Jabra is taking another crack at the running scene, with the new Jabra Sport Pulse headphones boasting the impressive ability to read your heart rate through your ears.
Ridding runners of the need for uncomfortable chest straps and bulky watches, the wireless, in-ear headphones build on the manufacturer’s years of audio expertise with the ability to offer live biometric monitoring direct to a bespoke app.
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He added: “It’s a wireless Bluetooth headphone with inbuilt in-ear heart rate tracking. It’s as accurate as an ECG.”
Far from the first time we have seen heart rate reading headphones, back in January tech giant LG used its CES press conference to unveil its own pair of fitness buds. However, almost nine months later, the LG Heart Rate Earphones are still yet to make it to British shores.
Jabra Sport Pulse Features
With each ear bud packing 6mm dynamic speaker drivers, the Jabra Sport Pulse headphones benefit from passive noise reduction for crisper audio while out on a run.
As well as boasting Bluetooth 4.0 low energy connectivity options, the Pulse headphones can also be paired with compatible handsets using NFC. Either way they feature a 10 metre connectivity range.
Pairing with the bespoke Jabra Sport Life app – available for both iOS and Android devices – the Pulse headphones offer instant heart rate feedback while performing any fitness activity, or simply sat at your desk.
As well as live feedback, the app can be used to monitor your resting heart rate and past performances, highlighting your improving fitness the more you exercise. For those who already have their favourite running apps, the Pulse’s data can feed into a number of third-party platforms, including Endomondo, Run Keeper and Strava.
With the heart rate sensor sitting on the frame of your right ear, the left bud plays host to a microUSB charging port.
Sadly it seems this charging port will be in frequent use. Jabra predicts the Pulse’s battery will offer just four and a half hours of audio playback on a single charge. Using the headphones to and from work with a lunchtime run, we can see these wireless earbuds needing a battery boost most nights.
For those worried about their high-end headphones getting damaged on a rainy-day run, fret not, the Jabra Sport Pulse are IP55 rated, meaning they can comfortably stand up against the rainiest, dustiest or sweatiest of runs.
Jabra Sport Pulse Release Date and Price
If you’re after ear-based heart rate tracking right now, we’re sorry, it appears you’re going to have to wait a little while longer. The Jabra Sport Pulse release date has been confirmed for October 1.
Given their wireless capabilities and inbuilt heart rate sensor, Jabra’s latest headphones aren’t cheap. The Sport Pulse will set wannabe owners back a penny shy of £200.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
