Watchface: Countdown!

Hi!

A brand new, re-designed and highly configurable countdown watchface was released today!

Countdown! was inspired by my first countdown watchfaces, which eventually got pulled from the ConnectIQ store.

These older watchfaces were hard-coded in the sense that you couldn't configure your own event date.
It wasn't long before I found it impossible to keep up with requests for watchfaces for all sorts of events.
This forced me to stop any further development of countdown watchfaces.

For all the new Garmin owners, and those who wish to refresh their memory, the old thread can be found here: Watchface: CountDown 2 Event

Based on the short history lesson above, it is easy to understand and appreciate the need for user configurability.
With the advent of v1.2.1 SDK, Garmin provided developers with the capability to integrate user configurability into their apps.

And so Countdown! was born!

FEATURES:

Time in 12 / 24 format
Date
Battery level in %
Bluetooth indicator for mobile phone
Notifications icon and count
Alarm icon and count
Sleep mode icon
Step counter
Event count down
Fully configurable:
- Colors
- Time size (normal / bigger)
- Hide / display event date
- Hide / display Step counter!

IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ !!
A few bugs exist in iOS and Android flavours of Garmin Connect Mobile app, specifically with regards to the setting of an event date.
These bugs have been reported to Garmin, but until a fix is available, you have to abide to some rules to ensure a hassle free experience.
Read through the section relevant to the platform of your mobile phone BEFORE YOU GIVE ANY BAD RATINGS / REVIEWS!
I am available on email ([email protected]) and will dedicate my time to provide assistance with any problems you may encounter with this watchface.

[----- iOS -----]
When opening the settings for this watchface, you will notice that the "Event Date" picker most of the times displays an empty value, or sometimes 1 Jan 1970.
Please ensure that you always pick your event date EVERY time you open settings, even if you only wish to change another setting like a color (valid date must be between current date and 18 Jan 2038).
Failure to set the Event Date will result in the counter on the watch to reset to "0 days".
If it gets reset accidentally, just enter settings again and pick the event date and save it again.

[----- ANDROID -----]
When opening the settings for this watchface, you will notice that the "Event Date" picker may display an old value, like "17 Jan 1970".
Please ensure that you pick an event date to override this old date. Next time you enter settings, it will correctly display your chosen date (valid date must be between current date and 18 Jan 2038).

[----- GARMIN EXPRESS MAC / WIN -----]
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure your Garmin Express version is 4.1.11.0 or higher!
Older versions cause problems with all colors resetting to black, making the watchface appear blank and empty.
Once you have the latest version installed, configuring settings with Garmin Express is the RECOMMENDED way: It provides the most stable and reliable experience in configuring this watchface. If you experience any difficulties with your mobile phone, please first try Garmin Express before giving up.

Please email me at
[email][email protected][/email]
for further assistance.
Don't forget to provide the model of your watch and the firmware version. Help me to help you :)

TUTORIAL:
Follow this link for a quick tutorial on how to use Garmin ConnectIQ settings to configure this watchface:
(TIP: Use your existing Connect account to log into the forum to be able to view the screen shots. No need for you to create another account!)
How to: App Settings

Nighthawk700 over 9 years ago

So I'm not seeing a few things. First off I'm using Countdown! on a FR235, with the newest software installed, version 3.3, and the newest Countdown!, 1.2.0.

I have a black background.

I'm not seeing the Move Bar (color - Red), either with or without "Use step progress bar as alternative move bar" option.

I've also never seen the Sleep indicator (color - White), either. I'm assuming Sleep is when I put the watch in "Do Not Disturb" either manually, or when the watch hits my normal sleep time.

I do see the Bluetooth indicator (color - Blue), alerts, and step progress, as well as my next target event, the date, and the number of days. I've tried it with the big time and the smaller time.

If there is anything else you can think of I can try setting to test or nudge things, please let me know. I'm really enjoying this watchface, and your eager attention to detail. The Sleep one isn't a major issue for me, but maybe it could be an indicator of what's going on. The move bar is something I'd really like to be able to use though, since I do need that nudge to get off my butt. ;-)

HermoT over 9 years ago

So I'm not seeing a few things. First off I'm using Countdown! on a FR235, with the newest software installed, version 3.3, and the newest Countdown!, 1.2.0.

