Nike runs with an iPod

Your Nikes can now talk to your iPod.

Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs and Nike CEO Mark Parker on Tuesday unveiled new products that connect the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire, a new running shoe outfitted with a sensor and receiver, with an iPod Nano to report running data in real time and track joggers' progress.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, which will be available through the Apple Store in about three months, is expected to cost $29.

"Information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on the iPod and displayed on the screen," according to a statement released by Apple. This information is also reported via iPod users' headphones as they run.

Runners can program a particular workout into their iPod Nano using "The Nike+ Experience" software, available July 13. While running, a woman's voice will inform runners of their progress. When the workout is done and the iPod is synced with the runner's computer, progress is charted.

The announcement took place at a New York event with Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France bicycling champion, who is training for his first New York City Marathon.

"If you can incorporate time, distance and calories burned together, and make it function for both the fitness runner and the high-level athlete, it will take working out to a whole other level," Armstrong said in a statement.

[edgedesign]

Nice!

Great idea! Another hurdle for Apple competitors.

[edgedesign]

Nice!

Great idea! Another hurdle for Apple competitors.

[Joe Blow]

OK, $29 Is Below the Threshold of Pain ...

so I'm probably going to try it out (I wonder if it can be returned if it doesn't meet my expectations after being in a sweaty running shoe, as long as I wore socks, like you're required to wear underwear under a clothing in order to be able to return it? :) ).<br /><br />I also wonder how much material has to be gouged out of a non-Nike shoe in order for the sensor to fit? I have a pair of very nice cycling shoes that this sensor might fit into, and even if Nike ever does offer a cycling shoe with a pocket for the sensor, I'm most likely never going to buy it. At least Nike had the smarts to realize that they would make a lot more money selling sensors that can be inserted into any shoe, than limiting sale of sensors to only those in their own shoes. Give the people that came up with that idea, and those who approved it, a big bonus, tied directly to the volume of sales of the sensors.<br /><br />Just for fun, I'm going to check on-line and see what the costs of such a sensor, the likely piezoelectric/inductive power generator (assuming and hoping it doesn't use something like a watch battery), the receiver/processor, Nano docking connector, etc. I'm almost certain I couldn't buy just the parts in unit quantities for $29, much less an integrated, ruggedized product (the sensor has to survive a humid, high G force, chewing-dog environment that may also include being left outside in freezing and/or sweltering weather, and possibly running in the surf), not to mention the software that needs to run on the Nano.<br /><br />Finally, is the docking connector on the Nano different from the one on the Video iPod (which I just bought)? Is there any reason why this system wouldn't work on a Video iPod (the software should download and run the same, modulo getting the receiver connected). I sure hope Apple didn't paint themselves into a corner in this regard, but it just seems like one of those things they usually find so tempting to do, and they may try to do that if they think Nano sales need a boost. I will not support that kind of short-sighted decision, if that's what they've done, and I hope that others who share this opinion make it abundantly clear that it't completely unacceptable, in that case.<br /><br />All the Best,<br />Joe Blow

[tedk7]

Re: OK, $29 Is Below the Threshold of Pain ...

it is probably nano-only because -<br /><br />A) the video ipod has a HARD DRIVE and thus should NOT be used <br />during running<br /><br />B) the other flash ipod, the shuffle, has no screen<br /><br />that's not short-sighted business, that's sound engineering

[Joe Blow]

OK, $29 Is Below the Threshold of Pain ...

so I'm probably going to try it out (I wonder if it can be returned if it doesn't meet my expectations after being in a sweaty running shoe, as long as I wore socks, like you're required to wear underwear under a clothing in order to be able to return it? :) ).<br /><br />I also wonder how much material has to be gouged out of a non-Nike shoe in order for the sensor to fit? I have a pair of very nice cycling shoes that this sensor might fit into, and even if Nike ever does offer a cycling shoe with a pocket for the sensor, I'm most likely never going to buy it. At least Nike had the smarts to realize that they would make a lot more money selling sensors that can be inserted into any shoe, than limiting sale of sensors to only those in their own shoes. Give the people that came up with that idea, and those who approved it, a big bonus, tied directly to the volume of sales of the sensors.<br /><br />Just for fun, I'm going to check on-line and see what the costs of such a sensor, the likely piezoelectric/inductive power generator (assuming and hoping it doesn't use something like a watch battery), the receiver/processor, Nano docking connector, etc. I'm almost certain I couldn't buy just the parts in unit quantities for $29, much less an integrated, ruggedized product (the sensor has to survive a humid, high G force, chewing-dog environment that may also include being left outside in freezing and/or sweltering weather, and possibly running in the surf), not to mention the software that needs to run on the Nano.<br /><br />Finally, is the docking connector on the Nano different from the one on the Video iPod (which I just bought)? Is there any reason why this system wouldn't work on a Video iPod (the software should download and run the same, modulo getting the receiver connected). I sure hope Apple didn't paint themselves into a corner in this regard, but it just seems like one of those things they usually find so tempting to do, and they may try to do that if they think Nano sales need a boost. I will not support that kind of short-sighted decision, if that's what they've done, and I hope that others who share this opinion make it abundantly clear that it't completely unacceptable, in that case.<br /><br />All the Best,<br />Joe Blow

