Hi guys!

So far I’ve been using Mi-Bands for a long time, and have been less happy each time with their increasingly frustrating pairing experience. All of course due to Xiaomi’s encription key mechanism. My current Mi Band 6 is dying a bit too early due to failing battery, and I’m now looking for another band. Which ones would you recommend?

I also tested the Pinetime, of which I have one. Notifications do work, but alas, at this moment it doesn’t have multiple sync-able alarms, nor reminders. At this moment only one alarm works, and only setting it via a clunky UI in the watch. So, until this works, is there any good alternative out there? My main needs are time, seeing message notifications at a glance, and setting multiple alarms and reminders for different things in a day. So far Mi Band does these well, but the pairing and the need to use their damn Zepp app the first pairing time is a bit frustrating.

Thanks!

  • PrincessOfChaos@feddit.de
    5·
    10 months ago

    I had the same problem. I was fed up with my Amazfit GTS 3 and pairing a Mi band 6 wasn’t possible when I tried. For now it made me turn back to my trusty Pebble Time Steel (left wrist) and an oldish Mi band 3 (right wrist) which I intended to put on eBay but fortunately never did. Gadgetbridge is connected to both simultaneously. With the Pebble I can even mark tasks (in LoopHabit) as done and have as many reminders as I want. The Mi is only there for pulse tracking. I’m happy with this combination but I can of course understand that not everybody would like this as one has to charge two devices. Edit: the Mi 3 was the last device without encrypted server side pairing if I remember that correct.

    • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍@midwest.social
      3·
      10 months ago

      My Time Steel has been holding on admirably, but the left button has gotten squishy. I’m dreading it finally failing; I’ve even watched several self-repair videos, but I think that’s beyond me.

      I have a PT Round, and I hate having to recharge it every few days, so the smart watches with daily charging are out. On-demand modes suck too, and LCD readability stinks. I’ve been spoiled by e-ink; the closest replacements for me are the hybrid watches. I’m interested to see if anyone responds with a good recommendation.

      • PrincessOfChaos@feddit.de
        1·
        10 months ago

        I also thought about getting a Fossil Hybrid as it’s supported by Gadgetbridge. I’d miss sleep tracking though and I’m still too much of a Pebble fan to let go. I have 3 PTS in good condition and one ugly scratched PTS with mushy buttons for parts. Have been eyeing a PTR but I too would be annoyed by having to charge it every 2 days so I think I’ll refrain from that. I’m not really good at repairing things but if one of my PTS fails I’ll at least try to replace the broken part.

        • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍@midwest.social
          2·
          10 months ago

          You’re in a good position! Yeah, I’m sorry I got the Round. I think Pebble had lost touch with what their users wanted. At that point, I owned every model of Pebble, and felt obligated, but it was a mistake.

          I still have hope for one of the OSS watches to get a good e-ink display and long battery life.