General thread about running with smartwatches.
Why do you run with (or without) a smartwatch? Which model do you have? What functionalities do you use often or are there any that you think are redundant? Did yours ever broke down? Are the sensors accurate?
Currently I do not have any but plan to buy one, budget max 200eu. Both the garmin forerunner 245 or 55 seem like solid choices but I am open to suggestions.
Sounds cool, thanks. I like the idea of having control over what software is installed on my watch, really not fond of bloatware. I know for android smartphones this really depends on the model and android installation. To what extent can custom software be installed on smartwatches?
There are some that allow custom software on the watch itself, like PineTime. But Gadgetbridge works by basically replacing the companion phone app with one that can’t access the internet. I have an AmazFit watch, that would normally require the Zepp app to work. But Gadgetbridge totally replaces that app. Now information can go between phone and watch, but not out to the internet in any way. My watch itself uses the stock software though.
Would it still be possible to use Strava? I recall Strava has some server sided stuff so not everything works to full extent (especially regarding using sensor data).
Then again, integrating strava might actually cancel out the whole point of having control over where your sensor data is stored, or am I misunderstanding something here?
No, you’re right, it would cancel out much of the point. The companion app to the smartphone wouldn’t have access to your data, but Strava would, since that’s the point of the app.