I'll do my best to help you get it working. I suspect that I haven't documented things properly, so I wil update that as I learn from our discussion here the things that aren't clear.

I'm not seeing the Move Bar (color - Red), either with or without "Use step progress bar as alternative move bar" option.

There is no visible bar when your move level is 0. (Garmin define 5 levels: first 60 minutes, then 4, one each for every 15 minutes of inactivity.)
If you are inactive for an hour, you will see the first move indicator appear on the bottom line under the activity bar. This will also only be available if the "Show activity tracking?" has been enabled. Maybe you are too active for the move bar indicator to show the colored line?

Please report back if you have checked after an hour of inactivity. I'm curious to understand why you are not seeing it.

I've also never seen the Sleep indicator (color - White), either. I'm assuming Sleep is when I put the watch in "Do Not Disturb" either manually, or when the watch hits my normal sleep time.

To be honest, I've never tested on my watch either as I have never used the track sleep function. I'm not sure if there is a track sleep function on all devices, but I will check for you and report back.

I do see the Bluetooth indicator (color - Blue), alerts, and step progress, as well as my next target event, the date, and the number of days. I've tried it with the big time and the smaller time.

If there is anything else you can think of I can try setting to test or nudge things, please let me know. I'm really enjoying this watchface, and your eager attention to detail. The Sleep one isn't a major issue for me, but maybe it could be an indicator of what's going on. The move bar is something I'd really like to be able to use though, since I do need that nudge to get off my butt. ;-)

Thank you, I appreciate the support and patience while sorting out the hiccups.

Nighthawk700 over 9 years ago

I'll do my best to help you get it working. I suspect that I haven't documented things properly, so I wil update that as I learn from our discussion here the things that aren't clear.

There is no visible bar when your move level is 0. (Garmin define 5 levels: first 60 minutes, then 4, one each for every 15 minutes of inactivity.)
If you are inactive for an hour, you will see the first move indicator appear on the bottom line under the activity bar. This will also only be available if the "Show activity tracking?" has been enabled. Maybe you are too active for the move bar indicator to show the colored line?

Please report back if you have checked after an hour of inactivity. I'm curious to understand why you are not seeing it.

Oh, definitely, I've been using the move bar on the default and ActiFace watchfaces, so I know about the timing and when I should be seeing something. I also checked on the move widget to make sure there is a move bar (there is, plus the 4 others, since after my run I have basically been helping with laundry so haven't walked much) Sending some picts to show.

HermoT over 9 years ago

Oh, definitely, I've been using the move bar on the default and ActiFace watchfaces, so I know about the timing and when I should be seeing something. I also checked on the move widget to make sure there is a move bar (there is, plus the 4 others, since after my run I have basically been helping with laundry so haven't walked much) Sending some picts to show.

Sorry for the lengthy explanation of how the move bar works, not always sure what a person's level of experience is with Garmin. Glad you know your way around.

This surely looks wrong. Have you tried with Garmin Express? Also make sure GE is version 4.1.11.0 or later. Current version is 4.1.12.0
The reason I am asking is because I know the Android app has some bugs. Is your app version up to date?
The chaotic ordering of settings in the screenshot you sent me is one proof of it. (Already reported to Garmin before)
I will try and see if I can get an Android phone to test with.

Have you tried completely uninstalling and reinstalling the watch? Rebooting the watch?
I don't want to cause you too much trouble, but it should be something small.
I have been playing and testing all day using iOS, and didn't encounter an issue like this, so I am hoping it could be something Android related.

Nighthawk700 over 9 years ago

No worries, I'm happy to help trouble shoot. I used to program, so I know how sensitive these things can be. I'll try these steps later on today after picking up a kid and driving a new possible route to make sure it's safe to run. (one thing I can tell you is that everything is the most updated/current version, I do keep tabs on that!)

HermoT over 9 years ago

No worries, I'm happy to help trouble shoot. I used to program, so I know how sensitive these things can be. I'll try these steps later on today after picking up a kid and driving a new possible route to make sure it's safe to run. (one thing I can tell you is that everything is the most updated/current version, I do keep tabs on that!)

