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Engadget giveaway: win a set of wireless sport headphones courtesy of SMS Audio!
Workouts and wired headphones can be a dicey business, so finding a wireless option to fit your regimen should be a top priority -- a mid-run tangle on a treadmill could end up flinging you and your phone to the ground. You'll probably be sweating buckets, too, if you're doing it right. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's very own SMS Audio checked all those boxes for its Wireless Sport series of on-ear and in-ear headphones, so you won't have to worry about those things if you're on the court, at the gym or out in the wild. Both pairs are IPX4 rated to deal with the waterworks and with 8-10 hours on a charge, you may run out of juice before they do. Both units also have easy to reach controls so you can manage that playlist or take ditch those important calls while burning some calories. This week, we have two bundles including one of each style, so that two lucky Engadget readers can keep the vibe alive and push on into the zone. Just head down to the Rafflecopter widget for up to three chances at scoring one of these SMS Audio Wireless Sports headphone packages. Winners: congratulations to Rich B. of Colorado Springs CO, and Peter F. of Las Vegas NV.
50 Cent's new sports headphones aren't subtle, and that's OK
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson was kind enough to give us an early look at his line of sport-friendly headphones on stage back at CES. Today, you get to see them out in the wild. As a refresher, there are on-ear and in-ear models and you can choose wired (Street) or wireless (Sync) varieties depending on how you roll. The on-ears come with a sweat-proof inner chamber and a rubberized coating to keep them looking box-fresh no matter how many laps you put them through, and there's even a sports "towel" (it's more of a cloth) included to mop your brow! The in-ears won't come with such luxuries, but they do come in the same striking blue, pink or yellow color options. The Bluetooth variants all support aptX, which is more than can be said for the other rapper-backed sports buds we saw recently. Prices are $80/$150 for the in-ears (wired/wireless) and $180/230 for the on-ears -- and we got an early look at some.
SMS Audio reveals three sport-friendly Carmelo Anthony signature headphones
Like to soak up some beats while out on the court? Or prefer a sonic boost to your run? Then SMS Audio's new Audio Sport, Carmelo Anthony signature collection is looking squarely at you. There are three models in the line: the Sync Wireless Sport in-ear, and Street Wired Sport in- and on-ear editions. All three come with sweat-proof protection and tangle-free cables (on the wired ones, of course). The Street on-ears even come with an SMS Audio sports towel in the box, and all models come in three color variations (as you see above). If you fancy picking up a set of the wireless Syncs, then it'll cost you $160. The on-ear Streets are $20 more, but if you're more into the in-ear, wired version, you can snag 'em for a much lower $80. All will be ready for your workout sometime in spring.
50 Cent's SMS Audio joins the alliance with new Star Wars-themed headphones
[Cantina Band plays in the background] In a collaboration, we'll admit, we weren't expecting, 50 Cent has teamed up with Lucasfilm to release a series of Star Wars-themed headphones. Based on 50's existing Street design, the new line includes Stormtrooper, Rebel Alliance, Boba Fett and Imperial editions. We know what you're thinking -- where's the Leia-inspired cans? The new range is said to be available for a limited time only, and will come with a certificate of authenticity, along with some in-the-box Star Wars goodies. Once you've decided which side of the Force you're on, you can get yourself a pair for $200 around springtime, ideal for checking out that lost footage on the commute.
Street by 50 headphones gets over-ear active noise cancellation
SMS Audio is rolling out the latest addition of its Street by 50 line of headphones (you know, by this guy). The news here is the addition of active noise cancellation, to help you block out unwanted ambient sound -- the bad airplane / crowded restaurant kind, not the good Brian Eno kind. Street by 50 Over-Ear Active Noise Control sport 40mm drivers and leather ear cushions, and should get you upwards of 70 hours of play time on a set of batteries, according to SMS's numbers. The foldable headphones come in black and silver and will run you $280. For what it's worth, that price will also get you a removable cable with a mic and a hard shell carrying case. Press release-type details can be found below.
