I am currently in the market for a "smart" watch as the trend of wearable tech is growing all around me. So far the ZGPAX seems like the best device for my personal use.
I have done plenty of research about the ZGPAX and it is hard to tell how many developers are interested in supporting and developing it. Aside from BigBison420s awesome work, it is hard to find any other support for the device.
Though there seems to be a lot of people that own the ZGPAX watch, I see very little actual footage or reviews of the watch in action.
The hardware of the device seems to be very good in comparison to other "smart" watches currently on the market; even considering it having a 2 year old CPU.
As with any device; the hardware is important, but software and software support are integral to a devices sustainability in our ever growing tech world.
So without further ado I present you with my questions.
1. What is the future of the ZGPAX smartwatch?
2. Will the developer of the ZGPAX release future OS upgrades?
3. Will the XDA community take on the ZGPAX as its Android/Watch love child and further support the device with future custom ROMS?
4. Will the ZGPAX miraculously get a custom Android Wear Port?
I might be asking these questions all too soon as smart watch tech has only kicked off in the past few years, but if you know any good information about the ZGPAX please do share..
Thanks for reading.
Hi guys, sorry if it has been asked already
I'm wondering if I should by a Gear 2 or a live .
I think I might be interrested to place and respond to some calls on my watch but I'm not totally sure also.
On the other hand, I found the live interface a little bit too annoying. Don't really a big fan of swiping the cards and go through everyone one of them to find your stuff.
I probably don't have a good understaning of how these watches are working , that might be the problem.
Thanks in advance guys.
Sounds like you already answered your own question.
May like to answer calls at the watch, do not like cards but I am not going to tell you what to buy.
Being stuck with Samsung devices (non Samsung Devices are only partly functional), and Tizen I would never buy a Gear 2.
I like the always on display of the Gear Live, hate the Gear 2 battery life.
I like the idea Android Wear can not be customized (add Samsung bloat), and there are 3 soon to be 4 manufacturers
Honestly at this point if it would not kill me to wait for a few weeks I be tempted to see if the Moto-360 lives up to the hype.
AstroDigital said:
Sounds like you already answered your own question.
May like to answer calls at the watch, do not like cards but I am not going to tell you what to buy.
Being stuck with Samsung devices (non Samsung Devices are only partly functional), and Tizen I would never buy a Gear 2.
I like the always on display of the Gear Live, hate the Gear 2 battery life.
I like the idea Android Wear can not be customized (add Samsung bloat), and there are 3 soon to be 4 manufacturers
Honestly at this point if it would not kill me to wait for a few weeks I be tempted to see if the Moto-360 lives up to the hype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that's a good point ! And I think you helped me a lot with your honesty.
I was not thinking indeed Tizen vs Android.
The Moto 360 is very tempting but I think the price will be too high for me.
Another question if I may, has anyone tried to use the Gear Live with a phone that has a passcode on it ? (a real passcode with 8 characters, not a pin).
I'm asking that because I have one from work which has Maas 360 installed on it and it's something I can't remove.
Thanks again
Hello,
For device comparisons, please go to this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2229761. I will have to close this one.
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)
Hi,
I just upgraded from a GS5 to a GS7 Edge. I noticed the "Read Notifications Aloud" option under "Language and Input" in the settings is no longer there. Specifically, I use the feature to read notifications aloud from priority senders in the e-mail app.
Does anyone know if this functionality is still in the phone, but under a different option. I have tried every third party option, and have been unable to find the same functionality in any of the apps.
Any help would be VERY greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
I fear this feature is gone since S6...
TML1504 said:
I fear this feature is gone since S6...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that might be the case too, but then I saw something. I can't post a link here, but if you search on Google for "Menu tree: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ (G928T)" and do a CTRL-F for the word "aloud" on the first search result that comes up (at least in the US), it is listed in the menu structure for the GS6 Edge+ just like it was for the GS5.
wrong phone bud
twcmaster said:
I thought that might be the case too, but then I saw something. I can't post a link here, but if you search on Google for "Menu tree: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ (G928T)" and do a CTRL-F for the word "aloud" on the first search result that comes up (at least in the US), it is listed in the menu structure for the GS6 Edge+ just like it was for the GS5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the s6 has it and is easily accessible but we are talking about the S7 and unfortunately it doesn't have it it is also missing numerous other things including the rf sensor needed for remote use for TV .I still use my s5 for all the the things I Miss on my s7 between the 2 you could build one SUPER PHONE!!!
Total nonsense Samsung w alarm and tts
This is a serious error on Samsung's part. Limiting the text to speech (TTS) function and the alarm name read aloud not to mention number of characters and alarms is a massive miscalculation. The INFRA red remote control BLASTER also a (sorry for the caps the idiot bell mobility gs7 keeps doing that very frustrating). Im going to to flash soon to the generic samsung gs7 android or fido. This coupled with how those television and android phone updates, are very vague about what each one does. I phoned the sheeple at 1800samsung , that bozo said "newer is better" regarding my tv update. I said" that's a lie, I updated my gs5 and suddenly video files that played back flawlessly, were not working due to codecs you removed. " He didn't know what a codec was and repeated "newer is better".
I hung up. Samsung if you want to be like apple then improve your phone reps knowledge (yes I have a iPhone 5s too)
Immitating apple by limiting users . At least they add features not get rid of core functions or cripple them.
I rely on my gs5 to read allot let's say at 3pm to say "reminder call courier company and gave packages ready "
Or
"now is the time intake critical mesications "
I used to recommend this to patients
As a reason to have a Samsung phone.
You were on a roll.samsung until gs5 then you introduced apple like hardware and software. All you had to do was update processor and ram and storage leave everything else on gs5 alone ads things like the face recognition that LG has had since their G2 model from 2013.
Was it the young douchebag you Put in charge of mobile decision or the heir to the sun and moon fortune. Get it right Mr sung or your gonna lose many of us.
Ever since the s6 they've been trying to be apple if we wanted apple we'd buy apple . In s7 they took more away ie INFRA , gave us back memory expansion. Samsung may make me switch to LG or something else if this keeps up I've the gs1 captivate, gs3 -gs7.
I doubt Samsung agents come on here. They are probably too busy acting like Jason Bateman 's boss the heir on horrible bosses 1. Lol
If this keeps up I will be abandoning Samsung as my mobile device of choice. They can simply fix the tts and clock in software. Or better yet start at the gs5 and improve things from there. I will not be purchasing a s8 or s9.
If you live in the US and buy a standalone watch, chances are they will stop working in the near future as the 2G band comes to end. To that point, I have a few questions I hope someone more versed in smartwatches than me can answer:
1) Why invest in a standalone watch now, if you live in the US, if it will soon cease to operate as a standalone? It just seems like a waste of money unless you have plenty of it.
2) Why aren't the smartwatch makers releasing any US models with US bands? I know we are not the biggest market, but we have to be a decent market for these watches.
3) Are there any smartwatches that include US bands?
4) Is it that difficult or costly to include these bands? Is it strictly a hardware component?
5) Are there any companion or tethered watches, where the bands wouldn't matter, that will work well with iPhone? Most I have tried with my iPhone just don't work quite as well as they do with an Android phone,
I appreciate any insight that can be provided. These may seem like simple questions to some, however, I just can't see spending over $100US on a smartwatch that will soon become less functional.
With all the knowledge and expertise around this thread, I thought I would get some response. Any help would be appreciated.