SW3: Get GPS map + time, running without phone - Sony Smartwatch 3

Hello,
I'd like to use my SW3 to go for a run (without my phone) then be able to see my time, and look at a map of the route I have ran (using the phone's built in GPS).
This is proving more difficult that I thought it would be.
Google Fit is doing weird things. It does track my route, but it's not very accurate. The map shows points along the route joined up by straight lines so it misses out chunks of the route.
The time is initially accurate, but if I load the app up about half an hour later it randomly adds half an hour on to my run.
Strava only seems to work when I'm near the phone.
Anyone else able to do this? Can anyone recommend a good running app that works with the SW3 that gives accurate times and a decent map of the route?
Thanks in advance!

portmoon said:
Hello,
I'd like to use my SW3 to go for a run (without my phone) then be able to see my time, and look at a map of the route I have ran (using the phone's built in GPS).
This is proving more difficult that I thought it would be.
Google Fit is doing weird things. It does track my route, but it's not very accurate. The map shows points along the route joined up by straight lines so it misses out chunks of the route.
The time is initially accurate, but if I load the app up about half an hour later it randomly adds half an hour on to my run.
Strava only seems to work when I'm near the phone.
Anyone else able to do this? Can anyone recommend a good running app that works with the SW3 that gives accurate times and a decent map of the route?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GhostRacer is what I use. It syncs with RunKeeper, and Strava.

Well. I've been using Ghostracer for a while and it's brilliant - at the end of the run it uploads to Strava and then you can see your run metrics and map - I've just finished my first run with the new MM update and the watch worked perfectly, my run was recorded with fantastic GPS accuracy (it even shows where I had to cross the road and back due to roadworks) as well as streaming music via bluetooth! - very happy with this solution.

Thanks for this. I've downloaded ghostracer and will try it out tomorrow. I've also been reading about the issue where GPS doesn't work if you get a bit sweaty. Apparently the solution is to wear the watch over a sweatband! I'll try ghostracer first and if the GPS is still dropping I'll try the sweatband.
Was thinking of upgrading to a Fitbit Surge when I got the money as it has GPS + HR but have just noticed it doesn't play music without a phone. Do either of you know of a device that does the following all independently of a phone;
1. GPS
2. HR
3. bluetooth music player
4. waterproof (or at least water resistant)
5. sleep tracker
6. Watch (ideally with 'always on' LCD type display option)
maybe I'm just being greedy now...
Thanks again!

portmoon said:
Thanks for this. I've downloaded ghostracer and will try it out tomorrow. I've also been reading about the issue where GPS doesn't work if you get a bit sweaty. Apparently the solution is to wear the watch over a sweatband! I'll try ghostracer first and if the GPS is still dropping I'll try the sweatband.
Was thinking of upgrading to a Fitbit Surge when I got the money as it has GPS + HR but have just noticed it doesn't play music without a phone. Do either of you know of a device that does the following all independently of a phone;
1. GPS
2. HR
3. bluetooth music player
4. waterproof (or at least water resistant)
5. sleep tracker
6. Watch (ideally with 'always on' LCD type display option)
maybe I'm just being greedy now...
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read about the need for a sweatband too, but bought this instead: http://www.amazon.com/ArmorSuit-Mil...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00.
I've worn it during lots of running, including a half marathon, and have not had any trouble related to sweat.

crunchybutternut said:
I read about the need for a sweatband too, but bought this instead: http://www.amazon.com/ArmorSuit-Mil...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00.
I've worn it during lots of running, including a half marathon, and have not had any trouble related to sweat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this - think i found the UK version: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OBZ6I...TF8&colid=12B0B3JX0K1YK&coliid=I13Z14BVM9XIOI
£20 seems expensive though, can help wondering if a bit of masking tape would do the same job! Might try that first.

portmoon said:
Thanks for this - think i found the UK version: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OBZ6I...TF8&colid=12B0B3JX0K1YK&coliid=I13Z14BVM9XIOI
£20 seems expensive though, can help wondering if a bit of masking tape would do the same job! Might try that first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the SW3 with Bluetooth headphones AND a Bluetooth HR monitor when I'm running and cycling - - I use a MIO Fuse for the heart rate - It was £70 on Amazon last July and has been faultless - I'd check it out to see if it does what you want! - I am also using just the Skinomi screen protector and so far so good. I haven't had any problems with the sweat/GPS drop-out that has been reported!

