Hey guys, I recently acquired a ZGPAX S28 and figured I'd share it with you. Some of you may have been around for my development work on the MotoACTV and the Omate TrueSmart smartwatches, among various other phones and tools, so I figured it was time to try my hand at a product review for something that not too many of you have heard of yet.
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Let's get down to business! What is it? Well, it looks an awful lot like a Gear 2, but it doesn't run android. However, that's not a bad thing, when you consider its $50 price tag from http://www.gearbest.com, where mine came from. It shipped in a generic "smartwatch" box, as shown in the unboxing video below:
Specs:
- CPU: MTK6260 360MHz
- 1.54 inch Touch Screen 240x240
- MicroSIM slot
- MicroSD slot
- Bluetooth 3.0
- 450mAh Battery 3.7V Li-ion (Reported: 72 Hrs Standby, 6 Hrs Talk, 8 Hrs Music)
- Micro USB port
- Size 58x39x12.5mm
- Weight 55g
- Accelerometer
- Vibration
- Microphone
- Speaker
- MicroUSB Earphones Included
Features:
- Pedometer
- Anti-Lost Alert (both for connected phone and watch)
- QWERTY keyboard with both T9 and handwriting prediction
- MP3 Player
- Sleep Monitor
- SMS
- Phonebook
- Music Player
- Remote Camera
- FM Radio
- Calendar
- Ringtones
- Multiple Language Support
You can either watch the video (I'm not a thespian or read the review right here. I decided to wear it for around 5 days prior to writing this, to get a feel for how I'd use it in the real world and how it stacks up to the competition that I have at my disposal. The watch is surprisingly comfortable, as well as stylish. It's very similar in design to the Gear 2, which I enjoy. For reference, I very much dislike wearing my Omate TrueSmart because it is so uncomfortable, but sometimes forget that the S28 is even on my wrist. I plugged it into the wall to let it charge for a little while, with the included microUSB charger, and then connected it to my HTC Desire 610 via bluetooth. I then downloaded the free companion app to my phone, which was also painless due to the QR download code being right on the watch. I basically scanned it with barcode scanner, then sideloaded the APK after it downloaded onto the phone.
Once up and running, you can select which apps from your phone you wish to display on the watch. I used everything from LINE Messenger to my iSmartAlarm home security system. Everything came through to the watch perfectly, and at the settings I selected. If you don't want an app to show up anymore, block it. Simple as that. I found myself blocking Facebook after receiving many many notifications at once and being distracted at work when I didn't need to be. Again, it was all very painless and I was pleasantly surprised. This is something that many Android based watches have problems with. They try to be both a watch and a phone, and can't be the best at either one. I've also had many issues with them not receiving notifications properly, or not receiving ALL notifications that you want to receive, which was not at all the case with the S28.
The watch itself is hard plastic with a metal faceplate and capacitive touch screen that's very responsive to touch, despite what my clumsiness in the video may lead you to believe . I LOVE that it's capacitive for only $50. I was actually expecting much less than I got for my money, to be honest. The screen is bright and relatively easy to read outside. It's not the greatest in direct sunlight, but to be honest, I've yet to find one that is. The only things I noticed myself really wishing for were a shake-to-wake feature of some kind, so I didn't have to press the button every time I wanted to see the time, and a way to remove the analog clock, or at least change it. I much prefer digital myself.
However, again, for the price, you simply can't beat it. My friends were in awe as I showed them the differences between this watch and my usual daily drivers, and I may have even convinced a few of them to give it a try. The watch has 2 functions in particular that I'd not used before, the remote camera and the "anti-lost" function. The first lets you use your watch to actually control the camera on your phone. You can see the viewfinder through the watch and walk around the room to take a picture. Not going to lie, I took a few full body selfies, and no, you can't see them. It worked well, and if you weren't taking a picture, it was also neat just watching the phone's viewfinder through the watch, like a remote security camera. The other feature was called "anti-lost", but is essentially a "find my watch, find my phone" feature, that will let you find the other if you have one of the two.
It has many features you'd find in a typical feature phone, such as SMS, phonebook, calendar, mp3 and mp4 player capability, and an FM radio. The pedometer works well, but you have to physically start it before walking, similar to most fitness apps you'd find on your phone. Again, I was spoiled with my MotoACTV's always-on pedometer. It has a sleep monitor, but I've yet to play with it. Soon, friends, soon. The on-screen keyboard is small, but works well and has many options including predictive text (T9) and handwriting recognition.
I did have one issue with the watch or the phone disconnecting and reconnecting with my bluetooth every so often, but in all honesty, I'm blaming that on the phone more than the watch. It was a cheap phone after all. I will be doing some more testing on that part when I replace the power button on my GS3.
3 things this watch has, that everyone else making watches out there needs to take note on: Built-in microphone, built-in speaker, and vibration function. It's literally a mini phone on your wrist, with decent battery life and talk time. Color me impressed.
If you want to order from the same people I did, here is a direct link. And after speaking to their staff (who are also very nice by the way), they gave me a coupon code for you guys: S28GM, which brings the price down to just under $44. I hope you guys liked the review, and again, if you need to know anything else about it, don't hesitate to shoot me a message! Thanks for reading/watching!
ClearD said:
Hey guys, I recently acquired a ZGPAX S28 and figured I'd share it with you. Some of you may have been around for my development work on the MotoACTV and the Omate TrueSmart smartwatches, among various other phones and tools, so I figured it was time to try my hand at a product review for something that not too many of you have heard of yet.
.....
If you want to order from the same people I did, here is a direct link. And after speaking to their staff (who are also very nice by the way), they gave me a coupon code for you guys: S28GM, which brings the price down to just under $44. I hope you guys liked the review, and again, if you need to know anything else about it, don't hesitate to shoot me a message! Thanks for reading/watching!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the review. There's a review for it already by st7ler, but its good to get a second look, how many days battery are getting from it? Its similar to the U8 Pro, not sure which to buy.
I keep mine turned off at night, and I got 4 days before I recharged it. Not sure exactly how many it'd last though, because I never let it run completely down lol
Thanks. And your typical use for the 4 days was...?
Could you do me a favour and try bluetooth tethering please? [emoji106]
I used it for between 12 and 16 hours each day. And tethering how, specifically? It doesn't do internet pass through, if that's what you mean, but it does receive all notifications through bt tethering. And receives them rather well at that lol
Thanks for the review. Looks good smart watch. Its app connection is stable?
It was stable for the most part, and if it disconnected, it quickly reconnected all by itself. I think my phone was the unstable part.
ClearD said:
I used it for between 12 and 16 hours each day. And tethering how, specifically? It doesn't do internet pass through, if that's what you mean, but it does receive all notifications through bt tethering. And receives them rather well at that lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shame it can't do bluetooth tethering, it would have not needed a data plan.
http://vifocal.com/zgpax-s28-watch-...-1-54-inch-screen-smart-bluetooh-sync-fm.html $43 and $3 off if you like them on farsebook or google+
ClearD said:
I used it for between 12 and 16 hours each day. And tethering how, specifically? It doesn't do internet pass through, if that's what you mean, but it does receive all notifications through bt tethering. And receives them rather well at that lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ClearD - are there any functions to control the phone from the watch?
