Apps I'm missing from my Pebble Watch

Former Member over 7 years ago

Hello fellow Garmin users!
I have recently switched to a Fenix 5x and I'm totally enjoying it. Offline maps, GPS, barometer keep me company during my hiking sessions. However, as an ex (rather proud) owner of a Pebble Classic smartwatch I couldn't but notice that Connect IQ seems to be quite limited on the app side, at least if compared to the Pebble app store and community. I know the two watches were intended for a totally different (perhaps even mutually unintelligible) userspace, yet I've noticed Garmin watches have now become full-featured smartwatches capable of great processing power which goes beyond that of any Pebble, and it's a real pity to see such a potential not put to work. I know what you're thinking, I have no knowledge in programming, at least no practical knowledge, unfortunately, and very little time to dedicate to app development as of now, but would be glad to help by other means.

As a purely theoretical example, here are just a few of the apps I am missing from my Pebble, in no particular order:

- An accelerometer-operated calculator (check this out: https://goo.gl/fXNpsE --btw, no calculator app available for the Fenix 5x on the store unfortunately);
- A timer that can handle multiple timers at the same time (on the Pebble you had this: https://goo.gl/hKMLi2);
- A powernap app (with motion detection, like this one: https://goo.gl/BJ5w2b);
- A chess app! (yes! because the far less expensive Pebble smartwatch, with its tiny processor, boasted a near-1400 ELO opponent! look here: https://goo.gl/wXakbw)

What do you think?

asandweech over 7 years ago

I might start on a multiple timer utility, as I have not yet seen that in the app store. Does the tilt-calc actually work that well? I have not seen it in action, but I imagine it would be frustrating trying to properly select the numbers in a timely manner. Might as well give it a whirl though and see how it goes. I'll post back if I submit anything to the store.

Former Member over 7 years ago

I might start on a multiple timer utility, as I have not yet seen that in the app store. Does the tilt-calc actually work that well? I have not seen it in action, but I imagine it would be frustrating trying to properly select the numbers in a timely manner. Might as well give it a whirl though and see how it goes. I'll post back if I submit anything to the store.

This is amazing, thank you for your interest and dedication! The tilt-calc app worked pretty well and while not as fast as a full featured calculator it did have a smooth moving cursor which allowed you to select all the buttons displayed. It did take a bit to get used to, but then I couldn't do without it. Please let me know should you need help testing out your apps!

Brandon.ConnectIQ over 7 years ago

Something like the tilt-calc should be possible, if someone is intrepid enough to attempt it. :)

asandweech over 7 years ago

Working on it right now. I think I've gotten the cursor movement down to something usable, but we'll see, heh. What is everyone's opinion on RPN?

asandweech over 7 years ago

- An accelerometer-operated calculator (check this out: https://goo.gl/fXNpsE --btw, no calculator app available for the Fenix 5x on the store unfortunately);

I just posted a hopefully usable calculator app in this style here: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/847163b8-62b5-49d2-b0f4-0ba8766a3351

Let me know if it's garbage or if it's only a few tweaks from usability.

PedlarStudios over 7 years ago

Cool, I was also searching for something like this. If you were interested in sharing the code I'd be happy to contribute the layout/testing for the Vivoactive. Even though the Vivoactive has a touch-screen, it's a more simplistic screen which doesn't allow precise touching, so it may need to only use the accelerometer to be effective.

asandweech over 7 years ago

There are some existing calculator apps for the vivoactive and other smaller screen devices, and i beleive they make use of swipes to switch between entry screens with buttons the size of each touch region. On devices without touchscreen they allow for cycling through currently selected buttons with up/down. I dont think ill add in support for button cycling, but the optional swipe-to-access 3x3 number pad might be doable.

I just finished adding support for some of the edges and my next priority is the 205x148 and 218x218 display device groups. Give me a few days and Ill publish an update including some support for them.