Strava does work independently from your phone with SW3. There's a beta trial at the moment which I think is open to all, you just need to register on the Strava Support Forum (there's a thread dedicated to it) and they give you access. It may even have been in an update - in your Strava settings on your phone if there is a "wear" option that let's you tick the box "use device GPS" then you can do it. It works seamlessly - I ran the Paris marathon at the weekend with bluetooth streaming of music to my headphones and strava running on my watch and my batttery lasted!
Ghostracer worked for me before the Strava beta, I only went back to Strava as Ghostracer updated and stopped working a few weeks ago.
Sorry I can't post any links but I'm at work. The thread on the Strava support forum is called "Android Wear standalone GPS Tracking" and the second post down is where you can sign up to the beta.
Good luck! Chris

hampton_pig said:
Strava does work independently from your phone with SW3. There's a beta trial at the moment which I think is open to all, you just need to register on the Strava Support Forum (there's a thread dedicated to it) and they give you access. It may even have been in an update - in your Strava settings on your phone if there is a "wear" option that let's you tick the box "use device GPS" then you can do it. It works seamlessly - I ran the Paris marathon at the weekend with bluetooth streaming of music to my headphones and strava running on my watch and my batttery lasted!
Ghostracer worked for me before the Strava beta, I only went back to Strava as Ghostracer updated and stopped working a few weeks ago.
Sorry I can't post any links but I'm at work. The thread on the Strava support forum is called "Android Wear standalone GPS Tracking" and the second post down is where you can sign up to the beta.
Good luck! Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should jump on the google+ group for ghostracer to sort out your issue. The dev is very active and responsive. https://plus.google.com/communities/108600094791246159447
I have the beta for strava, too, and it doesn't do 5% of what gr does.

sirrelevant said:
You should jump on the google+ group for ghostracer to sort out your issue. The dev is very active and responsive. https://plus.google.com/communities/108600094791246159447
I have the beta for strava, too, and it doesn't do 5% of what gr does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers. I had GR and Strava installed on both phone and SW3 but Strava has just mysteriously disappeared form the watch. GR now appears on the watch twice. Weird.
Will try GR at Parkrun tomorrow. Hopefully it will just work!
Thanks!

Thanks - will try GR again, I did post on the G+ thread but didn't seem to see any answers. If it's sorted I'll jump back on it!:good:

Ghost Runner works an absolute treat. Massive improvement on GPS accuracy. Thanks for the tips folks!

HTCHD2NEW said:
Well. I've been using Ghostracer for a while and it's brilliant - at the end of the run it uploads to Strava and then you can see your run metrics and map - I've just finished my first run with the new MM update and the watch worked perfectly, my run was recorded with fantastic GPS accuracy (it even shows where I had to cross the road and back due to roadworks) as well as streaming music via bluetooth! - very happy with this solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it was a smart suggestion