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with 50 Cent (update: video embedded)
Yes, that 50 Cent. Curtis Jackson III will be joining Brian on stage to discuss his move from rapper to headphone mogul, as the CEO of SMS Audio. 50's partner in audio, SMS President Brian Nohe will be also be joining in on the fun. January 10, 2013 1:00 PM EST Check out our full CES 2013 stage schedule here! Update: video embedded
SMS Audio outs an on-ear option for its Street by 50 headphones, ships October 7th for $180
If you're a fan of emcee-endorsed headphones, you're in luck. SMS Audio -- the folks behind the SYNC by 50 line -- has just announced another portable audio option that gets the recommendation of Mr. Jackson himself. The Street by 50 moniker now sports a wired, on-ear option to go alongside its current over-ear and in-hear offerings. These cans house 40mm pro-tuned drivers, folding hinges and memory foam cushioning while sporting Shadow Black and Ghost White color schemes. Anxious to snag some? Well, you can pre-order a set now, but they'll start shipping on October 7th -- if you're willing to shell out the requisite $179.99, of course. As for us, we're patiently waiting on the Keenan Cahill model.
How would you change SMS Audio Sync by 50?
Rap singer, philanthropist, actor and high-end sound designer, truly Curtis Jackson is the Aristotle of our day. Of course, it's his latter profession that brings him to the coveted pages of How Would You Change, as we delve into his SMS Audio Sync by 50 wireless headphones. When our in-house audio maven strapped them to his head, he found that $400 price tag to be a little steep given how messy the overall experience was -- with features like "Thumpp" bass boost only available when connected via dongle and other features absent unless you buy more accessories. Our reviewer hoped that Version 2.0 would iron out all of those creases, but how about you? What suggestions would you like to send to the venerable 50 Cent about how he can improve these high-end cans?
50 Cent talks up two new headphones in his SMS Audio line (video)
We'd be lying if we told you that we fully expected to be hanging out with 50 Cent when we traveled around the world to Berlin, but earlier today we grabbed a moment with the Queens-based emcee to discuss his venture into the world of high-end headphones. In particular, we wanted to ask how his products, including the new Street On-Ears and Street DJ Pros, stack against some better known rapper-endorsed audio technology -- namely Dr. Dre's gimmicky Beats and his tie-in with HTC. For starters, 50 was keen to stress that this is no plain endorsement: Studio Master Sound (SMS) Audio is his company and he's invested in it. Regarding the products themselves, he reassured us that they have nothing in common with the Beats / HTC marketing about bringing hardware and software together to create some kind of eardrum wizardry. Instead, he just wants to bring together all-round qualities like durability, comfort, and "professionally tuned" 40mm drivers, alongside fresher styling than you'd get from companies like Bose or Sennheiser. The booth at IFA was too hectic for us to give the new 'phones a fair run-through, and in fact 50 Cent didn't have a great deal to say about them at this point either. As you'll see in the video after the break, he preferred to hold up his slightly older flagship wireless set, called SYNC, as evidence that SMS Audio has audiophile credentials to justify its high price points. Speaking of which, we're not sure how much the latest models will cost or when they'll become available, but for guidance the SYNC headphones cost $400 while regular Street wired headphones will set you back around $250.
Dance Central 2's August tracks are down with O.P.P.
Yes, you know them – Jeremih, Kevin Rudolf, and hip-hop greats Naughty By Nature are all headlining this month's Dance Central 2 club bangers. Each artist is bringing a single track for each week of the month, with Jeremih featuring 50 Cent's "Down On Me" getting things started tomorrow. As per usual, each track costs 240 MS Points ($3).
Engadget Giveaway: win one of two pairs of Sync by 50 wireless over-ear headphones!
This week we're once again bringing the audio goods to you, and today's giveaway should be incredibly tempting. 50 Cent's brand, SMS Audio, wants to hook you up with a pair of its premium wireless over-ear headphones, Sync by 50. Priced at $400, these cans are spendier than a fair number of smartphones, but it offers Kleer technology with CD-quality lossless audio and will work up to 50 feet away from your device. And just for kicks and giggles, SMS Audio is also throwing in a snapback hat, shirt and a backpack to go along with your prize, so it's definitely worth heading below the rules and leaving a comment to enter. Good luck!
