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picking cheap watches for development

Hello all.
Recently looking at all those innovative cheap non-chinese smartwatches I've got an obsession on picking ones for some random development.
How about we gather some little info on devices ready for custom upgrades and firmwares. Certainly this doesn't include android wear devices as they are ready for development.
Almost all cheap smartwatches do not allow installation of custom apps and some can't even show the time without being connected with your phone!
But some of them allow firmware upgrading/flashing... So I'm looking for any device having some native sdk or compatible with arduino toolkit or anything else.
1. A perfect example of what am I looking for is sony smartwatch mn2. They already have:
- open smartwatch project with it's ported arduino toolkit
- star wars game on mn2
I would probably pick those but they're pretty old and lack some sensors.
2. The second one is weloop tommy. (suggested by qkall and raicg)
These have a huge standby time (I guess more than the first pebble), waterproof but they have accelerometer inside only and no touchscreen. I guess the price is huge comparing to others.
Still there is an opensource project around with a custom firmware.
As I understand a huge work is done and the device was carefully examined and all that pin-out stuff was collected to make it working and you're pretty ready to go with development of your own features.
My next possible targets are mt2502 based watches as there are some stuff (mediatek linkit) around on mediatek site.
I'm unsure if this sdk will allow to do something with randomly picked mt2502 watches.
So I'm interested in any info if someone tried this or had any other success on development/moding of their watches.
Thx.

I feel like I'm being a bit slutty with this today... but the Weloop Tommy might be interesting to you:
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

gvma said:
Hello all.
Recently looking at all those innovative cheap non-chinese smartwatches I've got an obsession on picking ones for some random development.
How about we gather some little info on devices ready for custom upgrades and firmwares. Certainly this doesn't include android wear devices as they are ready for development.
Almost all cheap smartwatches do not allow installation of custom apps and some can't even show the time without being connected with your phone!
But some of them allow firmware upgrading/flashing... So I'm looking for any device having some native sdk or compatible with arduino toolkit or anything else.
A perfect example of what am I looking for is sony smartwatch mn2. They already have:
- open smartwatch project with it's ported arduino toolkit
- star wars game on mn2
I would probably pick those but they're pretty old and lack some sensors.
My next possible target are mt2502 based watches as there are some stuff (mediatek linkit) around on mediatek site.
I'm unsure if this sdk will allow to do something with randomly picked mt2502 watches.
So I'm interested in any info if someone tried this or had any other success on development/moding of their watches.
Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO.1 SUN S2 has firmware available new watch with decent specs. Here is some firmwares for it http://en.001phone.cn/download-19.html I bought mine on gearbest.com but right now they're selling a crappier version probably preproduction stuff

qkall said:
I feel like I'm being a bit slutty with this today... but the Weloop Tommy might be interesting to you:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are nice but their price is huge when you think about their hardware.
spriteboost said:
NO.1 SUN S2 has firmware available new watch with decent specs. Here is some firmwares for it I bought mine on gearbest.com but right now they're selling a crappier version probably preproduction stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean any watches that have official firmware binaries.
I'm talking about totally customized firmwares, original firmware sources, sdk toolkits for mt6260/2502 soc or arduino toolchain port.
I want to pick some cheap smartwatches like u8/u80/20$-45$ and do some coding.
I wonder if someone who have mt2502 device would check the mediatek sdks on the possibility to build custom firmware (look for mediatek labs linkit one sdk, that SoC has mt2502 cpu and complete IDE).
Also most cheap devices use mt6260 but I didn't find much info about it.
I'm glad that someone answered me and thanks for you replies!

u8 customization
I just received 2 U8's in the mail. I'm keeping one in a new state, but the other is ready for the lab...where do we begin?
Pacman8521

I suggest to you the weloop
The great on weloop smartwatch is the battery time, up to 21 days! And it's waterproof!
One user has a open firmware project of weloop Smartwatch: https://hackaday.io/project/4510-open-source-sportsmart-watch
Take a look, it's open firmware.

I got some infomation about mtk2502
it seems have rtos sdk,I am not sure if we can flash our custom firmware to the target watch
www dot seeedstudio dot com/wiki/Rephone#Eclipse_IDE_for_RePhone_Kit
how do you guys think?

