Hi all,
Simple question. Does anybody know a (not to expensive) sportswatch that is supported by Linux / FOSS software?
(Yes, I know 'FOSS software' is two times the word software) 😀
ah. That looks very interesting. And they have a show here in the EU, and it seems to work with gadgetbridge (thx Lambda RX :-))
Thanks!
Well, you can look at a gadgetbridge-compatible watch. gadgetbridge is a foss android app that replaces the manufacturer's app for snartwatches, earbuds, and a few other things. it's a good starting point, but most of the watches aren't directly foss. if you want a watch like that, you have two options. the pine64 pinetime is open source, but not easy to modify if you want a sealed, water resistant version. it also hasn't got the best specs. the bangle.js is a "hackable" smart watch, which has a a SWD interface on the outside, making it an easier option to modify. I can't say as much about it's fitness tracking, but it does have a heart rate monitor and accelerometer.
As sport watches go, get a Garmin. Its proprietary, but it's the best in the class.
I have a Fenix 7, wife has a Fenix 5.
Battery last days/weeks (5/6 days with some 10-15 hours of sport tracking with GPS active).
I suggest some "older" models with MIPs displays, not AMOLED, because they have better (absolutely perfect) under the sun readability and much better battery life.
You need the Garmin Connect app on phone, but the web interface to the Garmin ecosystem is simply the best.
I managed to integrate Fittrackee (self hosted) and synched to my Garmin profile to keep all my activity self hosted.
Despite being proprietary, Garmin software is quite nice and the watch can be connected directly to PC to download activities and tracks even without using the app.
Probably not what OP is looking for.
But I'm also happy with my Garmin Instinct. I use it disconnected from my phone, it does everything I need offline and stand-alone. To add tracks for navigation I just connect it to my linux laptop and drop the GPX file into the NewFiles (or whatever it's called) folder on the watch. I was surprised how well it works without official apps. The only thing I used the app for was to update the firmware when I bought the watch.
Also, fittrackee looks promising - thanks for the tip!
One of the reasons I am looking for a new sportswatch is because I try to reduce my smartphone use and I noticed that I actually took out my smartphone just to check the time.
I have an old garmin vivosmart HR but I do have a problem with the charging cable. Plus I am not able to download the healthstats with my linux 'daily driver' laptop.
Perhaps I should just get a cheap regular watch somewhere? 🤔
I am not sure that checking the time in the watch instead of on phone counts as reducing phone usage...
But anyway, any "smart" watch will not help you as they all need a phone app.
Get a cheapo analog watch, in that case...
I do not see that as phone-usage, I'm doing an experiment to see how easy / difficult it is to revert the "i need to know the time, so I grab my phone" reflex back to "I need to know the time, so I look at my wrist".
I'm currently reading some books on how easy it is to manipulate peoples behaviour using 'nudging', this to better understand the social engineering tricks used by hackers.
An chapter in one of these books in how social media use tricks to manupale our behaviour that resemble the tricks used by the gambling industry.
One of the things I find intriging is the size of a smartphones today. If you look at it objectively, they are actually so large that most people would consider it to be annoyting: you have to carry it in a bag, in a pocket of your pants -but you have to take your phone out when you want sit-, or ..you carry it in your hands. Have you noticed how many people have their smartphone in their hand when they walk around? But, of course, if you have something in your hand, it is very easy to open it quickly check your notifications; which reinforces the addiction.
So, that's the thing. People do not find it annoying.
So .. as an experiment, I am trying out how easy / difficult it is to break the habbit.
A small sidenote when (or if) I manage to get my garmin vivosmart HR charges, it does rapport activity per week, number of steps and number of floors I went up on foot per day, even without a smartphone app. So that's at least something :-)
