Re: S7 Edge Accessories
Verizon actually shipped my Gear2 watch when I preordered the S7 Edge on Tuesday. Have been using the watch since Thursday. Can't say anything about how it performs with the S7, but I have been using it with my S4, and can say I like it. As far as negatives, I can say I don't care for the plastic strap. It won't take a standard watch strap, and the replacement bands are a little pricey, but I'll probably spring for one in the near future.
It does require an app from Samsung be installed on the phone. It is a free download. As far as the phone, I don't notice any increased battery drain by using the app.
Keep in mind the watch has its own phone number and did require activation (at least for the promotion) and a data plan, which is the same price as adding a tablet. It syncs with bluetooth, and you have the ability to forward messages and calls to the watch. Honestly, I have only made one phone call with the watch. Kinda felt like Richard (won't let type his nickname) Tracy, but I could hear the other caller fine, and she said the voice quality on her end was pretty good. Keep in mind, unless you use a headset, the call on the watch will be on speaker, so anybody around you will hear the conversation.
I like the ability to not be tied to my phone. I can leave it the car, and not miss a call. It's also nice to get a message or email, and look at the watch and view the message. If it's something I need to answer, I can then pull the phone off my belt and answer, or dismiss it until later if it can wait . You can answer through the watch, but the small keyboard isn't worth the effort. You can answer texts with "canned" responses, either standard, or customized ones you create on your phone. The watch has both an audible (that you can turn off) and a vibrating alert. If I don't hear my phone, the watch will let me know the phone wants me. All of the alerts are customized, you decide what apps you want the phone to send to the watch.
Overall, I like the convenience of having the device. One note...I have it tied to the S-Health app on the phone. If it doesn't detect activity after about an hour or so, the watch vibrates and puts up a message nagging you to get moving.