First exercise with Gear S2 - Not so great

[vocalist]

So I tried Nike+ for one mile and S Health for the second mile. This is all walking as I'm unable to run *sad face*

Nike+
Treadmill (take with a grain of salt - may need to be calibrated) = 1.25 in 21:20
Gear S2: steps 2193 Fitbit: 2065 Basis Peak 2110 steps (doesn't give mileage)
1 mile .90 miles

HR between all 3 monitors was pretty much spot on though it seemed a little off while using Nike+.

S Health: Today, the Gear S2 was only .10 off to the treadmill and the heart rate seemed to be more in line with my Polar than with Nike+ running.

Overall Totals:

Fitbit 6969 for 3.08 miles

Gear S2: 6455 for 2.98 miles

Basis Peak: 4652 Steps - I only put it on before I went to use the treadmill and the other two were on all morning. Hope this helps. I think one thing that would make the S2 super awesome is if you could calibrate the distance or enter your stride. If either of those are possible, can someone let us know how to do it?

 

[haus]

I used it for running twice and both situations it did not showed my pace. It only showed distance, time and HR.

That's odd. If you use s-health to track a run, in the summary screen after you stop it will show minutes, miles, and calories. Scroll down past the charts of speed and heart rate, and the next line should be your average speed. Oddly it doesn't calculate speed for me on the "hiking" setting. I guess hikers aren't supposed to care how fast they're going.

 

[tulahoob]

Thanks edubb256. Interesting to read about the way they are calculated, but for me, all day tracking is the way to do. I guess that's why Fitbit etc are so popular. But, Samsung also promotes 24/7 tracking, so go figure. The sleep tracking issue is interesting, because I have seen it on 3rd party reviews, on a Samsung article (somewhere, can't find it), and 2 of their 'techs' have told me it can be done.

And, that's where part of the problem lies - even Samsung haven't a clue!

 

[Shaun Yackey]

I have a question that I can't seem to get a clear answer on... I'm trying to decide if I want to get one of these or not. My main concern is between the 3G vs the bluetooth/wifi version, if that even exists - Best Buy said it did. Anyways, do you have to have the S2 connected to the phone while on runs? I see there is a lot of discussion on the accuracy of the HRM and the calories, but I'm only interested in the distance and pace - preferably on the wifi version. Is this achievable? Does it use the accelerometer to calculate the distance/pace? Would you recommend this device if that's my only interest for fitness?

 

[tulahoob]

Shaun, I'm pretty sure you don't as it will still pick up the run data, but you won't have the GPS capability for accurate distance, map of route etc. I wouldn't recommend it for just that. I use a Suunto Ambit for runs, and it's great. Outstanding customer service as well, unlike most of them.

 

[vocalist]

I have a question that I can't seem to get a clear answer on... I'm trying to decide if I want to get one of these or not. My main concern is between the 3G vs the bluetooth/wifi version, if that even exists - Best Buy said it did. Anyways, do you have to have the S2 connected to the phone while on runs? I see there is a lot of discussion on the accuracy of the HRM and the calories, but I'm only interested in the distance and pace - preferably on the wifi version. Is this achievable? Does it use the accelerometer to calculate the distance/pace? Would you recommend this device if that's my only interest for fitness?

You don't need it connected to your phone - especially if you're using S Health - and it seems to be most accurate when you're outside or moving around and not on a treadmill. That said, however, I would probably say a GPS watch would be a better fit. If I were still running, this just wouldn't meet my needs as I have come to learn that it really depends on how you hold your arms when you move as to whether or not it will pick up steps and capture your speed. Granted, when you're running your arms are pretty much in constant motion, but still. I've learned that if I'm holding something in my arm or not swinging my arm, no movement is registered. I'm kind of disappointed with the fitness tracking for all that Samsung has put into their commercials, etc. about the watch. I just don't think it lives up to their marketing...

**Edited to say: There are a TON of tracking options on the phone in S Health but I haven't tried them. On the watch, itself, you only get to choose: Walking, Hiking, Running, Elliptical, cycling, exercise bike and step machine. I'm really curious to get to the gym and try an exercise bike. There are no options on the watch for weight lifting.

