Watch out, Apple and FitBit — Amazon is making its own wireless earbuds with fitness-related features.
That’s according to a story from CNBC, which reported Monday that Amazon’s Alexa-powered wireless earbuds will be able to measure distance run, calories burned, and pace — all while costing under $100.
The earbuds would align with Amazon’s ambition to get its Alexa voice assistant everywhere. It would also be Amazon’s first attempt at a health monitoring device; the company is investing in healthcare via its joint venture Haven and other areas of the company.
CNBC’s reporting follows a Bloomberg story from this past April about Amazon’s earbuds.
Apple’s popular AirPods, which debuted more than two years ago, range from $159 to $199. Amazon is known to undercut competition by lowering the price of its hardware.
We’ve reached out to Amazon for comment.
CNBC also reported Monday that Amazon is developing a “bulkier” Echo device with better sound quality. Amazon currently sells three versions of its Echo: the $49.99 Echo Dot; the $99.99 2nd generation Echo, which is unavailable to purchase as of Monday; and the $149.99 Echo Plus.
The Seattle tech giant is hosting a media event on Wednesday, likely to show off new and updated gadgets.
Amazon held a similar event last year when it unveiled more than a dozen new devices, putting Alexa into everything from microwaves to sound systems to car dashboards. Alexa will surely be in the spotlight again this year.
Earlier this month, Amazon unveiled a number of new Fire TV devices, including a new smart soundbar, a second-generation Fire TV Cube and more.