I don't believe so, it's sort of like a standalone watch phone that also reads notifications from your primary phone
It's possible to add new analog look? Or change shortcuts on descop?
Related
OK , I used to love my streak, it was cool , unusual , it made a bold statement but over the last few months I've grow increasing frustrated with the device which has now reached boiling point. This include the following points:-
1)Damn Dell Streak PDMI connector, the connection on my phone is duff. Many a time I put the phone in my pocket and the connector has got debris stuck to it. The phone then refuses to connect up to my PC via USB I’ve used compressed air to blow the crap out of the port and this sometimes brings it back to life. However recently its given up the ghost, the port still charges up when connected but the phone does not recognized that its hooked up to the PC. My workaround has been to install dropbox to upload pics etc but there’s no way of me doing anything else. Also the pins on the connector are really flimsy.
I think that either the port or the cable pins are bent and thats why they are not joining up correctly.
2)Low on space message – Phone storage space is low. Somehow I’m using 1.6GB of phone space and only have about 140MB left? I’ve deleted all but the essential apps like whatsapp, google maps, swiftkey etc. Everything else has been moved to the SD card, all my videos and pics are on my SD card. I’ve even deleted all my sms messages but the bloody phone still complains about lack of space. WTF is taking up all the space, is there any way to find out, can I compress or remove the junk?
3)Battery life or the lack of it. Basically I cannot keep my phone running for a full day. I have to reduce the brightness so its barely readable outside, switch off gps and bluetooth. Throughout the day I change the battery like 3 times. One solution that I’ve tried and failed is getting a bulkier battery for ebay that also acts like a stand. The problem is that the hinges on the battery keep sliding off whenever I take the phone out my pocket. The stupid sensors detect that the phone cover has been removed and shut the phone off
4)Lastly I accidentally dropped my phone today, it only fell like 2 foot from the table onto the marble floor, the glass seems to be fine, but there’s inky liquid flowing across the top half of the screen, slowly black lines have appearing that run vertical down the phone.
I used to love my streak but its just become too much a pain in the arse to use. My options are to try and get the phone fix , which is not easy as I’ve working out of Saudi Arabia at the moment and will not be back in the UK for a few months. If the Samsung note was release today I would of jumped for it..
So is its worth the hassle to fix the phone or just bin it and buy something new? Any suggestions.
Don't forget the video recording quality it's awful even old Nokia phones have better quality
And slow in loading games comparing to other 1 GHz phones like Galaxy S series
Man, you have the same hatred I have for yours as I do for mine. I use to love this so much at one time it was the best device I have ever had. Now its more problems and headaches then anything. I can't stand the thing anymore and can not wait till the galaxy note becomes available. Lets just hope its out when I'm able to upgrade and they don't slap some ridiculous price tag on it. I can't imagine spending more then about 200-250 on it. I wish I could help you or had some words of encouragement but I feel the same way about this POS as you do dell dropped the ball on this one I find it funny that instead of trying to work with it and fix the dang thing they essentially tucked their tail and ran by just ending the life of it. I said it before I'll say it again I will never buy another dell product again
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
I must be about the only one that loves mine.
2.2.2, pretty much straight from the box. I use mine for business, not games, video or music. Got mine because it has a huge screen, which I use for web and email.
Regarding the 'low on space message', have you tried to do a factory reset?
p51d007 said:
I must be about the only one that loves mine.
2.2.2, pretty much straight from the box. I use mine for business, not games, video or music. Got mine because it has a huge screen, which I use for web and email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not the only one.
OP, I understand the frustration regarding battery life, but to have the GPS chip running all the time is ridiculous unless you use external power. Most apps work fine with cell tower triangulation, such as Google Earth and Google Maps. If you actually navigate using Google Nav or a GPS app, then you turn on the GPS.
For the display, in direct sunlight no display will be bright, even if it's a transreflective one. However, I do find that in most situations, setting the brightness to automatic does wonders.
I can't comment on your PDMI port problems because I haven't encountered any. But for your other gripes I believe your expectations to be a bit unrealistic.
ardkor2thebone said:
2)Low on space message – Phone storage space is low. Somehow I’m using 1.6GB of phone space and only have about 140MB left? I’ve deleted all but the essential apps like whatsapp, google maps, swiftkey etc. Everything else has been moved to the SD card, all my videos and pics are on my SD card. I’ve even deleted all my sms messages but the bloody phone still complains about lack of space. WTF is taking up all the space, is there any way to find out, can I compress or remove the junk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try my app SD Maid it may free up some space for you.
Streak5 Android 2.2.2 KO Constant & random boots
Hello gentlemen,
I really wish I had your problems to contend with.
However, I seem to be in much much worse shape with my steak android 2.2.2:
After forays in Blackberrys & Iphones I decided to take the plunge into Android.
As a first droid device I got a Dell Streak 5 with android 2.2.2 from Ebay. Thought it would be a good little tablet with secondary uses as a phone.
However, after receiving it I quickly noticed the bugginess of the whole device. Without warning the streak will flash the navigator buttons 3 times & then power off. Sometimes it'll happen while browsing the net, other times by launching the pre-installed apps & in many occasions even when I just dial a number in the phone.
Now I've checked the battery/battery cover issues, but all is in order and the flashing buttons prior to reboot do no seem like electric contact related.
The phone is stock Dell issued with the factory installed android 2.2.2 & all apps are the standard pre-installed ones. I have reset to factory settings & recalibrated the screen without any joy.
Any ideas?
Would this be a brutal hardware issue, would switching back to previous os levels help?
Any hints/insights will be greatly appreciated.
Baseband version: GAUSB1A135100-EU
Build number: 15609
As additional info, this behaviour happens with or without SIM/SD Cards.
With or without wi-fi connection.
Does this strange instability I am encountering make you suspect hardware of software issues?
Would downgrading to previous levels OS levels help?
Will now try getting some logs out of the thing & post them hoping someone may help.
Really love this device's phone-tablet form & i'd be a shame to throw it out because of these issues.
However, if it turns oit it is some hardware issue I see a trash can in it's future.... unless some one can refurbish the thing at a decent price. Any thoughts?
Thank you
Beppe
You got your Streak used off ebay, meaning used, correct?
Try upgrading the ROM. Version 360 is available, and may solve your issues. Not because of bug fixes, but because the previous owner may have had a bugged flash when they put 351 on the device, or removed the wrong stuff when rooting it.
In short, for some reason the ROM is unstable, and installing a ROM can fix it.
i agree with most of your points... I am running a Dell Venue Pro with wp7 on it and I can't get over how much of a better experience I am getting off of that phone then android and my streaks... I have pretty much retired my streaks and only going off the dvp now.
I was able to easily load mango and I am really digging the phone with the keyboard. I don't think Android is primetime.. I will wait for jelly bean before I go Android again.
I had used the streak just for gps for a few days, and it still had issues... Using Garmin for WP7 now.
I only had necessary apps running on my streak, no games, no widgets, no updating backend programs. It was so frustrating...
Ohh and all that time waiting for a damn website load on the streak...wtf. Everything comes up right away on the dvp.. only issue it has is no flash.. but i don't really use flash on the phone anyway.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
You got your Streak used off ebay, meaning used, correct?
