• mortrek@lemmy.ml
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    11 months ago

    What Android software could you use for managing it? Gadgetbridge seems to not have fully-developed support for it, even with their preferred firmware.

    I’m using Gadgetbridge with a hacked Amazfit Bip and I’m pretty happy. I like the multicolor TFT LCD w/no default backlight on the Bip, which is very readable in bright light and only requires a quick button press to get the backlight on in the dark, or you can waste more battery life and have it turn on when you turn it towards yourself. It’s also got built-in GPS/workout tracking (you have to manually flash the A-GPS data occasionally…), the ability to load little open source apps, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, notifications, custom watchfaces, etc which I’m sure the Pinetime has most of. The battery also lasts ages since it uses such a low-power LCD.

    I’m not saying the Pinetime isn’t good, but decent alternatives exist. I would love a truly open-source smart watch, but maybe when the project is slightly more mature. I guess I could always get one and contribute to it… $30 is really not much. I’ll definitely try it if my Bip breaks.

    • M0oP0o
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      11 months ago

      I have found nothing that worked, was not spying on you, was not some hipster pipedream, and has lots of people working on it. Oh and gadgetbridge seems to work good, what do you mean not supported?

      • mortrek@lemmy.ml
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        11 months ago

        Also the Bip cannot spy on you unless you install the official app. It’s limited to its interactions with apps over bluetooth, and I just use Gadgetbridge.

        • M0oP0o
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          11 months ago

          Glad you worked around the spying. I just wanted to give my money to a company that did not start by spying on me.

      • mortrek@lemmy.ml
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        11 months ago

        According to the wiki, only one firmware is supported, and it’s early support with missing features. The wiki may be outdated, though.

        • M0oP0o
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          11 months ago

          Yeah, I have updated my firmware and its just fine. Like a lot of this type of development there is not great oversight or up to date documents.