Intel has partnered with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMSAudio headphone company to create new in-ear headphones with biometric sensors and custom heart rate monitor, empowering anyone to collect fitness data and achieve peak physical performance.
It’s not just Apple and Beats partnering on high-tech headphones, but Intel and rapper 50 Cent’s SMSAudio getting in on the biometric action too with the new “SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel”.
Although the name’s a mouthful and earful all in one, both companies say they’ve collaborated to “develop the first heart-pounding personal audio system converging lifestyle and technology innovation for an exceptional fitness experience”. It will go on sale in Q4 this year, with specific pricing still to be announced.
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Promising an “exceptional experience while working out without sacrificing audio quality”, the new headphones “integrate biometric sensors in a custom heart rate monitor”. This empowers athletes – or any user – “to collect fitness data” for the purpose of achieving “peak physical performance”.
A patented ear-hook design ensures a comfortable fit while an energy-harvesting audio jack removes the need for extra batteries or chargers, with SMSAudio explaining that the 3.5mm gold-plated audio jack “powers the biometric monitoring capabilities so users have the freedom of on-the-go power”.
A built-in optical sensor continuously measures heart rate during intense exercise, states of relaxation and every moment in between – while dynamically removing noise signals caused by body motion and ambient light.
The “jointly-developed heart rate monitor in-ear headphone” is designed to “put an end to the less convenient, less comfortable chest strap-style monitor while delivering reliable and consistent heart rate monitoring”, which both companies say is :to enable peak performance and progress tracking.”
For a fitness device that will be subjected to sweat, it’s good to know that the headphones are IPX4 rated for protection against sweat and resistance to water.
You can also sync with the RunKeeper app to help track your heart rate, pace, distance, elevation and calorie burn. Additional application support planned in the future.
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RunKeeper support enables users to plan fitness routines and track progress, designed to “push enthusiasts to reach peak performance”.
A tangle-free cord is standard, as in an in-line microphone, neoprene carrying case and a combo of three sizes of ear gels and hooks.
President of SMS Audio, Brian M. Nohe, said: “The wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers.
“With the introduction of the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel, we’re now the first to provide this level of integrated, seamless and helpful biometric information to inspire customers to advance their fitness experiences.”
Intel’s Corporate VP and GM of its New Devices Group, Michael Bell, said: “Intel is focused on driving innovation in the wearable technology segment by partnering with lifestyle brands like SMS Audio that complement our technology and design expertise.
“With SMS Audio, we will bring smart headphones to market that eliminate the inconvenience of add-on devices with an integrated, one-device fitness accessory offering high-end style and premier sound quality for an exceptional fitness experience. This is a prime example of Intel driving innovation in wearable devices while being a forerunner in merging lifestyle and technology.”
Intel has more information on its fitness wearables collaboration with SMSAudio here.
The joint press release is here, while SMSAudio’s site is here.
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