Intel, SMS Audio show off the BioSport In-Ear Headphones (pictures)

Chipmaker Intel unveiled a new partnership with SMS Audio, the headphone company owned by rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, at the New Museum in Manhattan on Thursday night.

At the press event, the companies revealed the fitness-focused BioSport In-Ear Headphones, their first collaboration. The headphones can track a user's heart rate and are powered using a smartphone's audio jack, removing the need for a separate battery pack. The headphones will go on sale by the end of the year.

Along with 50 Cent as SMS's majority owner, the company has NBA star Carmelo Anthony (left) as an investor and endorser of its sports and fitness product line. Here, Anthony shakes hands with SMS President Brian Nohe.

With Anthony (right) at his side, 50 Cent said Thursday night the new BioSport In-Ear is part of his company's intention to become a high-end headphones maker.

Mike Bell (left), the general manager of Intel's New Devices Group, with Brian Nohe, president of SMS Audio.

SMS Audio has worked to differentiate itself by coming out with fitness-focused gear.

The BioSport In-Ear use an optical sensor to monitor a user's heart rate, which can then be recorded on the RunKeeper app.

When I tried on the headphones Thursday night, they felt sturdy, with a strong strap and soft earbuds. The colorful design I saw was blue and black, but other designs available should include black paired with pink, yellow, or gray.

Because there's no battery pack required, the device looks essentially like another set of headphones but with the added heart-rate tracking feature.

Here's A$AP J. Scott, the night's DJ, who was kind enough to model the headphones. The ear piece includes a wing that fits inside the ear, intended to create a snug, comfortable fit while exercising.

Putting on the earbuds for the first time took a little practice for me, but fit well once I got them in place.