Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
the Gear S2 Classic has the best control of any Android Wear I've tried. too bad the 3G version is only available for the regular S2 style.
It's not android wear, it's tizen. Agreed tho, I have the normal s2 and I think it's amazing. So fast and fluid, and the bezel control is sublime. 11pm on Monday nite I took it off charge, and it's now 10am weds morn, and it's at 57% , wtf. Considering most others barely give u a day.
[doublepost=1464771385][/doublepost]With regards the lack of apps for the s2 gear, I think you more or less.have what you need, with a screen that small u ain't playing angry birds. So text, calender, fitness tracker etc, news feed etc. I only have 80 apps on my phone.
 

tallazzPilipino

macrumors 6502
Sep 25, 2015
487
183
got that nomadic lifestyle
It's not android wear, it's tizen. Agreed tho, I have the normal s2 and I think it's amazing. So fast and fluid, and the bezel control is sublime. 11pm on Monday nite I took it off charge, and it's now 10am weds morn, and it's at 57% , wtf. Considering most others barely give u a day.
[doublepost=1464771385][/doublepost]With regards the lack of apps for the s2 gear, I think you more or less.have what you need, with a screen that small u ain't playing angry birds. So text, calender, fitness tracker etc, news feed etc. I only have 80 apps on my phone.
ah.. yes. I forget it's Samsung's own. I hope the next version at least brings a mic and speaker.
 

tallazzPilipino

macrumors 6502
Sep 25, 2015
487
183
got that nomadic lifestyle
U can get a 3g version, the normal one does have a mic so you can use s voice, just no speaker.
yes, however I prefer the Classic. I'm hoping the next Classic version to at least come with both a mic and speaker to be able to take/make phone calls. I missed that with the original Gear watch I had which was probably the only cool thing about it (and probably taking pics, too). so I recently sold my Gear S2 Classic for that reason. I still have the Asus ZenWatch2 that is said to be able to make phone calls in an upcoming Android Wear update, but I listed it for sale anyway since I really prefer a traditional round watch.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/06/02/samsung-gear-fit-2-gear-iconx-wireless-earbuds-hands/

Not a huge fan of that Gear Fit 2.... looks pretty big and clunky. Opening it up to all devices is a smart move though. And the price is nice.

But those earbuds look like an awesome idea....really nice. 1-2 hours of battery doesn't seem right. Hopefully that is wrong or it improves with future versions.
Yeah, those earbuds look awesome. Waiting on battery improvements, I get around 6-7 hours on my jaybirds and want something close to that, so it's probably still a few years away.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
yes, however I prefer the Classic. I'm hoping the next Classic version to at least come with both a mic and speaker to be able to take/make phone calls. I missed that with the original Gear watch I had which was probably the only cool thing about it (and probably taking pics, too). so I recently sold my Gear S2 Classic for that reason. I still have the Asus ZenWatch2 that is said to be able to make phone calls in an upcoming Android Wear update, but I listed it for sale anyway since I really prefer a traditional round watch.
AT&T has the classic in black with LTE connectivity. I tried it for a couple of days, but really didn't like the software when compared to my Apple Watch and Android Wear on my urbane. But it is available. It's $349 outright and $249 with contract.
https://m.att.com/shopmobile/devices/samsung/gear-s2-classic
 

tallazzPilipino

macrumors 6502
Sep 25, 2015
487
183
got that nomadic lifestyle
AT&T has the classic in black with LTE connectivity. I tried it for a couple of days, but really didn't like the software when compared to my Apple Watch and Android Wear on my urbane. But it is available. It's $349 outright and $249 with contract.
https://m.att.com/shopmobile/devices/samsung/gear-s2-classic
looks like they have the 4G ones for the US now. I see there's a speaker and two mics. however, I'd have to wait for an international version as I'd need it to work outside of the US.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
Anyone use a Huawei watch with iOS?

I have 2 AWs but looking to pick up an Huawei watch as I think its beautiful and love the design but heard its a very limited piece when paired with iOS.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
Anyone use a Huawei watch with iOS?

I have 2 AWs but looking to pick up an Huawei watch as I think its beautiful and love the design but heard its a very limited piece when paired with iOS.
If it's anything like the urbane I wouldn't recommend it. With an iPhone you don't get any extra apps, just what comes with watch. You can download some watch faces but that's limited. You'll receive notifications, but most of the time you can't take action, just see it.

It should hopefully be better when android wear 2.0 comes out and it'll be more stand alone.
 

hallux

macrumors 68040
Apr 25, 2012
3,443
1,005
Pretty much every AW-based watch is going to have the same experience when paired with an iPhone.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
If it's anything like the urbane I wouldn't recommend it. With an iPhone you don't get any extra apps, just what comes with watch. You can download some watch faces but that's limited. You'll receive notifications, but most of the time you can't take action, just see it.

