SMS Audio is to increase it fitness-themed audio line in 2015, with the company set to introduce an LED-equipped pair of headphones designed specifically for late night running.
Looking to improve the safety of runners while providing crisp, clear audio, the upcoming headphones will feature a strip of flashing LEDs on the rear of the wrap-around design.
Like clothing with high-visibility accents or your traditional bike lights, the headphone’s LED array will act as a safety precaution to warn drivers when runners are getting in the miles after dark.
While firmed up details are still thin on the ground, the currently unnamed, wrap-around running headphones were previewed to TrustedReviews during CES 2015 recently.
Hooking over users’ ears and with a plastic band running behind the neck, the LED array is located on the back for maximum visibility.
The large, on-ear headphones will feature similar audio capabilities to the company’s current array of premium fitness cans, including the company’s Auto Interrupt technology which makes it easier to enjoy music without the risk of not heading traffic.
“We have a new type of sport headphone that we are going to be releasing later this year, in the back you will have LED lights that can be set to constant or to flash.” Jonathan Belson, SMS Audio’s Vice President of Business Development said speaking with TrustedReviews.
“A lot of people that run are already wearing their headphones. A lot of the time they are adding reflective tape so that cars can see them when it’s late or they’re wearing an attachable blinking red light.
“To incorporate that feature on a headphone that somebody is already going to be using makes sense.”
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While the upcoming fitness ‘phones might still be without a name, you shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to snap up a pair.
Bizarrely, according to Belson, the SMS headphones will launch this summer – when nighttime running is less of an issue.
“It will be available probably second quarter globally and definitely in the UK,” the SMS exec told us.
Discussing the likely battery implications of the light-up headphones, he added: “The battery effect is minimal. All of our battery-powered headphones use Lithium-Ion batteries and these will typically last up to 12 hours on a single charge. Unless you’re successively running three marathons you should be alright.”