Recently got a Galaxy 4 smart watch gifted, but I am continuously getting barraged with (repeated) permission requests and hit with restrictions on features due to not granting certain permissions.
Is there an alternative that fulfills the following requirements:
- respects my privacy by both, not storing my data on their servers and not selling my data, both health and identity data.
- works with Android, i.e. Is not restricted in use by using Android as the Galaxy 4 apparently is.
I mainly want to use the watch to track sport sessions, basically just for running.
Are there any tips on how to keep my peace of mind when dealing with smart watches? Things to keep in mind, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Privacy and “SMART” anything is an oxymoron fyi., ESPECIALLY with Android.
Cheap smart watches will do the trick
Can’t recommend the Bangle.js enough. Great piece of hardware! Fully usable and customizable software, even if you’re not a software dev, as some people on the internet claim you have to be
Take a look at the models that Gadgetbridge supports. Your data stays on your phone. There are no servers to connect to. You should have roughly the same experience on any Android device.
As for tracking sport sessions, look at what each model offers. I use it to sync my PineTime and Mi Smart Band 7.
I really like using the features that Mi Smart Band 7 has to offer AND knowing my data stays on my phone instead of going to servers in China.
Caveat: Recent Amazfit/Mi devices have needed you to set up the device in their proprietary app first to generate a pairing key.
PineTime is a great option. I wear mine every day. The firmware is licensed under the GPLv3 and the companion app Gadgetbridge is under the AGPLv3.
The firmware codebase (Infinitime) is pretty simple C++, I was able to make a lot of cool customizations to my watch by hacking at it. Good fun if you like doing that sort of thing. Kind of reminds me of Pebble Time a little bit back when it had its moment.
Plus one for pine time, really cute little device that’s cheap as chips and works well with gadgetbridge for various bits and pieces.
I’m not sure how good it is for activity tracking, though. Step counting is reliable in my experience but I don’t know how well it can account for running and other strenuous activity.
Wouldn’t use any other smart watch, mind you.