It should hopefully be better when android wear 2.0 comes out and it'll be more stand alone.

I didn't know this about the watch faces. That stinks.

I guess I will wait to see if and when it gets better with 2.0

I really enjoy the look of the Android Wear devices over my AW but love the functionality of the AW.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I posted the following in another thread about my experience using a Huawei Watch, comparing it to watchOS and the Apple Watch, and why I ultimately returned to the iPhone/Apple Watch pair--figured it was better suited for discussion here.


What I liked:

- Huawei Watch hardware is beautiful, certainly much more 'traditional watch' if that's your preference. I like both it and the Apple Watch--two highest build quality smart watches presently.

- Always on watch face is nice though I suspect battery suffers a bit for it. My Huawei always ended the day was less battery than my Apple Watch ever would.

- Many more available watch face choices.

Sadly, those are the only areas where I found Android Wear to surpass the Apple Watch,

What I didn't like so much:

- 'OK Google' between the watch and phone. First, saying 'OK Google' triggers both the watch and phone, unless I turn it off on the phone, eliminating that benefit. Doesn't happen in the Apple Watch/iPhone. I could live with it if all the functionality from 'OK Google' was the same on both devices but it's not. For instance, I add items to lists in Google Keep all the time when I use an Android phone via 'OK Google' yet even though there is a Google Keep watch app, can't be done from the watch, so I have to grab the phone to do it. Conversely, there is no Reminders app on the Apple Watch yet i can add reminders to my synced lists via the watch. Also, in a related note, Reminders on Google is a pain to easily access since there is actually no Reminders app.

- Bluetooth issues...specifically phone can't be connected to both watch and car for phone connectivity. So if I want to leave on the option to take calls on the watch, it overrides the connection to the car, meaning I have to go into settings to disconnect before driving. Also, randomly that option would just disappear from the settings altogether. This micromanaging isn't required with the Apple Watch.

These first two issues were ultimately deal breakers. Other issues:

- charging is much more secure on the Apple Watch and many more 3rd party dock options. The magnet is very strong on the Apple Watch charger while the Huawei version is very susceptible to slipping off.

- haptic feedback is weaker and just doesn't feel as crisp--don't know how else to explain it.

- notification management lacks much granular control. If you get it on your phone, you have to get it on your watch.

- ironically, no 'clear all' option for notifications.

- notifications appear as cards...very nice except that they often keep reappearing even after dismissal. Also, whatever cards you get in Google Now you're going to get on your watch and these are the ones that always seem to reappear (I got the baseball score the first 3 times it popped up ;)). Again, no differentiating control vs. what's on the phone.

- app and watch management. I have no idea which of my Android apps have watch counterparts until I look at my watch vs. management on the Watch app on my iPhone..much more concise. The Android Wear app doesn't do that much in comparison.

- lack of tap to pay. I realize this may not matter to many but I use Apple Pay on my watch all the time.

Another thing I love, though it's a limitation of AT&T and specific to wifi-calling enabled phones is that my iPhone uses wifi calling and allow me to forward any calls from my iPhone to any other wifi capable Apple device, including my Apple Watch. I have a wifi hotspot that's using the sim from my grandfathered iPad unlimited data plan :D that lives in my car. In a pinch I can run out with just my watch and it maintains a data connection to my wifi hotspot, even without the phone on the same network, and I can take calls and receive messages. This example is very specific but it's nice how my watch remains functional as long as I'm on trusted wifi, iPhone present or not. I believe Android Wear offers similar functionality as long as the phone is on a trusted wifi network somewhere but I don't think I can get calls and not sure about SMS messages (I believe Hangouts messages would work). I just know the Apple Watch works well for these 2 functionalities.

Android Wear isn't terrible at all, just not as polished. If my first two issues (2 big ones though) weren't a problem, I'd consider them much more comparable, though I still think watchOS is a bit better. I don't like how much white Android Wear uses but it looks like the next version uses much more black instead.

The one thing I'd dying to have on either is a podcast app for syncing and downloading for offline listening.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
I posted the following in another thread about my experience using a Huawei Watch, comparing it to watchOS and the Apple Watch, and why I ultimately returned to the iPhone/Apple Watch pair--figured it was better suited for discussion here.


What I liked:

- Huawei Watch hardware is beautiful, certainly much more 'traditional watch' if that's your preference. I like both it and the Apple Watch--two highest build quality smart watches presently.

- Always on watch face is nice though I suspect battery suffers a bit for it. My Huawei always ended the day was less battery than my Apple Watch ever would.

- Many more available watch face choices.