Try upgrading the ROM. Version 360 is available, and may solve your issues. Not because of bug fixes, but because the previous owner may have had a bugged flash when they put 351 on the device, or removed the wrong stuff when rooting it.
In short, for some reason the ROM is unstable, and installing a ROM can fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Strephon,
Tnx for the reply & tip.
Yup, got it used. The guy I got it from (on the cheap side so I guess I shouldn't complain too much...) claims he used for 6 months & then had Dell update it in july. According to his story they did & they found no hardware faults on it. He's supposed to send me some official docs to prove those claims.
Also says he's not techy & never messed around with the roms .... but the superuser app is on it so I'm a bit sceptical.
I'm in the process of documenting myslef so I can do a proper rom install, will try 351 then 360 as you suggest. Wanna get all the info right as this is my first dab into android - nice OS but gives u so much wrope to hang yourself with!
However, before flashing I was checking out the phone & services; I noticed some notifications about GPS & OVOO errors. I turned the services off & removed a few extra apps I found lying arround. After this step It's been going for an hour of use without the berserk ultra frequent boot cycles. Gonna dig a bit to figure out if one of those apps disagrees with this version of 2.2.2 that is on.
Will see what I can do & post the results here. Hope I can sort it out, such a sweet phone & fab 5 inch screen. If I have to surrender, gonna sell it to those phone recyclers on the net, get ye olde Bblackberry out of storage & patiently wait for the Samsung Note. Can't go back to sub 5 inchers after the brief experience with this Streak.
Bye & tnx again for the tips.
p51d007 said:
I must be about the only one that loves mine.
2.2.2, pretty much straight from the box. I use mine for business, not games, video or music. Got mine because it has a huge screen, which I use for web and email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used it for music, you'd hate it more than you now realize. It has one of the worst audio playback systems I've ever heard in ANY media device. The radio noise and signal noise is so terrible that it's almost beyond words.
Using it with headphones, it's about on par with my old iphone 3g.
But I dont use the bundled ones (i havnt ever tried them)
I use my Streak for music nearly everyday. Mostly over BT in my car and with the bundled headphones. I find both methods to work fine for my. I am no audiophile but I find the Streak's music performance fine.
The speaker on the back is pretty dissappointing as far as music and sound. But seriously who would use it like that and expect for it to be good/great.
It can put out a fair amount of power and at lower volumes it's pretty acceptable. It's a matter of being it's nearly physically impossible (for it's price range) to make great sound come out of a single speaker it's size.
Over bt it should be all digital until it finally hits the headset so it's merely the quality of the media player.
My point still stands about headphones, I have no complaints at all with my current earbuds. Though as mine are in-ear, normal ones might be a bit quiet.
For the back cover problem i have done this and now i can remove the card with the phone turn on.
Awwwwwwe! C'mone now... Dont go hate'n on the Dell Streak like that. Putting it in the pocket and getting lint in the port aint the Streaks fault... You gotta give it a little credit there. I get good pics and vid quality from my baby!
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marvin02 said:
I use my Streak for music nearly everyday. Mostly over BT in my car and with the bundled headphones. I find both methods to work fine for my. I am no audiophile but I find the Streak's music performance fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marvelous Marv, I do the same! Plug my Streak into aux in the car. Which mp3 app do u use? Anything better than PowerAmp?
My main problems have been the earpiece not working from new, intermittent then finally didn't work at all, has had to go to hungary for repair, and the battery cover seems to come off quite easily even when in my Otterbox Defender case.
Rico ANDROID said:
Marvelous Marv, I do the same! Plug my Streak into aux in the car. Which mp3 app do u use? Anything better than PowerAmp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Player Pro and PowerAmp are the two that I like best. I like the internal interface for Player pro better, but the lockscreen widget for PowerAmp is better. I am using Player Pro right now. Also, IMO, the response to the BT buttons seems to be better with Player Pro. They are very close overall.
Staying on topic - I hate my Streak because I don't have two of them.
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
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I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Thanks for the small review! Runkeeper or other runner's app work on it?
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own a ZGPAX s5 and I see this watch on ebay as well.
For the processor they are the same :MTK6577 1GHz Dual Core
Both IK8 and s5 actually run the same system as well (android 4.0.4)
They look different just because of different default launchers.
I just root mine and use Launcher 8 instead.
The real difference should be the position of the camera.
Both camera are 2MP and 5MP interpolated.
s5 is better for selfies and Skype while IK8 is better for taking photo shots.
Both are 2G as well.
They even share the same battery!!! ZGPAX s5 got 500mAH and 700mAH and IK8 should be 700mAH
You can take a look of this
http://www.ikwear.com/wangzhanjianshe/1.html
It should be a rebrand product.
The best solution is to mix the two products' camera into one LOL
Then I can selfie and take normal shot!!! :laugh:
Cheers!
---------- Post added at 09:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 AM ----------
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Google Now, Just refer to the last two pages in [GUIDE] ZGPAX SmartWatch::1/22::Embedded more Videos/ OP
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51806814&postcount=764
dcrisis said:
This IK8 Watch Phone looks a lot like a ZGPAX or EC-309, but the camera points across the band instead of from the front and I think it has a faster processor.
I haven't seen any other mention of it here on XDA.
Does anyone know if it is a rebrand of something else that I'm missing here?
It's fast. I've been able to use Google Hangouts on it, even with video. Zello works with no problems and even sounds good. I'm going to get a SIM for it and see how well the phone works.
Biggest drawbacks are lack of support for Google Voice and Voice Search. I've been able to workaround most of the other issues. This appears to be a common issue for this type of phone, and it's a big disappointment here. I'd love to find a way to get those messages. Has anyone solved this?
I got mine at http://www.geekbuying.com/item/IK8-...4-0-512MB-RAM-4G-ROM-5MP-GPS-WIFI-325392.html but you'll likely find a place that ships more quickly than Geekbuying.
Thanks!
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a couple of quick questions if you don't mind. I find some interest in this smartwatch
1 How do you like this smartwatch now?
2 I noticed on a youtube video that this smartwatch seems to have a sort of hidden menu button and back button located at the bottom of display. Am I correct?
Any thing else you would like to comment on would be appreciated.
Thanks
sny11 said:
Got a couple of quick questions if you don't mind. I find some interest in this smartwatch
1 How do you like this smartwatch now?
2 I noticed on a youtube video that this smartwatch seems to have a sort of hidden menu button and back button located at the bottom of display. Am I correct?
Any thing else you would like to comment on would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It is stand-alone watch phone, android v4.04 system, high definition touch screen, high resolution camera, you can use it smoothly and freely like a smartphone.
2. There is menu button and back button on the side of the watch, not at the bottom of display. And you can touch the screen to get what you want...
See more @ watchphonechina.com/watch-phone-china/
Zwatch said:
2. There is menu button and back button on the side of the watch, not at the bottom of display. And you can touch the screen to get what you want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the IK8 for a few days now, and I discovered that there is definitely a menu- and back-button located directly underneath the display. In fact, they often get in the way while trying to touch lower areas of the screen .
Is this $120 the same one on AliExpress?
it gives notifications when connected to a phone?
