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A new report claims that the in-the-ear-headphone will be able to monitor heart rate and blood pressure. The leak, courtesy of Secret, the anonymous messaging app, also suggests that the EarPods will work with the company's iBeacon technology, which enables iPhone and iPad owners to receive special location-specific alerts, messages and notifications and even access to special apps.
So for example, while browsing a sports and fitness store, consumers with their iPhone's Bluetooth activated could receive a special discount on running shoes or recommendations based on preferences. This extra functionality means that the EarPods will need to plug into both the iPhone's headphone jack and Lightning port connector and, according to the poster on Secret, that's why since the iPhone 5, the headphone jack has moved from the top to the bottom of the iPhone, alongside the Lightning connector. (Read: 5 new products that could revolutionise your fitness regime)
What gives this report some substance is the fact that the health tracking technology required is already out there and being applied in the same way. In January, at the International CES, LG showcased a pair of heart-rate-monitoring headphones, while in February a set of standalone earbuds called The Dash hit Kickstarter offering not just motion and health tracking but an integrated MP3 player too. (Read: Top mobile fitness apps to help you keep in shape!)
During the crowdfunding campaign, The Dash grabbed almost $3.4 million in pledges (13 times more than its $260,000 goal) from 15,998 people, proving there is definitely a market out there for health-focused headphones. (Read: 7 mobile fitness apps for a fitter you (Gallery))
Source: AFP
Image source: AFP
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