Sadly, those are the only areas where I found Android Wear to surpass the Apple Watch,

What I didn't like so much:

- 'OK Google' between the watch and phone. First, saying 'OK Google' triggers both the watch and phone, unless I turn it off on the phone, eliminating that benefit. Doesn't happen in the Apple Watch/iPhone. I could live with it if all the functionality from 'OK Google' was the same on both devices but it's not. For instance, I add items to lists in Google Keep all the time when I use an Android phone via 'OK Google' yet even though there is a Google Keep watch app, can't be done from the watch, so I have to grab the phone to do it. Conversely, there is no Reminders app on the Apple Watch yet i can add reminders to my synced lists via the watch. Also, in a related note, Reminders on Google is a pain to easily access since there is actually no Reminders app.

- Bluetooth issues...specifically phone can't be connected to both watch and car for phone connectivity. So if I want to leave on the option to take calls on the watch, it overrides the connection to the car, meaning I have to go into settings to disconnect before driving. Also, randomly that option would just disappear from the settings altogether. This micromanaging isn't required with the Apple Watch.

These first two issues were ultimately deal breakers. Other issues:

- charging is much more secure on the Apple Watch and many more 3rd party dock options. The magnet is very strong on the Apple Watch charger while the Huawei version is very susceptible to slipping off.

- haptic feedback is weaker and just doesn't feel as crisp--don't know how else to explain it.

- notification management lacks much granular control. If you get it on your phone, you have to get it on your watch.

- ironically, no 'clear all' option for notifications.

- notifications appear as cards...very nice except that they often keep reappearing even after dismissal. Also, whatever cards you get in Google Now you're going to get on your watch and these are the ones that always seem to reappear (I got the baseball score the first 3 times it popped up ;)). Again, no differentiating control vs. what's on the phone.

- app and watch management. I have no idea which of my Android apps have watch counterparts until I look at my watch vs. management on the Watch app on my iPhone..much more concise. The Android Wear app doesn't do that much in comparison.

- lack of tap to pay. I realize this may not matter to many but I use Apple Pay on my watch all the time.

Another thing I love, though it's a limitation of AT&T and specific to wifi-calling enabled phones is that my iPhone uses wifi calling and allow me to forward any calls from my iPhone to any other wifi capable Apple device, including my Apple Watch. I have a wifi hotspot that's using the sim from my grandfathered iPad unlimited data plan :D that lives in my car. In a pinch I can run out with just my watch and it maintains a data connection to my wifi hotspot, even without the phone on the same network, and I can take calls and receive messages. This example is very specific but it's nice how my watch remains functional as long as I'm on trusted wifi, iPhone present or not. I believe Android Wear offers similar functionality as long as the phone is on a trusted wifi network somewhere but I don't think I can get calls and not sure about SMS messages (I believe Hangouts messages would work). I just know the Apple Watch works well for these 2 functionalities.

Android Wear isn't terrible at all, just not as polished. If my first two issues (2 big ones though) weren't a problem, I'd consider them much more comparable, though I still think watchOS is a bit better. I don't like how much white Android Wear uses but it looks like the next version uses much more black instead.

The one thing I'd dying to have on either is a podcast app for syncing and downloading for offline listening.

I agree with most of what you said, the apple watch just "flows" better with the iPhone than android wear does with android. However android wear does offer some more functionality, i was able to watch youtube videos and surf the web on my urbane 2, though both apps need more work I just don't see apple allowing those types of apps. I also prefer the round screen. Really hoping for a round lte apple watch this year thats a lot more functional standalone (please let me load a pocket cast app to download all my podcasts to my watch)
 
  • Like
Reactions: tbayrgs

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
Well, this news is a bit of a bummer and pretty much keeps me on my Apple hardware until sometime in 2017, at a minimum.

Google delays Android Wear 2.0 until early 2017, adds Play Store support

As much as I'd like to go full time on either my 6P or maybe even a Pixel XL, I'm not ready to leave behind my Apple Watch for Android Wear as it currently exists. I was looking forward to possibly seeing new 'Google' made Android Wear watches next week running Android Wear 2.0. :(
 
  • Like
Reactions: co.ag.2005

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Well, this news is a bit of a bummer and pretty much keeps me on my Apple hardware until sometime in 2017, at a minimum.

Google delays Android Wear 2.0 until early 2017, adds Play Store support

As much as I'd like to go full time on either my 6P or maybe even a Pixel XL, I'm not ready to leave behind my Apple Watch for Android Wear as it currently exists. I was looking forward to possibly seeing new 'Google' made Android Wear watches next week running Android Wear 2.0. :(
This was never going to happen anyway. All major OEM's have already stated no new Android Wear watches until Q1 2017. This news confirms to me that Google gave them all a heads up last month and are now just telling consumers. My guess is there is an issue with a common piece of hardware (maybe the new Qualcomm mobile CPU's??)

