Intel and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson‘s SMS Audio have teamed up to create a new category of “fitness wearables,” (smart headphones), which has sensors that can measure the heart rate. The audio headphones will carry the lifestyle brand of the rapper.

The wearables combine technology, fitness metrics, and fashion design in a fusion that reflects the corporate strategy of Brian Krzanich, chief executive of Intel, as outlined in his speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January this year.

Intel and SMS Audio hope to get a broad market of “ultra marathoners,” “aspirational exercisers,” and everyone in between. On a mission to beat rivals like Apple and Samsung, Intel is establishing a technology brand that appears cool for a fresh generation of consumers.

“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 Michael Bell, corporate vice president and general manager of the New Devices Group at Intel. “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 wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers,” said Brian Nohe, president of SMS Audio. “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.”
The headphones will deliver high-end audio quality. They will integrate biometric sensors in a custom heart-rate monitor. With patented “ear-hook design” that makes the headphones comfortable even as an energy-harvesting audio jack removes the need for extra batteries or chargers.

The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014. Pricing will be revealed later.

The device has a built-in optical sensor that 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. This means that athletes won’t have to wear less comfortable chest strap style monitors to track their fitness. The headphones will be sweat and water-resistant. And they will synchronise with the RunKeeper step-tracking app. The headphones will also come with a tangle-free cord, an in-line microphone, neoprene carrying case, and three sizes of ear gels and hooks.
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