Looking for cheap smartwatch to to mod/hack/reprogram

Hi,
I'm looking for a cheap smartwatch, which I can mod (custom firmware and so on...)
Is there something like this on the market?
Greetings!

It you are looking for real android devices you can take a look at the zgpax S8 or the K8 android smartwatch. Both types have threads here already with community support.

https://hackaday.io/project/4510-open-source-sportsmart-watch - pretty active and moving to a newer watch (looks like maybe the Sma Q)

Imacwear M7
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

All smartwatches mentioned here are 60$+. Aren't there any cheaper <30$ watches, which can be modified?

bakaxcb said:
All smartwatches mentioned here are 60$+. Aren't there any cheaper <30$ watches, which can be modified?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZGPAX S79
Good swatch less then 30€
I have one and should be nice if some one can create a mod firmware
thx a lot

[PORT]AsteroidOS[Mt6572]

Hi guys you can bring AsteroidOs to the mt6572 processor based smartwatch?
AsteroidOS is a free and open-source smartwatch platform based on OpenEmbedded, libhybris and Qt5.
http://asteroidos.org/
https://github.com/AsteroidOS

Also the MTK6260A. This would be great for all the cheap Chinese smartwatches.

Does not make much sense as you don't get much apps for it?

Sziehr said:
Also the MTK6260A. This would be great for all the cheap Chinese smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever have any luck with this?
Trying to find a way to put a decent OS on one of these....

Ulefone GW01 smartwatch

Hi everyone..
Im new in the smartwatch..
Im looking a smartwatch that can change clock skin, without sim and circular shape.
I found W3 amoled smartwatch..base on what im reading..i need to flash HOwear rom before i can use it..
I found Mlais in pre order state..couldnt take the risk without knowing how it perform even on paper everyhing looks good and promising
And lastly i found this Ulefone GW01.
Interesting to buy this Ulefone GW01, but i cant find much info about it. So litle youtube video about it
Available at GB, cant post the link as im new here
There is a few website do a review, all give good conclussion. I would like to know more about this watch like everyday experience..what i want to know most is it can push all my notifications and clear voice call over quality over bluetooth.
Please anyone who might know about this share ur experience.
Tq and regards

zero_clockz said:
Hi everyone..
Im new in the smartwatch..
Im looking a smartwatch that can change clock skin, without sim and circular shape.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im in the same boat.
I have looked at all three of these watches, what i dislike about the W3 from i have seen is it has a clamp style charger.
Im leaning more towards the Mlais Smart Watch which looks really nice, just waiting for some reviews first.

Venomqld said:
i have looked at all three of these watches, what i dislike about the W3 from i have seen is it has a clamp style charger.
Im leaning more towards the Mlais Smart Watch which looks really nice, just waiting for some reviews first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes..i agreed about w3, further more, i kind diasgree when u have to flash new firmware b4 it can work fully. It should be ready out of the box.
Mlais is using android 5.1...maybe it same like howear rom..but, from what i know, once it use 5.1, thats mean its not companion anymore, its mire like standalone without simcard..(correct me if im wrong)
I really cant wait for the mlais as after pre-order sales end, the price will be higher (ridiculous high)
I like Rwatch but it has flatyre screen and from the internet i can say this ine having problem with touchscreen and heart rate sensor..
And as i pre order ulefone future phone, i really want to try this GW01..
I think its weird but i cant find any info here in xda..
Maybe because its very good no problem at all or
Nobody use it, buy it..

zero_clockz said:
I really cant wait for the mlais as after pre-order sales end, the price will be higher (ridiculous high).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yer i know, same problem i have.
The Ulefone GW01 was my first choice before i seen the mlais watch now just cant choose.
as for rom flashing and standalone devices i really have no clue.
Im also looking for a smartwatch that can change clock skin, msg notifacation, without sim and circular shape and possibly heart rate monitor.

Tomorrow is the last day at GB for the discount for GW01..after that the price will be usd99+
I will appreciate any opinions
I wish i would find more video about this ulefone watch but i couldn't.
Mlais is not a bad option..in fact, from what iv know, this is only watch come with 5.1 out of the box..
Could someone tell me, this 5.1 android without simcard are actually as companion as zeblaze series in term of push notifications.
I see video by darkanglez (maybe wrong spelling) and frank tee about w3 new rom..but it not cover enuff about notifications..but it does produce a great video about general. I can see on those video that it has developer option, runing 5.1 rom.

zero_clockz said:
Could someone tell me, this 5.1 android without simcard are actually as companion as zeblaze series in term of push notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like know...
as for ulefone gw01 changing watch faces i found someone ask on a youtube
Does it supports installing new watchfaces?
Gearbest reply: No but it has different watch face for you to choose.

