I've had a Sony sw2 for a couple of months now. I'm very happy with the device, it's a nice build, good size and has some cracking features not avalible on other smartwatch offerings.
Naturally as with any platform the hardware and it's possible features are one thing but ongoing software development is crucial.
I recently contacted Runtastic regarding the lack of basic functionality in their app (closes after timeout so has to be relaunched every time you want to view progress and doesn't use low power functionality). Unfortunately their response was to say that new functionality (or in my opinion basic necessary functionality) would require a complete rewrite and so at this time they have no plans to update their app for Sony support. They also mentioned that the issue is the multiple smartwatch platforms which they believe will be sorted by Android wear, a platform they are throwing themselves at.
Given Runtastic was flagship app for the device on launch my concern is that this spells out a pathway for many apps as support moves toward android wear. In reality Sony need to either commit to the new platform (android wear) and do something to comfort it's present watch owners or push for developers to truly accept their platform as viable and beneficial. If they can't even do this with partner apps like Runtastic, what does that mean for our watches future?
Ps sorry for the long message just interested in the thoughts of others!
Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk
Naturally as with any platform the hardware and it's possible features are one thing but ongoing software development is crucial.
I recently contacted Runtastic regarding the lack of basic functionality in their app (closes after timeout so has to be relaunched every time you want to view progress and doesn't use low power functionality). Unfortunately their response was to say that new functionality (or in my opinion basic necessary functionality) would require a complete rewrite and so at this time they have no plans to update their app for Sony support. They also mentioned that the issue is the multiple smartwatch platforms which they believe will be sorted by Android wear, a platform they are throwing themselves at.
Given Runtastic was flagship app for the device on launch my concern is that this spells out a pathway for many apps as support moves toward android wear. In reality Sony need to either commit to the new platform (android wear) and do something to comfort it's present watch owners or push for developers to truly accept their platform as viable and beneficial. If they can't even do this with partner apps like Runtastic, what does that mean for our watches future?
Ps sorry for the long message just interested in the thoughts of others!
Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk
