By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Samsung’s touts new Bluetooth gamepad and speaker
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Samsung’s touts new Bluetooth gamepad and speaker
Audio-visualCellphonesGamingMobile

Samsung’s touts new Bluetooth gamepad and speaker

Jonathan Tan
Last updated: July 28, 2014 at 4:20 AM
Jonathan Tan Published February 14, 2014
5 Min Read
SHARE

00_EI-GP20_Front_black_Standard_Online_LBluetooth Speaker_EO-SB330_Gray_side view

Contents
Devices with screen sizes from 4 inches to 6.3 inches can be mounted directly onto the Gamepad as well, which perfect for Galaxy Note usersThe speaker comes in two models – black and silver

Samsung started bringing its new Gamepad and Bluetooth Speaker (EO-SB330) to Singapore last week, promising to elevate the mobile gaming experience for many users who want the experience of a gaming console.

The launch comes at an opportune time, with many of the most popular mobile games sporting console-like graphics, audio and multiplayer capabilities.

With a button layout reminiscent of an Xbox and Playstation controller, the Samsung Gamepad allows gamers to connect and play with no learning curve. The Gamepad also features an eight-way directional pad instead of the usual four-way, offering greater in-game control and precision.

While the Gamepad can connect with your devices via Bluetooth, its most convenient features have been optimised for Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 4.3, which can pair with the Gamepad via NFC (near field communications).

Combined with the EO-SB330 Speaker, which pairs with devices via Bluetooth and NFC to provide up to 15 hours of audio playback, both devices transform the normal smart device into a quick-to-set-up gaming console.

Users can even connect their Galaxy devices to their television via a HDMI cable or Screen Mirroring to unleash the full television gaming console experience.

53649_EI-GP20_Stand_black_000000_Dynamic_Online_P

Devices with screen sizes from 4 inches to 6.3 inches can be mounted directly onto the Gamepad as well, which perfect for Galaxy Note users

The Gamepad also comes with the Mobile Console app, Samsung’s new integrated game-launching app that can be accessed on your smart device with a simple tap of the Gamepad’s “Play” button. The Mobile Console allows users to conveniently browse and purchase Gamepad-optimised games, which include popular titles such as Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4 and EA’s Need For Speed Most Wanted.

Despite its promising features, the Gamepad and Speaker have limitations.

The Gamepad’s biggest drawback is the lack of R2/L2 buttons, leaving the console incompatible with future gaming titles that might require them, as well as frustrating avid first-person shooter fans like myself over the loss of our usual flashbang and grenade throwing buttons.

Samsung’s omission of the R2/L2 buttons is puzzling, considering that competitor models such as the Moga Pro Power Controller (Android) and Steelseries Stratus Wireless Gaming Contoller (iOS) include R2/L2 buttons. In addition, the Gamepad does not seem to be able to charge your device as you play, unlike the Moga Pro.

While the Gamepad makes a good home gaming console out of your smart device, its feasibility as a portable gaming console is questionable. The failure of Nokia’s N-Gage has shown that consumers are generally not in favour of doubling up their phones as serious gaming devices when on the move. Together with an abundance of entertaining apps that do not require any console controller, this means not everyone will feel compelled to bring the Gamepad out of the house.

For its limitations, the Gamepad is still priced at a reasonable $158. The same cannot be said for the EO-SB330 Speaker, which sets users back by $268. Unlike similarly priced wireless speakers in the market, there aren’t any additional features like a radio and clock.

Bluetooth Speaker_EO-SB330_White_Front

The speaker comes in two models – black and silver

Overall, the Gamepad still has its strong merits – FPS and car racing fans will greatly appreciate the precision of the Gamepad over the less accurate touch screen, and the potential of your smart device to function as a pseudo-Playstation or Xbox is very exciting.

Still, for the sake of gamers and Samsung’s desire for a greater share of the mobile gaming console industry, one can only hope that future models of the Gamepad will feature the full controller layout. As for the EO-SB330 Speaker, the pricing may need to be more competitive.

You Might Also Like

Xiaomi 13 Pro review: A photography powerhouse with 1-inch image sensor

Oppo Find N2 Flip review: A worthy flip phone alternative to Samsung

Sony Playstation VR2 review: An immersive experience awaits

Debate on computational photography misses what’s real, what’s lived outside a frame

LG OLED Flex LX3 review: A bendable gaming monitor for the adventurous (and rich)

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Jonathan Tan February 14, 2014
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Hands On: Fujifilm X-T1
Next Article Sony updates waterproof sports MP3 player
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?
Enterprise Internet March 30, 2023
Xiaomi 13 Pro review: A photography powerhouse with 1-inch image sensor
Cellphones Mobile March 29, 2023
IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach
Cybersecurity Enterprise Software March 29, 2023
SPTel offers multi-network eSIM service to businesses running IoT apps
Enterprise Telecom March 28, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?