Nike and Apple Team Up
Media Watch, Product Review May 24th, 2006
Just when you thought working out with a personal trainer via Podfitness was the latest and greatest in fitness, Nike teams up with Apple to give you Nike Plus. The CEOs of Nike and Apple (Mark Parker and Steve Jobs) announced yesterday the first ever collaboration between the two companies.
This new Nike Plus technology allows the runner’s shoes to communicate with their iPod Nanos. A small oval pod is placed under the liner of your shoe to track data such as time and distance and then transmits the data to a wireless transmitter attached to your Nano. The Nano will then use a voice over to communicate the details of your workout to you while the music is playing.
There will also be a software update for “Nike+iPod” on the Nano which will allow you to choose your workout distance, select suitable workout music, or even download specific workout routines. Also during your workout, data relating to time, distance, pace, and calories burned will be displayed on your iPod screen.
And just when you think Nike+ doesn’t get anymore advanced, their website will track your workouts, progress, goals for you when you sync up your iPod.
The iPod Nano kit retails for $29 and the Nike shoes start at around $100. The first Nike running shoes that offer this feature will be available in early July. Looks like I will be waiting until July before I buy that new pair of running shoes.
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May 30th, 2006 at 10:57 am
Thanks for the sneak peak (or sneaker pique if you will). A fine integration with newTech and oldForm of exercise.
I noticed some shoes where available June 1 (not sure about the kit) but the online function won’t be ready ’til July 13th. Talk about waiting in the nike’s wings with anticipation.
Sidenote: A new SportMix on iTunes (featuring songs that’ll get you pumped while you jog) is done by Crystal Method, whom which are now on tour. Crystal Method’s next stop, Myth Nightclub June 3rd