yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
I'm still very confused. I really don't want to buy a 125 dollar watch and not know exactly what I'm in for.

1.) From my understanding there are 2 firmwares for the original model and one firmware for the newer model right? Wrong?

2.) I'd need confirmation if you need to de-solder your battery for a safe successful firmware flash since I don't own a solder station.

3.) So essentially if you're not able to connect to your computer to flash your watch, there are plenty of other programs I can use?

4.) Are you seriously telling me that whether if I buy the old OR the new model I can only use 2G because I live in America!? That sucks, 2g is so slow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
1.) Yes. The original model have 2 firmware, in earlier fw the google services not work, the second firmware can repair this, this is the only difference. The newer model comes with a new camera and a new firmware. The google services work and i think the new camera 2Mpx better then earlier and the compass not working.

2.) No need desolder the battery for firmware update.

4.) The 3G work only in 2100MHz. It's not working in the US,you can use it only EDGE.

I think the older model's camera VGA,because the max. resolution video record 480p. It's a shame in the 21st century and zgpax lie 5Mpx.
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Thank you Janek for reply,

Just few considerations. Got the watch with original firmware at begin, and took a couple of photos with the camera.

Res 1600x1200 so i consider is the new model (or 2nd).

Now I've flashed the December 2014 firmware 20141208 and everithing was fine with google and stuff.

Only the camera stops to working (impossible to get connect to camera message).

Now few days ago piechucki on post 846 gave me a newer firmware.

I flashed it and at 45% an error occurred, and the watch bye bye.Not recognized anymore in windows 7 x64.

MAYBE I did a mistake, flashing the watch through an Usb 3.0 port.

The only way was desolder the positive,plug in pc that recognizes again the device, and resolder back.

After this I've successfully reflashed the 20141208 firmware.

But even SP flash tools gave me a warning after loading the scatter file of firmware 1418886436, saying that the modules are not all properly loaded or stuff like that........

Now should I try again using normal usb 2.0? It deserves the risk?

Don't sorry Yourself ,you got a good english.

ZGPAX S8

Baseband ver. MOLY.WR8.W1315.MD.WG.MP.V4.2013/08/14_18:16

Kernel 3.4.67

Build S8S8 ALPS.KK1.MP7.V1.5_1417513043
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
The 1418886436 firmware from dropbox (Thanks for gtakacs!) not contain the cache.img, and the userdata.img because it's a mtkdroidtools backup from gtakacs's phone. It's generate the warning message,but it's not problem.

After upgrade i hope you have luck,but check your IMEI. *#06# If invalid then you need to write it manually,because without IMEI you cannot use any network.
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
So when loading with SP flash tools, the instruction is download only, and it will replace only these files.

I'll try, but it deserves do all this mess on the firmware? It gives some advantages?
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
Yes,the SP flash tool only flash the checked files. If your phone working then don't reflash it.
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
Can this somehow be tethered to my phone which has a working LTE compatible band?
[Other SmartWatches] hari_g:
Hebrew, Play store, Bluetooth connection, frame ver.

Dear forum members I need help to decide baying .

I get confusing information from the sellers.

1. I understand that there are problems with the firmware is it easy to do an upgrade firmware ?

2. I need Hebrew lang is it a problem to add lang ?

3. Using connection Bluetooth only no Sim can I dial ?

4. Is play store build in or need to be install ?

Thx for your help

Hari
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Hi.

I'll try to answer. Updating the firmware is pretty easy, and you will find the firmware on this forum or just ask on procedure.

Considering that the watch is like a smartphone running kitkat 4.4, I believe that downloading and installing your language is not a problem.

Regarding the bluetooth connection, I see that is not exactly like a device addon, but a smartphone connected to a smartphone. There is an app called SWapplink that I use that can do this trick and other funny things.

Google play store is already present. I consider this device really nice for the money you pay, but the firmware upgrade must be done in order to have everything working.
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Hi Janek,

The files that I want to flash are coming from a backup with mtk droid tools, right?

So those files are part of a complete firmware.

If you see in the classic firmware package used to upgrade the device the system.img is 400 mb or so, the file extracted with MTK is system.ext4.img and is 820 mb.

