Android Wear - Are you getting one?

[Tycho]

With all the reviews about Android Wear I'm almost at the stage of pulling the trigger and getting a G Watch but want to wait for long term reviews about the platform. I'm currently using a Motoactv for running and golf duties but Wear seems to be a more all round device with voice integration which is great on a phone but looks fantastic on a watch.

Are you getting one and if so then why? What is your main reason for getting one?

[Tycho]

I was the same with the Sony Smartwatch, good idea but poor implementation. The Moto 360 looks really nice but IIRC the rumours are that it will cost 2X the current devices.

[Tycho]

edeath said:

Tycho said:

I was the same with the Sony Smartwatch, good idea but poor implementation. The Moto 360 looks really nice but IIRC the rumours are that it will cost 2X the current devices.

The 360 was given away as a prize in a competition by Motorola where they said it was an equivelant value RRP of $249 (£145) so imagine it will be the same price as the other 2 once not-murica tax is added......

If that is right then I'm all over it. It look like a much more premium device than the current Wear devices so they must be making very little on it.

[Tycho]

Stiggolas said:

I have a box with a Samsung Gear Live waiting for me at home Just delivered.
i chose the Samsung because I've always wanted a heart rate sensor (LG / Motorola don't have one). I cycle quite a bit and am forever getting notifications on my phone when I'm out. I hope it will be easier to glance ay the watch rather than stop and get my phone out of my pocket.
Time will tell, I'll keep you updated!

Let us know how the heart rate monitor works as I'd love to be able to ditch the chest strap when I'm running.

[Tycho]

I've come to the conclusion that the heart rate monitor on the Gear Live is a waste of time when you are exercising as lots of the reviews say you need to be still for 5-10 seconds while it picks up your heartrate. I'll stick to a chest strap TBH.

[Tycho]

Bursar said:

Yeah, I've been reading into this a bit more. I think the best bet will be to ignore the heart sensor and use a Bluetooth strap paired with the phone.

It looks like RunKeeper is getting into the wearables segment too, so fingers crossed everything should just work together and it will be possible to display the heart rate on the watch screen. http://blog.runkeeper.com/2201/this-just-in-runkee...

Sweet, thanks for that. Strava is also getting in on Wear as well. Current;y using a Motoactv but it has been discontinued and don't know how long the portal will be up for. I use it for running and golf but this is more of an everyday device which appeals. Being able to check shopping lists etc without pulling out your phone would be great. (I know, I live on the edge )

[Tycho]

Runkeeper already supports wear and looks pretty nice.

[Tycho]

Excellent, can you let us know how you get on in a few days especially the fitness side?

[Tycho]

I've asked for one from Santa although the Sony Smartwatch 3 looks good as well. If I do get the 360 then I'd have to replace the strap as if I take it running it will destroy the leather one.

[Tycho]

ajprice said:

If Samsung had the S2 with Android Wear, I'd be in line for one straight away. Why Tizen? Why??

I was wondering the same. If you are developing an app for a wearable, you go for Android Wear or Apple support. Even Windows Phone would be before Tizen so I think that Samsung would have to write all the apps on the platform for a long time to get it going.

I still like my Smartwatch 3 and have just got the holder so I can put any strap on it now. Currently got a brown leather strap and an orange Nato strap.

I did look at the price of the Apple straps and can't believe people buy them. £200 for a leather strap!!!!