It says 700mah battery. .. many days use do you get from it?
I got mine from Aliexpress It's super fast for me just two days to arrive to Hong Kong! I ordered another one earlier before from Chinavasion to Scotland and it takes me four days.
Sent from my PadFone using XDA Premium HD app
IK8
simple1i said:
Is this $120 the same one on aliexpress.com/item/IK8-Smart-Watch-Phone-154-Inch-Screen-MTK6577-Dual-Core-50MP-Front-Camera-OGS/1851182462.html ?
it gives notifications when connected to a phone?
It says 700mah battery. .. many days use do you get from it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the same device to me. Just be cautious since this seller has only received feedback once. I'm not sure if this deal is legit, especially since the price is incredibly low. The IK8 usually sells for about $135 - $145.
Since it's a standalone Android device, you don't need any additional phone running a companion app in order to receive notifications. Just insert your SIM card (regular SIM) and you're ready to go. If you'd like to pair the IK8 to your smartphone and receive notifications over Bluetooth, maybe it is possible to install the Osmart app which is originally developed for the Omate Truesmart. I'm not sure if this will work, but it's worth giving it a try. XDA user 'KOAO' already had some success using this app with his ZGPAX S5, which is not that different from the IK8;
KOAO said:
I am successfully able to receive notifications from Emails, and texts. i haven't tried to reject a call yet. However, i used the Osmart Companion app from the omate truesmart. You download the companion app to you watch by loading the Ostore app on your watch(i might ....might link the APK file i extracted from the Truesmart OS)Then you go to the post at the bottom, join the group and then download the master app to your Andriod based smartphone. Then you pair them up and test. If successful, WIN if not then try again.
Osmart Master app:
plus.google.com/109641424466258907138/posts/8PrkrDdUsR4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original battery supplied with the IK8 is 500mAh in contrary to what is promised on most websites/shops, it's exactly the same type of battery as used in the ZGPAX S5, but I'm not sure if they are interchangeable since the plastic 'mounting clips' look a bit different. With WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS turned off and the screen set at the lowest brightness I get about 7 - 8 hours of battery life. But I haven't been using the device a lot yet, so I think battery life will probably increase.
I ordered my IK8 from Aurabuy and received it within 1,5 week (to the Netherlands with SingPost).
Edit: I came across several 'relabeled' versions of this watch lately. They are all exactly the same, but simply indicate different brand-names. For as far as I know, the IK8 Smartwatch is originally known as the TCW-006 and is being manufactured by Tecomax Electronics. This also explains the build-number visible in Android; TECO_V2.0_20140420.
haven't posted in xda for a while..let alone in the smartwatch section...but here we go. was in hong kong for a conference and decided to drop by the it shop. came across a host of smartwatches and just for fun picked up the ik8 for $90. haggled it down to $80 and figured i'd ditch it sooner or later. didn't play around with it until like 5 days later after i got back to melbourne. lo and behold, was actually quite surprised and impressed with it. my 2 cents worth:
display/interface
- not bad, quite responsive though i replaced the screen protector with a matte (anti-glare) one
- the small keyboard takes some getting used to but once you've used it you'll get around the limitations. i still make the occassional mistake but that's only when i'm using playstore
hardware
- camera is quite good though i have no plans of using it as i have my note 2
- speaker is surprisingly loud for such a small device
- one con i have is the lack of a 3.5mm jack. the built-in micro usb (for data transfer and charging) is also the plug for the earphones which comes with the watch. thus you can't really plug your own set of earphones...unless of course you use bluetooth
- quite light, watch strap is quite sturdy
- took in my 32gb microsd with no problem. pretty easy and straightforward in mounting the card
- same with the sim, but no plans on using the phone function
- don't think its "water proof" as some smart watches that claim to be (e.g. omate). but i'm not complaining.
internals
- i installed adw launcher which spiced up the homescreen (better than the default launcher). no hangs or whatever
- installed a bunch of widgets, just have to be careful as some are obviously built for larger screens. example, clokr (time widget) tends to not fit due to the length
- installed button savior to avoid using the hardware buttons. no need for root as i only need home, back and power off
- mx player works well, can actually watch a movie on it. no plans though as i have my note 2
- not planning on using this for music but poweramp works well on it. though there is sometimes a tendency for some icon labels to overlap given the small screen
gps
- i had to put a separate review on gps as i'm quite impressed with it
- installed navigon, apk had no problems loading. through wifi, the additional data and maps were installed
- also installed gps tester as well as other apps for cycling
verdict: gps signal takes around 1-2 minutes to get a good fix. the watch is able to lock on 4 satellites. accuracy is quite good but tends to be a little off when it's cloudy. the gps is not as spiffy as the one in my note but i'm not complaining. for a device this small, i was quite impressed how good the gps works
- strapped on the watch on my bike, used bikemate app. speed was quite accurate as well as keeping it locked on the satellites. didn't lose a signal as i cycled away
- had no issues with navigon. plotted home and the watch took me back to my house with no problems
haven't really tried out the full extent of the battery but without using wifi and gps, i was able to use it for 3 days before having the charge. with gps, battery went down to like 50% after riding for an hour or so. not bad in my opinion. overall, quite happy with it and i've now removed the speedo on my bike. no more wires and no more replacing batteries. this watch has now taken over the speed indicator duties for my cycling.
cheers
I got me one of these too, ordered from a Dutch guy who'd better pay back the import taxes caused by him drop-shipping it while pretending he had it in stock, or he'll be getting some negative publicity. Having to wait 3 weeks was bad enough.
I already had a ZGPAX S5 which I damaged, which is why I got this as a replacement. This is almost exactly the same hardware, as evidenced by the ability to restore a complete TWRP backup from the IK8 on my S5 with everything functional except the cell phone system. The IK8 is definitely the better of these two watch phones though: better build quality, no buzzing during calls, better cell signal reception, better clock & launcher system, no dead zone on the touchscreen. Definitely not waterproof with the gaping hole of the microUSB port, but it looks not as vulnerable to a few raindrops as the S5, whose screen doesn't even seem to be glued tight.
For the rest I concur with Robson, very good loudspeaker, the GPS is indeed impressively good and seems better than on the S5, at the condition that one does the usual dance of enabling EPO etc.
Can't login to Google PlayStore
The problem is that the teeny tiny keyboard is just too hard to navigate and when I try to switch the keyboard from alpha to numeric I get an "Android Framework has stopped" error message and the Google setup/sign-in app crashes and reloads.. Arrrggghh..
I tried installing two different Bluetooth keyboards to get around this problem but when you link the keyboards and go into the settings it will say "Use as input device" great, but when you go into "Languages and Input" to set the default to the Bluetooth keyboard the Bluetooth keyboard is NOT shown as an option just the default AOSP keyboard.. Can one of you guys help?? You know what a PIA it is to return anything to China so I just may be stuck with this which sucks because I can't use any of my Google apps (e.g. Gmail) which is why I bought this thing in the first place!
Any and all replies are appreciated!
Chris R.
crodgers79 said:
The problem is that the teeny tiny keyboard is just too hard to navigate and when I try to switch the keyboard from alpha to numeric I get an "Android Framework has stopped" error message and the Google setup/sign-in app crashes and reloads.. Arrrggghh..
