iconx
Latest
Are Samsung’s Galaxy Buds the wireless headphones you’ve dreamed of?
While Samsung has dabbled in true wireless headphones before, this year it finally released a set designed specifically for its Galaxy lineup: the Galaxy Buds. The $130 headphones include many standard features like a charging case, on-board controls and access to virtual assistants. But they also distinguish themselves from the competition with their small size, light weight and EQ presets. While our reviewer Billy Steele enjoyed the reliable connection and decent battery life, he was disappointed by the touch controls and audio quality. Despite calling the wireless headphones a solid options for Galaxy owners, Billy handed the Galaxy Buds a cutting score of 69.
Samsung's Gear Sport smartwatch hits stores this month for $300
Samsung's latest wearables, the Gear Sport smartwatch and IconX 2018 earbuds, are hitting stores in the US on October 27th. The company announced that pre-orders for both products will begin tomorrow, with pricing set at $300 for the Gear Sport and $200 for the refined IconX. If you recall, Samsung introduced these at IFA 2017 in Berlin at the end of August, but we didn't know specific pricing or availability details until now.
Philips has its own pair of cheap Bluetooth earbuds
One of the standout trends at IFA is the number of companies flinging themselves onto the Truly Wireless earbud bandwagon. It's clear that it's not just a niche product that Bragi and Samsung are catering to, but an audio product for everyone. Because the latest company to throw a hat into the ring is none other than mass-market experts Philips.
Samsung's refined Gear IconX earbuds now talk to Bixby
The Gear Fit 2 Pro and Gear Sport aren't the only products Samsung is unveiling at IFA 2017. Today, the company also introduced a revamped version of its Gear IconX wireless earbuds, which feature better battery life (up to five hours of streaming) and support for its virtual assistant, Bixby. That means you can now use your voice to control your music or paired phone, all by simply tapping and holding the side of the IconX earbud. And because runners may be into these, Samsung added a Running Coach mode that gives you real-time, in-ear status updates as you're working out.
Can Samsung make truly wireless earbuds go mainstream?
Images doing the rounds this week suggest Samsung could be the first of the big names to get into the "truly" wireless headphones game. Until now, the fast-growing category has been dominated by new players like Bragi and Earin. We've covered many of them, and much as we love the idea of cable-free listening, cutting the last wire comes at a cost. Usually, short battery life; but flaky connectivity and even sub-par audio can be challenges. Samsung's not shy about having a go at something new, often with mixed results, so will the so called "Gear IconX" buds break that mould?
