Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and SMS Audio has partnered with Intel to announce the launch of fitness tracking headphones. The water and sweat resistant headphones are the first to use biometrics to detect heart rate and the amount of energy used.
The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones include a heart rate monitor that collects data without the consumer having to wear a smart watch, bracelet, or chest strap.
The technology was developed by Intel engineer Indira Negi and is targeted for runners who don't want to carry multiple tracking devices when they hit the pavement.
"I am a runner - I get hives from the sun, I have to run with gloves on," Negi said earlier this year. "That means when there is a bad song, I have to take out my phone, take off my gloves, unlock my phone and change the song."
The heart rate sensors can work with the software on the runner's device to change music tracks according to the runner's heart rate. So if you're below your target heart rate it will play faster, tempo songs.
The optical sensor is built-in and is powered by the headphone jack of the consumer's music source. The biometirc headphones do not have to be charged. "It's always ready to go," Negi said.
The BioSport earbuds will sync with the fitness app Runkeeper, and "additional application support" is planned for the future. SMS is leaving the possibility open to partner with Apple's HealthKit or Google Fit software.
The headphones have a tangle-free cord and a patented, comfortable ear-hook design. It also has a noise control feature that removes background noise.
Rapper, actor and businessman 50 Cent is not the only big name that is behind the BioSport. Seven-time NBA all-star and Olympic gold medalist Carmelo Anthony has endorsed the fitness tracking headphones, which was announced during a SMS Audio even in NYC on Thursday.
The price of the product is still unknown. The heart rate tracking headphones may not hit shelves until October.
50 Cent's BioSport earbuds will compete with rapper and record producer Dr. Dre's "Beats By Dr. Dre" headphones. Beats was founded in 2006 and had a five-year partnership with Monster Inc. to create the headphones. Apple recently acquired Beats for $3 billion.