Now do I perform a recovery from a backup, or I use sp flash tools and flash those files like a firmware (included the cache.img and userdata.img as you told me)?

I note that in the classic firmware package there are more files repect the backup S8_1418886436.

I don't want to do a mess again and desolder the battery again.
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
I try to understand what to do, for me and others obviously....
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
Have you got a full backup from your phone with mtk droid tools? You need to convert it with mtk droid tools to sp flash tool.

You can find it under the root,backup,recovery tab > To prepare blocks for Flash Tool. After conversation it's looks like downloaded file.

Dont't worry just copy the userdata.img and cache.img to this folder and flash.
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Great, the upgrade gone good! Now the camera came back alive! Thanks!
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
So let me get this straight, I need root on my phone to be able to flash the firmware on the watch!? I don't have root! Or do you need root on the smart watch? I'm confused
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
No you're confusing the things. The rooting procedure comes after the firmware upgrade, and is not necessary if you don't want to root.

You just upgrade the firmware using SP flash tools only with the watch. The phone is not involved in this.

First you need to determine wich S8 you have: the old model has camera o,3 mpx and the new S8 has 2.0 mpx (1600x1200).

Then you will choose the firmware to update.
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
Quickly discharged

Maybe someone has or has had as I did and found a solution:

After disconnecting the charging (often) the battery very quickly discharged (5 - 10% per hour), after a reboot everything is back to normal ... I did not see anything special in the running applications.

Does anyone have any idea?
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
Which applications you use?
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
System and:

True Phone - dialer,

Handcent SMS,

Mute Ringer,

Business Callendar,

ES File Explorer,

Fast Notepad,

Lock Screen,

Naked Browser,

Meteo.pl,

MDict,

OSM AND+,

Swiss Army Knife,

WiFi File Transfer Plus,

Power Scheduler,

MessagEase.

Disabled:

Callendar,

Cloud Print,

Google Play Store,

Messaging,

Picassa Uploader,

Print Spooler,

Search,

Tags,

TalkBack,

YT.
[Other SmartWatches] kyone2000:
Battery discharge issues

I've owned the s8 for about 2 months now. It has two distinct problems.

1. When it powers down the clock stops timing. If it turns off at 8pm and I turn it on at 7am it still says 8pm. So the auto off/on feature will turn the phone off but it will never turn back on again.

2. The battery charge capacity % is very inaccurate. I see it at, for example 85% for 5 hours, then it will drop quite sharply. I've had it at 60% and it shutdown on low battery after a 5 min phone call. In standby I've had it last almost 3 days, start pushing it with web surfing and wifi etc and it will drop off very quickly.. in a matter of a couple of hours.

My old Z1 mobile phone watch never had any of these problems.
[Other SmartWatches] webman2k:
I've seen the battery die quickly when it's low during phone calls, but if I don't factor in the phone calls, I can get it normally down to 1-2% before it shuts down.

I think the calls are just very intensive for this battery. If the charge is low, it'll drain quick. I did have a 1.6 hour speakerphone call once before it shut down. Started at about 80% charge.

With normal use - email, apps, weather, a few couple minute calls - I have no issue getting a full day. Unplugged at 6:30am, I'm usually at 50-60% by 6pm when I get home.

---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 PM ----------

Update. I installed Classic Speed Dial - free from the play store - to add in speed dialing. Works perfectly. Just dial one number and hit call.

For the camera, I replaced the built in one with Open Camera (also free from the play store). This allows me to lock the orientation of the camera. interestingly enough, I have to lock it to "landscape." Probably because the native resolution is 1600x1200. When locked, doesn't matter what angle the phone is, pictures are alway the right format. This app also allows me finer control over the resolution and video sizing. It's just as fast as the built in one, but on a device the size of this, I couldn't ask for more.

