They probably meant “everything that they use it for”. Like, in my case everything on Linux works for me, but I don’t play multiplayer games or use Photoshop. I have a single old monitor that can’t do HDR. I don’t watch Netflix. To be fair and pedantic, not everything anyone could possibly ever want to do works on Windows 11, either.

I love Linux, but I never expect it to be mainstream or even extremely accessible to typical users. In fact, if it made it to mainstream, it’d probably get ruined somehow by corporate interference, monetization, etc. How you may ask? Well, corporations have a lot of money and influence and I’m sure they could “find a way” if motivated to do so.

Also the Bip cannot spy on you unless you install the official app. It’s limited to its interactions with apps over bluetooth, and I just use Gadgetbridge.

According to the wiki, only one firmware is supported, and it’s early support with missing features. The wiki may be outdated, though.

What Android software could you use for managing it? Gadgetbridge seems to not have fully-developed support for it, even with their preferred firmware.

I’m using Gadgetbridge with a hacked Amazfit Bip and I’m pretty happy. I like the multicolor TFT LCD w/no default backlight on the Bip, which is very readable in bright light and only requires a quick button press to get the backlight on in the dark, or you can waste more battery life and have it turn on when you turn it towards yourself. It’s also got built-in GPS/workout tracking (you have to manually flash the A-GPS data occasionally…), the ability to load little open source apps, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, notifications, custom watchfaces, etc which I’m sure the Pinetime has most of. The battery also lasts ages since it uses such a low-power LCD.

I’m not saying the Pinetime isn’t good, but decent alternatives exist. I would love a truly open-source smart watch, but maybe when the project is slightly more mature. I guess I could always get one and contribute to it… $30 is really not much. I’ll definitely try it if my Bip breaks.

You’re forgetting the 10 minutes of mandatory Windows updates.