Got the MotoActv: Update 6 Incoming 7 march

[Bateluer]

Sorry, didn't want to make a long post longer by listing every model I know about and what extensive research has said about them.

I think the SF700 has had manufacturing and/or reliability issues with the sensor, thus the delay in getting to market.
If the audio quality is great, and releases within the next 30 days, I'll give it a shot.

I haven't seen hide or hair of the SF700s, but I've nearly stopped running with headphones entirely. Its so difficult to find ones that actually stay in my ear without constant adjustment.

 

[Bateluer]

http://www.droid-life.com/2012/03/2...ing-20000-courses-and-virtual-caddy-included/

Moto! You're being stupid again. Stop dividing your resources with this crap.

 

[Platypus]

there's already a golf app including in the latest firmware lol, not sure if its similar though.

I wrote all the edify for the rom copy/pasters so at least you'll always get the new stuff from moto if you decide to root, despite their efforts.

 

[Bateluer]

there's already a golf app including in the latest firmware lol, not sure if its similar though.

This is a little more extensive than the Golf tracker in Update 6. But still, its something that could have been made available in a software update easily. Moto does themselves no favors releasing multiple versions with minor differences so quickly.

AFAIK, Garmin makes a golf oriented GPS device in the Approach line. And all but the latest Approach G6 undercut Moto's 299 price point for the Actv Golf Edition.

http://www8.garmin.com/golf/

Go to Amazon and the prices are lower.

 

[sciwizam]

Droid Life reports a beta Golf software update for current MotoActv will come in April

http://www.droid-life.com/2012/03/2...o-receive-beta-golf-software-update-in-april/

 

[Bateluer]

Droid Life reports a beta Golf software update for current MotoActv will come in April

http://www.droid-life.com/2012/03/2...o-receive-beta-golf-software-update-in-april/

Came in here to post that. Good, slightly less stupid of them.

They should only update the Actv hardware once a year, or every other year. As a runner, I can tell you we don't like to change our GPS watches every quarter. I know a couple people that have been running with FR101s for more than a decade. Still see more FR201s/205s and 305s out there than the newer 310/410/610/910 models.

 

[Bateluer]

https://forums.motorola.com/posts/048f7f20d7

Good news! We are delighted to announce that the MOTOACTVTM App will be available for all Android smartphones (Android 2.1 and later) – starting Monday, April 2nd. Plus, it has been updated and packed with new features. You can now:

-Plan workouts on your phone, launch them from your MOTOACTV and see your workout data back on your phone

-Track progress of your personal fitness goals on your phone

-Use your Android smartphone to set up Wi-Fi networks for your MOTOACTV

And you still get the same great Bluetooth® enabled functionality between your MOTOACTV and Android smartphone such as:

-Receive notifications of incoming calls and answer calls

-Redial calls from the MOTOACTV notifications list

-Receive text messages

-Receive reminders about events from your Android smartphone calendar

-Sync fitness data from your MOTOACTV to MOTOACTV.com

Excellent, excellent.

 

[Bateluer]

https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/82794/

Live

 

[destrekor]

Plugged in my Actv to check for updates just a little while ago, and it grabbed the update.
I got the 8gb version since Best Buy was out of stock (and couldn't justify the added expense anyhow), but don't tell me I'm going to be seriously pissed in the future by not getting updates that the 16gb model gets. That will be very annoying.
That said, at least I get to keep this "beta" update, but I am indeed worried that there will be updates pushed in the future that the 16gb model gets for free and I'd have to buy.

Anyhow, so far it appears Moto has not updated the Android app for all phones. Was hoping that would be live so I could play around with it before my run (I will not be carrying my phone along with me on a run, but would like the workout management ability).

 

[Bateluer]

Plugged in my Actv to check for updates just a little while ago, and it grabbed the update.
I got the 8gb version since Best Buy was out of stock (and couldn't justify the added expense anyhow), but don't tell me I'm going to be seriously pissed in the future by not getting updates that the 16gb model gets. That will be very annoying.
That said, at least I get to keep this "beta" update, but I am indeed worried that there will be updates pushed in the future that the 16gb model gets for free and I'd have to buy.

Eh? The 16BG models are supported for this update.

Anyhow, so far it appears Moto has not updated the Android app for all phones. Was hoping that would be live so I could play around with it before my run (I will not be carrying my phone along with me on a run, but would like the workout management ability).

Hopefully this comes soon.

 

[destrekor]

Eh? The 16BG models are supported for this update.

Me thinks you misread that bit.

Additional Information

If you own an 8GB MOTOACTV, you must download it BEFORE APRIL 16TH, 2012. If you do not, and want the golf capabilities after this date, you will be able to purchase a software load with a full production version of MOTOACTV's golf capabilities later in the year.
If you own a 16GB MOTOACTV you will also receive new software supporting all sports, including golf. There is no time restriction to download this software.
Current MOTOACTV owners of 8 or 16GB devices will download course maps by state/country manually over Wi-Fi before using the golf capabilities.

