[thrashwerk]

I hate that.

I recently bought a G-Shock watch, it can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, it was a selling point but may be convenient to sync the time with a quick connection.

First, the G-Shock app displayed a prompt that it won't work with animations turned off which is just baffling. I have them disabled in Android settings under accessibility options because I find them frivolous.

Then with the animations enabled the G-Shock app says that it's EOL since mid 2023, now CASIO WATCHES app is for everything.

Install CASIO WATCHES, doesn't complain about animations being disabled which is an improvement but then when I want to add a watch it says I need an account.

Two local devices connecting via Bluetooth need a goddamn online account! Uninstalled that shit immediately.

I don't regret the purchase, I like the watch and it works perfectly without any connection crap but boy is all this online nonsense annoying.

[Borealid]

There is an open-source app ("Casio G-Shock Smart Sync") for syncing time with g-shock BLE watches.

Some of them are also compatible with Gadgetbridge (also OSS, but much richer in functionality).

[m463]

Bought a garmin watch. You can use it entirely offline. It is a refreshing alternative to all other watches.

That said, they are putting some functions behind the garmin connect app, which is troubling.

[haltcatchfire]

Even worse is that they are pushing their subscription service now, Connect Plus…