbit flex because its the most minimal at $100 but than the vivosmart is just as minimal an actually shows you your info. So I don't know what to do.
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I went for the vivosmart as I am already in their ecosystem as I use their cycle computers. Also I like the fact I can stick on an heart rate monitor with it when I go running
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[Q] S4 vs Garmin/Suunto/Polar trackers

Hello im interested in the s4 because it has all of these sensors on board(tempearture/humidity/barometer)
Has anyone used them with sport tracking apps like endomodo/strava etc do they work with these apps?
Also is the quality of the sensors on par with devices like Garmin fenix ,Polar ,Suunto etc?
cpgr said:
Hello im interested in the s4 because it has all of these sensors on board(tempearture/humidity/barometer)
Has anyone used them with sport tracking apps like endomodo/strava etc do they work with these apps?
Also is the quality of the sensors on par with devices like Garmin fenix ,Polar ,Suunto etc?
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I am a runner and have used different sports adios during the last few years. I own the S4 for more than 2 years now.
Endomondo was my favorite for some time. But I walked away from it because it synchronized the data only into one direction: from the phone to the server. Every now and then, my data disappeared from the phone. Sync back to the phone did not happen. It might have changed now, but it was not for me.
Runtastic: nice because you can run against your previous time or a target time. But then, I had problems with accuracy. If I want to run a target time of 5 minutes per km, then I set the target time between 4:50 and 5:10 minutes/km. The sensors seemed not to be so accurate. So, ask the time, I heard the announcement that I was too slow or too fast. All the time. Not for me.
Runkeeper: I don't remember. But I must have had reasons that I don't use it anymore.
Sports-Tracker (not Sports tracker): my favorite for 5 years now. Accurate, reliable. The paid version is crazy expensive. I don't pay for it. I have the free version. Recommended. They only support heart rate monitor from their own store. I didn't buy mine from them.
Micoach Adidas: my next favorite. I use it together with Sports-Tracker. Micoach offers excellent training plans which led me to achieve my marathon targets. They support all Bluetooth heart rate monitors.
I usually turn on tracking with GPS only. High accuracy drains battery. If I run 12km, the result is usually within 20 meter with results of other runs.
Conclusion: I use Sports-Tracker and micoach at the same time. I am happy with it. No problems. Go for it. Try different apps.
Ask me if you need more info.
Dirk

