Ask HN: Smartwatch Without Cloud Stuff?

3 points·TekMol··4 comments

I have been burned twice now by trying to use a smartwatch only to figure out that it does not show me even the most basic data on screen (like steps taken yesterday) and instead wants me to install an app on my phone and sign up to some cloud service.

Are there any smartwatches out there with basic functions (time, timer, sleep time, steps taken) that work as a standalone device, without having to use a smartphone?

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Pedometers track your steps with no cloud for $10. They attach to your belt, which leaves your wrist free for a normal watch.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Pedometer-Walking-Counter-Removable-A...

You can also get a pedometer + digital watch for $10.

[2] https://www.amazon.com/Pedometer-Walking-Waterproof-Calories...

For sleep tracking, there are various phone apps that you can leave on your bed at night. I used one for years that synced via iCloud rather than some janky fitness account.

[3] https://www.shuteye.ai/track-sleep-without-watch/

I'm looking for a watch that tells me steps and sleep on the device itself. For the last days, not only for the current day.

I bought a garmin fenix 3 HR at costco a few years back and it's just that plus the optional "cloud/phone connect" or whatever but it's free. Maybe have a look at their Garmin product lines?

If you do not use an app, does the Garmin Fenix 3 HR tell you the steps you took yesterday? Or just the current day?

That is my biggest problem with the smartwatches I tried. That they don't tell you the steps of the last day on the device itself.

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