Gear Icon X: Safe & sound

The Samsung device pulls the plug on those annoying wires

Samsung's been "exploding" in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately. So let's veer off a bit because they are still a formidable force to be reckoned with.
And they've got a neat package here with the Gear Icon X, a completely wireless pair of headphones, meaning you won't have to deal with those at-times irritating cables.
Out of the box, you'll find the lovely pair inside a cylindrical case, which perfectly fits into your pocket. The case also serves as a charging station, with each bud having its own dock. LEDs indicate whether it's powering up or not. Going back to the design, it's so simple but appealing - though I do feel that Samsung should've done something to shrink it a tad more.
Now you may be wondering - without the inline control panel we've been used to, how the hell do you control these things without those wires? Simple: see the area inside the coloured circle on the buds? It's a touch-sensitive zone, and this is where you'll be able to doodle around with your device: tap once to play a track, tap twice to answer/end a call or skip a track forward, tap thrice to skip a track forward, swipe up or down for volume, or tap and hold to listen to menus. Fans of wired headsets - like me - will have a good time here.
As with devices with touch-sensitive panels, you have to be careful with it as you may inadvertently touch it. It's a bit sensitive, but the good thing is that being small, there's lesser room for this to happen, unlike huge headsets with a larger room for error.
The sound coming out of the Icon X is decent, although don't expect it to replace your higher-end headsets. It also has what you can call a "safe mode"; press and hold on either bud and the external mics will be activated, allowing you to hear the outside world while still listening to your music. Better be safe while jogging. Each bud has 4GB of storage in which you can store your songs, plus a built-in heart-rate monitor in each. What's more, there's an app for it, although it's only available for Android.
One potential drawback here - while also a come-on - is its size, since it may tend to fall off if you haven't placed it properly; good thing there are S-M-L buds you can choose from.

AND SO.
It's a good draw from Samsung, since the Icon X is a good, versatile device to have around. While not perfect - as is generally the case with firsts - this gizmo is promising for those who don't want to worry about cramping up cables in their pockets or bags.
alvin@khaleejtimes.com
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Samsung Gear Fit2

So now that you've been acquainted with the Icon X, why not complete your workout set with its equally-sleek cousin, the Gear Fit2?
The nice bright, curved display is back, as with the original Gear Fit, and although it's wider now, it's technically smaller at 1.5 inches compared to its predecessor's 1.84 inches. It is, however, up at 322ppi from 245ppi.
The Super Amoled screen is still big enough to check out your stats, including the distance you've run, your target and your heart rate plus, of course, the time you took to do it all. You can also choose from whatever watch face you wish.
If you're in a competitive mode, snap up your S Health app and challenge your friend to a one-on-one. You'll be able to keep track of both your progress levels on your device.
One of the biggest improvements on the Gear Fit2 is that you don't need that wired charger to juice it up; it now comes with a dock - still proprietary, though. And you still get notifications from calls and texts, even calendar alerts. (Dh699)

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