 

[tulahoob]

Vocalist, you've made some good points on some of things irritating me about the S2. I've just bought a Galaxy 6 Edge+, which has S Health showing more functions than the S2. I find that strange as both devices are new.

I'm desperately hoping Samsung has some upgrades up its sleeve before the S2 gets sent back.

 

[tulahoob]

For those still following this thread, I just wanted to give a quick update of my experience with Samsung and trying to get these issues sorted.

The experience was not one I want to repeat in a hurry. I tried through various means to get tech support; Samsung AU website, Facebook and Twitter. Finally after several days I got a response.

However, the tech person had zero tech knowledge of the device or S Health, and just told me the do a factory reset. Made no difference.

In order to avoid a return, I asked if they were working on fixes for the various problems, and they didn't know.

It's a shame, as it's such a well built and designed device, but the health tracking functions are not up to scratch.

 

[wsrobert]

Yes there are two versions. One with a 3G radio and GPS (and wifi and bluetooth). And one without a 3G radio and GPS - but with wifi and bluetooth.

And even if you were to buy the 3G/GPS enabled version, it does such a terrible job of tracking running activities that its near useless. See my post above and elsewhere within the forum (search my name). Even with GPS enabled, the run tracking would be off by 30-60%. Cant imagine how terrible it'd be if you wanted to use the version of the S2 without GPS to track runs.

If you want a device to track runs and also have some smartwatch capabilities, buy the Garmin 230/235. Or spring for the 630.

My dilemmas is I want something that can also store and/or stream music. Which is why I tried the 3G version of the S2. I streamed music through Milk Music while attempting to track a run via S Health and/or Nike Running. When apps didn't completely crash, the run tracking was still off by 30-60%.

Look elsewhere for a fitness device.

 

[vocalist]

Yes there are two versions. One with a 3G radio and GPS (and wifi and bluetooth). And one without a 3G radio and GPS - but with wifi and bluetooth.

And even if you were to buy the 3G/GPS enabled version, it does such a terrible job of tracking running activities that its near useless. See my post above and elsewhere within the forum (search my name). Even with GPS enabled, the run tracking would be off by 30-60%. Cant imagine how terrible it'd be if you wanted to use the version of the S2 without GPS to track runs.

If you want a device to track runs and also have some smartwatch capabilities, buy the Garmin 230/235. Or spring for the 630.

My dilemmas is I want something that can also store and/or stream music. Which is why I tried the 3G version of the S2. I streamed music through Milk Music while attempting to track a run via S Health and/or Nike Running. When apps didn't completely crash, the run tracking was still off by 30-60%.

Look elsewhere for a fitness device.

Can I ask how you got Milk Music to work? I have the app on my phone and it comes up on the watch but when I click on it on the S2, it tells me to download something on my phone and the message is cut off... not terribly useful.

I did a 4 mile race on Thanksgiving morning with S Health and used the GPS on my phone and it came up as 4.08. I'm fairly certain I had it on for at least a minute prior to reaching the starting line and I know I was weaving around people a lot. I also know courses can be a bit off - usually by .03-.10 so I'm happy with what it recorded. I haven't had a chance to try S Health without GPS outside and I can say that on a treadmill, it seems to leave a lot to be desired. If you're a serious runner/athlete, I would absolutely steer you towards a TomTom, Garmin, etc. I think for the casual wearer or someone who doesn't want to wear multiple gadgets at once, this watch does some great things but they really need to update the accuracy of the pedometer and software in order for it to be the fitness watch they are marketing it as. I guess another option is to check out the Moto 360 Sport that was finally given a release date of January as it will have GPS built in. Oh - another thing of note - I've found the battery is fantastic, as long as I'm not streaming music over Bluetooth and using S Health, etc. Once I add those in, I'm fairly certain I would have to charge it well before the end of the day. All in all, I'm pretty happy with it but would be elated if some updates come through that fix some of the health issues.

 

[wsrobert]

It seems you have the non 3G version of the S2?

In which case, I'm assuming that you can't necessarily launch milk music as a standalone app on your watch. Since its still relying on your phones data connection to stream the music.

Have you set up an account on milk music on your phone? I know you mentioned you have it on the phone but didnt detail if you've opened/set up an account. I'd start there and then try again. But as mentioned above, I'm not sure you can launch Milk as a standalone app on the watch even when tethered to the phone with non 3G S2.

