This is something that I ran across while reading sometime ago, so I take no credit for it, I just thought I'd pass it along to help others. Basically all you need to do is use a file manager/explorer on your Note 3 (I use "My Files" most of the time) and long press on the file/app that you want to send to your Galaxy Gear and then hit the "share" button at the top of your screen. Then select "Bluetooth", and then choose the Galaxy Gear. After that, just hit "accept" on the Gear and that's it...nothing else is needed. It may take a few minutes just because bluetooth file transferring isn't extremely fast, but it works, and without having to enter commands in terminal/ADB, without any cables, without MobileGo which is a trial version (or cost $40), and you don't even need the Galaxy Gear's cradle (that you probably left at home like I did).
Once the file/app has transferred over, just use a file manager on your gear to maneuver to the "SDcard/Bluetooth" directory where your files will be waiting on the Gear. Then you can simply double click to install them or just move them where ever you want. My Gear already had a file manager on it after I installed the custom rom Null 18. Otherwise, getting that file manager app onto the Gear may be your biggest (also last) challenge as far as sideloading apps goes. I rooted, and then flashed the Null 18 rom first to save time, but now sideloading is a piece of cake.
I also took this method to the next level since I am also rooted as I mentioned. What I mean by that, is with Root Explorer you can navigate to the System/apps directory (which is normally hidden if not rooted and using something like RE to access it). Once there, you'll find that this is the directory where your installed apps are stored. Now you can use the same method mentioned above to pull apps that you may not have had the .apk files for. So in essence you are "ripping" the apps right from your Note 3 straight to your Gear! This gives you the ability to try and install/run ANY Android app (even those that are said NOT to be compatible with the Gear) because a lot of them will still run. Google Search/Google Now/Voice Search is GREAT on the Gear, and so are many others. NOW this device is really kickin! Enjoy.
It might be because you're not rooted...I get the "share" option from more than one of my file manager apps. Hopefully a few users here will try it out so that we can narrow down the exact process.
When I plug in my Gear in the usb MobileGo says it is a Samsung GT-S5690. What's up with that? I am trying to load Null.
I get the same thing,. but only if I'm in the Download mode.
My computer will not recognize the gear in the download mode and MobileGo says its a Samsung GT-S5690
First of all I apologize for resurrecting an old thread. I can't find anything that answers my question with this.
I tried this technique and what it comes down to is that my phone for some reason using the Bluetooth file transfer app simply won't transfer programs to my galaxy gear. Without any apps at all and just "share with Bluetooth" my gear doesn't even show up as an option (my car on the other hand does....weird). With Bluetooth file transfer apps the gear shows up, but it won't connect with them. I tried disconnecting my gear from my phone entirely and it doesn't show up at all (expected) and while connected it doesn't seem to want to transfer files.
does anyone have a solution for his? I tried using ADB to transfer files and I still keep getting errors. I type adb install NovaLauncher.apk and it comes back saying it's an invalid zip file???? What the? Seriously I'm just trying to make this watch more useful without having to root it and flash it and blah blah blah. Can someone help, please?