I tried installing two different Bluetooth keyboards to get around this problem but when you link the keyboards and go into the settings it will say "Use as input device" great, but when you go into "Languages and Input" to set the default to the Bluetooth keyboard the Bluetooth keyboard is NOT shown as an option just the default AOSP keyboard.. Can one of you guys help?? You know what a PIA it is to return anything to China so I just may be stuck with this which sucks because I can't use any of my Google apps (e.g. Gmail) which is why I bought this thing in the first place!
Any and all replies are appreciated!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried to get Bluetooth keyboards and mice to work with two different phones that use this same chipset and Android version. My conclusion is that it is impossible. The devices pair, but the phone does not react to them. It looks like a fundamental bug in this Android release. If anyone has more success, I would certainly want to hear about it.
Your best option would be to install a half-size keyboard like Slidy Press, that has much bigger keys. Of course, installing the official version would require logging into the Play store first Your only option is to download the APK and install it from the file manager. I have made a customized version of Slidy Press available for download. I would post the link here, but for some reason the forum forbids this, so you will have to Google for this exact phrase between quotes: "I recommend installing Slidy Press" and you'll find the download link.
Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped
DrLex said:
I have tried to get Bluetooth keyboards and mice to work with two different phones that use this same chipset and Android version. My conclusion is that it is impossible. The devices pair, but the phone does not react to them. It looks like a fundamental bug in this Android release. If anyone has more success, I would certainly want to hear about it.
Your best option would be to install a half-size keyboard like Slidy Press, that has much bigger keys. Of course, installing the official version would require logging into the Play store first Your only option is to download the APK and install it from the file manager. I have made a customized version of Slidy Press available for download. I would post the link here, but for some reason the forum forbids this, so you will have to Google for this exact phrase between quotes: "I recommend installing Slidy Press" and you'll find the download link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!! I installed Slidy but I'm now finding that if I touch any key that appears in the lower left corner I get a "Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped" error and the app crashes. Any ideas???
Thanks again!!!
Chris R.
crodgers79 said:
Thanks!!! I installed Slidy but I'm now finding that if I touch any key that appears in the lower left corner I get a "Unfortunately Google Framework Services has stopped" error and the app crashes. Any ideas???
Thanks again!!!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, regardless of the keyboard you're using, it always crashes when you touch the lower left key? That is extremely weird. Do you also get strange things when you touch that location without keyboard? Maybe your screen is defective and you'll have to send it back anyhow…
i concur with lex, i've never had this problem despite installing multiple apps on the watch. in your posts you mentioned that the error message first came up when you tried switching from alpha to numeric. and again the message comes up when you touched a key in the lower left. coincidentally, both areas you touched are on the lower left portion of the screen. there might be something wrong with your device/screen. unless of course another app is somehow causing this issue? though somewhat related, i once installed usb toggle in my note 2. though rooted, it seems that my note didn't like the app and frequently crashed. i had to fix it up it to the point of going to the bootloader to wipe out the cache. in any case, uninstalled it and now my note functions well. the same could be for your watch. again, unless of course there's something wrong with your screen/device...in which case you should have the watch replaced.
at first in setting up my wifi connection, playstore id/password, etc..it was quite a burden. though the keyboard is small, you'll eventually get the hang of it. i still get the occassional mistake of pressing the wrong letter. but i rarely do this anymore since the watch has been set up to what i need it to do (which is mostly for gps).
the one thing i'm looking around for is trying to either deactivate or change the watch face. i noticed that this can be done for the sony smartwatch...i'm still trying to find a way for the ik8. no luck at the moment though...
Returning
Guys,
Thanks.. I've done a Factory Reset and the problem persists. I think the digitizer is faulty in that one spot so I'm sending mine back for another.. Will let you know if the next one acts up! Thanks for all of the replies!
Chris R.
IK8 Review
I wrote a review about the IK8 (I think I should be allowed to post links by now). Because I already had a ZGPAX S5 and the IK8 is very similar, the review mostly focuses on the differences between the two. The general conclusion however is that the IK8 is noticeably better in most aspects.
The review also contains a list of tweaks and hacks, and custom versions of the clock screensaver and launcher. Enjoy!
DrLex said:
I wrote a review about the IK8 (I think I should be allowed to post links by now). Because I already had a ZGPAX S5 and the IK8 is very similar, the review mostly focuses on the differences between the two. The general conclusion however is that the IK8 is noticeably better in most aspects.
The review also contains a list of tweaks and hacks, and custom versions of the clock screensaver and launcher. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey lex
thanks for sending that link to your review. I rooted the phone to change the watch face lock screen. I think somewhere along the line I sort of did something wrong because now the lock screen watch won't come up....which is a good thing! what I did was installed ADW Launcher and used a live wallpaper for a nice watch face. I kept the home screen free of any widgets. Swiping to the right then brings up a whole bunch of short cuts and widgets which I use.
cheers
crodgers79 said:
Guys,
Thanks.. I've done a Factory Reset and the problem persists. I think the digitizer is faulty in that one spot so I'm sending mine back for another.. Will let you know if the next one acts up! Thanks for all of the replies!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried change the launcher and see if that spot keep faulty, my motoactv had a faulty spot on screen related to massive battery discharge, factory reset didnt work, but the problem was zeam i changed to adw, smooth as silk, i think it woth a shot
Hello everyone,
I've placed an order of the R-Watch M26s and all I've found about it is that it's an upgraded version of the R-Watch M26. I've bought it at Gearbest as they were having a coupon for it, and it'll arrive in the coming days. The specs for the watch is the following:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
As there's very little info about the watch itself, so I'm interested to know if anyone else have it here and wants to share their experience about the watch?
I'll be posting a full length review once the clock itself arrives, and I'll also post the coupon I used to get it at a lower price if the item is good and worth it's price
The watch came today, and I've just been having a initial look at it. I must say that it's better than I expected, but the thing that keeps the band in place could've been better and the band itself is big. Other than that, it's a good watch for the price. Full review incl. video coming up in the next few days so stay tuned
Review of the watch (Will update with pictures )
I've now used the watch for a week or two, so here's my thoughts about said watch. The watch itself is built out of mostly plastic, that's chromed and slightly dark colored. The plastic feels sorta solid, but I must say that there's one downpart of the watch being made out of plastic and that is it's extremely hard to put the watch strap back on if it falls off or if you remove it.
The screen at the front seem to be covered by glass, as I've not been able to scratch it with keys. With that said, I should add that the watch has a capacitive screen with a LED screen. It's not the sharpest screen I've seen, and there's quite a bit of color change when looking at the screen at angles. However, this is expected for such a cheap product and it's not too bad at all.
The software on the watch is a custom OS by Mediatek, based on Nucleus. It's easy to navigate and there's quite a bit of builtin apps in the watch, but there's some disadvantages with the OS. One of the disadvantages I can see is there's a lack of third party apps. This can be said about most affordable smartwatches so it's not unexpected.
The app for the watch that's supplied (Mediatek Smartdevice) is decent and does the job just fine, it's stable but it's not as good as the Android Wear app but it's decent enough.