Which brings me to another point. With all of these devices - theres so many questions left unanswered about how exactly the damn things work. I understand they're complicated devices. But our phones are certainly more complicated and it doesnt seem as hard to track down answers about them as it is for wearables. From all manufacturers really. How does it calculate steps? How does it calculate caloric burn? How long is needed for a GPS lock? How can I launch the Milk Music app? And on and on...

I think I'm over wearables...for now. They still just arent ready for prime time yet.

 

[Arlene O]

Yes, you can use Milk Player as standalone on the 3G version. You just have to download app in your phone and then open it in your watch and follow instructions. I used it today for running and it worked.

 

[vocalist]

It seems you have the non 3G version of the S2?

In which case, I'm assuming that you can't necessarily launch milk music as a standalone app on your watch. Since its still relying on your phones data connection to stream the music.

Have you set up an account on milk music on your phone? I know you mentioned you have it on the phone but didnt detail if you've opened/set up an account. I'd start there and then try again. But as mentioned above, I'm not sure you can launch Milk as a standalone app on the watch even when tethered to the phone with non 3G S2.

Which brings me to another point. With all of these devices - theres so many questions left unanswered about how exactly the damn things work. I understand they're complicated devices. But our phones are certainly more complicated and it doesnt seem as hard to track down answers about them as it is for wearables. From all manufacturers really. How does it calculate steps? How does it calculate caloric burn? How long is needed for a GPS lock? How can I launch the Milk Music app? And on and on...

I think I'm over wearables...for now. They still just arent ready for prime time yet.

Yes - I have the non-3G version. But I'm confused because Milk Music comes pre-installed on the watch so I would assume I would be able to use it if my phone is nearby? Maybe I'll contact Samsung and ask because the message is cut off and I can't get the rest of their directions, lol. I am on Sprint and don't think they offer the 3G version..

 

[wsrobert]

You can use Milk Music. But it'll launch the app on your phone and simply let you control through the device.

Or, if you have wifi on and are connected, I'm sure it will work in standalone mode.

 

[vocalist]

I figured it out. Apparently, it was popping up the download for the companion app on my phone but as I wasn't looking at my phone, I never saw it. Still, it would have helped if the message wasn't cut off on the S2

This may be my final workout update but I figured I would make one more post since I did 3 tests. I wore the S2 on the treadmill at the gym last night and the heart rate worked like a charm but the distance was something like .30 off. I was a bit dumbfounded to say the least. So I decided to walk a half mile on the track and with that, the S2 was spot on or maybe off by .01 - .02. I can easily live with that.

I stumbled upon a trick that I have yet to duplicate so I don't know if it will work every time...: I turned off notifications while I did the treadmill today. Now bear in mind that this will do 2 things: you won't get incoming notifications (which is what I wanted) but you also won't get the screen to come on when you bring your arm up. I didn't realize the second bit of information but in the end, the distance this time was only off by .09 miles. I half wonder if it throws off the pedometer each time you bring your arm up to check the screen otherwise? I did do spot checks throughout the workout for my HR and distance (just press the top right button or rotate the bezel) but I was really pleased with this result. The distance, itself, also seems to be more accurate than my Fitbit.

Overall, I'm really pleased with the S2 as a smartwatch. I figure I'll likely end up keeping a Fitbit or Jawbone up as my go-to pedometer and sleep tracker but there's nothing about the S2 that has swayed me to want to take it back. I hope that future updates will tighten up some things we don't like on the activity tracking side and really hope that they will either link the additional workouts in S Health on your phone to the S2 or that they will add more options onto the watch, itself. I also hope that longer screen-on time update comes through soon! If someone is a long distance runner, I would highly recommend a GPS watch. If you really want a true calorie burn, more accurate step counting or sleep tracking, I would easily recommend a dedicated fitness tracker. Nothing is going to be perfect but for my needs, the S2 does exactly what I've been looking for. Hope this helps someone make a good decision! Cheers!