Related

Received mine today

The software seems a bit flaky. New SMS does not display message details......still investigating
I eventually managed to download music tracks to the device and they played okay over bluetooth headphones. Not tried the GPS yet
Any questions I will try and answer
tmn0004676 said:
The software seems a bit flaky. New SMS does not display message details......still investigating
I eventually managed to download music tracks to the device and they played okay over bluetooth headphones. Not tried the GPS yet
Any questions I will try and answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you run my tracks via the start on the phone (offline mode) that used watch GPS and let me know if the music stutters? It seems to happen when bluetooth and internal GPS are enabled...im on 2nd device and same issue
download my tracks to phone, then go to apps on watch and run that app, then start music via watch memory
gs05 said:
Can you run my tracks via the start on the phone (offline mode) that used watch GPS and let me know if the music stutters? It seems to happen when bluetooth and internal GPS are enabled...im on 2nd device and same issue
download my tracks to phone, then go to apps on watch and run that app, then start music via watch memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please could you provide more detailed instructions
thanks
tmn0004676 said:
please could you provide more detailed instructions
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure...
Download My tracks (google) from play store. Get google music (if not already) and download some songs to your watch...do this by downloading to your phone first (offline) and then selecting in music options to download to android wear. Let a few songs load over.
Go outside. Go to the watch (make sure far from phone and disconnected). Start tracks with the start menu. Then do start on that
Now do play music from the same menu as start.
Go for a jog
OP's can help us all (please; this is a suggestion not a criticism) by listing what they are pairing with :good:
Sent from my D6653 using Tapatalk
I've had mine since Friday. Have you found any way use the running apps without the phone and use the watch gps? I bought this to replace my motoactiv but stava and runtastic won't allow me to start a run without being connected to the phone.
oddoreven said:
I've had mine since Friday. Have you found any way use the running apps without the phone and use the watch gps? I bought this to replace my motoactiv but stava and runtastic won't allow me to start a run without being connected to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem.. Nothing uses the watch GPS that I have found. Also is your screen yellow when it should be white. Mine is terrible.
runningwarrior08 said:
I have the same problem.. Nothing uses the watch GPS that I have found. Also is your screen yellow when it should be white. Mine is terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download google tracks to your phone.
It will work in offline mode and give you distance and time via the watch GPS. Start it via the start menu and select tracks. The running apps are still through the phone currently.
gs05 said:
Download google tracks to your phone.
It will work in offline mode and give you distance and time via the watch GPS. Start it via the start menu and select tracks. The running apps are still through the phone currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work for me yesterday when I tried during my run. Started it from the watch when I was not with my phone and the distance just stayed at 0
runningwarrior08 said:
It didn't work for me yesterday when I tried during my run. Started it from the watch when I was not with my phone and the distance just stayed at 0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it a minute and you should see a little location google stake on the top left. It worked for me and i could see my entire mapped run via tracks afterwards. Make you start it, give it a minute and then try. It took mine about .15 of a mile to kick in
You can also go into GPS test under Settings- Developer options - manufacturer - GPS and press start to check time to first fix.
runningwarrior08 said:
I have the same problem.. Nothing uses the watch GPS that I have found. Also is your screen yellow when it should be white. Mine is terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got mine today. The screen definitly has a yellow tint to it. Can othere people please test this?
Did you replace it?
bookat said:
I just got mine today. The screen definitly has a yellow tint to it. Can othere people please test this?
Did you replace it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is a defect. It is the trade-off for the tft tech making it fully daylight readable. Mine also has this. I'm torn on the trade-off, on the one hand, it is leagues better than even the moto 360 for reading in direct sunlight (it's almost like a mirasol display), but on the other, the 360's screen was very pretty. I'm leaning towards being "ok" with it, since I don't think I'm going to watch any movies on my wrist, but I will probably want to deal with notifications in unideal lighting, but it is definitely an adjustment.
I don't mind the yellow. Its actually not that bad and the screen is definitely visible in the daylight. I am really liking this watch alongside with my Microsoft Band.
legend921 said:
I don't mind the yellow. Its actually not that bad and the screen is definitely visible in the daylight. I am really liking this watch alongside with my Microsoft Band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the health tracking on the band? This watch has some great features, but none of the android wear watches do true health tracking very well yet, and even if it had a heart rate monitor, I've been unimpressed with the ones on the 360 and gear live, so I've been thinking about adding something purely for the health side of things.
Khidr said:
How is the health tracking on the band? This watch has some great features, but none of the android wear watches do true health tracking very well yet, and even if it had a heart rate monitor, I've been unimpressed with the ones on the 360 and gear live, so I've been thinking about adding something purely for the health side of things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The band is great. Its not big and it definitely doe fitness better than the Android Wear. The 24/7 heart rate tracker gives you a better count on how many calories burned, and the only feature that you lose when not using the Windows Phone is Cortana. When I was using it on the 5K run that I had participated with the GPS on, the band was able to tell me where I was running fast and where I had slowed down and so fourth and it was very accurate along side the path that I was running on. The 5K reported that the run was 3.2 miles which was pretty dead on to the 5K. The pedometer is more accurate too compared to the android wear since mine will count steps even if I am pushing a shopping cart so all in all I really like the band for fitness with smartwatch duties as secondary. I can read everything just fine from the notifications when not using the Smartwatch 3, but at least now I can let the band do all my fitness stuff when I go on the run and have the Sony Smartwatch stream my music for me to run with. That way I don't have to carry the phone.
Thanks for confirming this. I guess there is no perfect solution out there for smart watches yet. The screen does bother me some times specially because i had the moto 360 and returned it. but that watch had its own set of problems.
guess i will be keeping this.
From the patent at http://www.google.com/patents/US8208104
It states "a change in chromaticity caused by wavelength dispersion due to the λ/4 plate."
---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 PM ----------
As for on device tracking I hope that Sony and others will include support for just released google fit api on device.
My screen shows whites correctly. I don't see the yellowish problem here.
My screen is unimpressive (pale, low contrast) but OK. A colour tinge is normal for a transflective display, and it depends on the colour of the light you shine on it...the nice thing is that I can read it without the backlight in most situations.
What bothers me is, that some things that work on Google Now on my phone don't work via Wear Voice input. Setting alarms for example. It works fine on my phone, but not on my SW3. Why? On the Watch it always understands, but then just throws up a web search card...
Also, the "wrist flick" to activate the display is a bit weird. It works about 1 time out of ten, but if I just move my arm around randomly, then I often trigger the backlight. That's also a bit weird. I'm trying to get used to it. With my Pebble, I mostly just glanced at the watch without moving it in front of my eyes. That worked fine. I had actually turned off the auto-backlight on Pebble and would probably do the same on the SW3 if I could.
The most annoying thing is the weak vibration of the SW3. With my Pebble, I feel (and hear) the vibrating alert, with the SW3 I miss it frequently even when I'm not moving around. That's unacceptable and might be the main reason for sending it back. I haven't decided yet.
Is there a way to increase the vibration intensity and length? That would be cool.
And one last thing, not directly related to the SW3...On my Pebble I get notifications for every email in my Gmail account, apart from SPAM. With Android Wear, I think not all labels are signalled. How do I change that? I tried to set it up in Gmail, but I think I still don't get all emails announced on the SW...