Both models are supported, but the Golf Course (non-beta) will be free for the 16GB model, and require payment for the 8GB model. Thus, I am worried about future new features (if any/many) will be treated to the same approach (free for 16GB model owners, additional cost for 8GB model owners owners).

We'll see, I guess. Only Moto really knows for sure, but I'm not liking how it looks thus far.

 

[Bateluer]

Me thinks you misread that bit.



Both models are supported, but the Golf Course (non-beta) will be free for the 16GB model, and require payment for the 8GB model. Thus, I am worried about future new features (if any/many) will be treated to the same approach (free for 16GB model owners, additional cost for 8GB model owners owners).

We'll see, I guess. Only Moto really knows for sure, but I'm not liking how it looks thus far.

Ah, now I follow you. Interesting though, there was some speculation a while back that the 16GB model would be the black sheep, with the 8GB getting the bulk of the software updates. I personally don't care about the Golf features, not my sport.

But, neither am I going to pay a fee for each software update. I'll pick up a Garmin again if Moto wants to play that game.

 

[destrekor]

Ah, now I follow you. Interesting though, there was some speculation a while back that the 16GB model would be the black sheep, with the 8GB getting the bulk of the software updates. I personally don't care about the Golf features, not my sport.

But, neither am I going to pay a fee for each software update. I'll pick up a Garmin again if Moto wants to play that game.

I have a feeling that, if any software updates aren't free, it's ones that are adding "major" features. I honestly don't expect many, but then again, this one was unexpected. But it's adding a feature big enough to sell devices dedicated entirely to it (virtual caddy (caddie? chrome underlines caddy lol)).

I grabbed it now. I rarely play golf but do enjoy it, and think this would be a damn neat feature on the course.... whenever I get out to one. It does look like some, if not all, of the local courses I'd play at are on here, so that's cool.

If they add no new features from here on out, and only commit to stability patches and whatnot, I would still feel my money was well spent. That said, it would definitely be nice for them to make it an even better and more well-rounded package.

I just pray this isn't to be treated like major phone releases, where the hardware is refreshed just about annually (well hey, there's already a new model that's distinct! lol), and software updates are dropped after a year or two.

Oh, and the "all phones" MOTOACTV app is now on Google Play. Sorta nice, will definitely get utilized when away from my computer and I think of scheduling a workout. Haven't played around with it too much, but it seems capable. One caveat: it does seem intervals planning isn't an option from the app.

 

[Bateluer]

I just pray this isn't to be treated like major phone releases, where the hardware is refreshed just about annually (well hey, there's already a new model that's distinct! lol), and software updates are dropped after a year or two.

An annual hardware refresh, with software updates for at least 2 years, I'd be ok with. With devices like this, I feel that they can refresh the hardware once a year and be able to justify a new device. Having said that, I do know runners that have been using Garmin FR101s and FR305s for several years, with only battery and wrist strap replacements.

Oh, and the "all phones" MOTOACTV app is now on Google Play. Sorta nice, will definitely get utilized when away from my computer and I think of scheduling a workout. Haven't played around with it too much, but it seems capable. One caveat: it does seem intervals planning isn't an option from the app.

Have to play with this myself still.

Edit - The app pulled all my workouts from the cloud, neat. Can't sync with my actv yet, but I can see this being very very useful. The 2-star rating seems to be from the older versions where it was uninstallable bloatware under MotoBlur. It is a pretty useless app if you don't own a MotoACTV.

 

[Bateluer]

Bump for newest update.

 

[nOOky]

I sent my Forerunner 210 back and got this yesterday. Amazing device, but huge! I was wondering how the battery life issues are nowadays. I intend to go for a 4 hour bike ride tomorrow, I use it along with my Garmin and see how it goes.

 

[Bateluer]

I sent my Forerunner 210 back and got this yesterday. Amazing device, but huge! I was wondering how the battery life issues are nowadays. I intend to go for a 4 hour bike ride tomorrow, I use it along with my Garmin and see how it goes.

A 4hr run drains mine to about 50%.

 

[nOOky]

4:34 80 mile bike ride today, with gps, Bluetooth synced to my phone, and music, the battery was 30% when I got home. Not good enough for 200k rides, but I don't do those very often. I had the display set to auto-off when exercising. The more I use the device, the more I like it. I think I'll keep it, and order the bike mount and armband. Still deciding on the wireless headphones...

 

[Bateluer]

4:34 80 mile bike ride today, with gps, Bluetooth synced to my phone, and music, the battery was 30% when I got home. Not good enough for 200k rides, but I don't do those very often. I had the display set to auto-off when exercising. The more I use the device, the more I like it. I think I'll keep it, and order the bike mount and armband. Still deciding on the wireless headphones...

