XCADEY ALPHA 800 Android Bike Computer

[poyo]

I’ve ordered the XCADEY ALPHA 800 and I’m curious to see how it performs in real-world use.

At the moment, I still see the device as being somewhat in a beta stage, but I also think it has a lot of potential, especially because of the Android-based platform and the possibility of extensions.

I’ve contacted XCADEY to ask whether they provide, or plan to provide, an SDK / Developer API. I’d be especially interested in things like custom data fields, additional sensor support, Di2 features, Komoot integration, navigation tweaks, and ride-screen notifications.

Once the device arrives, I’ll take a closer look at what is actually possible and will share my impressions.

The ALPHA 800 is currently available at a reduced price on XCADEY’s website:
https://xcadey.com/bike-computers/

[jeffrey]

Cool! I don't need it, we don't even know when it will be released (still just a waiting list with no clear plan), it will probably be really rough at first, but the monkey is already climbing my back   

[gplama]

I have one from China Cycle.... but it no longer updates, so I guess it's older hardware? I've had to shelve it.

[Tijoe]

Only 20 hour battery life?  It will never work for bikepackers.  My IGSports 800 has 50 hrs battery life.  For my multi-day rides long battery life is essential.

[frewster]

Not surprised at the lower battery life. Anything running a full fledged OS like Android will have much lower battery life than a purpose developed OS for the use case. Same thing applies to the Android based ereaders that are a dime a dozen these days - atrocious battery life. I think OEMs like it because it's less software development on their end.

[aliexpress_junkie]

Few people actually ride 20+ hours ride, plus nothing that can't be fixed with an external battery pack. The wahoo/hammerhead offerings don't even have 20 hours advertised yet plenty of people use them all the time.

[Tijoe]

Anyone read if you can charge it while it is in operation?  Many units have to be powered down to charge them, and is it fast charge, or just 1amp? 

[Dan S.]

Only 20 hour battery life? ...

Still better than the new Garmin Edge 550/850.

[yappy]

The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

[poyo]

The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

Yeah, the Android side is probably one of the coolest things about the Alpha 800.
If root access can be unlocked, being able to run custom apps/plugins could make this thing pretty interesting.

I came across this hands-on report:
https://jedrysik.com/bike-computer-xcadey-alpha-800/

Also, one thing that isn’t mentioned in the review: the Alpha 800 uses a **Blanview display**. The guy says he was riding in direct sunlight with only 25% brightness.
That’s pretty impressive.

**Update:** Adam, who wrote the test I linked above, replied to my comment. He says GPS accuracy and lock are good so far, with no dropouts or issues during his test. Battery life is also looking very promising at around **5% per hour or less**. The current map view is north-up only, and he is still waiting for a follow-direction option.

[Dan S.]

The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

Finally I can doomscroll while riding on my computer.