Apple held a new launch event earlier this week, where it introduced new earbuds, smartwatches, and iPhones. I watched the entire event, and I don't remember the last time I felt so conflicted. When Apple unveiled its new AirPods 3 Pro wireless earbuds, I felt excited, nostalgic, and a little bit disappointed and annoyed at Samsung.I felt excitement because the AirPods 3 Pro may push Samsung to improve its earbuds. I felt nostalgic because Apple borrowed an idea that Samsung had years ago. And I felt a little bit disappointed and annoyed because Samsung abandoned said idea before Apple took it over.In case you missed Apple's big news, the AirPods 3 Pro are the first wireless earbuds in the company's lineup to feature a heart rate sensor. Apple's new premium earbuds can monitor the wearer's heart rate and calories burned. It's a great concept, but it's not original.When it comes to the battle between Samsung and Apple, the AirPods 3 Pro are not the first to boast these capabilities. That is why I felt so conflicted watching Apple's event. It reminded me of the Samsung Gear IconX and the fact that these revolutionary earbuds never got a proper sequel.AirPods 3 Pro are a spiritual successor to Samsung's first earbudsSamsung's Gear IconX wireless earbuds, originally released in 2016, were equipped with a heart rate sensor and could monitor calories burned. The IconX sequels, released a year later, boasted similar capabilities.In 2019, Samsung switched gears and released the first Galaxy Buds. And with the launch of the Galaxy Buds lineup, the IconX's heart rate monitoring capabilities were gone and forgotten.And here's the worst part that made me feel slightly annoyed while watching Apple's recent event. There's no way to justify the lack of a heart rate monitor in Samsung's earbuds by citing high costs. Surprise! The AirPods 3 Pro cost exactly the same as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, i.e., $249.All in all, it almost feels like Apple is mocking Samsung, not through social media posts but a solid product and launch strategy.It's been nine years since Samsung introduced the original Gear IconX, and it almost feels like Samsung has forgotten some chunks of its own history. Painfully enough, I had to watch Apple comb through it and revive concepts Samsung left behind years ago.On the bright side, Apple's new wireless earbuds might convince Samsung to raise the bar. The company could rekindle the Gear IconX and bring back useful features like in-ear heart rate monitoring.Maybe next year, Samsung will release its best high-end earbuds in a decade. The original Gear IconX debuted in 2016, so it would be quite fitting for a proper sequel to go on sale in 2026.Blade Lights are cool and all, and they could be improved, but they're still a gimmick compared to a built-in heart rate sensor. Pretty lights are not enough, and Samsung will have to do better. Browse Galaxy Buds offers Samsung Shop The post Excited, nostalgic, annoyed: My honest reaction to Apple’s AirPods 3 Pro appeared first on SamMobile.