Ghostracer - GPS tracker for the Sony smartwatch 3

Ghostracer is a gps tracking app where you can train against 'ghosts' during you run/ride. Supports the standalone features of the sony smartwatch 3.
Installation
To install the app you can get it here
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bravetheskies.ghostracer
To install the beta you must first join this google community group : https://plus.google.com/communities/108600094791246159447
Then click this link to become a tester: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.bravetheskies.ghostracer
Then Beta updates should be available to upgrade/download.
XDA:DevDB Information
Ghostracer, Device Specific App for the Sony Smartwatch 3
Contributors
cjkiller
Version Information
Status: Testing
Created 2014-12-02
Last Updated 2015-09-08
cjkiller said:
@Basch88 I had a look yesterday at adding bluetooth LE, its high up on the to do list. Google added a feature in googlePlay api's to get Bluetooth. info Unfortunately this comes back with an error running from android wear. So will look into coding it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thing you made this thread! I'll respond here then
Thanks a lot for working hard on BLE implementation!
Out of curiosity, are you using fit api or plain listener service?
XorZone said:
Out of curiosity, are you using fit api or plain listener service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the google LocationServices.API for location. But the Fitness API is returning an error for me on the watch. Which I was trying to use for the sensor api.
I ran with this today...a few bugs I found
- No GPS error when there is a signal
- Pace field seems to skip around allot and not be that realistic. You may want to do like a 3-5 sec avg to deal with the wild variationhere.
- Avg pace gets stuck and does not change
- Nothing is exporting to strava. I got home, watch reconnected and nothing moved over
Other suggestions
- When play or play from pause is selected it would be nice to bring you to data screens
Thanks again!
gs05 said:
I ran with this today...a few bugs I found
- No GPS error when there is a signal
- Pace field seems to skip around allot and not be that realistic. You may want to do like a 3-5 sec avg to deal with the wild variationhere.
- Avg pace gets stuck and does not change
- Nothing is exporting to strava. I got home, watch reconnected and nothing moved over
Other suggestions
- When play or play from pause is selected it would be nice to bring you to data screens
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more run (version .65)
1. Pace is still way off. It has me at 6:46 miles and not the 8:00 that it should be. Runkeeper at the same time reports 8:01.
2. Avg pace is off as well. perhaps its using time from the pause or something?
3. Still no upload to strava
gs05 said:
One more run (version .65)
1. Pace is still way off. It has me at 6:46 miles and not the 8:00 that it should be. Runkeeper at the same time reports 8:01.
2. Avg pace is off as well. perhaps its using time from the pause or something?
3. Still no upload to strava
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 : The pace comes from the average last three location points received, will take it up to 6. So as a minimum that would be the average over the last 12 seconds.
2: The Avg pace is calculated from taking the paused time away from the overall time. Then working out the average.
Hopefully found the error for the Avg pace not updating. Unfortunately there's still a bug with average pace where if you paused the app, then moved however far and start again that distance would be included in the results.
3. Just to make sure....You need to click on the overflow button in the ghostracer app on the phone then click history. That's where the databases from the watch should be going. Can you check by just starting and stopping a run on the watch when its connected and see if that sends over. Will have to do some more investigating to see why some are not getting transferred.
Good suggestion about going to the data pages after start. Will try it for the next update.
In good news I was reading heart rate data the other night.....still be awhile off working though.
Thanks for testing.
cjkiller said:
In good news I was reading heart rate data the other night.....still be awhile off working though.
Thanks for testing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! What heart rate monitor are you using?
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Basch88 said:
Cool! What heart rate monitor are you using?
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the mio link.
I'm not a massive fan because I don't seem to be able to stop external light from effecting the sensor. But its the only bluetooth heart rate sensor I have.
cjkiller said:
Using the mio link.
I'm not a massive fan because I don't seem to be able to stop external light from effecting the sensor. But its the only bluetooth heart rate sensor I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I own a polar h6 (excellent). Will report as soon as you release HRM update.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
cjkiller said:
Using the mio link.
