←back to thread

30 points msephton | 4 comments | | HN request time: 1.235s | source
Show context
throwanem ◴[] No.43699591[source]
Developer documentation for the Amazfit device's "Zepp OS" appears to be hosted at https://developer.zepp.com/os/home.

They're absurdly cheap for a device with specs like these. I picked one up off Amazon, along with a small selection of aftermarket metal and nylon-weave bands. It's been years since I bothered wearing any kind of bracelet, and the fetish for expensive watches as conspicuous display of debt-financed pretense of wealth passed me by, but a bracelet topped with a cute little OLED touchscreen, bristling with sensors, and powered by what appears to be an extremely open and friendly programming environment? That's worth the trouble of reaccustoming myself to a somewhat unfashionable accessory.

(Make sure there isn't a space in the simulator executable's pathname. Also note that, because the Band 7 runs Zepp OS 1.0, you won't be able to use any feature that's documented as requiring an API_LEVEL, i.e. OS 2.0 or higher. That's probably part of why these are so cheap, but if they're as flexible as I get the sense from these docs they may be, I'll be upgrading pretty soon to something much more capable like a T-Rex 3.)

replies(1): >>43702905 #
msephton ◴[] No.43702905[source]
The price and capability is really surprising. But the most surprising and welcome thing for me is the long battery life.
replies(2): >>43705221 #>>43707882 #
1. throwanem ◴[] No.43705221[source]
I don't love having to link it with an app to start using it, especially when that app keeps trying to grab my pasteboard without any sensible excuse.

This comment was much more favorable before that started happening. Oh well, what self-respecting mobile dev doesn't have a pile of crappy phones with nothing on them of import?

replies(1): >>43705688 #
2. msephton ◴[] No.43705688[source]
I hear you. Once the device set up you can unlink the app but I'm not sure what happens to your data at that point. But the app is quite useful as it allows you to view data in different ways than Health. Also, like you, I disable pasteboard requests apps that have no need for it.
replies(1): >>43712267 #
3. throwanem ◴[] No.43712267[source]
I overreacted slightly because it happened to be my TOTP app that had most recently written there, and I don't suppose I feel too bad about being a little gun-shy in the direction of excessive security.

The app is really quite nice, and the hardware itself seems so far quite beyond reproach. I think I'm really going to enjoy these as a way of easing back into programming during this sabbatical, and the T-rex 3 is a handsome little accessory; thank you, I'm really glad you posted about these!

replies(1): >>43720155 #
4. throwanem ◴[] No.43720155{3}[source]
Not that you need to hear more from me on this, but this really is the exact kind of accessory I needed. Programmable, powerful enough to be fun, not obtrusive enough to get in the way, lots of stylish colorful and businessy metallic bands I can swap out and accessorize for my day - and paying ~5% state of charge per day for an always-on display in "night" or single-color mode, it also manages to match in simple utility a simple quartz watch of the type my last-but-one partner favored. It's clever, unusual, understated, but for those who bother noticing such things it does make a nuanced statement. It's me.

I've spent ca $500 now on a range from Band 7 through Balance to T-rex 3, just so I'll have something to suit all styles and occasions. That may sound like a lot of money, but it really isn't; due to some events last year far too tedious to discuss, I lately find I'm read as homeless a little (...a lot...) too easily for comfort, and accessorizing this way allows me to show the ignorant wealthy something they think they recognize enough not to feel threatened by, without my having to compromise on any characteristics I actually care about in a personal device.

When the bad read is from a 20-year-old college kid bartender who has the job precisely because the place is too empty that time of day for even a Labrador to screw anything up too badly, I don't especially care. But this is Baltimore, and while the BPD has made enormous strides in the last decade and especially under Mayor Scott, times are scary. If the bad read is a keyed-up 22-year-old cop with a hand already near his weapon, that really could turn out to be the last bad day we ever have.

Oh sure, that poor cop would regret it and never forgive himself starting one second after the shot, but what good would that do him or me? Everybody goes out some kind of way, but I would rather for the sake of all involved this not be mine, and the upgrade to my style materially reduces the chance of that happening and makes me happy all kinds of other ways too.

So thanks again, most earnestly! Whether or not you meant to do me such a favor, you did; if you're ever in town and want to hit me up, feel free to collect on that very nice meal that I owe you.