2016-12-24, living with Samsung Gear S3- how to use S-health

Found this in-depth S health guide on wearable, it's very detailed.

Samsung s-health-guide

Samsung Gear S3 common quesitons and answers

• What is the difference between the frontier and classic?

Styling is the main difference. They both measure the same (46.1 x 49.1 x 12.9mm), while the Frontier is a shade weightier at 62g to the Classic's 57g. The Frontier is the more rugged looking and comes with a rubberised strap as standard, while the more classic looking Classic comes with a black leather strap as standard. However, both models can accept any 22mm standard watch strap - not just those provided by Samsung.The Frontier has larger, textured buttons, which resemble more the sportswatch-like design compared to the more protruding metal buttons of the Classic. Features are identical for both. But just because the Frontier looks the sportier model, doesn't mean it comes with a sportier feature set. Indeed both Gear S3 models are IP68 dust-proof and water-resistant, and both feature built-in gyro, accelerometer, barometer, GPS and optical heart-rate monitor. So both Frontier and Classic are capable of fitness and tracking - a feature Samsung is keen to push with its S Health app. In some territories (only in USA at the moment) a second version of the Frontier will come equipped with LTE/3G for on-the-go connectivity. The batteries are also the same so battery will be very similar. Both Gear S3 models are controlled by a combination of rotational bezel, twin buttons and touchscreen. In summary, then, the Frontier and Classic aren't hugely different at all. Their feature set only differs by the Frontier's addition of 5g weight, its different strap and the more rugged looking, sportier design.

• Is the watch really that big?

This watch is 46mm. It looks large on a man and giant on most female wrists. I am 170cm of average build and I think it looks fantastic (to my eyes) on my wrists. The S2 will still be on sale of if you want a smaller watch, that’s the choice.

• Is it easy to switch band?

Super easy, the frontier comes with silicon bands and classic comes with leather bands. There are two in the box, big and small. It’s takes standard 22mm bands so no limitation here.

• Can you make and receive calls?

Yes! It has built in speaker and microphone, both classic and frontier, LTE or non --LTE. The speaker loud and clear, but definitely not super high quality - perfect for calls, not so perfect for music. The microphone is decent, caller on the other end said it’s similar to regular phone. Non-LTE versions make calls through your phone via Bluetooth.

• Can I receive and send message?

Yes, you can receive or send using the onscreen keyboard or S-voice.

Can I read my notification? Such as emails, text messages, etc.

Yes, definitely. Also, notifications from any other apps that you choose.

• Does it have LTE?

This is where everything gets confusing. There are two versions of Gear s3, classic and frontier. The former is a definite no no. for frontier, currently only the one from AT&T in US has LTE and no LTE everywhere else, whether this can be enabled via a software update, no one knows.

• Can music be loaded onto the watch and played via Bluetooth headphone without phone?

Yes, you can load music on this. There is 4GB of internal storage for apps and music, which can be played via Bluetooth or speaker. However, only about 1.5G is available for music without installing any app.

• Dose it track sleeps automatically?

Yes, it tracks sleep automatically. 

• Will it track stairs climbed?

It tracks floors, not necessarily stairs climbed. It uses the altimeter to measure increase in elevation. 

• Will it work with an Iphone?

Yes but it’s not perfect, there is a beta Tizen\Samsung software. It does have its limitations but it will sync. 

• As an Iphone user, can I use it with out phone?

Not the best idea. The Gear S3 performs its initial set up and firmware update using an android device and was designed specifically for Samsung smartphones. It is recommended that you use a compatible device to take advantage of all the features of this device. However, once the device has gone through initial setup, it may be used alone or simply paired with Bluetooth to any device. 

• Will Samsung Pay work?

In USA, yes. UK, not yet.

• How long will the battery last during moderate use?

People definition of "moderate" varies so it's hard to say for sure. I have email, text, occasional phone calls, two 5K with GPS and it last around 2-3 days.

• Does it has Spotify?

Yes, it just become available.

• Can you connect this and a Bluetooth headphone to a phone at the same time?

Yes, I connected the watch and a BT head phone to my S7. I can play music on the phone and my watch to pause, forward or stop music and also make or answer calls.

The watch still gets notification.

• It’s there continues heart rate monitor?

Yes, at rest, it will measure heart rate every 10 minutes. It will delivery continuous tracking and heart rate readings during exercise. 

• Can it recognize workout automatically?

Yes, it will picking up walking sessions, runs and even rowing machine sessions and it’s fairly accurate. 

• Does this have a smart alarm feature or app. One that will wake you up close to a scheduled time when you are out of a deep sleep?

Yes, it does have an alarm feature which provides both sound and vibration. It should get you out of your slumber. For smart alarm, you can always download Sleep as Android.

• Can I set up and update a Samsung Gear S3 watch with a Samsung or other android tablet instead of an android watch? 

Yes, as long as you can download the Samsung gear App, You can. But the functionalities will be limited like phone calls text messages. Emails, S health, watch faces and other notifications will work.

Samsung Gear S3, The facts in a list

• The Samsung Gear S3 features a 1.3-inch screen with a 46mm body and 360 x 360 super AMOLED, always-on, screen with optimal view to easily glance the time or check your notifications

• Minimalistic, analogue look with its 316L stainless steel body, Gorilla Glass SR+, and circular buttons next to the brushed metal rotating dial

• Full colour always-on watch display features a crisp watch face with a second hand - like a real luxury analogue watch but with more practical features

• 4GB of storage allows you to directly download apps from the Gear S3, save audio files, and import contacts and events from your phone

• With the built-in speaker, you can play music and sound alarms and notifications

• The built-in microphone allows you to control the Gear S3 with S Voice, set reminders, answer calls or send text message replies

• The Gear S3 automatically recognises your activity, whether you are running, walking, cycling, or using the elliptical and rowing machines with auto-activity detector.

• IP68 certification to withstand dust and dirt and up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes so that you don’t have to take it off even during the toughest outdoor experiences

• Built-in GPS and GLONASS for accurate location tracking that can be used for turn-by-turn navigation, identifying your current location, and sharing your location in emergencies

• Quickly send clear SOS messages in an emergency. You can share your location as the Gear S3 has a built-in GPS

• Longer battery that lasts three to four days with full charge*. You can use it for 10 hours after just 15 minutes of charging. If the battery is too low (less than 5%), you can keep using it as a standard watch.

2016-12-20, Living with Samsung Gear S3-model selection, unboxing, and first impression

I have always been a massive smart watch fun and have owned the original pebble, Moto 360 Gen I, and Sony Smart watch 2. 

I still own Moto 360 Gen II and Garmin forerunner 235 and wear them on separate occasions. 

The Moto is my day to day driver as it looks like a normal watch and doesn’t make me look like a geek, although I am undoubtedly the biggest geek in my social circle. However, I can’t really use it for sports as it lacks GPS and the battery life is rather short. I use Garmin for sports activities, mainly running, hiking and biking, with it fast GPS, good sports tracking function and long battery life but its styling means I can’t wear to work or dinner parties. 

Samsung gear S3 come into play as the perfect combination of the two. I have always been using Android wear due to the number of apps available. However, the current version of android wear on my moto left a lot to be desired and based on the reviews, Tizen has really grown over the years. Most importantly, the 4-5 day battery life is immensely impressive, my Moto’s can barely last for 1 day. In addition, built-in GPS (and the array of sensors) for sports tracking, ingenious rotating bezel, off-line music play, the beautiful AMOLED display, all make the gear S3 an ultimate smartwatch. 

There are two versions of Gear S3, the more rugged Frontier for outdoor types and the Classic, which aims to be the more luxurious option of the two. Underneath, the two versions are exactly the same. Both are made of stainless steel, both are IP68 certified water resistant (which means you can submerge it in water of up to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. You can't use it for swimming or diving though). Apple watch wins here. Both have the same internals(there is a LTE enabled Frontier version but I don't think you can buy it in UK), same sensors and both run Samsung's Tizen OS.

Unboxing video:

As I am no where near a sports enthusiastic and love the minimal look of the Classic, it's the one I prefer and I think I made the right choice when I received it.

The watch is big, it's a lot bigger than my Moto GII but the bigger size means a bigger screen that can fit in more content. I am 170cm and of average build. 

The bezel has grooves on its outer perimeter that makes it easier to rotate the bezel. Rotating the bezel gives a satisfying click but I wish the bezel was a bit thicker as it's not that easy to grip. 

The S3 comes with a large leather band with a small one in the box. The bands are standard 22mm watchbands and is very easy to change.

Wireless charging makes the S3 a perfect desk clock. The charging cable is rather short but it's standard micro USB so can be replaced.