I'm not a massive fan because I don't seem to be able to stop external light from effecting the sensor. But its the only bluetooth heart rate sensor I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have MIO Link as well so we in luck! I just got it working using the sport gear app via some odd workaround, but its possible at least.
What do you mean the external light and the sensor? It gives you your HR zone via that light...I dont have any issues with the light
Hello
I did a second run this midday and the distance has frozen at 6.4km and the time was always running. The pace and speed were better than Monday.
When I exported the gpx file to runtastic, my run is so 6.4km instead of although 8.5 and the time taken into account is well the one to run 6.4km. I think that my 2 last kilometers are lost and I don't know why....
I'll try again Monday maybe with "my tracks" in parallel.
Thanks a lot for this app.....
works!
Thank you for the app! Ran yesterday, only 3 miles but in heavily wooded area. Was able to upload to Strava in the parking lot. Worked like a charm. Great potential here.
gs05 said:
I have MIO Link as well so we in luck! I just got it working using the sport gear app via some odd workaround, but its possible at least.
What do you mean the external light and the sensor? It gives you your HR zone via that light...I dont have any issues with the light
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
External light as in sunlight effecting the sensor. On my bony wrists there's a slight gap under the strap where light can get in and affect the light sensor. It works further up my arm better but there its more likely to slip down. I've mainly used it while cycling so that movement in the wrists might not help either. Will soon be testing it whilst running with the smartwatch so hope its better.
put it on the underside of the wrist...works great
mickael91210 said:
Hello
I did a second run this midday and the distance has frozen at 6.4km and the time was always running. The pace and speed were better than Monday.
When I exported the gpx file to runtastic, my run is so 6.4km instead of although 8.5 and the time taken into account is well the one to run 6.4km. I think that my 2 last kilometers are lost and I don't know why....
I'll try again Monday maybe with "my tracks" in parallel.
Thanks a lot for this app.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure whats going on with stopping at 6.4k. Did you pause the app at all? If not then it must of been google play services not updating for some reason. Will look into a way of checking periodically if its working.
Just had a mad couple of updates out. Updated last night, only to create other problems by simply commenting out the wrong bit of code. Long story short woke up to find the app not working just as I was about to go running. Hopefully all working now, note to self: don't update the app after midnight.
cjkiller said:
Not sure whats going on with stopping at 6.4k. Did you pause the app at all? If not then it must of been google play services not updating for some reason. Will look into a way of checking periodically if its working.
Just had a mad couple of updates out. Updated last night, only to create other problems by simply commenting out the wrong bit of code. Long story short woke up to find the app not working just as I was about to go running. Hopefully all working now, note to self: don't update the app after midnight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap...can you issue a new version then as I may have the old one. Otherwise, I took it for a run over the weekend, some more comments:
1. Pace is getting better. Still a little off (too fast) compared to my garmin watch, but its getting better
2. The history screen on the phone shows all the activities in KM with miles as your default unit
3. Perhaps history should be a high level tab to make it easier to find?
4. Can it auto upload to strava? or do an upload all (those not already uploaded) via a one click
5. GPS accuracy is great...nice job. The maps on strava are spot on and without any jaggy lines!
6. Can you have it vibrate the watch every X miles?
7. Are you planning audio cues as well? Would be great.
You should sell the app as a customized GPS running tool to import into various on-line services. I think you will get better traction and people willing to pay for it...just my 2 cents! Plus if you get HRM or other sensor support setup, this is killer.
Thanks again for your support. Nice work
gs05 said:
Crap...can you issue a new version then as I may have the old one. Otherwise, I took it for a run over the weekend, some more comments:
1. Pace is getting better. Still a little off (too fast) compared to my garmin watch, but its getting better
2. The history screen on the phone shows all the activities in KM with miles as your default unit
3. Perhaps history should be a high level tab to make it easier to find?
4. Can it auto upload to strava? or do an upload all (those not already uploaded) via a one click
5. GPS accuracy is great...nice job. The maps on strava are spot on and without any jaggy lines!
6. Can you have it vibrate the watch every X miles?
7. Are you planning audio cues as well? Would be great.
You should sell the app as a customized GPS running tool to import into various on-line services. I think you will get better traction and people willing to pay for it...just my 2 cents! Plus if you get HRM or other sensor support setup, this is killer.
