Jabra Utilizes Valencell's Biometric Sensor Technology for First True Wireless Earbuds Certified with PerformTek® Accuracy

RALEIGH, N.C. and BERLIN, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Valencell, the leading innovator in wearable biometric data sensor technology, and Jabra, a world leader in the development of innovative communications and audio solutions, today announced that Valencell's PerformTek^® technology has been integrated into the new "Jabra Elite Sport" true wireless biometric earbuds, which launched this week at IFA 2016 in Berlin, Germany. 

Jabra Elite Sport true wireless sports earbuds are the next generation sports & fitness hearables and the first true wireless earbuds proven to deliver clinical-grade accuracy. The biometric earbuds incorporate Valencell's patented PerformTek biometric measurement technology, which enables an end-user to monitor multiple personal biometrics such as: continuous heart rate, distance, speed, cadence, VO₂ and VO₂ max, among other biometrics. This is the second Jabra product to come to market featuring PerformTek technology, following the Jabra Sport Pulse, which launched in 2014.

"We are starting to see more wireless earbuds on the market as part of a larger trend to provide end-users with wearables and hearables in form factors that fit their lifestyles," said Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, President and Co-founder of Valencell. "But the most interesting consumer use cases in sports and fitness require high accuracy for biometric sensing. And as form factors get smaller, it is critical to ensure that these devices provide accurate and continually interesting health insights. Valencell is continuing to innovate in biometrics for wearables and hearables by providing market leaders like Jabra with the most accurate and flexible biometric sensor technology in the world, enabling them to deliver hearables with the accuracy needed to deliver a compelling consumer experience."

Sales of Bluetooth headphones surpassed sales of wired headphones in the US in the first half of 2016, according to The NPD Group.

Jabra Elite Sport is designed specifically for sports and fitness activities, and will enable the end-user to monitor fitness levels and train with unmatched accuracy. And building on Jabra heritage for premium sound products, these state-of-the-art earbuds deliver superior audio quality for calls and music without wires. The Jabra Elite Sport earbuds also feature a three-hour battery life with charging case that will recharge the earbuds two times providing a total of 9 hours of use on one full charge. Elite Sport users can connect to the Jabra Sport Life app or to their fitness app of choice that supports BLE.

When used with the Elite Sport, the Jabra Sport Life app enables in-ear voice coaching, integrated training management, and precise fitness algorithms enable the measurement of fitness levels to track fitness progress.

"This product is the result of a strong, ongoing partnership between Jabra and Valencell and our shared commitment to providing end-users with innovative, next-generation wearables and hearables that fit their active lifestyles," said Calum MacDougall, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Jabra. "Valencell is the industry leader in biometric accuracy for wearables, so we are confident that the product will exceed user expectations, and enable an outstanding user experience."

Valencell PerformTek^® sensor systems are the most accurate, robust and flexible technology available today, powering more biometric hearables and wearables on the market than any other company. The technology gives hearable devices the ability to continuously and accurately measure blood flow signals even during extreme physical activity or when the optical signals are weak. These signals can be translated into accurate, motion-tolerant biometric data, including continuous heart rate, VO2 and VO2 max, resting heart rate, heart rate response, heart rate recovery, continuous energy expenditure (calorie burn), cardiac efficiency and heart rate variability assessments.

Valencell licenses its biometric sensor technology through product licensing and patent licensing, to enable customers to create custom-designed biometric hearable and wearable devices. Valencell also introduced Benchmark™, a turnkey biometric sensor system with the complete PerformTek technology package ready for immediate integration into wearable and hearable devices.

Valencell has the most cited patent portfolio in wearable PPG in the industry, which includes 35 patents granted and more than 70 additional patents pending.

Licensing Valencell's technology also gives Jabra access to Valencell's global ecosystem of manufacturing partners and Valencell's Biometrics Lab, one of the most experienced biometrics labs in the world, for testing and validation of the Elite Sport product.

The accuracy of Valencell's PerformTek technology has been independently validated by numerous research institutions, including Duke University, NC State University, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

About Jabra
Jabra is a leading international developer and manufacturer of a broad range of communications and sound solutions committed to let people hear more, do more and be more than they ever thought possible. The consumer and business divisions of Jabra markets corded and wireless headphones, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality. Jabra employs around 1000 people worldwide and in 2015 produced an annual revenue of DKK 3,229 million.

Jabra is the brand of GN Audio, a subsidiary of GN. As part of the GN group Jabra has a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back almost 150 years. GN comprises a unique portfolio of medical, professional & consumer sound solutions that makes life sound better through its research, insights, and expertise in sound. GN operates in more than 90 countries across the world, has more than 5,000 employees and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. www.jabra.com

© 2015 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Netcom A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners. (Design and specifications subject to change without notice).

About Valencell
Valencell develops performance biometric sensor technology and licenses this patent-protected technology to consumer electronics manufacturers, mobile device and accessory makers, sports and fitness brands and gaming companies for integration into their products. Valencell's PerformTek^® biometric sensor technology employs biophysical signal characterization to actively characterize biophysical signals for removing physical noise and extracting highly accurate biometric information. Valencell's PerformTek-powered sensors are the most accurate wearable biometric sensors that continuously measure heart rate and activity. Valencell has invested years into the research and development of its PerformTek sensor technology, protected by dozens of granted patents and independently validated by the Duke Center for Living, North Carolina State University, the Human Performance Laboratory and a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

SOURCE Valencell

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