Venomqld said:
I would also like know...
as for ulefone gw01 changing watch faces i found someone ask on a youtube
Does it supports installing new watchfaces?
Gearbest reply: No but it has different watch face for you to choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will not trust their answers..i trust more xda if someone could answer it..
Gearbest also reply that this watch cant change the band infact this watch could.
Like zeblaze, it has fix 5 clock face and through fundo u could add 3 extra which is so ugly...but it can add some extra trough apps installed in fundo.
If this ulefone can support more clock face..its really good..but actually, have u guys know that any companion watch that can add extra face?
W3 can but after flashing new rom (howear)
Mlais uknown, but think of it will be running 5.1, it should be able to change any watch face available.
Rwatch r11?..

zero_clockz said:
have u guys know that any companion watch that can add extra face?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yer from my understanding the Moto 360 has the ability to change clock skins, push notifications.
and as time passes by the Moto 360 1st gen is looking better and better especially for the price.
I was just looking for something cheaper and different.

Yes..moto 360 can change clock skin, and still pricey even 1st gen (esp for me..)
Become forgot about mainstream brand since looking the chinese brand..(mainstream brand use snapdragon processor)
Oukitel a29 really good but with simcard

zero_clockz said:
Yes..moto 360 can change clock skin, and still pricey even 1st gen (esp for me..)
Become forgot about mainstream brand since looking the chinese brand..(mainstream brand use snapdragon processor)
Oukitel a29 really good but with simcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another 2 watches i have been looking out for are:
Ticwatch - which looks amazing has nice features but as far i can see only available in China. (no good for me)
Bluboo Xwatch - looks good so far with four customizable buttons but very minable info on the item/release date.

Yeah...bluboo xwatch. They produce a good phone, they should done the same with smartwatch..but im afraid it will not companion, recent trend chinese smartwatch maker tend to use simcard as selling point.
Ticwatch use 5.1 with option to run full android wear..its interesting untill i see the price around usd158-160
For the price tag, mlais seen better choice if...5.1 they use are companion.
Moto first gen at usd99 also good...
Which one to choose..sigh..
Ulefone gw01 or moto 360 1st gen

zero_clockz said:
Ulefone gw01 or moto 360 1st gen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i had to choose now i would go moto 360 considering how much community/company support it has, as the Ulefone gw01 has no real review or community support yet.
the major downside to the moto 360 is the back is made if glass and alot of people saying it always cracks, so it has its flaws.
Its just so hard to decide when the info your looking for isn't available.

Venomqld said:
If i had to choose now i would go moto 360 considering how much community/company support it has, as the Ulefone gw01 has no real review or community support yet.
the major downside to the moto 360 is the back is made if glass and alot of people saying it always cracks, so it has its flaws.
Its just so hard to decide when the info your looking for isn't available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much for ur assisting..
still remain unanswered about smartwatch running 5.1 wether its companion as android wear...
definitely it will change my mind if it does.

If you both want to know about this ulefone GW01 I can say that is the same smartwatch that the No.1 G3.... just with different watch faces. Take a look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma...s/no1-g3-smartwatch-discussion-watch-t3376699

connerESP said:
If you both want to know about this ulefone GW01 I can say that is the same smartwatch that the No.1 G3.... just with different watch faces. Take a look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma...s/no1-g3-smartwatch-discussion-watch-t3376699
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emm.. that annular menu looks the same..the watch case is different..same ram and rom..same processor.
But g3 with simcard....gw01 without sim..
Furthermore...on Ulefone websites, i found nothing about this watch.
I have bought it..will update soon once i received it

zero_clockz said:
I have bought it..will update soon once i received it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking forward to hearing about it, what shop did you end up ordering it from?
Cheers.

Venomqld said:
Looking forward to hearing about it, what shop did you end up ordering it from?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GearBest...
I hope this watch fully companion with coming ulefone future...