Thanks again for your support. Nice work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I update the first post with the current version (0.68). So you can keep up to date with the version there. You can check in android app settings you have the latest one. If it did not crash then its most likely you have.
Fixed km to miles, cheers.
The history tab needs some work. Before wear the app just had a finish page and did not store anything other than the last ride. So it was just an easy option to put it there. Still unsure what's best.
Auto upload to strava is on the to do list.
Need to sort out some sort of lapping system. I'm thinking of adding an option for adding 1 miles splits, or I guess this could be custom. Then make a screen pop up for 10 seconds or so on each split. This could include a vibrate as well.
The phone app uses the text to speech function on android for audio messages. It does not look like android wear has this feature. So will have to look out for methods for audio but its doubtful for now.
I hear you about a separate app, Ghostracer started as mainly a cycling app so its not been easy to trying to merge the two activities. I could make a much cleaner wear only running app.
Craig
Woop! I tried Ghostracer standalone today while biking to work and it was way more accurate than My Tracks has been. Would it be possible for some kind of full screen mode? I started My Tracks first just to get the GPS going (to get a more accurate starting position) and My Tracks and Ghostracer constantly fought over the top card position (I don't know what else to call it). Another solution might be a countdown timer you could set to e.g. 15-20 seconds so Ghostracer has time to find a reliable lock position before starting the activity, that way you wouldn't need to open My Tracks at all.
mertzi said:
Woop! I tried Ghostracer standalone today while biking to work and it was way more accurate than My Tracks has been. Would it be possible for some kind of full screen mode? I started My Tracks first just to get the GPS going (to get a more accurate starting position) and My Tracks and Ghostracer constantly fought over the top card position (I don't know what else to call it). Another solution might be a countdown timer you could set to e.g. 15-20 seconds so Ghostracer has time to find a reliable lock position before starting the activity, that way you wouldn't need to open My Tracks at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the app, wait until the "no GPS" on the top left is replaced by numbers. You then have a lock and can hit start.
---------- Post added at 11:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 PM ----------
cjkiller said:
I update the first post with the current version (0.68). So you can keep up to date with the version there. You can check in android app settings you have the latest one. If it did not crash then its most likely you have.
Fixed km to miles, cheers.
The history tab needs some work. Before wear the app just had a finish page and did not store anything other than the last ride. So it was just an easy option to put it there. Still unsure what's best.
Auto upload to strava is on the to do list.
Need to sort out some sort of lapping system. I'm thinking of adding an option for adding 1 miles splits, or I guess this could be custom. Then make a screen pop up for 10 seconds or so on each split. This could include a vibrate as well.
The phone app uses the text to speech function on android for audio messages. It does not look like android wear has this feature. So will have to look out for methods for audio but its doubtful for now.
I hear you about a separate app, Ghostracer started as mainly a cycling app so its not been easy to trying to merge the two activities. I could make a much cleaner wear only running app.
Craig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Craig,
Went for a long run today and some more comments
1. Your app says 6.7 miles, but strava has it as 6.9 miles? Strava time is 57:09 and your time is 56:55. Does it use a different method or something? Odd that it varies by that much
2. Can we have the distance in 0.01 units instead of 0.1?
3. When you go to another app, then go back via the "show stats" it should go right to the stats screen and not to the pause screen
4. Pace as I mentioned before seems to vary too much. The average pace is spot on now (great!), but pace seems to go down to 5:46 up to 11:45 and I am pretty much going the same speed on a flat surface. May have something to do with the averaging logic.
5. When going into history uploading file, then hitting back it shows the run, but not the upload icon. Could be because the screen does not refresh with back (not sure), so this may not be a bug
6. Time on the history page is wrong. I ran between 3:15 and 4:15, but the time says 20:20
7. You should replace the "No GPS" with "GPS Lock" or something when its found (with the numbers after). Even the previous user didn't realize what this means...its a great feature could be more user friendly
8. Wonder if the button on the side can be used to pause/start? May not be a Google editable feature
Again...loving the app. Thanks and here to help as needed!
Greg

