The Samsung Gear Icon X 2018 Edition: A Wireless Earbuds and Portable Battery Pack Combo
Samsung has launched another fitness-minded accessory, alongside their original wireless earbuds, the new Gear Icon X 2018 edition. This latest addition to the Samsung wearable lineup is designed to provide a seamless listening experience for users on-the-go.
The earbuds themselves are not drastically different from their predecessors, with similar designs available in pink, black, and gray hues. However, they do come with a matching case that serves as both a charging dock and a portable battery pack. The case is capable of giving the earbuds an extra full charge, making it a convenient option for users who need to top up their battery on the go.
In terms of performance, the new Gear Icon X 2018 edition offers improved playback times compared to its predecessor. The earbuds are now rated to provide five hours of playback over Bluetooth, compared to three hours in the previous model. Additionally, they feature fast charging capabilities that can deliver an hour of playback with just 10 minutes of charge time.
To get started, users simply need to download the Gear manager app on their phone and follow the prompts to pair their earbuds with the device. The Bluetooth button is located on the case, which must be pressed while the earbuds are inside before connecting them in the Gear app when they pop up. Once connected, the earbuds work like any other Bluetooth audio device, automatically streaming audio from the phone if selected.
One of the notable features of the new Gear Icon X 2018 edition is its internal storage capacity, which comes in at 3.4GB and can store around a thousand MP3 files. This allows users to transfer songs from their phone or computer via the Gear app or desktop app, providing a convenient way to listen to music without needing to carry their device with them.
For users who want to run without their phone, the earbuds also offer an additional benefit – extended battery life. According to Samsung, using the earbuds without connecting to the phone will grant an extra hour of battery life. This feature is likely to be welcomed by fitness enthusiasts and athletes who need to stay connected on-the-go.
The buds themselves are touch-sensitive for their controls, which are relatively simple. One tap plays and pauses music, while swiping up and down adjusts the volume. Tapping twice quickly navigates to the next song or answers a call or hangs up on a call. Tapping three times skips to the previous song, and double-tapping and holding navigates to the next playlist when playing music from the Gear's storage.
In addition to these basic controls, there are also more advanced features available through the Gear manager app. Users can adjust exercise options, including a built-in running coach that encourages them to stay on pace while running. The coach provides real-time feedback and guidance, helping users to improve their performance. Additionally, users can turn on audioguidance and determine what information is provided at specific intervals during the workout.
For those who misplace their earbuds, Samsung has included a feature called "Find My Gear" in the app. This allows users to have their earbuds start beeping and gradually get louder over time to help them locate them. However, this feature only works if the earbuds are connected via Bluetooth.
Despite their impressive features, the new Gear Icon X 2018 edition does have some limitations. For one, iOS devices are not supported by the app, which may limit its appeal for Apple users. Additionally, the earbuds do cover the entire ear canal and muffle sound quite a bit, which may be a drawback for users who prefer a more immersive listening experience.
Finally, Samsung has included nine different languages in the voice guide feature, including Mandarin, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. This adds to the overall convenience of the earbuds, making them accessible to a wider range of users around the world.