Really love this thing. Just need to find a bluetooth headset that works reliably, then I pretty much have no complaints. If you're getting the newer model, I'd say don't hesitate. $120 from dealsmachine.com, and came in a week to a US address for $13 shipping.
[Other SmartWatches] webman2k:
Regarding watch faces, any way to install additional ones? One of the built in ones has greyed out message and phone icons, which I assumed would light up if you had a missed call and an SMS waiting to be seen - which would be awesome - but it doesn't seem to work, and there's no settings for the lockscreen app. Does this work for anyone else?
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
You never clarified what this list is for. What is this list for?
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
This is his answer to #875
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
kgonepostl Read the previous post: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=59521168&postcount=875
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
You disabled these applications to save life on the battery correct?
[Other SmartWatches] hotboy_92:
Given up on SWapp link. Bluetooth on watch seems to go into a deep sleep and the notifications from my Moto G then stop arriving. So it uses too much battery to use just as a lockscreen. Does zooper use much battery? Also, since it isn't a lock screen, do you sometimes find the data has "stalled", e.g. the time is out of sync for a few seconds? That's what happened to me with UCCW. So I'd do a quick button press to see the time, but it would be wrong for a few seconds then update (or sometimes it wouldn't update).

Thanks
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
Those that can be turned off, they were off, but you can not turn off everything.

I read the messages of other users and see that they also battery runs for about a day ... It follows from this that it might be a mistake battery indication. It is a pity that the battery is running so short ... :(

Edit:

However after off the battery from charging and restart the phone - can withstand almost 2 days. When I do not reset - only from morning to evening.
[Other SmartWatches] hari_g:
Hebrew lang.

Dear friends.

I will like to know if it is possible to add Hebrew o any other lang on this Smart Watch ?

Thx

Hari
[Other SmartWatches] ronin8knight:
Can you guys please post EXACTLY what needs to be done for this? I tried what I thought you said above but to no avail. Using a zgpax s8. Full root access. Walk me through it like the dummie I am. (: thanks guys!
[Other SmartWatches] caras2uk:
Can somebody confirm if after flashing new software the Bluetooth is working properly with any device?Pairing OK with my car audio,tunein working fine,but no phone calls thru...on stock firmware...no luck on windows8(to flash).thank you.
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
I picked up the Goldkey Smartphone, which from what I can tell is just a current generation ZGPAX S8, factory rooted, actual US warranty and maybe a little more polished in terms of secure UI.

I have had a few current generation smartwatches that had much higher build quality and ISO water resistance but I love this smartwatch. Android and it does everything, not super well, but absolutely everything (insert kitchen sink)!

http://www.cnet.com/products/goldkey-secure-communicator/
[Other SmartWatches] ulyssesdraco:
Hey guys, this is a big thread and I'm having a little trouble finding what I want to find.

I just got the ZGPAX S8(newest model) and I have it rooted. Now I'm just looking around and seeing how I can improve it. For instance, what's the best keyboard replacement? Fleksy? Minuum? Swype? Has anyone tried them?
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
+1 on hearing on recommended apps.

In my case, I'm not sure if you require root access for any of these but I use Minuum. It has a really nice one line predictive keyboard and an easy Google Voice swipe to activate.

I also like:

Google Voice Search icon

MyRadar

Google News

---------- Post added at 02:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 AM ----------
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
ulyssesdraco - MessagEase in zoom mode. :)
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Zgpax s8 screen protection

I just want to advice that on Ebay there are available from protectionfilms.de a set of 6 screen protection for S8.

Here's the link: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=361249734077&alt=web

I'm using the Big Launcher, really awesome on this watch, almost born for it.

The only thing that I can not work around is that the launcher goes full screen,

and I'm unable to reach the pull-down menu to see notifications. Anyone have the same issue?
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
I also use the BIG launcher and i have notification bar.I wrote the solution in this. post.

You need xposed framework and gravitybox module.
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
Has anyone played with Bubble Cloud?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dyna.logix.bookmarkbubbles

This looks incredibly cool and practical.
[Other SmartWatches] andyt_hw:
Keyboard

I use 'Super Keyboard - Free' in T9 mode and it works great for me. There is no timeout or anything like that.

Andy
[Other SmartWatches] webman2k:
Dust under the screen

So after using this daily for a while, my only complaint really has to be the dust. I wasn't expecting an air tight display, but the amount that creeps in under the top screen starts to get very noticeable after a while. A hard tap in the right direction will move some of it around, and I tried blowing air into the top of the sim card slot, but that didn't do much.

