Intel and SMS, founded by rapper 50 Cent, are launching SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear headphones that offer both a premium audio experience as well as a new way to track fitness activities.
The headphones include sensors for monitoring heart rate, which the companies hope will prove popular with "ultra marathoners" and "aspirational exercisers."
"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," said corporate vice president and general manager of the New Devices Group at Intel, Michael Bell. "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."
The sensors read heart rate at all times, including during intense exercise, relaxation and even during sleep. The headphones also boast a clear audio sound by removing noise cause by body motion.
Users will be able to sync the headphones with fitness app RunKeeper to be able to better track their heart rate, as well as other metrics such as pace, distance, elevation and calorie burn. This means that users won't have to wear other, less comfortable fitness monitors such as chest strap style monitors. Support for other apps will be available in the future.
"SMS Audio was very open to us and our suggestions," said Indira Nega, an Intel engineer that was at the head of the BioSport project. "They are a headset company and they understand sound very well so they had a ton of feedback on how it should sound, how the acoustic chambers should be. From how the device should function, what the data should be or how many bits of data there should be, they followed our lead."
Not only are the headphones fully functional, but they also have a design that is both stylish and comfortable. The "ear-hook design" makes the headphones easier to wear, while an energy-harvesting audio jack removes the need for batteries or other charging sources.
"The wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers," said SMS President Brian Nohe. "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 and SMS have not yet revealed pricing for the headphones. They will be released sometime later this year, and will be available in blue and yellow.
The partnership is not the first between a large tech company and a headphone company started by a rapper. Apple recently bought Beats Audio, which was founded by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
