Is anyone interested in a GPS tracking app that can be controlled directly from a Pebble smartwatch?

Watchapp discussion
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I fully realize that the Pebble isn’t designed to be a dedicated sports watch. However, I really wanted to control my GPS tracking app from my wrist while running.

Unfortunately, Runkeeper no longer supports the Pebble platform any more. They do not accept a new developer who wants to use runkeeper API. I also learned that “Runner up”—an open-source tracking app—used to offer Pebble support in the past. Initially, I considered trying to revive the Pebble-specific code within RunnerUp.

However, I ultimately decided give it up; I discovered that RunnerUp relies on APIs from various platforms, and I was concerned that my modifications might inadvertently violate their terms of service.

Consequently, I have turned to Gemini with a request to help me build the specific app I’ve been envisioning. My request to Gemini is to create an app that allows for control via a Pebble watch and is built entirely using publicly available technologies that anyone is free to use.

If there is anyone else out there who, like me, wishes they could control their GPS tracking app from a Pebble, please let me know! That motivates me to develop apps.

I haven’t quite figured out the best way to publish the companion app yet, but my goal is to make it available for everyone to use.

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I posted a video which you can see how the app is working on X.

I also want to do music control on the same watch app. The music control function is working well by touch screen of pebble time 2 and companion app on Android.

https://x.com/i/status/2053692630895067434

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Id be keen on this.

I really liked that Runkeeper use to work with the original Pebble. I kept the app at the version before Runkeeper removed support.

Now I’ve the new Pebble is disappointing but not surprising to see this functionality doesn’t work regardless of Runkeeper version.

The earlier versions of Runkeeper do launch the activity tracker on the new Pebble but nothing else, they timer doesn’t start (though it does in Runkeeper on the phone) and the watch buttons do nothing.

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Runkeeper on Pebble 2 (or an alternative)
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Thank you for your comment​:blush:

It encourages me so much!!!

Actually, the companion app and watch app is almost there.

I am working on prepping publish these apps to each store. Especially I am struggling to publish to Google Play store now.

I will be happy if you try it.

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Now it’s going under closed testing for Google Play.

I will posted invitation to join test soon.

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Hi Pebble community!

​I am excited to announce that I’m developing a new Android companion app named “Iron”. It is a GPS tracking app designed for workouts, built to enhance and support our beloved Pebble smartwatches in modern environments.

​To bring this app to the public, Google Play now requires a closed testing period with at least 12 testers for 14 days. I would highly appreciate it if you could join the test, track your workouts, and help me cross this final finish line!

​Here is how you can participate:

​:small_blue_diamond: Step 1: Join the Google Group

Please join our testing group first. You must be a member of this group to access the testing program and download the companion Watchapp (.pbw).

:backhand_index_pointing_right: https://groups.google.com/g/iron-closed-testers

​:small_blue_diamond: Step 2: Opt-in to the Testing Program

After joining the Google Group, click the link below to accept the testing invitation:

:backhand_index_pointing_right: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/hag1987haaa.pebble.iron

​:small_blue_diamond: Step 3: Download the App

Once you’ve opted in, you can download the “Iron” app directly from the Google Play Store:

:backhand_index_pointing_right: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hag1987haaa.pebble.iron

​:light_bulb: Important Note for Watchapp (.pbw):

The companion Pebble Watchapp (.pbw file) is shared via a dedicated discussion thread inside the Google Group. Please check the group’s pinned or recent threads to download and sideload it to your Pebble!

​If you encounter any bugs, have questions, or want to share feedback, please feel free to post a thread in the Google Group.

​Thank you so much for keeping the Pebble spirit alive!

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There is no guarantees that this app can work on any android smartphone since I tried only on Google Pixel 10 pro.

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this is exactly what I was looking for, I’ll test it daily

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Thank you!

If you find something wrong, please let me know!

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10

Seems to work fine!

Bugs I’ve seen:

  • Missing translations for notifications

  • Tracks are saved twice

  • When you select the activity type before starting GPS search it gets reset to Running when tapping start

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Thanks! It really makes me realize just how important testing is​:joy:

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I just submitted new version to Google Play to fix these bugs.

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Just went on a bike ride, this is really impressive. The GPX export works like a charm and I was able to upload it to Strava. Apart from the bugs that were already fixed I have the following questions/feature requests:

  1. Is there a way to have the map full screen on the phone app?
  2. Is it possible to have vibrating reminders on the watch, for example each km or each lap?

This app is really awesome, thank you very much

2 Likes
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Thank you for the feedback—your comments are a huge boost to my motivation!

To be honest, I hadn’t actually tested GPX file imports yet, so that information is very helpful.

:joy:

Thank you for the two feature requests as well; both sound like they would be incredibly useful in practice. I’m not sure right now if I’ll be able to carve out the time to implement these additions immediately, but I’ve made my note of them​:crossed_fingers:

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By the way, which pebble do you use?

I only tried PT2 with this app.

If you tried the other pebble with this app and it works well, it would be great.

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I have a PT2 as well

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I got it. Thank you!

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Does it also bring in the heart rate data into the GPX? Sounds really promising, I’ve been looking for something like this since JayPS doesn’t seem to work on the PT2

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Thank you!

I don’t believe GPX contain any heart rate and step count. But at rebble discord, I learned TCX file. It should be a next option.

Please help me by being beta tester!

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Brilliant work Hagu. I’ve joined the group, installed the app and downloaded the pbw file. How do I side load it onto my Pebble (I’ve a PT2 as well)

Glad to see this is getting traction too, I’m not very technical so couldn’t have helped publish the app but I’m happy to test.

1 Like