Without destroying the phone, is there any way to get to the space between the digitizer and the screen to clean it out?
[Other SmartWatches] bernsbe:
New Arrival: How to make a maiden backup?

Hi,

I ordered this one on the night of the 11th to the 12th of March and it was presented to my home yesterday. I wasn't home and had to wait for this evening to collect it at the post office.

I bought it from the same location that Andyt_HW left a message on <- at least I think that this is the case. Andy can confirm ;)

So, here I am. The watch is now plugged in to start loading the battery. Right after plugging in it showed an interface "power charging mode" and a battery.

I would like to make a maiden copy of what's on it before actually switching it on for the first time. This would give me a way to completely go back if something might fail. So, here is my quesiton: Do we have a procedure to backup the watch before actually switching it truly on?
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
You can do it with sp flash tool's read back funtion. You need the correct drivers for windows,sp flash tool, and the scatter file.
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
If you do it, what did I do, you do it at your own risk.

Ladies and Gentlemen ;)

Was looking for a way to S8 run longer on battery power. I needed a root and KingoRoot did not work. I tried to install TowelRoot and ... it did to not work :( . I have uninstalled TowelRoot and ... S8 work for me for three days, and the battery is still 88% :)

After that I remembered that once I made so another phone with MTK6572 and the battery can withstand more than 15 days. Maybe this is the way to extend the work of our toys?
[Other SmartWatches] kyone2000:
In standby with no radios turned on my phone last for over a few days. It's once I start using it with 3G voice calls (very few calls) and maybe data sync turned on it loses battery within 18 hours. My battery charges normally between 0 and 50% then charges very rapidly. I have installed Gsam battery monitor app to confirm what I am seeing.

It is either the battery or the battery electronics or the android firmware.
[Other SmartWatches] aeron16:
I have similar issues on the Omate Truesmart and was looking at the S8 as a replacement.

Looks like it won't be a good choice though :(
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
Not good choice. The hardware same,but the build quality much lower. Lower quality antennas (GPS,GSM,WIFI,BT) no IP65 or 67,low quality camera,but i think same with omate's camera.. The only thing it's cheaper. :D Maybe beautiful.
[Other SmartWatches] piechucki:
After 3 full days of normal operation the battery go quickly from 80% to power off. :( But it is 2 - 3 times more than before :)

Let's see what will happen next
[Other SmartWatches] David42290:
I have Omate now and il had a S8...

Janek is right, Omate is better than S8.

And you can update your Omate to 4.4.2 ( https://youtu.be/eZuC8SI0wfo).

In a french Web store you can find it at 99€…http://www.cdiscount.com/telephonie...te-true-smart/f-144040203-omatetruesmart.html
[Other SmartWatches] aeron16:
Thanks for the feedback guys. My omate is also on 4.4 already.

Looks like there isn't much better choices in the market today!

What appeals abt the S8 is the microusb direct port and the front facing camera haha
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
Here is some photo with older camera.
[Other SmartWatches] kyone2000:
The problem with this is that you go to make a call with 80% battery life and it drops out half way through.

I have also disabled some things on my watch to try and make it last longer. It seems to be working. I now just need to test was uses a lot of battery but testing it with GPS/Wifi/3G and Bluetooth etc.

I was under the impression none of the above radios should use all that much power while you are not using your phone and the screen is off.

The inaccurate battery gauge is a real issue for phones.. I'm starting to get range anxiety like electric car drivers !!

---------- Post added at 08:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------

That is a very big advantage. I don't want to have to carry around with me a docking connector or unique cable.

