Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

SmartThings widget

KOKKETIEL
over 5 years ago

I just got a new FR945 to replace my 920XT and Vivosmart HR.  I was sad to learn that the SmartThings app that I use a lot on my 920XT, is not available on the FR945.  There are two different SmartThings apps in the ConnectIQ store, and the new one does not do what I need it to do.  I use the SmartThings Classic widget on the 920XT and it works great, but it is not compatible with the 945.  The new Samsung SmartThings app is compatible with the 945 and 920, but as mentioned, does not do what I need it to do.

My question is - where would be the best place to petition Garmin (listed as the app developer) to mark the old app as compatible with the 945?  I can't imagine there is a real technical reason why they should not be able to.  (Samsung is trying to get users migrated from their classic to new apps, and I suspect this has something to do with what is going on.)

I suspect (hope!) that I will be able to jump through hoops on the SmartThings side to accomplish what I need to, but this is not something that the average user will be able to do.  This is close to a deal breaker for me.  If I can't fix this on the SmartThings side, I may have to consider returning the new watch.  And so far I like it a lot :).

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Have you tried sideloading the widget from your 920 to your 945 and see if it works?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to tess

    Thanks for the reply.  I briefly Googled app side loading, but was discouraged by a Garmin Developer FAQ answer.  It said that if you side-load an app that requires a connection to the GC on the phone (which this definitely does), that connection is not made for side loaded apps.

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    What is it that's missing in the new widget?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to jim_m_58

    The old widget allows you to execute routines.  The new widget only allows you to execute scenes.  Scenes are much less powerful than routines.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to KOKKETIEL
    KOKKETIEL said:
    It said that if you side-load an app that requires a connection to the GC on the phone (which this definitely does), that connection is not made for side loaded apps.

    Through the GCM app or through the phone?  If it's through the phone, that's not correct as I am currently using sideloaded apps that need data through a phone connection and they are working for me perfectly.  I'm not familiar with the SmartThings widget.  Are you saying you have to open up GCM to use it?  

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to tess

    When you start the widget for the first time it gives a notification in GC Mobile which then prompts you to authorize your account with SmartThings.  GC has to run on the phone for the setup to work.  On the FR920XT, the widget wouldn't work if the device is not connected to GCM.

    I came up with a workaround in SmartThings, so I don't need to try to hack anything on the Garmin side.  But to my original point, I'm sure it's just a check-box in the widget settings to allow the original app to be installed on the FR945.  I don't think it serves either Garmin or Samsung to not allow this simple thing. 

  • +1 over 5 years ago

    From the CIQ page for the App...

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

    That's the new app, not the one I was looking for.  It shows as below, and was last updated in March 2019.  I didn't notice the Contact Developer, which I assume is what you mean with your post.  Thanks!  I'll give that a try.