I'm sticking with my S2 until the LTE version of the S3 is released.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
This was never going to happen anyway. All major OEM's have already stated no new Android Wear watches until Q1 2017. This news confirms to me that Google gave them all a heads up last month and are now just telling consumers. My guess is there is an issue with a common piece of hardware (maybe the new Qualcomm mobile CPU's??)

I'm sticking with my S2 until the LTE version of the S3 is released.

Yeah...I was just hoping to have the newest version for my Huawei Watch. I know I could put the dev beta on it but don't want a half baked version that apps aren't optimized for. Moving was already a stretch as there are some apps on my Apple Watch that aren't available on Android Wear (Authy and 1Password amongst them) that I use daily but aren't available on the other smart watch platforms.
 
Last edited:

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Yeah...I was just hoping to have the newest version for my Huawei Watch. I know I could put the dev beta on it but don't want a half baked version that apps aren't optimized for. Moving was already a stretch as their are some apps on my Apple Watch that aren't available on Android Wear (Authy and 1Password amongst them) that I use daily.
I've already decided to put my Huawei watch in my collection of old devices in a cabinet. I'm of the same thinking that I didn't want a half baked dev update on my watch (when I had my Note 7), but once I got the recall and switched back to iPhone, there really is no point in using the Huawei at all (with or without AW 2.0). The Gear S2 actually works better with iOS anyway.

I just wish the Samsung watches had half the apps Apple Watch and Android Wear have. That is the only thing that sucks. o_O
 

SigEp265

macrumors 6502a
Dec 15, 2011
953
881
Southern California
I've already decided to put my Huawei watch in my collection of old devices in a cabinet. I'm of the same thinking that I didn't want a half baked dev update on my watch (when I had my Note 7), but once I got the recall and switched back to iPhone, there really is no point in using the Huawei at all (with or without AW 2.0). The Gear S2 actually works better with iOS anyway.

I just wish the Samsung watches had half the apps Apple Watch and Android Wear have. That is the only thing that sucks. o_O


Are you use the beta Gear app with the iPhone or ... ?
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Are you use the beta Gear app with the iPhone or ... ?
Yes. I downloaded the .ipa file on my PC, dragged it into iTunes, which allowed me to get the app on my phone. Just had to allow Samsung as a trusted source in the phones settings.
Works near perfect for a beta. No complaints.
 

Channan

macrumors 68030
Mar 7, 2012
2,890
3,119
New Orleans
All AW watches are practically the same. Some might have GPS, a speaker, or cellular connectivity, but they're all going to work the same. If you need one of the above features, search for the watches with those features and buy the one you think looks the best.

Personally, the Huawei watch is the one I'd buy if I were buying one now. I have the first gen Moto 360 but rarely use it because battery life sucks. Wish I had the money for a Huawei watch, but there are several other things on my list of things to buy before it.
Annnnnd I finally found one for a reasonable price. Bought a Huawei Watch off of eBay brand new for $196 with free shipping. I love this thing! Don't use it much for the smart watch aspect, but I wear it all the time. I love that the screen stays on - dimmed a bit and without a second hand, but it's never a watch with a blank face - and the battery still easily lasts all day. I'm coming up on 9 hours off the charger and it's at 65%. My Moto 360 would be pretty close to dead by now and that's without an always on display.

Definitely happy about my purchase.

720E8C24-AC99-4A9B-AF2F-8695EFD62994.JPG


Anyone use a Huawei watch with iOS?

I have 2 AWs but looking to pick up an Huawei watch as I think its beautiful and love the design but heard its a very limited piece when paired with iOS.
It's very limited on iOS. I paired my Moto 360 with an iPhone a while back and there wasn't much point as all I got were notifications. I would still buy a Huawei Watch to use with an iPhone if WatchMaker was available and fully featured with that combo.

I need WatchMaker on my watch.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: andy2141 and Cnasty

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Annnnnd I finally found one for a reasonable price. Bought a Huawei Watch off of eBay brand new for $196 with free shipping. I love this thing! Don't use it much for the smart watch aspect, but I wear it all the time. I love that the screen stays on - dimmed a bit and without a second hand, but it's never a watch with a blank face - and the battery still easily lasts all day. I'm coming up on 9 hours off the charger and it's at 65%. My Moto 360 would be pretty close to dead by now and that's without an always on display.

Definitely happy about my purchase.

View attachment 662283


It's very limited on iOS. I paired my Moto 360 with an iPhone a while back and there wasn't much point as all I got were notifications. I would still buy a Huawei Watch to use with an iPhone if WatchMaker was available and fully featured with that combo.

I need WatchMaker on my watch.
Yep, watchmaker is a phenomenal piece of code! If you have an Android Wear watch, this app is a must have.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.