It is good to know if my watch battery needs a recharge there is always a micro USB cable lying around somewhere.
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
"a micro USB cable lying around somewhere." and you can use powerbank always and everywhere on hand.
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
Want to try a Solar Brunton Bump, sure they sucked for charging a huge phone battery but for our little one, they would work great! Only $7 bucks.
[Other SmartWatches] janek69:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Black-Wrist-Band-Gadget-Battery-Charger-Power-Bank-For-iPhone-PSP-MP3/944775152.html
[Other SmartWatches] kyone2000:
It would be great if the manufacturers of these watches could some how make the band part of the battery. I would also be happy for my s8 to be 10 - 20% larger to accommodate a larger capacity battery. I miss that about my prior android watch, the Z1. It had very reliable battery monitoring. And it was able to wake itself up from being powered off.
[Other SmartWatches] bernsbe:
Hi

I did not manage to get a connection to make a backup before starting to use my phone/watch. (Probably because I did not de-solder the battery, a thing I did not want to do). The phone connects to the PC with the preloader but immediately disconnects.

Assuming there is a safe copy of the system that I could flash onto it somehow whenever I bust my phone, I will go ahead and start using the phone:

First things to install: mobizen
[Other SmartWatches] aeron16:
couldn't resist a try and ordered an S8 from banggood. Hope to receive it shortly and that its the updated version!
[Other SmartWatches] Federicoz45:
Yes you're right, also mine is having dust under the touchscreen. I believe that is coming inside the speaker fins on bottom of the screen.

I guess that the speaker is not sealed. The only way is open and dismantle completely the watch, because reaching the screen is on the end of all the hardware. Soon I will try to do it and see if there is a fix for the speaker. I'll post some images if successful.
[Other SmartWatches] jeffc83:
Same here only I ordered mine from Flea-Bay....should be here Wednesday.

Well, I damn near read ALL 90 some pages here and have all my files ready to go if the firmware isn't updated! Hopefully it'll be the new model for the both of us:fingers-crossed: Thinking of trying V3 of Towelroot before Root Genius. Thanks to all that have contributed here, it helped sway my decision to buy one of these versus the iMacwear M7:good:
[Other SmartWatches] cheesebox:
Battery Issues

I am happy with the battery performance on my S8 in that it lasts quite a long time. However, it will be on for example 60% after 12 hours, and will all of a sudden not turn on. Then, if I go to charge it, the watch will show 1%. Sometimes, the battery will then show 60% again when switched back on. Other times it may need to be charged up again. The battery statistics seem to be unpredictable. Overall, this is not a big deal, as I will get a days use out of the phone. However, I would like to know if my watch is about to die on me. Does anyone else experience similar and have any solutions?
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
Yes, this is a known issue. Battery management is inaccurate and unrectifiable, as I know it. Better minds, please chime in, if there is a solution or battery app. that is able to correct this.
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
Can anybody confirm an online website that is shipping the newer model of the zgpax s8 so I won't have to update the firmware for google services to work?
[Other SmartWatches] kyone2000:
DX Deal Extreme
[Other SmartWatches] digiworld:
I've ordered a S8 on Dealextreme and I like to hear it' already up to date.

I aspect my S8 any day now, can't wait to receive it :rolleyes:
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
Hey, do me a favor and report back here when you get it. I'm dying to know if this is the new model as well!
[Other SmartWatches] digiworld:
Wow! Just mentioned that I can't wait 4 it. Now it arrived. I directly look it to it. No problem updating so far.

Here some pics.
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
Lookin good! Congrats.
[Other SmartWatches] kgonepostl:
What did you upgrade? The firmware? Why? You don't have to update the firmware on the newer models right?
[Other SmartWatches] ronfurro:
Correct. I think he was talking about updating the pre-installed apps. using Google Play, that works out-of-the-box on the newer firmware S8.
[Other SmartWatches] digiworld:
That's what I ment.
[Other SmartWatches] jeffc83:
Just got mine, not sure if it's the updated model but the play store works! Much better than my Gear 2 and 1 except for the obvious things such as build quality and screen size. Having trouble rooting on my Win8 machine but I'm switching over to a win7 32 bit PC to try that. Its gonna be a late night;)
[Other SmartWatches] MViani:
Hello, you used some other program, firmware or needed apk to update google apps?

I'm almost buying this smartwatch in Dealextreme too, just wanted to know what needs to leave him the latest possible.
[Other SmartWatches] digiworld:
I didn't use any program. GAPPS and all others were working out of the box.

I just ordered the SW without any correspondence and got the SW that is showing on my pics.