Controlling Insta 360 cameras from Wear OS (Android wear) watches
Since I could not find an application to control my X2 , I decided to write my own app.
And it was successful.
I wrote an app to connect to Insta 360 camera directly from Wear OS watch (Samsung Watch 4 in my case)
after connecting the watch to the camera's OSC wifi ssid, the app connects and allows me to take photo captures or start/stop video recordings.
Then I decided to publish my app. After approval from Google, now 2 apps are available on Play Store:
A- Basic version:
Just allows the user to take photos either with live view or without live preview.
here's a video of how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsXfalNQfyw
and link to store listing:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aktuna.gear.watchcontrolforinsta360
B- Pro version with additional features:
- Live View with gesture control
- Video Capture
- Battery Level Display
- HDR and Normal (photo & video) capture options
here's a video of how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij2RMVQeUcE
and link to store listing:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aktuna.gear.watchcontrolproforinsta360
I could only test Insta 360 X2 with my Galaxy Watch 4
And my friend tested the same camera with his Fossil watch.
I believe other Insta 360 cameras should also work.
I really would like to get feedback for improvements and additional requested features. Please contact me via developer contact email on Google Play Store if you have any issues or want to ask for a feature.
important notes:
- please try the basic version on your setup before deciding to go with the pro version. If the basic version works , pro should also work.
- you may not be able to access the app to install on wear watch through your phone. In that case, either access the URL directly on the watch or search for apps with name "Insta360" directly on Google Play app of the watch.
- Please watch the videos carefully for a successful use. The first installation and first use of app may be somehow tricky. You have to manually connect to camera's OSC network
- If the first connection is not stabilized (losing wifi access) , try disabling bluetooth connection to your phone from your watch. Some watches deny keeping the wifi access when they have a bluetooth connection.
- After the initial connection, the app will try to maintain the wifi connection as long as it is open.
- The tricky network connection is because Google does not want any app to directly connect to any network without user request.
- Please accept this first release as a "beta" process. The app is tested with limitations, but overall it should work. And I am open to any feedback for fixing issues.