Monster Debuts Wireless Beats; 50 Cent Reveals Details

By Lisa Johnston On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — More news has come out in the headphones-by-musicians segment.

Monster updated its popular Beats by Dr. Dre line with the introduction of its first wireless model. It also added new colors to the Beats Studio line.

The Beats Wireless on-ear headphones use Bluetooth technology and feature rechargeable batteries that can be charged via USB. Users can skip tracks, manage the volume and power on and off the headphones from the ear cups.

The Beats Wireless will be sold exclusively through Apple Stores later this year for $279. No word at press time on when they will be available through other retailers.

Monster also said it has added new colors to its Beats Studio line. Beginning Oct. 16, they are offered in blue, purple, orange and magenta scratch-resistant gloss finishes. Suggested retail is $299.

Meanwhile, SMS Audio, which is helmed by rapper 50 Cent as CEO, introduced product details on its Sync by 50 headphones. SMS Audio recently announced it had acquired the assets of headphones designer KoNo- Audio. KoNoAudio founder Brian Nohe became president of SMS Audio.

The Sync by 50 headphones feature 40mm drivers, have a reported 50-foot wireless range, and come with onboard controls. They ship with a wired mic cable, 3.5mm wireless transmitter, a hard-shell carrying case, a micro USB charging cable, a USB/AC adapter, an airplane plug adapter and a ¼-inch gold-plated adapter.

The headphones come in white or black; pricing wasn’t ready at press time.