Does GPS work yet?

Hey guys,
So Ive recently aquired and about to return if its defective, my smartwatch 3. I was certain it can do a standalone GPS, but now im wondering if it cant due to software limitations that hopefuly be patched, or is it actually just a lemon?
Ive installed Wear GPS and it finds 0/0 sattelites, even when the phone GPS is on and nearby the watch, in which case all running apps has GPS on the watch too, as long as the phone's in range..
In the Watch Settings I turned on GPS. makes no difference if its off or on actually, still works if the phone's nearby.
any suggestions?
GPS is working, try Ghostracer or Endomondo. They both work well but Ghostracer is loaded with features.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Just clarifying the GPS should function even when disconnected from the phone, correct? Thanks. Prone.
Yes it works. connected or disconnected from the phone.
but the GPS function itself is still buggy,
more information about the gps issue - find here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch-3/help/erratic-gps-t3088179
Erratic is better than statically dead. Flat line 0 GPS signal as soon as phone is disconnected.. RMA or wait for patch? If I understand than even if I get replacement the GPS function is useless at this stage...? Thanks, Prone
RMA.
because the feature itself works normally. (erratic not dead)
I'll take you guys word's for it then.. Cause sony is either totally lying or totally stupid:
Thank you for contacting Sony Xperia Support.
We are sorry to hear you are experiencing issues with the GPS location services on your SmartWatch 3.
With regards to your inquiry, when your SmartWatch 3 is disconnected from your phone or tablet, you can still use some basic features. Since voice commands no longer work after disconnection, you must tap the screen to navigate your SmartWatch 3 and confirm actions.
In standalone mode, you can still do the following:
•View the time and date.
•Set an alarm.
•Use the stopwatch.
•Use the timer.
•View your agenda for the current day.
•Listen to music saved on your SmartWatch 3 with a connected Bluetooth® headset.
•Keep a record of your outdoor activities.
•View your step count.
•Change the watch face.
•Turn Airplane mode on or off.
Note! Some of the features described above require the download and installation of the relevant applications, for example, a music player app or a fitness training app.
Therefore, unfortunately you cannot use the GPS function when your SmartWatch 3 is disconnected from your phone.
If you are experiencing issues with GPS location, check if the location is turned on on your SmartWatch 3.
To turn on location on SmartWatch 3:
1.Tap the home screen, then swipe upwards.
2.Find and tap Settings > Location.
3.If the location is set to Off, press Location. Then press the green circle with “check” mark to enable Location.
Tips to improve the GPS signal when using SmartWatch 3:
•Remove the main unit from the wrist band and clean away any moisture that has built up around the unit or the wrist band to improve the GPS signal.
•Wear your SmartWatch 3 on the outside of your wrist so that your SmartWatch 3 has the best line of sight with GPS satellites.
•Make sure you have a clear and unobstructed view of the sky. For example, while wearing your SmartWatch 3, make sure that your view is not blocked by trees or tall buildings.
•Before you start to move around, stand still to allow your SmartWatch 3 to pick up a signal from the relevant GPS satellites.
Furthermore, due to the fact that Sony SmartWatch 3 was not officially released on the Israeli market, our official service center in Israel unfortunately cannot provide you with service of the device. We suggest you to contact the original seller for more information.
Should you require any further assistance please contact us again via email at [email protected]. For more information on our products, services and support please visit www.sonymobile.com.
Please be aware that if you do not respond within 7 days of this email your query will be automatically closed. Any further communications will not reach our support and a new query will need to be raised.
Kind Regards,
Vita Stankovic
Sony Xperia Support
Whos bull****ting here? Either way im gunna bother and have no SW3 for a while till it gets RMA'd I suppose.. i actually hoped this is a patch thing.
Sony is totally stupid. I use GhostRacer every day standalone, no problems (and the GPS honestly tracks just fine). Its true that there aren't any real stock apps that use it, but it works offline all the same..
Hi
I have exactly the same problem
Here we are, over a year later, and I'm still having this same problem. Has anyone figured anything out with this? I bought my SW3 refurbished, and didn't realize there was a problem with it until the 30 limited warranty expired. I don't really know what I can do at this point. It's really frustrating, as it seems like too many people have this issue for it to just be a fluke.

HRM freezing

I really want to love this watch.. I mean I waited months for it. But, it is making it very difficult. Has anyone else tried working out with the HRM with an application that actually uses the HRM? So far I tried it with RunGPS and AgileFit, and every time the HR has frozen. I don't know whether I have a defective watch or if it just doesn't work well by design. -cjr-
I can check after I get my watch.
I really don't use it but the one time I did it worked fine.
I'll be interested to hear your experience. I did download another application, SGT -- Sports Gear Tracker. I didn't use it during exercise, but just had it running for a few minutes while I was sitting working. It did continue to read my HR without freezing. I'll try this application next time. If it works, then that tells me it is probably a software problem rather than a hardware problem. I realize this is going to be more of a smart watch than a fitness watch, but I don't want to wear both, or switch back and forth. I really only need it to track my exercise, HR, Steps...
tiny4579 said:
I can check after I get my watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Can someone test this

