Packaging and content: The clock is delivered in a small black cardboard box with foil to the cardboard around. The film I find unnecessary. Other manufacturers do without it. The box is relatively difficult to open because the lid fits tightly. I got it just by shaking on. Except the clock, a USB cable is supplied in sufficient length. In the box is also a starting guide for initial setup and product information guide with safety information. The information content of the Start Guides is poor and also in English only. For example, the indication of how the clock on and off can be missing. I have found in the Pebble App Support menu that you have to pay press any key 6-10 sec.
Appearance: I was surprised how small the clock. All my previously known competitors are larger. The design is similar to 80s digital watches. The small size it appears less bulky, is thus something for smaller wrists. However, the display is relatively small, in practice, enough. The brushed stainless steel look is dibasic. Even the black leather bracelet like it is soft and pliable. The closure is kept simple, not like some competing product.
Start-up: As already mentioned, one finds at the beginning no information about the clock is switched on. If the clock is connected to the USB cable to power, the display shows the information that the corresponding Pebble app you want to install. Also on the front page of the Start Guides you will be informed of the Internet address on which the Pebble app can be downloaded. On the website you can choose whether to use Android or iOS. When you first use the app you need to open an account Pebble. Once you are logged in, look for the app for software updates. For me operating system SmartWatch was renewed to version 2.9. Then you can install apps for basic equipment, such. As dials (also Watch Faces called), the Fitness Tracker misfit, Yelp, ESPN, a weather app (unfortunately US only), Pandora music control and the Evernote Notizapp.
Operation: The operation of the clock is getting used to if you wiping and Tap is used on a touch screen, for example, I have seven times on key press to enter the fitness app. Here I have to bend my rather use hand. This is more comfortable on a touch screen. For todays time that is perhaps no longer entirely appropriate. But it works fairly quickly, because the operating system reacts very quickly. It has no waiting period required to load anything.
AppStore: The selection of the app stores is relatively small compared to Android Wear, for all the apps are free and useful. I find it quite confusing. Unfortunately, there are only 6 categories, in which the apps are divided into: communications, health and fitness, remote control, Daily (weather icon), Tools & Utilities, Games. On the home page you will find a further subdivision in all apps, popular, recommendations week and basic equipment.
App function test:
- Pebble App: The app is laid out. The home is divided into two halves. The upper half is home to all installed on the clock Apps and Watch Faces and is located in the lower half of a shelf for SmartWatch apps that are already installed on the clock, but have not been transferred at the clock, because (this was for me the greatest surprise), it can be transmitted only eight or Apps Watch Faces at the clock. Thus, in use of many apps, the phone needs to be taken again and again to help to swap or Apps Watch Faces on the clock. However, this is relatively fast. There is to look for a menu item to dials on the AppStore and to load. In addition, can be set which smartphone apps are allowed to send messages to the Pebble.
- Music Player: Music Player pre-installed app with which you can control the music on your phone, did not work together with the music streaming service Deezer, although I could select it in the settings of the Pebble app. But it worked well with the Music app on your phone and Google Play Music. The music can thus also start via clock. The control should also work with many other apps on your phone, such. As SoundCloud, Audible, video player and even with the ZDF App. Even the news app Flipboard can be started with it, will not let me browse through the news.
Conclusion: Solid and well thought-out system. The main function of the clock is probably the display of notifications from apps from your phone. Personally, I miss the heart rate measurement, as this is the clock less fitness fit. Good, I like that the time is permanently displayed and not you have to wait, that the display turns on. Furthermore, I miss colors on the screen and a touchscreen.