Confused with so many watches. Help me pick a smart watch

I understand its pretty much what you pay is what you get but I do not wish to buy an expensive Gear or Apple iWatch right now. Please recommend me a good chinese smart watch? I have gone through Amazon and Gearbest however its my first time into this and I rather buy something with recommendations from you guys.
Basically Im looking for something which is less than $40. I dont care about all the bells or whistles as long as it shows me time, shoes me text messages, has as good battery life and hopefully have face plate changes. Really dont care about making calls, or other sensors, or video or photo recording etc.
I'm in the same boat but looking to spend up to $80
I feel the same freaking way. There's so freaking many of them. I just want one that at least has a wifi chip and is water resistant but I can't find any that has both and under $100
Bump. Appreciate your help guys,
If you're willing to live a little dangerously ... the Weloop Tommy might be up your alley. It functions as it is with an older apk than the one on the play store and the firmware 3.18 seems to be stable. There is also an open source project that seems is pretty close to fruition.
relevant links -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma...s/weloop-tommy-smartwatch-looks-best-t2864444
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma.../weloop-tommy-smartwatch-faq-updates-t2995858
https://hackaday.io/project/4510-open-source-sportsmart-watch
I'll be reviewing some new budget watches (around $50). stay tuned to the forums :good::good::good::good:
I have been looking and looking through the fabulous forums about reviews and features. I, too, am looking for a new "toy". I don't wear a watch typically so I it would probably not last, hence why I don't want to spend a lot of money. However I do really have a need to easily dismiss a ton of notifications remotely. I am hoping that I can pick up a cheap one to get my feet wet, get a little experience with what I want and need.
I REALLY like the Galaxy Gear S, with the curved display... but I do not have a Samsung phone/tablet to pair it with. I have been looking for knock off, but have not found one yet. I think something similar to the Gear S is what I am looking for. Something that has a browser, wifi, GPS for maps (I travel a lot), and of course the ability to answer/speakerphone calls and view/dismiss notifications (exchange, gmail, FB Messanger, snapchat, etc.).
I am not looking for a sport watch, but maybe something with a metal band that looks classy. I really liked the Round watches... but I think a lot of screen space is wasted. With the chinese versions, it seems the UI is built around a square display and looks goofy. The Android Wear looks great but I am not sure the capacity of its ability.
I think I would prefer a android device with a good interface. And a decent charger (magnetic/wireless)
Same here, if any has a complete mind in this can you share with us.
Like $50-80, which is the best to get?
Go for gear s I have one I M satisfied it can be used as stand alone device and u can have extra no.
far56 said:
Go for gear s I have one I M satisfied it can be used as stand alone device and u can have extra no.
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I would love the Gear S but I do not have a Samsung phone thus makes it almost completely worthless. If the Gear S had a Android Wear rom, that would be an instant buy.
player911 said:
I would love the Gear S but I do not have a Samsung phone thus makes it almost completely worthless. If the Gear S had a Android Wear rom, that would be an instant buy.
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Yes exactly then go for LG g watch r or moto 360 or any android wear watch.
I actually just picked up the LG G Watch for $50 (refurbished) from CowBoom shipped.
http://www.cowboom.com/product/1553348/
$5 off $50
"CowBoom5"
It is an Android Wear device, waterproof, and a SD 400 which is snappy. I really liked the magnetic charger but I wish I had an AMOLED display like the Samsung Gear Live for its battery sipping and deep blacks. The LG also lacks WiFi but... I think it is a good start watch for the price. It will let me play with the notifications and see if a watch is something worth investing more money into.
I paid through Amazon which apparently has a 30-day return policy. This will at least give me time to trial it. I figured the waterproof display will at least allow me to control my phone from the pool, if nothing else. So even if I do not wear this every day, it will still have some use around the house.
This seems to be the best buy for the money compared to the other Chinese watches. There seems to be a few roms and hacks for the LG G Watch and fairly good support.
WARNING:
If you buy from CowBoom, make sure you look at what is included. Mine included the charging dock but others just include the watch and band. The G Watch has a priorietary magnetic charging dock required to charge... without it you will not be able to charge. I thought it was weird they would sell the watch without the required charging dock but make sure you pick one that includes one.
They also have other watches on there. The Samsung Gear Live (AMOLED + WiFi) was $129. You can take $10 off $100 using CowBoom10 making it $119. But that that price range, I would almost OPT for the Motorola 360 ($150 new at NewEgg) or LG G Watch R ($179 used at Cowboom = $169 with discount).
This is why the $50 LG made sense. They all run Android Wear so will function the same. I always carry a phone and this is meant to compliment it for notifications.
player911 said:
I would love the Gear S but I do not have a Samsung phone thus makes it almost completely worthless. If the Gear S had a Android Wear rom, that would be an instant buy.
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Click to collapse
It does look pretty nice. Don't have a Samsung phone and the price is too much for me tho.
Hello,
Which Chinese smartwatches offer full voice call? Not only dial, but whole conversation via mic and speaker of smartwatch.
I see Zeaplus Watch dm360 offer this function. But what about U Watch UO, S360, Zeaplus S2 or ZenGear/Zeaplus G3 or others new?
My personal experiences with smartwatches:
Bluetooth phone companion: Moto 360, my cost $150
Looks nice. Runs android wear, works with any andriod phone (I think 4.4 and higher). With 5.1.1 update can tether to phone via wifi. Receive notifications, answer calls, but lacks speaker, so need to continue conversation on the phone. Remotely control music play on phone. Remote control of phone camera. Voice control (OK Google) to send text hands-free, or start call and search web hands-free. Available apps growing. Battery life 1 day. Can change watch face easily, lots of choices in playstore. Cannot be used independent of phone.
I returned this. Too limited for my needs.
Hybrid bluetooth companion/standalone phone: Aplus GV18, my cost $25
large, square-ish face. light-weight silicon strap. proprietary software. Can pair with phone via bluetooth to receive push notifications. Connection has been stable for me up to 10m without obstruction (android, not iOS, phone). Has speaker and mic, so can answer and carry on full conversation on watch (sound quality on both ends is good). remotely control phone music (but plays from watch speaker) or load music onto SD card (user provided, format FAT32, upto 32GB) to play music independently. remote control phone camera or use built-in 2Mp camera for photo and video (low quality). Can also play loaded videos (AVI VXR MP3 format). Also accepts SIM card for voice calls and texts, to use as standalone phone. When used as standalone, can pair with bluetooth headset. Water resistant. No wifi, no GPS. Pedometer not that accurate. has calendar and alarm but OS is proprietary, so will not sync with Google. Will not sync contacts. Battaery easily lasts 2 days with light to moderate use. Limited watch face - choice of 3. I love it!. I have a pay-as-you-go SIM card in it. When I go for a jog, I leave my phone at home and forward calls and texts to the watch. (too much hassle to transfer the SIM card from phone to watch). I pair with bluetooth headset and listen to my downloaded songs. It is my go-to smartwatch.
Stand alone watch phone: ZGPAX S82, my cost $125
large, square-ish face, rubber strap. 2G/3G calls and data, wifi, bluetooth, GPS (worked intially, now doesn't work on mine anymore). Full android 4.4. Basically, a full android smartphone in a watch size. Small size can limit apps, as apps not created for screen this small, cannot see everything on the screen. Limited watch faces. Full android OS uses alot of power. if you tightly regulate antenna use (i.e. turn off wifi, data and bluetooth when not in use) and reduce screen brightness, battery can last 1 day (i.e. 8-10 hours). Has Google Playstore. Sign into your account, and download you apps and receive your notifications that way. Or can use SWapp Link app if want bluetooth pairing with your phone, but will use lots of battery. Good visibilty in sunlight. keyboard is tiny. can use OK Google for voice control. low res camera. Can expand memory with TF card to 32 GB for music,videos. pairs easily with bluetooth headset. I have watched YouTube on it. Some people have used this as their main phone. Since I have my cell phone with me most of the time, I primarily use my GV18. This device is a fun gadget for me that will be my back-up phone.
The right smartwatch for you is the one that best suits your needs. I would love the functionality and style of the moto 360, but with the ability to also function as a standalone phone. I think the Gear S has that ability, but too big and too expensive for me. New models coming out soon. If you need a smartwatch now, try out with cheap one and decide which functions you need, then invest in the right higher-quality model.
I started a small webshop selling smartwatches about a year ago, so I buy different design smartwatches from different manufacturers, pick the best, buy those in a small bulk (sometimes fixing software issues and sometimes add proper quality straps) and resell them on the European market with proper warranty.
My point:
Even I don't know which one (of the proper ones) to choose
I'm wearing the Omate TrueSmart for over a year now because it's the best stand-alone Android smartwatch with proper robust casing and sapphire glass, but I don't like the design when I compare it to my latest lines of companion smartwatches...
I'm in the same boat. I am stuck between the ZGPAX S8 and iMacwear M7. The S8 is more popular by far, but the M7 seems to be fairly equal, but more water resistant and really doesn't seem to have anyone complaining from what I've seen so far. I'd really like to have a daily smart phone watch.
So did anyone come up with a conclusion? i gave it a good read. Even i am planning to buy one too. not looking to spend much. $70-$80 is fine by me. Can anyone give me the best options to help me chose. please.
I like my LG G Watch. For $45 it is probably the best the money can buy. The chinese ones are ok but they just look and feel cheap. I have 1 and I cant even get it to fully pair with 2 phones I have. Speakerphone is nice but not at the cost of not being waterproof
player911 said:
I like my LG G Watch. For $45 it is probably the best the money can buy. The chinese ones are ok but they just look and feel cheap. I have 1 and I cant even get it to fully pair with 2 phones I have. Speakerphone is nice but not at the cost of not being waterproof
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LG G Watch for $45. How come? i will buy from Amazon and its $96 there. :/.
And about the chinese smart watches not being water proof. yeah that sucks. Although they do advertise it as being waterproof. so isnt there any smart watch around my budget of a bit more good quality and water proof?

