Hi all, I have recently found out that there is a Linux distribution for smartwatches called “AsteroidOS”, with community watchfaces and all. They claim that notifications, media control, AOD, nightstand mode, etc. all work for most of the supported models! One feature they state is currently missing is call answering which could maybe be coming soon according to the docs?
It sounds really cool, but all of the supported models aren’t available new (meaning I would have to get one used, old batteries, possibility of broken parts, etc.). It seems like the most well-supported model is the Ticwatch Pro 2018/20 (and I think it’s also one of the more recent ones) and their wiki says the only feature that are missing is the second low power LCD, which only has “partial” support (they say there is no user interface to use it yet, but it works with CLI)
Should I get a used Ticwatch Pro 2018/20 and install AsteroidOS on it? In my area, used smartwatches are pretty affordable, but I’m a bit worried that I could get a dud unit or an aged battery or something like that. I don’t care too much about the health tracking stuff, I am mostly looking forward to notifications, checking the time (being a good watch), and having good battery life (the docs say the Ticwatch Pro 2018/20 can last 3 days without AOD and tilt to wake, but the LTE model has terrible battery life apparently?)
I’m into other forms of retro electronics and I must warn you. It sounds like you’re veering into hobby territory.
You found this thing. It might be neat. But let’s say you pick it up and find that the batter doesn’t hold a charge very long. Do you buy another one, or do you invest in new tools for tiny electronics, maybe some jewelers style magnification and lighting, and invest time into learning how to service this device, building skills and knowledge from the experience.
To me this sounds great, assuming you can afford a hobby, or find ways to make the hobby affordable. What other interesting directions could the new skills and tools take you in?
I have a Ticwatch S2 (tunny) which was not officially supported but I managed to get it running and it was cool but not well integrated. The maps didn’t work, most apps were only a little functional, and syncing with a phone was not stable.
Those all sound like bad things and for a finished product they would be, but solving problems is fun if you have the right mindset. I love the idea of using a real qt based interface rather than running modified android or similar. It was very fun to play around with but ended up being less than perfectly suited for me. I want them to succeed though, so I hope they make more progress and get some better results.
