SMS Audio

SMS Audio is an American consumer electronics company that primarily manufactures and markets headphones. The company was founded by 50 Cent in 2011 and acquired Kono Audio that same year.

SMS Audio
TypePrivate
FoundedAugust 2011
HeadquartersDelray Beach, Florida
Key people
Curtis Jackson, CEO
Brian Nohe, President
Websitesmsaudio.com

History

SMS Audio was founded in 2011[1] by rapper and entrepreneur Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent. SMS stands for "Studio Mastered Sound".[2] Jackson acquired KonoAudio that August[3] for an undisclosed amount[4] in order to rebrand it using his name.[5] KonoAudio's President, Brian Nohe, who founded KonoAudio in 2007, became President of SMS Audio.[6][7] 50 Cent and former KonoAudio President Brian Nohe designed SMS Audio's first line of headphones in late 2011 and early 2012.[3][8] In January 2012, DJ Pauly D announced via Twitter that he was partnering with SMS Audio and 50 Cent to develop a new line of headphones.[9][10] Music artist Timbaland became an investor in SMS Audio in January 2013,[11] which was followed by investments from NBA player Carmelo Anthony in December 2013.[12][13]

Products
SYNC by 50 headphones with a wireless connector

In October 2012 the "STREET by 50" line of in-ear, over-ear and on-ear headphones were introduced.[14][15] The wireless SYNC by 50 communicates using proprietary Kleer Wireless Technology, which claims to provide 16-bit CD quality sound with lossless audio, rather than the standard Bluetooth, and can connect to up to four devices within 50 feet.[16][17]

In late 2013, a STREET by 50 ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) version was introduced,[18][19] which was followed by a wireless, portable speaker called SYNC by 50 Portable that November.[20] In January 2014, an Audio Sport lineup of headphones were released in collaboration with professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony and a Star Wars themed set of headphones were introduced in partnership with Lucasfilm.[21]

In August 2014, SMS Audio announced the BioSport In-Ear wired earbuds that have "embedded biometric sensors that collect fitness data, including heart rate, without the need for regular charges."[22] SMS Audio is collaborating with Intel for the project.[23][24]

According to the company website, it also sells SMS Audio-branded apparel and accessories.[25]

Sponsorships

In December 2011, Curtis Jackson announced that a portion of each headphone sold domestically on the SMS Audio website would be donated to the Feeding America initiative.[26][27] In February 2014, SMS Audio became one of the sponsors of the NASCAR racing team, Swan Racing, which features the SMS Audio logo on its racing cars and on the jackets of some of its racers.[28]

References
  1. Spencer, Gail (June 3, 2012). "In the (health) club with new workout headphones from 50 Cent". The Examiner.
  2. Sakr, Shariff (August 31, 2012). "50 Cent talks up two new headphones in his SMS Audio line (video)". Engadget. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  3. Jiminez, Sierra (December 8, 2011). "What 50 Cent sees in headphones". Fortune. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  4. Novellino, Teresa (September 14, 2011). "Where Did You Get Those Headphones?". UpStart Business Journal. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  5. Novellino, Teresa (August 27, 2012). "50 Cent is "Mr. Jackson" in the boardroom". UpStart Business Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  6. Johnston, Lisa (September 8, 2011). "50 Cent's SMS Audio Acquires KoNoAudio". Twice. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  7. Hawkins, Lee (December 7, 2011). "50 Cent on his evolution as rapper and businessman". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  8. Harling, Danielle (August 31, 2011). "50 Cent's Electronics Company SMS Audio Acquires KonoAudio". HipHopDX. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  9. "50 Cent's SMS Audio Announces New DJ Pauly D and MXD50 Headphone Brands". TechPowerUp.
  10. Ciccone, Alice (January 11, 2012). "Snooki, DJ Pauly D From 'Jersey Shore' Announce Headphone Deals". Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  11. HipHopDX (January 3, 2013). "Timbaland Joins 50 Cent & SMS Audio As Investor Partner". HipHopDX.
  12. Kyles, Yohance (September 25, 2014). "Carmelo Anthony Launches Headphone Contest With New Ad For 50 Cent's SMS Audio (VIDEO)". Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  13. SMS Audio (December 9, 2013), NBA Star Carmelo "Melo" Anthony Joins 50 Cent's SMS Audio™ as Investor/Partner, Business Wire
  14. Steele, Billy (October 2, 2012). "SMS Audio outs an on-ear option for its Street by 50 headphones, ships October 7th for $180". Engadget. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  15. Casteel, Jay (October 2, 2012). "Pre-orders kick off for SMS Audio Street by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones". Baller Status. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  16. Wakelin, Nicole (July 23, 2012). "SMS Audio by 50 Cent: Earbuds and Earphones". WIRED. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  17. Gideon, Tim. "SMS Audio by 50 review". PC Magazine. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  18. Sanders, Shawn (October 10, 2013). "SMS Street by 50 ANC Review". Gadget Review. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  19. Waniasa, Ryan (September 13, 2013). "SMS Street by 50 ANC Review".
  20. Kersey, Ian (November 16, 2013). "Review: SMS Audio SYNC by 50 Portable Wireless Speaker". Intomobile. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  21. Harling, Danielle (January 8, 2014). "50 Cent's SMS Audio to Release Carmelo Anthony & "Star Wars"". HipHopDX. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  22. Morris, Chris (January 8, 2015). "50 Cent partners with Intel to create smart earbuds". The New York Post. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  23. Lowensohn, Josh (August 14, 2014). "50 Cent's SMS Audio is making earphones that listen to your heart". The Verge. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  24. Gibbs, Samuel (August 15, 2014). "Intel teams up with 50 Cent to launch heart-beat monitoring earphones". The Guardian. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  25. "Accessories". SMS Audio. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  26. Laird, James (September 4, 2012). "IFA 2012: ITProPortal interviews SMS Audio CEO 50 Cent". ITProPortal. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  27. Fitzgerald, Trent (December 16, 2011). "50 Cent to Feed America with SMS Audio Headphones". PopCrush. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  28. "SMS Audio to sponsor Swan Racing". Associated Press. February 4, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
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