Intel has teamed up with the rapper 50 Cent to announce a new set of earphones that can measure the wearers’ heartbeat, syncing the data with fitness tracking apps.
BioSport In-Ear headphones use an optical sensor to monitor heart rate and send that information down the headphone cable to a bespoke app running on a smartphone. They were announced by 50 Cent’s company SMS Audio on Friday, and are based on Intel’s smart earphone design unveiled at the Consumer Electronics show in January.
“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,” said Michael Bell, general manager of the new devices group at Intel.
No chest strap or watch needed
The earphones will allow runners and other athletes to track their heart rate throughout a run or workout session without having to wear a wrist or chest heart-rate monitor.
The earphones are powered by the smartphone, meaning they require no battery or power, and are water resistant. The data can be synced with existing apps, including RunKeeper which helps runners track their progress, training and race times as well as routes and schedules.
“The wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers,” said Brian Nohe, president of SMS Audio.
The headphones will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014, with pricing yet to be announced.
SMS Audio joins LG and other technology companies who have already launched heart-rate monitoring earphones.
The launch is part of Intel’s push into wearable technology, which it announced was to be a key part of its business at CES in January, with reference designs and new technologies for manufacturers to use to create new wearable products like the earphones.
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