Found info on ulefone fan page...looks like its true this watch were made by ulefone..and found another 2 more new video on youtube.. good looking watch trully undeniable..but will this be function as best as it looks?
https://ulefans.com/productnews/new-ulefone-gw01-smartwatch-popups-eshops/

zero_clockz said:
Found info on ulefone fan page...looks like its true this watch were made by ulefone..and found another 2 more new video on youtube.. good looking watch trully undeniable..but will this be function as best as it looks?
https://ulefans.com/productnews/new-ulefone-gw01-smartwatch-popups-eshops/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit skeptical about it being truly from ulefone after watching the video below, no ulefone branding anywhere..
(video not in english)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7LYIastZnw

There is Ulefone Logo on the crown..but nothing at bottom case..even nothing on the box..
Without any announchment by Ulefone..this is maybe another chinese smartwatch..haha..hard to say..
If this works like i want..then its worth.
Or maybe..hunting for new watch again..

MTK2503D Development

Hi all,
More and more Chinese smart watches and devices are appearing in Alibaba, which are based on the MT2503 SoC. I guess these are to replace those devices based on the MT2502 SoC, which I believe is now discontinued.
Did anyone come across some useful information as to how to develop software / firmwares for these devices? I got a MT2503 based device on Alibaba, and I would like to re-purpose it, by writing some embedded C code, flash it onto the MT2503 based device, and run it.
I have searched for info on MT2503 for quite a while, on Chinese, Russians and other sites, but to no avail. Mediatek do not provide any useful info on their site either.
Thanks in advance for any help or pointers provided.

Anyone with MT2503 development experience?

Nope, the only thing I met which is related to MTK2503 is this article. http://www.chinawatchs.com/mtk-2503-new-soc-the-upgrade-of-mtk2502/

Thanks Smith 001. Yes, I also came across this article lately. I have also seen quite a few devices based on 2503 on Alibaba, so wondering how these were developed.

dbroda235 said:
Thanks Smith 001. Yes, I also came across this article lately. I have also seen quite a few devices based on 2503 on Alibaba, so wondering how these were developed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one did you buy? Anything special?

I got a MT2503 based GPS/GPRS tracker off Alibaba. See attached picture.
What I am trying to do is repurpose the device to run my own firmware which I want to develop.
I am looking for info such as:
1. How to extract the current original firmware from the device
2. Development environment for MT2503 and tool chain to write new firmware and flash to the device
I think MT2503 is a MT6261 + a GPS chipset (MT333x) all in one SoC, so any MT6261 information will be applicable.
Any idea about these?

You can check the MTK 2502 development thread. I think how to make a backup for your watch is the same as the mtk 2502.
MTK 2503 is considered as the upgrade of MTK 2502, so I think mtk 2502 app or firmware development is available for MTK 2503.

Ok, thanks, will give it a go. If MT2503 is an upgrade to MT2502, do you know if a VXP running on MT2502 will also run on MT2503?

dbroda235 said:
Ok, thanks, will give it a go. If MT2503 is an upgrade to MT2502, do you know if a VXP running on MT2502 will also run on MT2503?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I don't have a MTK2503 watch, I think at least vxp face works in mtk 2503.

Mtk2503 watch faces
Hi everyone!
Recently I bought Lemfo F1 watch with MTK2503 CHIP.
It's a great piece of gadget for it's price.
So I wanted to load/install new watch face but without any success!
I tried with FunDo software and with Mediatek Smartdevice sortware. but all I get is error message "Install fail for internal error" all the time.
Do you have any idea what am I doing wrong?
Is there another sortware available to load VXP files?
Thank you very much in advance!
Sincerely,
Hrvoje

It is programmed via standard Arduino IDE with LinkIt ONE SDK installed via board manager. Search for LinkIt ONE SDK.

According to https://www.dr-lex.be/hardware/china_phone_flashing.html :
Caution: there is a new series of cheap smartwatches based on the MT626xDA. The ‘D’ in the model number seems to signify that these chips are incapable of using more than 4MiB of ROM. To compensate for this, the ROM seems to be compressed, which makes these watches pretty much unhackable. The ROM can be downloaded, but looks like random junk. Do not buy these things, because they will still be full of bugs and there will be no possibility whatsoever to fix them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi guys,
i have an IWO 10 gps with Mediatek 2503 ave i have tried with both Fundo and mediatek Smart device to install vxp faces.
Always give me the same error "installation failed for internal error"
Any good advice to install the vxp faces?