Running/GPS tracking apps

[foxbat121]

A recent thread about the accuracy issue seems to indicate that the S Health app is using the pedometer to calculate the distance, rather than GPS. So it is actually not that accurate.

 

[InfamousUnknown]

To use the pedometer I would have to give it some indication of my height etc. Also it tracks cycling distance and it can not use the pedometer for that, so while it may be true for running it certainly is capable of GPS tracking.

 

[foxbat121]

To use the pedometer I would have to give it some indication of my height etc. Also it tracks cycling distance and it can not use the pedometer for that, so while it may be true for running it certainly is capable of GPS tracking.

It does track GPS positions. But with the slower speed of walk/run, the inherent inaccuracy of GPS positions are a big problem for calculating distances from the collected GPS positions (which has an inaccuracy from 5 to 10 feet each that could also be within the distance of each GPS position it collects) easily. It needs a much more complicated algorithm to calculate. With the speed of cycling and anything moving faster, the GPS inaccuracy is not that a big deal. So a simple diff can put up a pretty accurate distance info.

 

[chtorr280]

You can now use Endomondo stand-alone on the Sony Smartwatch 3 which has built in GPS. So maybe it's coming soon for the Gear S too?

Obviously, they recognize the desire people have to run without their phones since they implemented it for the Sony watch.

 

[Jeff Woerner]

Recently found an app called ABSTrainer by Samsung R&D Institute Poland. Works much like a Garmin on the Gear S. Turned my phone off and tested it today stand alone on Gear S 3G and it accurately tracked speed and time for the run. Need to do a longer run to check is distance is being accurately tracked. Has ability to set units of measure in metric or US.

Unlike the Nike App it will allow monitor of speed/distance/time on a single screen while running. It also tracks and allows you to retrieve history. Also has functions for jump rope, situps, and it looks like a burpee icon.

My favorite for stand alone runner so far but needs more testing. Give it a try!

 

[ChemMan]

That sounds cool, I am downloading now. Thanks


I downloaded Here for Gear, put it on the watch and on the Note 4. Also put all of N.America on the phone and then put all of Colorado (where I live) on the Gear S. It seems to track where I am on the map (no phone) when displayed and tracks well but have not used it enough to tell what useful information or the accuracy.

 

[Zanrok]

Came across this forum post from a google search and just wanted to chime in and say I too am wondering why no 3rd party apps support standalone GPS functionality.

I think the most frustrating part for me is that it's such a simple fix for Samsung or the Nike+ app to make. Literally the Nike+ app displays all the metrics, they just display them wrong. If they merely hold the stats on the screen that are important to runners to view at a moments notice, problem solved.

I downloaded the SDK over the weekend and will try and mess around in my spare time (not much of that) and see if I can make something for the S, if not. I plan on returning it the store and grabbing the Sony Smart Watch 3 as I need a replacement for my MotoActv.

 

[mountainbikermark]

Came across this forum post from a google search and just wanted to chime in and say I too am wondering why no 3rd party apps support standalone GPS functionality.

I think the most frustrating part for me is that it's such a simple fix for Samsung or the Nike+ app to make. Literally the Nike+ app displays all the metrics, they just display them wrong. If they merely hold the stats on the screen that are important to runners to view at a moments notice, problem solved.

I downloaded the SDK over the weekend and will try and mess around in my spare time (not much of that) and see if I can make something for the S, if not. I plan on returning it the store and grabbing the Sony Smart Watch 3 as I need a replacement for my MotoActv.

If you don't mind ordering your Sony from the Google Play Store, it comes with $50 of Google Play money until the end of March and is also on sale for $50 off on top of that
https://forums.androidcentral.com/e.../store.google.com/us/?hl=en-US&token=VPFn-_ne
As far as standalone GPS lock, I've found if I turn location on with the phone, THEN make it standalone, set up an exercise on the watch,I get a much faster and more accurate lock.

 

[kieso]

If you don't mind ordering your Sony from the Google Play Store, it comes with $50 of Google Play money until the end of March and is also on sale for $50 off on top of that
https://forums.androidcentral.com/e.../store.google.com/us/?hl=en-US&token=Cx3LLJrA
As far as standalone GPS lock, I've found if I turn location on with the phone, THEN make it standalone, set up an exercise on the watch,I get a much faster and more accurate lock.

I'm not just saying this because I own this watch but using s health my gps has been spot on. For now I'm walking, I have a lot of land and take the dogs for long walks and the gps has tracked my routes dead on. Running is coming soon for me as soon as spring breaks. I've lost 15 pounds since I've gotten this watch and became more active. I love this thing!

 

[mountainbikermark]

I'm not just saying this because I own this watch but using s health my gps has been spot on. For now I'm walking, I have a lot of land and take the dogs for long walks and the gps has tracked my routes dead on. Running is coming soon for me as soon as spring breaks. I've lost 15 pounds since I've gotten this watch and became more active. I love this thing!

My Fit and S Health got me off the sofa. My S has helped keep me off of it.
Someone further up had stated something about long time for GPS so I shared what makes mine find a signal sooner and for whatever reason hold it better.