The watch have sorta decent battery life, and it lasts around 3-5 days depending on use, and I've only charged it 2 times since I got it.
The main disadvantage with this watch is that it does have a built-in speakers - that's poor and will redirect your phones sound through it and it's far from a ideal solution. I would rather see the watch not having a speaker, as it's far from useful and it's not the best implentation ever.
I bought my watch here with the coupon "GBM26S":
http://www.gearbest.com/smart-watches/pp_149274.html
Hey friends, I have just ordered another watch from this site.
How long it will take to USA?
Sophia Lee said:
Hey friends, I have just ordered another watch from this site.
How long it will take to USA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
My watch arrived within 2 weeks but that's because I ordered it with NL Post as courier. Usually I would say it takes around a month atleast.
GethPrime said:
Hello,
My watch arrived within 2 weeks but that's because I ordered it with NL Post as courier. Usually I would say it takes around a month atleast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
How about the watch? You will upload a full review?
Is it used well with Iphone? I have ordered an M26, it is pretty cool, but no iphone~
It doesn't work with iPhone !
I received the watch last week and have been trying to use it with my iPhone 5S (IOS 8.3).
I was able to pair it but it disconnects for some mysterious reason (sometimes after a minut, sometimes after a few minutes) and it does not automatically reconnects. This issue makes the watch useless for me.
The only thing that seems to work is the notifier, so I'm able to see the notifications on the watch.
But no way to receive/answer any calls or even place a call.
I bought it at banggood.com and have contacted them and supplied them all information (a video that shows that it doesn't work).
Now I'm waiting for an answer/solution...
jgeert1 said:
I received the watch last week and have been trying to use it with my iPhone 5S (IOS 8.3).
I was able to pair it but it disconnects for some mysterious reason (sometimes after a minut, sometimes after a few minutes) and it does not automatically reconnects. This issue makes the watch useless for me.
The only thing that seems to work is the notifier, so I'm able to see the notifications on the watch.
But no way to receive/answer any calls or even place a call.
I bought it at banggood.com and have contacted them and supplied them all information (a video that shows that it doesn't work).
Now I'm waiting for an answer/solution...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you installed the app on the phone? I'm sure Banggood.com will provide a solution for you, as I've bought stuff there in the past and have had a great experience there
I got my today, everything works awesome, very easy to setting up with my Nexus 4, phone calls work nice too.
GethPrime said:
Have you installed the app on the phone? I'm sure Banggood.com will provide a solution for you, as I've bought stuff there in the past and have had a great experience there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did install the app. As the iPhone is already supporting bluethooth v4, no additional apps are needed to use the dialer, phonebook and the call log. The app is only needed for the additional functions (like the notifier and that one works very good).
Personally I think the issue is related to the fact that Apple changed the code in IOS 8.3 to support their own Smartwatches and as a result disabled or changed the protocol to support the "cheaper" (read non-Apple) smartwatches.
Banggood came back to me and is now sending a new (the same model!) smartwatch to me to rule out hardware issues (they think the watch is defective). So I'm waiting on the delivery of it.
To be continued...
SmartBlue
jgeerts said:
Yes, I did install the app. As the iPhone is already supporting bluethooth v4, no additional apps are needed to use the dialer, phonebook and the call log. The app is only needed for the additional functions (like the notifier and that one works very good).
Personally I think the issue is related to the fact that Apple changed the code in IOS 8.3 to support their own Smartwatches and as a result disabled or changed the protocol to support the "cheaper" (read non-Apple) smartwatches.
Banggood came back to me and is now sending a new (the same model!) smartwatch to me to rule out hardware issues (they think the watch is defective). So I'm waiting on the delivery of it.
To be continued...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, iOS devices have to dl "smartblue" to use the push and sync ..
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id948624905
.... but it's iOS
kanzi83 said:
Hi, iOS devices have to dl "smartblue" to use the push and sync ..
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id948624905
.... but it's iOS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know. That's the app I'm running to be able to receive notifications.
Meanwhile I received a new watch (replacement) and that one works as a charm with my iPhone (all issues are resolved).
The only difference I can see with the previous watch is the version of the firmware. The new one is running V03, the one that doesn't function runs V01.
So it might be a firmware issue (I can't test it as I do not have V03 firmware files to upgrade the watch - So if someone knows where to find it, I would greatly appreciate it).
jgeerts said:
.../...
The only difference I can see with the previous watch is the version of the firmware. The new one is running V03, the one that doesn't function runs V01.
So it might be a firmware issue (I can't test it as I do not have V03 firmware files to upgrade the watch - So if someone knows where to find it, I would greatly appreciate it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and find the way to flash it ...!
Hi, have a couple of questions about this watch. Does it work with Spotify? Can I get notifications from whatsapp and Gmail?
Thanks
I received tha watch yesterday, and I'm not able to have notification.
I can make a call and receive it, but if I want to go to messages it says "failed" and write empty. ...
The firmware is the v004.
Please help....
Can you reply to messages on it or you can only read messages but cant reply. also does whatsapp work on it or just wechat as advertised?
i am starting to feel like the watch is a bit useless if you can only answer calls and the speaker is not great so you probably cant hear a thing and you can only read messages and cant reply. so whats the use?
am considering getting this but is it worth getting? or what would be a better smart watch to get compatible with a samsung.
i got the watch from ebay, my m26 doesn't read Hebrew (other than that i like it). At gearbest.com it says that their watch support Hebrew thou.
i'm guessing they have a newer version than i do or they added it manually.
can enybody check their gearbest m26 for hebrew support and if you have it pleas save your firmware and post it, i know there is a way to save the firmware and flash it to a different device (but i dont know yet how to do that).
there even might be a difference between having a hebrew UI and being able to display hebrew characters (i need the display only, dont care about the ui).
Quick tip for those that are unsatisfied with battery life - do a battery swap. It's cheap and straight forward.
I have M26, not M26s with 200mAh battery which struggled to last a day, even on Energy saving mode. I opened the watch and found out the battery was very small compared to the available space in the compartment (I'll attach an image later). After some research it turned out there are a lots of Li-Po batteries in AliExpress for around 5$ with various sizes and capacity (just type the size you want in the search bar). The original size of the battery was 402030 (4mm height*20mm width*30mm length) and managed to squeeze in 602040 (6mm*20mm*40mm) with 500mAh capacity, however the height was a bit much as now there is a slight gap between the lid and the body on one side. Probably 502040 (5mm height) would be ideal, which typically is 380mAh. The soldering job is pretty straight forward - unsolder the old battery and solder the leads of the new one after trimming them to the appropriate size. Just detach the ribbon cable that is located nearby. Now the watch lasts 2 days connected to the phone, pedometer and no energy saving.
Regards
I have one and I'm quite happy with it. I use it with a Windows Phone 10 (Lumia 950 dual SIM). The disadvantage is that there is no control software like with Android phones, but most functions nevertheless work: only camera and music don't work. Otherwise it works rather well -when you have figured out how to use it, because the user manual is close to useless (it took me some time to figure out how to set the clock).. It doesn't disconnect unless you veer too far from the phone, but reconnects when you come closer.