You've ran into the big pitfall with the Actv. It can do a lot of things and usually does them very well . . . but they take power. And you can easily drain the device very quickly when using all the features.

On my training runs, I'm only using the GPS and screen, and 4hrs drains it to 50%. Clearly, won't be taking it on any ultra length events. In retrospect, I think Moto should have made the Actv 1mm thicker and devoted the extra space entirely to battery.

Because the device is so awesome though, I keep using it and recommending it.

 

[destrekor]

4:34 80 mile bike ride today, with gps, Bluetooth synced to my phone, and music, the battery was 30% when I got home. Not good enough for 200k rides, but I don't do those very often. I had the display set to auto-off when exercising. The more I use the device, the more I like it. I think I'll keep it, and order the bike mount and armband. Still deciding on the wireless headphones...

You've ran into the big pitfall with the Actv. It can do a lot of things and usually does them very well . . . but they take power. And you can easily drain the device very quickly when using all the features.

On my training runs, I'm only using the GPS and screen, and 4hrs drains it to 50%. Clearly, won't be taking it on any ultra length events. In retrospect, I think Moto should have made the Actv 1mm thicker and devoted the extra space entirely to battery.

Because the device is so awesome though, I keep using it and recommending it.

While I personally wouldn't be one to ask for it being any thicker, they should go the "MotoACTV MAXX" route, make a chunkier model, and call it a day in terms of models.
Perhaps an updated device (yearly product refresh? never have I actually thought such was a good idea ) would be able to offer better performance using newer SOCs, along with better battery management. Very possible, especially combined with better software/firmware tweaks. Wait, this is Motorola, they are terrible on the software optimization front.

Honestly, when using all the features (I run with gps, BT stereo headset connection, and music), I really cannot ask for that much more. Would I ever refuse better battery life with all that enabled? Heck no.
There just isn't anything on the market that can really offer more in the package this device comes in. A smartwatch that allows GPS, music, and BT audio? You can get some of those, but the only way to get all those features AND have it all last longer, would be to use multiple devices. Certain sacrifices have to be made to condense multiple tools into a single package.

I do entirely believe they can make a MotoACTV 2 (and I honestly hope they do; the market is ripe for such a thing... as long as they don't make a billion models for specific activities) that offers more and lasts longer. The march of technological evolution is awesome like that. Especially with the advances in low-voltage next-gen SOCs for devices exactly like this.

 

[nOOky]

I'd love to see this and my other devices lose the bezel completely and be all touchscreen : ) I agree, I'd sacrifice the extra weight for a bit more battery life. A bit more water resistance and it'd be perfect.

 

[sygyzy]

Me thinks you misread that bit.



Both models are supported, but the Golf Course (non-beta) will be free for the 16GB model, and require payment for the 8GB model. Thus, I am worried about future new features (if any/many) will be treated to the same approach (free for 16GB model owners, additional cost for 8GB model owners owners).

We'll see, I guess. Only Moto really knows for sure, but I'm not liking how it looks thus far.

I know it's the middle of June but was the 8GB update merely timebomed on the download? I guess what I am asking is could you simply give someone who buys the 8GB, today, the file and they'd be able to update their version with golf support?

 

[destrekor]

I know it's the middle of June but was the 8GB update merely timebomed on the download? I guess what I am asking is could you simply give someone who buys the 8GB, today, the file and they'd be able to update their version with golf support?

If you want the device to act and feel completely stock, but have the current golf and keep up to date, I think you might need to flash an old community-sourced ROM based off a slightly out-of-date official package, and then use the bundled Motorola software to update to the latest version.

They work some fancy magic where you never even have an actual file, and all downloading/updating/flashing happens through the MotoActv software you install on your PC.
But as long as you have the Golf features active, all future updates will keep those features there for you - but if you were to never have had Golf, the current software won't enable it (to the best of my knowledge).

I'm fairly certain, of what I have read from the official topic on XDA, that if you update through the official channels over a custom ROM, it'll work but just overwrite the custom aspects.

I still haven't rooted my motoactv, but I might be doing that soon. It's gotten to be what seems like a painless process and things are pretty ironed out - they basically just give you the official ROM but open it up wide to allow typical Android customization.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1399692
(a very lengthy thread - I'd probably start around page 160, read forward from that and then read backward from there. You should get the gist of the latest tips and tricks (if comfortable doing this).

There might be official packages out there used for "recovery" purposes in case of a brick. Which you'd need the Software Update 6.6 (MA 1.6.6) to enable the Golf features, and once enabled, they'll remain there after every update (and even improve, perhaps - not sure if the 8GB has had golf feature improvements, but they have improved it for the 16GB at a minimum).

The discussions in that XDA topic, coupled with the information and instructions at the wiki page below, should set you up for success.

http://motoactv.wikispaces.com/