[tedk7]

Re: OK, $29 Is Below the Threshold of Pain ...

it is probably nano-only because -<br /><br />A) the video ipod has a HARD DRIVE and thus should NOT be used <br />during running<br /><br />B) the other flash ipod, the shuffle, has no screen<br /><br />that's not short-sighted business, that's sound engineering

[holycow]

French require all shoes to talk to each other

Yes but now the French in their zeal for interoperability will want all <br />shoes to communicate with each other and every mp3 player out <br />there.

[ssmiroldo]

Perfect!

LOL! Great post!

[ssmiroldo]

Perfect!

LOL! Great post!

[holycow]

French require all shoes to talk to each other

Yes but now the French in their zeal for interoperability will want all <br />shoes to communicate with each other and every mp3 player out <br />there.

[ssmiroldo]

Perfect!

LOL! Great post!

[ssmiroldo]

Perfect!

LOL! Great post!

[john55440]

Pedometers Already Do That

The inexpensive New-Lifestyles (YAMAX) brand pedometer I use counts steps, miles, and calories. <br /><br />Fancier pedometers have additional functions.<br /><br />The Nike/iPod unit may have merit, but other devices have been doing that for years.

[daveworld]

Tell that to the millions of iPod owners

and see if they care. They will probably tell you but this is so much cooler!

[MacDuff]

You should look more closely at this

There's more to it than meets the eye.<br /><br />For starters, while you do get in-progress reports on your <br />workout the same as other devices out there, you;re getting it <br />within the same unit you listen to your music with as you <br />workout. ONE device; a device that already fits into peoples lives <br />in other ways, fits into their physical activated already, but NOW <br />does so on a whole new level.<br /><br />The other thing that happens is that it tracks your progress and <br />shares it on the web with others if you so choose. you can track <br />and plan your progress right on your computer.<br /><br />And then, of course it all works together well like everything <br />Apple makes.<br /><br />No other MP3 maker thinks of this stuff.<br /><br />So yes, you are right that it has merit. You are right that Apple <br />didn't invent it (not that anybody said they did). They didn't <br />invent the MP3 player, they didn't even invent online music <br />retailing. BUT, they turned these paradigms on their heads and <br />made them WORK like never before. Thois Nike thing -- and <br />everything Apple makes -- has Apple's prized attention to detail <br />and execution. THAT is where Apple's innovation lies. Building <br />the best damned mousetrap even seen.

[john55440]

Pedometers Already Do That

The inexpensive New-Lifestyles (YAMAX) brand pedometer I use counts steps, miles, and calories. <br /><br />Fancier pedometers have additional functions.<br /><br />The Nike/iPod unit may have merit, but other devices have been doing that for years.

[daveworld]

Tell that to the millions of iPod owners

and see if they care. They will probably tell you but this is so much cooler!

[MacDuff]

You should look more closely at this

There's more to it than meets the eye.<br /><br />For starters, while you do get in-progress reports on your <br />workout the same as other devices out there, you;re getting it <br />within the same unit you listen to your music with as you <br />workout. ONE device; a device that already fits into peoples lives <br />in other ways, fits into their physical activated already, but NOW <br />does so on a whole new level.<br /><br />The other thing that happens is that it tracks your progress and <br />shares it on the web with others if you so choose. you can track <br />and plan your progress right on your computer.<br /><br />And then, of course it all works together well like everything <br />Apple makes.<br /><br />No other MP3 maker thinks of this stuff.<br /><br />So yes, you are right that it has merit. You are right that Apple <br />didn't invent it (not that anybody said they did). They didn't <br />invent the MP3 player, they didn't even invent online music <br />retailing. BUT, they turned these paradigms on their heads and <br />made them WORK like never before. Thois Nike thing -- and <br />everything Apple makes -- has Apple's prized attention to detail <br />and execution. THAT is where Apple's innovation lies. Building <br />the best damned mousetrap even seen.