For those that do not like the design of the imacwear, Z01 and all the other Omate clones... this looks a little better.
http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_181139.html - $122 on GearBest.com
Black, silver and champagne
450 mAh battery
12.5 mm thick
2MP camera
MTK6572 Dual Core 1.0GHz 512MB RAM 4GB ROM
3G, Wifi, GPS , BT ... etc
No sensors mentioned though?
I ordered this new K8 smartwatch in Aliexpress 2 weeks ago but my smartwatch seems to be lost in the way.
I will give sellers link once I receive the smartwatch because don't know if it's a reliable seller.
I read good info about this watch in G+
PichaLatigo said:
I ordered this new K8 smartwatch in Aliexpress 2 weeks ago but my smartwatch seems to be lost in the way.
I will give sellers link once I receive the smartwatch because don't know if it's a reliable seller.
I read good info about this watch in G+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am really interested in the 450mAh battery life. Hopefully you'll get it soon [emoji41]
Where did you read the good review?
simple1i said:
I am really interested in the 450mAh battery life. Hopefully you'll get it soon [emoji41]
Where did you read the good review?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly a review. An owner in G+ talking about it and now another Spanish owner in htcmania.
According to the tracking mine is already in Spain but not received yet.
review?
PichaLatigo said:
Not exactly a review. An owner in G+ talking about it and now another Spanish owner in htcmania.
According to the tracking mine is already in Spain but not received yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When The watch arrives, don't be afraid to shout loud and post, ITS HERE!!
Will you do a review? I'd like know two things, the battery life and what sensors it has please. :good:
As a guess, the battery life will be similar to the GZPAX S8
PichaLatigo said:
Not exactly a review. An owner in G+ talking about it and now another Spanish owner in htcmania.
According to the tracking mine is already in Spain but not received yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it arrive?
I would be very curious to find out the following:
- does it have the Google Play store and/ or can you side load applications?
- what is the battery life like?
- where do you install the SD card?
I thank you in advance for any information you can provide.
probstc said:
I would be very curious to find out the following:
- does it have the Google Play store and/ or can you side load applications?
- what is the battery life like?
- where do you install the SD card?
I thank you in advance for any information you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My smartwatch is retained in Central post office in Madrid for one week so sadly I guess it's catched by customs.
Other k8 spanish owner says it has play store and of course you can load any .apk.
Spanish owner said had some problems with notifications and data when screen is off, and he solved it with some software.
American owner didn't have any problem with notifications when screen is switched off. He said smartwatch has been updated 5 times since the the smartwatch was released one month ago.
Only problem American has it's related to pulsometer heartband which is detected but he can not pair/connect it because it seems smartwatch Bluetooth it's not BLE and it is announced as it is.
It seems it doesn't have microsd slot:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Hope it arrives soon
Can anyone upload the rom k8?
Received last week from seller Shenzhen GagaKing Technology Co.,Ltd reliable seller who solved my problems with lost smartwach.
http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6629385771.html?orderId=66935146402922
They messaged me saying apple opened a claim against Aliexpress because they are selling a copy of their Apple watch and Alliexpress ordered to close the announcement. They will continue selling for Chinese market and will continue selling contacting by email/ message but they are not allowed to announce it anymore.
Nice and cheap smartwatch.
Good aluminium finishing, light (59gr) and clear micro and speaker.
Didn't have any problem with my Movistar MicroSim. Some people wrote received the k8 with invalid IMEI and they had to generate a new IMEI with chamelephon. Not my case. I didn't have any problem and I receive 3G/H+ in Spain even having 2100 3G here.
Google play was not preinstalled but I downloaded Last play store 5.6.8 and no problem.
After that I downloaded some apps from play store and another apps just installing .apk like endomondo pro.
GPS and Bluetooth are working great. I did have many problems with umeox watches relating to Bluetooth. I like the watch because I want to use the smartwatch principally for training and k8's GPS and Bluetooth are working fine without interruptions. I didn't have any problem pairing with my Zephyr HxM BT heart rate chest band. The same for Jabra sport wireless headphones and chines cheap monocular. All working continuously.
320x320 is good for some things and bad for others. The characters are smaller than in 240x240 res and I can access to some setting I couldn't access in umeox smartwatches but sometimes letters are too small for my eyes.
I don't like the launcher because it's very simple and limited.
Don't like the fact of swiping from top to down for going back. It limits or makes impossible the using of other launchers like nova.
I didn't try other launchers. I didn't try rooting for extra settings. I didn't try because I have no idea... :silly:
About battery This morning, an Endomondo tracking of 50 minutes with 3G, GPS and Bluetooth chest heart monitor and headphones connected battery went down from 97% to 74% not switching on the screen too much because I received partials by Bluetooth headphones every kilometre.
Right now after 9 hours battery level is 29% not using too much the watch so I guess it can not stand the whole day without charging with a intense using.
Anyway very good smartwatch for its price.
Sorry for my English.
Thanks for the quick review PichaLatigo, very interested in this watch. Looks a lot like what I'm after.
After more time with it, can you give any more details about the battery life? Any problems you've found since your last post?
would anyone reccomend this over the omate or inwatch?
PichaLatigo said:
Received last week from seller Shenzhen GagaKing Technology Co.,Ltd reliable seller who solved my problems with lost smartwach.
http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6629385771.html?orderId=66935146402922
They messaged me saying apple opened a claim against Aliexpress because they are selling a copy of their Apple watch and Alliexpress ordered to close the announcement. They will continue selling for Chinese market and will continue selling contacting by email/ message but they are not allowed to announce it anymore.
Nice and cheap smartwatch.
Good aluminium finishing, light (59gr) and clear micro and speaker.
Didn't have any problem with my Movistar MicroSim. Some people wrote received the k8 with invalid IMEI and they had to generate a new IMEI with chamelephon. Not my case. I didn't have any problem and I receive 3G/H+ in Spain even having 2100 3G here.
Google play was not preinstalled but I downloaded Last play store 5.6.8 and no problem.
After that I downloaded some apps from play store and another apps just installing .apk like endomondo pro.
GPS and Bluetooth are working great. I did have many problems with umeox watches relating to Bluetooth. I like the watch because I want to use the smartwatch principally for training and k8's GPS and Bluetooth are working fine without interruptions. I didn't have any problem pairing with my Zephyr HxM BT heart rate chest band. The same for Jabra sport wireless headphones and chines cheap monocular. All working continuously.
320x320 is good for some things and bad for others. The characters are smaller than in 240x240 res and I can access to some setting I couldn't access in umeox smartwatches but sometimes letters are too small for my eyes.
I don't like the launcher because it's very simple and limited.
Don't like the fact of swiping from top to down for going back. It limits or makes impossible the using of other launchers like nova.
I didn't try other launchers. I didn't try rooting for extra settings. I didn't try because I have no idea... :silly:
About battery This morning, an Endomondo tracking of 50 minutes with 3G, GPS and Bluetooth chest heart monitor and headphones connected battery went down from 97% to 74% not switching on the screen too much because I received partials by Bluetooth headphones every kilometre.
Right now after 9 hours battery level is 29% not using too much the watch so I guess it can not stand the whole day without charging with a intense using.
Anyway very good smartwatch for its price.
