Intel, 50 Cent collaborate on biometric headphones that measure heart activity

SMS Audio, the audio headphone and accessories brand owned by 50 Cent, is set to announce its new line of biometric headphones based on Intel’s health monitoring technology, according to a report by Gizmodo.

The entertainer told the WSJ earlier this week that SMS Audio has partnered with a major tech firm to launch a new product later this week.

According to unnamed sources cited in the Gizmodo report, BioSport In-Ear is a biometric earbud based on Intel’s prototype health monitoring technology that was first revealed at CES in January.

Gizmodo’s sources say that the lightweight fitness headphones would have the ability to send infrared and accelerometer sensor data to the user’s smartphone via the 3.5mm audio jack, with the accompanying software measuring the user’s heart rate and the number of steps he or she takes.

The BioSport In-Ear will also feature a new ear hook design, which could potentially resemble the ear hook design of the company’s new exercise earbuds.

Since the sensors are powered by the headphone jack in the user’s smartphone, users will not be inconvenienced by the excess weight of a built-in rechargeable battery. As long as the user’s smartphone is charged, the SMS Audio earbuds will also stayed charged.

So far, Intel spokesperson Ellen Healy declined to comment on the rumored announcement. However, SMS Audio president Bill Nohe said twice at a promotional event in June that the company is partnering with Intel to launch a “biometric airbud” this fall.

The product is rumored to not be available until October, and there has still been no details regarding its pricing.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  consumer electronics  |  healthcare  |  Heart Rate  |  Intel  |  wearables