Intel and SMS Audio have announced collaboration for the development of the BioSport biometric earbuds.
SMS Audio, an audio headphone and accessories brand, was founded by Curtis Jackson, more commonly known as the rapper 50 Cent.
The formed partnership looks to challenge the recently formed partnership between Apple and Beats Electronics. Apple recently closed its acquisition of the audio technology company for the sum of $3 billion, bringing Beats' portfolio of headphones, speakers and streaming services to Apple.
In addition to Apple's acquisition of the technology, Beats co-founders music mogul Jimmy Iovine and rapper legend Dr. Dre have also joined Apple to provide a unique voice and a fresh perspective to the music division of the company.
The Intel-50 Cent partnership will be focusing on the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones, which will be bringing smart exercise options to all kinds of athletes.
The BioSport earbuds will feature a modern combination of technology and fitness, utilizing the latest in biometric technology for monitoring fitness with high-quality style and audio capabilities.
"The wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers," said SMS Audio President Brian Nohe. "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 corporate vice president and New Devices Group general manager Michael Bell also expressed his excitement over the company's partnership with the lifestyle brand.
"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," Bell said.
The BioSport earbuds will feature integrated biometric sensors within the device's structure, giving athletes the capability to collect data on their workouts to be able to reach the peaks of their physical performance. The sensors will measure the wearer's heart rate and send it to the heart rate monitor located in the device, which bypasses the need to have the bulky monitors of the past that were strapped to the wearer's chest.
The BioSport earbuds will use a patented design and an audio jack that harvests energy, which eliminates the need for batteries and chargers.
And of course, the BioSport earbuds will feature high-quality sound so that wearers can enjoy their music while working out.
The BioSport earbuds is expected to be released through the SMS Audio website by the fourth quarter of this year. The price of the device will be announced later on within the year.