SMS Audio SYNC by 50 wireless headphones review
Ah, celebrity-endorsed headphones -- whether it's Beats by Dre or Soul by Ludacris, you've always gotta wonder whether their actual sound-reproduction chops will match up with the steep price tags and fashion-focused designs. Oftentimes, shocker of shockers, the answer is a resounding "no." One of the newest entrants into this game is SYNC by 50, stemming from a long collaboration between Sleek Audio SMS Audio and none other than Curtis James Jackson III -- 50 Cent, of course. Unlike the partners' $250 Street offering, these headphones have the unique selling point of offering both wireless and wired operation, a convenience for which you'll pay a staggering $400. Although they don't offer active noise-cancellation like competing models, these headphones are banking on Kleer's tried-and-true wireless audio technology, which touts 16-bit CD-quality resolution. We spent several weeks testing these spendy sound-blasters, so continue on to our full review to learn whether they live up to the hype or could us to a second trip back to the studio for remastering.
Fiddy Cent gets into the headphone game with SYNC by 50, countdown to Ford lawsuit begins... now
Well, after the termination of 50 Cent's alignment with Sleek, it was only a matter time before the rapper's SMS Audio company filled the void. (After all, how do you know your cans are quality if they haven't been endorsed by a man who was shot nine times and survived.) We don't know when the wireless SYNC by 50 headphones will arrive or how much they'll cost, but you can bet the part-time actor and entrepreneur will be making the rounds, trying to sell us on the 40mm driver, 50-foot range, "professionally tuned digital EQ" and passive noise isolation. While the integrated music controls are nice, our favorite feature might be the ability to connect four sets of SYNCs to the same source. Check out the gallery below and a few choice specs from the data sheet after the break.%Gallery-135320%
Sleek Audio terminates agreement with 50 Cent, puts over-the-ear plans on hold (updated)
You may remember our brief run-in with 50 Cent back at CES, where he announced a partnership with Sleek Audio for Sleek by 50, a pair of "wireless hybrid" headphones with built-in Kleer technology. Today the company revealed that it has terminated its agreement with G-Unit Brands, 50's licensing company, and that it will be "re-evaluating our Wireless Hybrid over-the-ear headphones at a later date." There's no word on why the collboration went awry, and the company only indicates that it has decided to focus on its in-ear offerings instead. Of course, we've got way more than 21 questions about what made the relationship go sour, but hate it or love it, Sleek by 50 is no more. Disheartening PR after the break. Update: Looks like it was 50 Cent who terminated the deal, after all. According to XXL, our man told the magazine that he has "established a new company that is developing a complete line of audio accessories, including wireless headphones." Well, too bad for Sleek Audio. Thanks Matt!
50 Cent Platinum headphones by Sleek Audio hands-on
We spotted Sleek Audio's Platinum headphones when we interviewed 50 Cent yesterday, but we followed up with the company to see what more we could find out about the upcoming cans. We were bummed to learn that the only functioning pair at the show were the ones around 50's neck, but we got a full rundown of the deets from one of Sleek's reps. First off, these are 'Wireless Hybrid' headphones, which means they've got Kleer technology built in for 16-bit lossless, cordless streaming, though you can jack in a wire (with inline microphone) if you run out of juice. Each earpiece has music controls -- one handles play / pause, the other does volume -- and there's a microUSB charging port as well. We still couldn't squeeze out a release date, but we're told that they will probably be somewhere in the $350 to $400 range -- whether that includes the Kleer 3.5mm dongle is still unknown, though we'd hope it's included given that wireless is a standout feature. The company's promised us a pair as soon as they're available so we can get some real ears-on, but for now the carbon fiber eye-candy is all yours to enjoy. Bonus shot of the dongle after the break. %Gallery-113426%
Engadget interviews 50 Cent: inside the mind of a hip-hop mogul techie
50 Cent has a tendency to do things big, so it makes sense that he'd use CES as a platform to launch his new line of headphones in collaboration with Sleek Audio. Luckily for us, he's been hanging out in the back of a Gunnar Optiks RV (he's an investor) that just so happens to be parked right next to the Engadget Trailer. 50's been making the rounds with the press here shopping his latest offerings, but we still jumped at the chance to shoot the breeze with a man who's been shot nine times -- and he turns out to be a pretty nice guy. Get a look into the mind of 50 Cent in our interview after the break, including information on 50's secret "batphone" -- for the ladies only, of course.
Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown
It's official. The cans we saw teased earlier in the week have just been made official by Sleek Audio and Curtis Jackson (otherwise known to the world as 50 Cent), with the rapper himself dishing out cash and input to make it happen. We're told that they were designed by 50 and engineered by Sleek, and are the first headphones ever to offer 'Wireless Hybrid' technology with military-grade metals. More specifically, the Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones utilize Kleer lossless wireless technology, with a 60 foot range and a micro-USB rechargeable battery. If you run out of juice, there's a detachable mic cable that can be jacked in for continued listening. The cans themselves house a pair of 50mm dynamic drivers, a customized internal amplifier and a call-out to Dr. Dre. Just kidding. Maybe. We're still waiting on a price and release date, but we'd expect 'em to ship soon for just a touch more than HP's Beats -- you know, given the wireless and all.
Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration
What's this? Wouldn't you like to know. Now that Dr. Dre and HP have teamed up to strike gold in the consumer audio space, it looks as if Sleek Audio is doing its darnedest to replicate success. Sleek -- which tickled our ears quite pleasantly with last year's SA1 -- is apparently gearing up to unveil something special here at CES. Mum's the word on what, exactly, but judging by the image above, we're assuming it'll be a pair of high-end wireless (Kleer?) headphones with the backing of 50 Cent. You'll also notice a svelte carbon fiber exterior, which ought to flex just right as the low-lows are passing through its drivers. Head on past the break for the full image, and keep it locked right here as we dig for more. Update: An eagle-eyed tipster has spotted a gallery's worth of shots on 50's Twitter page, and lo and behold, it looks like he's already scored a pair! %Gallery-112491%
Newegg drops prices on 50 Cent, Metal Slug 7, and more
Thanks to Newegg, you can grab 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand for a price closer than ever to 50 cents. As part of a "blowout" sale, you can pick up 50 for $9.99 on Xbox 360, or $12.99 on PS3 (a paltry 300 Cent more) with free shipping. If that's not the particular style of bullet-ridden gameplay you seek, why not grab Metal Slug 7 on DS for just $9? Or incite real violence in your home with Singstar -- available on its own for $10, or with two microphones for $25, with Volume 2 also down to $10. Many of the other deals are questionable, but they're also cheap. Maybe you didn't care about Beowulf on PSP, but you probably care a little more now that it's $4. And $14 is a much more reasonable price for the chance to enjoy Castlevania Judgment's brutally insane cutscenes and actually kind of enjoyable gameplay. Click the following links to browse the sale by platform. Happy impulse purchasing! DS Wii PS3 PSP Xbox 360
50 Cent to make cameo appearance in Modern Warfare 2
There are many places one can find Mr. 50 Cent: In any number of clubs, as referenced by his chart-topping song; in his numerous self-titled video games, one of which has become a cult classic among the Joystiq staff; and according to entertainment news site ThisIs50, he can be found at Infinity Ward's studios, doing voice work for the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.Robert Bowling confirmed to Kotaku that Fiddy will be supplying "one of many squad voices" featured in the game's multiplayer and Spec Ops modes. Bowling mentioned 50 Cent's lines will be standard shooter fare -- "Reloading," "Tango Down," and the like. We pray he'll also sneak in a reference to his precious jewel-encrusted cranium.
