The U.K.-known Samsung Pebble is skipping across the pond.
The tiny MP3 player released in the U.S. today as the Samsung Muse. It holds up to 4GB of music and connects to most of Samsung's Galaxy handsets.
Compatible devices include the Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II and Galaxy S II Skyrocket.
Users can download an app from Google Play to sync the Muse directly to Galaxy phones and transfer music without a computer. The app will also let music buffs check battery life and see how much storage space is left on the device.
Running smoothly
Some might question the need for the mini-music player considering most smartphones already play music perfectly well.
The Muse is meant for fitness folks whose phones have become a too unwieldy to run with.
Though phones are trending towards the lighter, screens are getting bigger, which can make holding them in your pocket during that morning jog somewhat awkward.
So runners can leave their smartphones at home, and clip on the Muse for a trip 'round the park.
The music machine is compatible with iTunes, Google Music and Amazon MP3 right out of the box. Of course, users can rip MP3s from their favorite CD's and slap them on the device. It can also play WMA, FLAC and OGG files.
Music to my earbuds
The Pebble was a very suitable name for the music player, with its smooth edges and round body, and the Muse doesn't loose any of that pearl-like feel.
Colored blue, the player features touch-sensitive buttons, requiring only a light touch to control volume or skip through songs.
There's also a LED light that reports battery level and device status.
The player comes packaged with a 3.5mm-Micro USB Adapter, a 3.5mm-USB Adapter and EHS61 Stereo Headset earbuds. The only port is the headphone jack, so it's charged and connected through it.
Though many challengers have yet to rival the iPod in terms of popularity, with the rise of Android devices in the marketplace, the Galaxy companion may give it a run for its money.
We'll see if the $49.99 Muse can inspire consumers to give it a go this holiday season.