Linux @lemmy.ml kristoff @infosec.pub 4 mo. ago

sport watch supported by Linux/FOSS software

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) 😀

23 comments

You can check a list of supported devices for this android app: https://gadgetbridge.org/
PineTime is currently $24.95 plus shipping
- 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!
  
  I'd advise against pinetime as a sports watch because it doesn't accurately track mileage or pace. I'm looking to replace mine eventually with a Garmin or something.
  
  ah .. currently not available :-/
- Doesn't have a lot of features such as GPS
- It's complete crap, on the level of not being able to run the stopwatch in the background and having it restart if you get a notification.
  
  Also, it's 65EUR if you want to order it in Europe
  
  My dad got one shipped (imported) to germany for less than 50Eur. The 3 issues he had was that the notifications didn't work on his phone (an android update fixed that), random disconnects on some phone models and that the current alarm app only supports one alarm.
I don't know what your exact criteria for "sportswatch" is, but I've been very happy with my Bangle.js 2: https://banglejs.com/
Can you be more specific? Are you talking just on mobile?

For watches and such on mobile, the device maker has to write software that runs on the watch, but interacts with the mobile OS's API in order to display information. It connects to your phone as a subscription device to things like alarms, messages, notifications and calendars. So if whatever app you're using on your phone routes events through these systems, they will work with your software.

If you're talking about integrations with desktop software, I'm unaware of any watch devices or device OS's interact with anything like that.
- my daily driver is a ubuntu laptop so I was first thinking about that, but now that you mention a mobile app, ..yes. that would be nice too.
  
  thanks for the food for thought :-)
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!
  
  interesting advice. Thanks!
- 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...
Sensorwatch is the only one that looks interesting to me.

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