New to AW Few questions about it

I've tried out multiple sports watches and all of them have one issue or another; either displays not good; garmin, suunto, or lacks the features I want Gear S3/Sport. So I am thinking about a waterproof AW, which limits me to pretty much to either the New Balance RunIQ and Nixon Mission. Since the RunIQ has been getting meh reviews in the battery life department, I've pretty much thinking about trying the Mission.
My question is there software for AW that offer breadcrumbing. ie. tracking where I've walked, when outdoors? I could not find such option on Tizen.
I know AW offers strength and fitness apps to track stuff, but do those apps only work on certain devices that support it or does it work on all device like the Mission? Related question, anyone know if the GPS on the Mission is accurate for outdoors(I would think it would be since it's marketed as a surf and snow watch)?
Do all AW track steps and other fitness metrics the same, or is that dependent on the app?

OnePlus Watch

Hello.
So I managed to get a OnePlus Watch when pre-orders went live about a month ago. It was delivered today. After spending almost 24 hours with it, here are my thoughts (might be a little long winded).
1. It is missing ALOT of basic features, chief among which are tap-to-wake and no Google app support. The no Google support is major seeing as you cannot sync apps to the watch properly. My LG urbane does a million more things than the OP watch does.
2. Heavy focus on fitness. I like that they're trying to get people more active but come on, at this point it's basically a fitness tracker. For the price they're selling for, there are much better options out there that are dedicated to fitness. This is meant to be a proper smart watch from a company that is trying to take on the big boys like Samsung and Apple (obviously they have very little chance against Apple but, they can at least give it a go). With their recent products like the OP 8 and 9 series, they're starting to tell the world that they're no longer going to hold back and that their Nord line is for users that are on a tight budget but want something "premium feeling". To come out with a smart watch that focuses heavily on fitness and 0 Google support or features was a mistake.
3. It was clearly rushed to market. Very obviously, it was rushed to market before it was even ready. Personally, I believe that the hardcore OP fans put pressure on them to release a budget friendly smart watch. OP caved and just released what they had. Given more time for development and refinement, this could have been a solid product and I would have happily paid around the £200/€200 mark for it.
4. Notification issues. This has to be in top 3 gripes about the device. When you receive a notification on your phone, it pops up on the watch like normal but, you can't do much with it. If it's a group chat notification and you're getting quite a few messages, the notifications will not stack into one. Instead, you'll get several notifications on the watch about it. Dismissing a notification from the watch also doesn't dismiss it from the phone too and vice versa. There have been several times where I've dismissed from the watch, only to look at my phone later and it still showing up there or vice versa.
5. Poor step counter accuracy. MKBHD pointed this out in his review. I thought that maybe it could have been an issue with his review unit but no, it's an actual thing with the watch. A normal work day would get me 5000-7000 steps according to my LG urbane, the OP watch only registerd 3300. How?
That's my little rant over
Anyways, what's your experience with the watch been like so far? Overall, this watch has a lot of potential but it was let down due to OP wanting to get it to market as soon as possible. This needed a lot more development time and refinement. I'll keep a hold of it for now and see what improvements they bring in the near future.
5H1R42
thanks for your reviews.
MKBHD made me hesitating ; ''buy for what is is, not what it will become''
Cyberpunk like, rush ****, and then is a kinda waste of money.
Anyway, since I did NOT own any watch, and I was looking for a simple smart watch that looks classy (not like a gadget) , I hit on that watch. It was a good 'deal' here in canada, since 20$ off, no duty fee, no shipping and only 1 tax.
Hopefully one plus wont let this watch down. They are pretty good for old phone updates anyway, I guess they will do it on this watch.
I also wish some dev do great port on this watch, I dont know it it will be possible tho...
Any idea how to change the firmware? I got one from aliexpress, when they went out of stock in the US, and it can't be paired with the oneplus health app, only with the chinese oppo app.
I think the firmware is way behind (A38, vs B48 as of today), and I would like to have the oneplus app and updates... Half of this app is in chinese.
Thanks
RSchmauk said:
Any idea how to change the firmware? I got one from aliexpress, when they went out of stock in the US, and it can't be paired with the oneplus health app, only with the chinese oppo app.
I think the firmware is way behind (A38, vs B48 as of today), and I would like to have the oneplus app and updates... Half of this app is in chinese.
Thanks
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OnePlus Community
Introducing our new OnePlus Community experience, with a completely revamped structure, built from the ground-up.
forums.oneplus.com
Barmenchik said:
OnePlus Community
Introducing our new OnePlus Community experience, with a completely revamped structure, built from the ground-up.
forums.oneplus.com
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Thank you, I will try it.
Is there any hacky way to pair it to a iPhone for some alerts, until official iOS support arrives?
Hello guys. Help me pls
Updated to the global firmware and the exclusive watchfaces cyberpunk edition disappeared. Can you help me with the return of the cyberpunk firmware?
Contact 1+ and ask them about the watch faces, and see if you can liberate some firmware for our hopeful/eventually getting google wear on this B# either via official means or otherwise with the help of the sleepless xda unsung heros.
So I got the watch about the first wave from the store app (which I have not been able to reinstall since after the crash the 7pro had otw to 11) and I'm very impressed with the slick hardware... Shame on them not going the 'lazy' route and doing the Google wear thing, but instead doing their own thing and seemingly not even half-assing many a feature available on a cheap Chinese 30$ watch (with 3g/lte mind you) just because their æsthetic/simplicity metric. If I had nfc ability, the ability to just get coords via gps, or even midi sounds for timers then I could understand not using the hardware to full potential, but as some of the hardware isn't even being used right now, or at least the software provided doesn't allow it's use, the positive isn't much but here is what I got:
The damn thing at least lasts forever, even with 24/7 heart/0² monitoring... (I use only low light levels, no aod)
The first day I had it, I jumped in a pool and everyone was trying to tell me that maybe I should take it off, but it recorded all my strokes & movement amazingly well (if only it was exportable to kml/anything). I shower with it too, w/e.
Charge time is warped to a good ratio of charge/use, so realistically not much miss in data if monitoring is what you're after...
It's quite nice looking, responsive, and screen is anything but dainty. I don't think it's ever lagged.
The fact it does play music via BT is quite decent for a musician, as you can play someone your music on the fly considering there is a speaker with bt on in the vicinity. It's storage is huge as the space that could have gone to good use leaves gigs available...
I hope that oppo seriously gets to convince them that they must make wear a thing so we can choose to kill our batteries like we intend to, rather than have them force 2weeks battery life because it's good for them, rather than our choice to live with that allowance, or be realistic about how ridiculous we know we are being watching netflix on it...
It should be my call afterall. We'll see how it plays out, at least my sister with the iwatch was like "You don't have to charge it everyday, 2weeks!?” That made it almost acceptable...

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