[ssmiroldo]

Very Cool!

Very impressed! Have you all visited Apple's site and checked <br />this out ( <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html</a> ). They <br />have examples of what it sounds like and how it works.<br /><br />Apple keeps coming up with some fantastic innovations. <br />Melding the basic functions of an iPod with benefits and uses for <br />what that iPod may be used for.

[ssmiroldo]

Very Cool!

Very impressed! Have you all visited Apple's site and checked <br />this out ( <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html</a> ). They <br />have examples of what it sounds like and how it works.<br /><br />Apple keeps coming up with some fantastic innovations. <br />Melding the basic functions of an iPod with benefits and uses for <br />what that iPod may be used for.

[baquiano]

Brand Recognition

Is placing the Nike swoosh and the bitten Apple logos side-by-<br />side overkill? Or maybe it's a Brand Manager's wet dream.

[baquiano]

Brand Recognition

Is placing the Nike swoosh and the bitten Apple logos side-by-<br />side overkill? Or maybe it's a Brand Manager's wet dream.

[sysjunky]

Lame `product

Take the tempurature of my nutz..while im jogging, now that more like it...<br /><br />If I am jogging, I already know what distance im going, burning calories doesnt mean anything unless ur a fat ass who inturn would rather be sitting in a park bench distracted by just one more device to leverage the power of his hunger for another candybar. <br /><br />"Convieniance store in 1 minute, calories burned 1"<br /><br />Didnt a company already do this that has a range of gadgets to complement the need? So I guess this is the first armsttrong has seen to take everyone to the next "level"<br /><br />-State of Mind-

[sysjunky]

Lame `product

Take the tempurature of my nutz..while im jogging, now that more like it...<br /><br />If I am jogging, I already know what distance im going, burning calories doesnt mean anything unless ur a fat ass who inturn would rather be sitting in a park bench distracted by just one more device to leverage the power of his hunger for another candybar. <br /><br />"Convieniance store in 1 minute, calories burned 1"<br /><br />Didnt a company already do this that has a range of gadgets to complement the need? So I guess this is the first armsttrong has seen to take everyone to the next "level"<br /><br />-State of Mind-

[mkaye]

Music will keep tempo with your jogging pace!

Rumor has it that new iPod Firmware may have the ability to <br />make your music keep tempo with the speed of your running or <br />walking. That would be neat, I have always want some songs to <br />play a bit faster or slower... The downside is that if you <br />slowdown for a hill or something your upbeat motivational rock <br />song might turn into a slow dance...<br /><br />Mike<br />Founder-Switching to Mac<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.switchingtomac.com" target="_newWindow">http://www.switchingtomac.com</a>

[joggernut]

Matching music tempo to jogging pace

jogtunes.com is a website that provides lists of songs that <br />match jogging and running cadences.

[mkaye]

Music will keep tempo with your jogging pace!

Rumor has it that new iPod Firmware may have the ability to <br />make your music keep tempo with the speed of your running or <br />walking. That would be neat, I have always want some songs to <br />play a bit faster or slower... The downside is that if you <br />slowdown for a hill or something your upbeat motivational rock <br />song might turn into a slow dance...<br /><br />Mike<br />Founder-Switching to Mac<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.switchingtomac.com" target="_newWindow">http://www.switchingtomac.com</a>

[joggernut]

Matching music tempo to jogging pace

jogtunes.com is a website that provides lists of songs that <br />match jogging and running cadences.

[sanjayb]

Nike tried this before

I believe Nike tried this before with one of the Rio MP3 players. This player I think had the built in software to due all the things that they are trying to do now. The only problem at the time was that the Rio Mp3 player only had 256 MB storage. It wasn't much of a player overall.

[sanjayb]

Nike tried this before

I believe Nike tried this before with one of the Rio MP3 players. This player I think had the built in software to due all the things that they are trying to do now. The only problem at the time was that the Rio Mp3 player only had 256 MB storage. It wasn't much of a player overall.

[sanjayb]

Nike tried this before

I believe Nike tried this before with one of the Rio MP3 players. This player I think had the built in software to due all the things that they are trying to do now. The only problem at the time was that the Rio Mp3 player only had 256 MB storage. It wasn't much of a player overall.

[sanjayb]

Nike tried this before

I believe Nike tried this before with one of the Rio MP3 players. This player I think had the built in software to due all the things that they are trying to do now. The only problem at the time was that the Rio Mp3 player only had 256 MB storage. It wasn't much of a player overall.