One of the big trends of the last couple of years is wearables which have the ability to monitor some of your vital and health-related data and translate that information to extrenal devices like a smartphone or a tablet. Some of these health-related wearables have come in the form of smartwatches, while others have come in the form of dedicated fitness trackers and devices. Today at CES, HARMAN and Under Armour have announced a partnership which looks to take the idea of in-built wearable to the next level and combining the use of audio products with the best in class heath-related monitoring and tracking technology. The first of the products to be announced under the partnership are coming in the form of two JBL branded headphones.
The first and flagship pair of headphones are the ‘UA Headphones Wireless Heart Rate’. The big selling point with these headphones is that they come equipped with a built-in heart rate monitor attached to the earpiece. As such and with the click of a button, heart rate data can be taken, monitored and transmitted back to a smartphone or tablet for better and more in depth analysis. The logic behind the design is that it allows those interested in a more effective way to record and transmit their data without having to constantly refer to a smartwatch or band. One click and the information is recorded and transmitted through Under Armour’s UA Record platform.
The second headphones announced are the ‘UA Headphones Wireless’ and generally seem to be quite similar to the Heart Rate variant but without the ability to record heart rate data. Both versions comes equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connecting to remote sources, JBL Signature Sound and Twistlock Technology (to ensure a secure in-ear fit). Both versions also come with some additional benefits including an IPX5 rating, three button touch controls, as well as a 12-month MapMyFitness premium subscription for free ($29.99 value). In terms of availability, HARMAN and Under Armour have announced the UA Headphones Wireless are available to pre-order from today and cost $180. The UA Headphones Wireless Heart Rate are not expected to become available until late spring and will cost $250 when available.