 

[amberstatt2]

Can u tell me where you got that widget from please? is it thru samsung Gear itself? looks awesome!!! do you activate from your phone or your watch? I'm so new to this and feeling a little deflated as doesn't log sleep which is like my number one thing, for some reason! and now is not accurate with steps

 

[laurie_7]

I agree completely regarding the exercise experience not being so great. I purchased this 3G watch for 2 main reasons: 1) I workout 5-6 days per week and wanted to track my heart rate and calories burned, 2) I wanted to be able to leave my phone in the locker or at home and still receive phone calls/texts while working out or hiking. I honestly don't see many other real needs for a smart watch other than the fact that it has helped me to not miss as many calls or texts when tethered via Bluetooth to my phone.

I purchased the watch about a week and half ago and so far, both features I listed above have been very flaky. Sometimes, the heart rate/calorie count seems accurate and other times it literally makes me laugh! I went on a 3.96 mile hike over the weekend and it said I burned 105,246 calories! Wow, I killed it! LOL... Then yesterday I ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill at a pace of 9.5 min miles and it said I burned only 59 calories yet it showed my heart rate at a max of 200 bpm... My max heart rate at that pace is generally at about 145-155 bpm and my $30 Timex HRM with a waist strap shows I typically burn around 190-200 calories at that rate and time.

Phone call forwarding is also very disappointing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it works, it's great as I use a Bluetooth headset with it and can talk without holding my watch up to my face! I did find a nice little app called 'SMS Bounce' that forwards my text messages to the watch and the voice texting feature with the S2 is pretty accurate.

At Verizon's cost of $350 for this watch, I am seriously considering returning it as the 2 main features I purchased this watch for are proving to be more inaccurate than accurate. Great concept Samsung, but I think the next go around you should do a LOT more testing before you launch any new versions of the watch. So disappointed!

 

[NoFaQ]

I agree completely regarding the exercise experience not being so great. I purchased this 3G watch for 2 main reasons: 1) I workout 5-6 days per week and wanted to track my heart rate and calories burned, 2) I wanted to be able to leave my phone in the locker or at home and still receive phone calls/texts while working out or hiking. I honestly don't see many other real needs for a smart watch other than the fact that it has helped me to not miss as many calls or texts when tethered via Bluetooth to my phone.

I purchased the watch about a week and half ago and so far, both features I listed above have been very flaky. Sometimes, the heart rate/calorie count seems accurate and other times it literally makes me laugh! I went on a 3.96 mile hike over the weekend and it said I burned 105,246 calories! Wow, I killed it! LOL... Then yesterday I ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill at a pace of 9.5 min miles and it said I burned only 59 calories yet it showed my heart rate at a max of 200 bpm... My max heart rate at that pace is generally at about 145-155 bpm and my $30 Timex HRM with a waist strap shows I typically burn around 190-200 calories at that rate and time.

Phone call forwarding is also very disappointing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it works, it's great as I use a Bluetooth headset with it and can talk without holding my watch up to my face! I did find a nice little app called 'SMS Bounce' that forwards my text messages to the watch and the voice texting feature with the S2 is pretty accurate.

At Verizon's cost of $350 for this watch, I am seriously considering returning it as the 2 main features I purchased this watch for are proving to be more inaccurate than accurate. Great concept Samsung, but I think the next go around you should do a LOT more testing before you launch any new versions of the watch. So disappointed!

Can you put up a link for the SMS Bounce? I didn't see it in the app store (Google or Samsung).

 

[Shellybells82]

I purchased the s2 primarily to be able to run and stream music without my phone. The first few days, I was having trouble with it and it was super frustrating. Ive learned that anytime I have any issues, I need to power off/power on the watch with my phones Bluetooth off and it works perfectly. I open Milk Music first, then Nike. Calls are forwarding, my miles are tracking and they are showing correctly when I hold the watch up to look. I'm not really looking to count my calories burned or anything more than I stated above. But it is nice to not carry my Note with me running anymore.

 

[NoFaQ]

My biggest complaint (S2 3g) is listening to music with S-health. I transferred music over to the watch, and use BT headphones. I get constant stutters and music cut-outs during the first 0.5-0.75 miles of the run. Then, everything is great and plays with no issues. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I'm going to try with the heart rate turned off. Also, I may try running with the watch on my other hand, since most BT headphones have the receiver in the right side.