The Samsung Galaxy Gear is not designed to run full Android apps out of the box, although this has not stopped Ron Amadeo from Ars Technica running full Android apps on the device.
The video below shows a couple of Android apps running on the Samsung Galaxy Gear, plus some music playing and even a video. Ron managed to get the apps running using the ‘USB debug’ feature on the device, he then connected it to his computer.
The Galaxy Gear ships with a “USB debug” checkbox in the settings. Check that box, hook it up to a computer, and it will be usable with ADB, the Android Debug Bridge. ADB will in turn allow you to fire up a command line and sideload whatever you want onto the Gear’s 4GB of storage.
Technical Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Gear
The Samsung Galaxy Gear features a 1.63 inch display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels, it comes with 512MB of RAM and a single core 800MHz processor. This smartwatch also includes a 1.9-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p HD video, a speaker, and two microphones for voice commands and calls. The device is powered by a 315mAh battery, which Samsung claims can last up to 25 hours on a single charge under typical usage.
The Galaxy Gear runs on a modified version of Android, specifically designed to work seamlessly with Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones. However, its limited app ecosystem and functionality out of the box have led many tech enthusiasts to explore ways to unlock its full potential.
Unlocking the Full Potential of the Galaxy Gear
Ron Amadeo’s experiment with running full Android apps on the Galaxy Gear showcases the device’s hidden capabilities. By enabling the ‘USB debug’ feature, users can connect the smartwatch to a computer and use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to sideload apps. This process involves using command-line tools to install APK files directly onto the Gear’s 4GB of storage.
For example, users can install popular Android apps like Spotify for music streaming, Google Maps for navigation, or even YouTube for video playback. This significantly enhances the functionality of the Galaxy Gear, transforming it from a basic smartwatch into a versatile mini-computer on your wrist.
However, it’s important to note that sideloading apps can have its drawbacks. The Galaxy Gear’s limited hardware resources, such as its 800MHz processor and 512MB of RAM, may struggle to run more demanding applications smoothly. Additionally, sideloading apps can void the device’s warranty and potentially expose it to security risks.
Despite these challenges, the ability to run full Android apps on the Galaxy Gear opens up a world of possibilities for tech enthusiasts and developers. It demonstrates the potential of wearable technology and how it can be pushed beyond its intended limits.
Head on over to Ars Technica for more details on how this was done, it certainly looks very cool from the video.
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