Sorry for my English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if the zgpax or other battery fits in here
k8
I received the same watch, but I have still a few questions:
1) did you find the way to install other Widgets on the right side of the clock?
2) is there another launcher that you were able to use? I tried goole now launcher and zeam launcher, but I cannot configurate the options and I had to go back to the standard one
thanks
k8 how to solve a few problems
when I received the phone I was not able to root it and I was not able to call with the sim card, I discovered that there was no IMEI number
0) I had to activate developer mode touching 7 times the BUILT version in phone status
1) I used ROOT GENIUS on the pc, connecting with the usb cable to finally root it, I tried other programs but they didn't work, I also cancelled with it a few chinese apps that I didn't need
2) once it was rooted, I downloaded from the playstore the "MTK engineer mode", it was the only one that worked with me
3) i went to connectivity, cds, radio, phone 1, and finally I tipped the +AT =EGMR=1,7”xxxxXXXXXXXXXXXX", but act to put only one " after the 7, because it you do not do it, it says "AT command failed" , after reboot. The dimension of the letters is so small that you do not notice it
with these 2 actions I was able to have the sim card working and it is perfect
I still do not know how to insert other widgets on the right side of the clock
How is the battery life?
batterylife
suunnittelija said:
How is the battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if roughly no use: 16 hours
intensiv use : 4 but with 1 hour charging the battery is full
I can not recommend it anymore. Bluetooth and GPS are not working anymore after one month using very happily.
I tried to use Nova launcher with "All in one gestures" app recommended by another user but not so practical. I am used to its simple launcher but missing some functions like application manager (I had to use and alternative from play store).
My sim card didn't have any problem. Calls and data work fine. But without GPS it is useless for me.
Moreover my seller can offer an spare charging dock and I would like to get another one just in case... and I didn't find anywhere
I just got the watch yesterday. UI is great and it comes with pre-installed playstore. Battery life i still need to monitor , if i use wifi and bluetooth, seems it drains quite fast. GPS and bluetooth working fine after testing...
As for notification while pairing with phone, it seems that it does not really work...
Is this smartwatch water resistant?
Hi all, i'm interested in buying this smartwatch and i would know if it is water resistant (ipx7 is enough) thanks
Use An Android Phone As A Dashcam
This is at least the 60th car accident I've been in this year. I swear it's not my fault but as soon as the judge sees my driving record, I'm toast! I've been telling myself that I'm going to get a dashcam for the past few years and I just never get around to it. If a dashcam is just a camera that starts recording when the car is moving, then why can't I just use that old Android phone that's collecting dust in my BDSM chamber? Well now you can!
This will work best with a phone that has lots of storage or an SD card slot.
To convert your phone into a dashcam, you'll want to use the app DailyRoads Voyager.
Download DailyRoads Voyager
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
You'll want a sturdy window mount to get the best footage. you can find them on Amazon for around $20.
Here are some of the features you'll get with the DailyRoads Voyager app.
Background video/photo capture, with optional buttons over other applications
Auto start and shutdown based on car dock detection and related options
Videos/photos are timestamped & geotagged
Automatically determine street address of retained videos/photos
Display videos/photos location on a map
Display speed, elevation, timestamp and GPS coordinates on videos/photos
Option to change speed units (km/h, mph) and date format
Overheating protection
GPS can be disabled to reduce power consumption
Brightness adjustment option allows less distraction when driving at night
Built-in file manager, video/photo browser
There are several apps that offer dashcam recording but this one definitely has the most useful features. Give it a shot and stop putting off getting that dashcam!
perfect
This is a great idea! I am going to try this out with my old phone.
This looks great, going to give it a go with an old phone. One question, can you have the phone screen off while driving and it still records or does it need to be on?
obsidianwings said:
This looks great, going to give it a go with an old phone. One question, can you have the phone screen off while driving and it still records or does it need to be on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen has to be on but you can just set it to be very dim.
AutoGuard supports background recording:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hovans.autoguard
This is a nice idea that maybe 90% of the people already looking for a dash camera thought about.
The real problem here is not finding a suitable application (like the one you thoughtfully suggested) but having your phone actually behave like a normal dash camera: turn on when the car turns on, turn off after you turn off your car. Especialy, not having the huge delay in starting up as every android phone has: a dash camera starts up (I mean from totally off, with a dead battery sitting idly in there) in just a few seconds.
The first problem might be solved with tasker, joining the "charger on/off" event to the video recording app, the second one is not easily solvable IMO.
I wouldn't know tho, since I own a chinese dash camera which sadly has no GPS, but which I paid less than any decent second-hand android phone (16€ because I wanted a "good" one) and worked as intended straight out of the box without any intervention on my part other than setting up the resolution
ephestione said:
This is a nice idea that maybe 90% of the people already looking for a dash camera thought about.
The real problem here is not finding a suitable application (like the one you thoughtfully suggested) but having your phone actually behave like a normal dash camera: turn on when the car turns on, turn off after you turn off your car. Especialy, not having the huge delay in starting up as every android phone has: a dash camera starts up (I mean from totally off, with a dead battery sitting idly in there) in just a few seconds.
The first problem might be solved with tasker, joining the "charger on/off" event to the video recording app, the second one is not easily solvable IMO.
I wouldn't know tho, since I own a chinese dash camera which sadly has no GPS, but which I paid less than any decent second-hand android phone (16€ because I wanted a "good" one) and worked as intended straight out of the box without any intervention on my part other than setting up the resolution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the solution is not let the phone switch off. I don't think its much of a problem considering the fact that it will be connected to the charger throught out the drive
Pauses when the veihicle is turned off might drain the battery in standby for so long that the phone could turn off automatically. Chances are also that the old phone you put in your car for this purpose already has a dying battery (not that brand new battery won't die pretty fast by being on charge during most of the time)
Unless you take power from a different outlet than the cigarette lighter, which is powered on only when the car is on, but that in turn will drain the very own car battery, albeit it's got way more power reserves, but still a overdrain risk if your car stays off for long periods.
Having to remember to turn the phone off and on again when you need it is still bothersome, plus as I said it will take some time to be operative when you turn it on.
I thank the op and others for bringing up the two suggested dashcam apps (DailyRoads Voyager & AutoGuard Dash Cam), and I agree that a phone doesn't "act" like a built-in dashcam (e.g., go on and off with the ignition switch) but I wouldn't expect an Android dash-cam app to be as good as a built-in system anyway.
It just needs to work, where I'll test the two suggested dashcam apps on my next road trip, but I will note for others first that I had to loosen my FOSS Google Play Store client to even find the two suggested apps above (both, unfortunately, require GSF and both even more unfortunately, contain ads).
DailyRoads, free, contains ads, requires gsf, rated 4.1, 1M+ installs
AutoGuard, free, contains ads, requires gsf, rated 3.8, 1M+ installs
The goal, of course, would be to find a dash cam that is at least as good as those two but without those two unfortunate developer decisions (which I understand why they choose them).
UPDATE: The AutoGuard Dash Cam app requires a login to a mothership which, even though it allows for "guest", seems like something an app suggested for general purpose use should never need, given the obvious negative privacy implications. Maybe someone can expound on why it needs any login to anything when all it's supposed to be doing is recording onto your own personal device.