Thanks for all the help!

Nighthawk700 over 9 years ago

Bingo! I remember something you (I think it was you) said earlier, about picking one to use, either on the Android or on the computer. I had originally installed Coundown! on my computer, then an update from my phone. I tried to remove it from the FR with the phone, and it said it couldn't do it. So I hooked it up to the computer and removed it. Then I disconnected and installed from my phone. See picture below. Still no indication of sleep mode, at least when I put it in "Do Not Disturb", I'll see what happens when I hit the sleep time (if I'm awake ;-) ) Thanks again!!

HermoT over 9 years ago

Bingo! I remember something you (I think it was you) said earlier, about picking one to use, either on the Android or on the computer. I had originally installed Coundown! on my computer, then an update from my phone. I tried to remove it from the FR with the phone, and it said it couldn't do it. So I hooked it up to the computer and removed it. Then I disconnected and installed from my phone. See picture below. Still no indication of sleep mode, at least when I put it in "Do Not Disturb", I'll see what happens when I hit the sleep time (if I'm awake ;-) ) Thanks again!!

Yessss! ;)

Awesome, I am relieved we could sort it out!
That discovery with using various software to set the same watchface was a hard one to debug the other night, and I put it in the description of the app straight away because I knew people would hit those issues.

I have to say I am very surpised that someone actually read it!
Congrats, sometimes spending a little time reading a developer's notes can help a great deal towards helping one self. :D

HermoT over 9 years ago

Bingo! I remember something you (I think it was you) said earlier, about picking one to use, either on the Android or on the computer. I had originally installed Coundown! on my computer, then an update from my phone. I tried to remove it from the FR with the phone, and it said it couldn't do it. So I hooked it up to the computer and removed it. Then I disconnected and installed from my phone. See picture below. Still no indication of sleep mode, at least when I put it in "Do Not Disturb", I'll see what happens when I hit the sleep time (if I'm awake ;-) ) Thanks again!!

If you feel you do not like that move bar, I added an option for to change the progress bar (dots) to a move bar indicator. Look for alternative move bar option in settings. It will change from 10 dots to 8 dots (4 for the first indicator, and 1 each for the last 4.
It won't then show the move bar that you currently see on your watch.

This idea was provided by someone who argued that the step counter / goal already tells you how far from your goal you are, and that a progress bar is just double information, which is actually true.

But since it was already released like that, I just added some options so users could set up what they wish.

HermoT over 9 years ago

Changes

v1.3.0:

1) Added support for fr735xt and vivoactive HR

v1.2.6:

1) Fixed a bug when the date is configured in Garmin Express for Mac OSX, and the timezone is negative, e.g. UTC-5.
If you are affected by this bug, and you meet the conditions stated above, then you have to enable the setting "Fix date bug for Garmin Express for Mac? (OSX)".
This is the only way for me to know you are configuring on a Mac. It prevents the fix from breaking the countdown for Windows users.

2) Added a workaround for the bug in Garmin Connect Android where it messed up the date.
Note that most of the time when re-entering settings, the date in the date picker will be 1 day before the currently configured date.
There is nothing I can do about this since it is Garmin's bug. They have been notified and I am waiting for a fix.
Just ensure that the date is always correct before saving your settings.

v1.2.3:

1) Fixed timezone issues

v1.2.2:

1) Better handling of timezone bug when setting event date with Garmin Connect Mobile iOS
2) Optimizations leading to improved performance and less power consumption.

v1.2.1:

1) Fix for a crash caused when forgetting to set event name in Garmin Connect Mobile
2) Fix for the step progress bar disappearing when "Show move bar" is unchecked, but "Use step progress bar as alternative move bar" is checked

v1.2.0:

1) Fixed issue with parsing of time where "08" or "09" was entered in hours or minutes.
2) Fixed alignment issues for APAC devices
3) Hides seconds part of countdown when device enters low power mode, displays again when entering high power mode
4) Added a move bar. Can be hidden.
5) The step progress bar can be used as an alternative move bar (hides the move bar in #4)
6) Can substitute the step counter and goal field with distance and kCalories