Hello All, I think I might have discovered the problem with the HRM. If I have it on and my arm is pretty stationary, it reads fine. As soon as I flick my wrist or other movement the HR freezes.. If someone is willing to download Sport Gear Tracker and see if your watch does the same thing-- would be helpful. Just start SGT on the watch, touch the square in the center, then you will see three symbols show up. On the right is the "settings" wheel, on the bottom seems to go to your records or history. The top one is a triangle - the start button. Drag the triangle down to the middle square and it starts the HRM. Watch it for a while and make sure your heart rate is changing, you might need to walk around a bit. Once you know it is working and actively registering your HR, then flick your wrist and/or move your arm around with somewhat sharp motions, and see if you HRM freezes. If it doesn't than I will assume I actually have a defective watch, and I can send it back... Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out here... -cjr-
I did everything you said and all was working fine....but the HRM froze when I flicked my arm while moving my arm!!!
OP this is a duplicate thread to the HRM thread you already opened. Its about the same topic. I know duplicated happen but isn't this too early for duplicates?
I'll be sure to test this tomorrow or Thursday after getting my watch.
Thanks Tsells.... Tiny, I didn't really see it as a duplicate... since I was wanting someone to do a specific test, I thought it would be better to put it in a new thread... Looking forward to hearing your results from the test when you get your watch tomorrow... -cjr-
swngdncr said:
Thanks Tsells.... Tiny, I didn't really see it as a duplicate... since I was wanting someone to do a specific test, I thought it would be better to put it in a new thread... Looking forward to hearing your results from the test when you get your watch tomorrow... -cjr-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tested it. It stopped updating my heart rate once I flicked my wrist. So maybe this ISNA common problem with the watch. Not a deal breaker. I didn't get this for fitness.
tiny4579 said:
Just tested it. It stopped updating my heart rate once I flicked my wrist. So maybe this ISNA common problem with the watch. Not a deal breaker. I didn't get this for fitness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HRM works just fine in the Fit app on the watch. The problem seems to be with compatibility with the Sports Gear Tracker app that the OP uses.
I actually tried it with several applications with same outcome. I can check out fitbit. I did download Endomondo, and it does seem to work. I haven't used it exercising yet, but turned on and walking around the house etc., it did stay running.
tsells said:
The HRM works just fine in the Fit app on the watch. The problem seems to be with compatibility with the Sports Gear Tracker app that the OP uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What fitbit app were you using? Fitbit apps that I found only support fitbit devices and a few others. Is there a fitbit app that uses the HRM monitor function in the watch?
tsells said:
The HRM works just fine in the Fit app on the watch. The problem seems to be with compatibility with the Sports Gear Tracker app that the OP uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Google Fit app that's pre-installed on the watch and also installed it on my phone.
So maybe I'm missing something here. Are you talking about the app with the heart shaped widget that says "Fit" underneath it? This app doesn't have a start/stop function. As I understand it, it supposedly automatically detects your activity and records it? It doesn't appear to have a function to allow you to monitor your HR as you are working out. It only recorded 3 minutes today, when I played tennis for 2 hours! The only way I can find to see HR data is by opening the app on the phone, clicking on "show graph details" , then in the bottom right corner on the there is a drop down list which has a "heart rate" selection. But, when I click on that, for today there was no heart rate data recorded -- zippo, none, not one beat-- guess I'm dead. There is also a "Daily Tracking" app, but that also has no start/stop function. I gather it just gathers data from other applications and reports it. There is also a "Fitness Tracking" app which does have a start stop function, but has no HR monitoring function that you can watch as you are exercising to see your heart rate. That application appears to only be on the watch, i don't see a companion app on the phone. And lastly, there is Huawei Wear app on the phone, which appears to be Huawei's fitness app. it only recorded 1 hour of walking for me today, and again, has no Heart Rate data that I can find. So, I am curious to know which app you are using and how you are seeing the Heart Rate data.. .maybe there is another application that I don't have installed? -cjr-
tsells said:
The HRM works just fine in the Fit app on the watch. The problem seems to be with compatibility with the Sports Gear Tracker app that the OP uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tsells said:
I'm using Google Fit app that's pre-installed on the watch and also installed it on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the one with the heart. It does not constantly monitor your heartbeat. Just when you ask it to. Otherwise it would kill your battery.
Ok, well that actually does not address the issue I am raising. The HRM should be able to continuously monitor your heart rate without freezing and giving you a static heart rate for the entire duration of your work out. Google Fit is supposed to do this. But, either because of the watch or the application, it is not recording any heart rate data during workouts. Zippo, none, nada... Not how it is supposed to work.
Cardiograph looks like its working a little better for me. Let me know how it works for you guys.

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