According to the announcement, Intel and SMS Audio are "merging lifestyle requirements with technology innovation to enhance the fitness experience" and the result will be the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel to be launched later this year. “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”, SMS Audio states.
SMS Audio already offers a full range of premium headphones, earbuds, and accessories designed to meet the needs of various consumer segments. The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel will extend the recently launched SMS Audio Sport Collection and harness advanced technology features to deliver high-quality audio while gathering actionable data on fitness progress.
SMS Audio says the company intends to “improve the way people around the world experience music by combining technology, function and style to bring a high-quality sound, comfort and fashion to every product.” By combining a jointly developed heart rate monitor in-ear headphone SMS Audio says it will replace less convenient and less comfortable chest strap-style monitors, while delivering reliable and consistent heart rate monitoring to enable peak performance and progress tracking.
“The wearable technology collaboration between SMS Audio and Intel elevates our capability to bring smart exercise to consumers,” said Brian M. 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.”
“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 SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones powered by Intel integrate biometric sensors in a custom heart rate monitor in-ear headphone to allow athletes to collect fitness data. A patented ear-hook design ensures a comfortable fit while an energy-harvesting audio jack removes the need for extra batteries or chargers.
The headphones feature 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.
The in-ear devices doesn’t use batteries, using a 3.5 mm gold-plated audio jack that powers the biometric monitoring capabilities and are IPX4 rated for protection against sweat and resistance to water.
To help track heart rate, pace, distance, elevation and calorie burn information, the SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear Headphones will work with popular mainstream fitness app RunKeeper, with additional application support planned in the future.
The headphones will come with a tangle-free cord with an in-line microphone, neoprene carrying case, and three sizes of ear gels and hooks. Availability is announced for Q4 2014 and no specific pricing as been confirmed yet.
www.intel.com
www.SMSAudio.com
