Nike and Apple Computer have teamed up to try to become a runner’s best friend.
The two companies announced Tuesday they are jointly developing a wireless system so some Nike shoes embedded with a sensor can communicate with Apple’s iPod Nano music player to track a runner’s performance and help choreograph songs to the moment.
The co-branded kit comes with a sensor that fits inside compatible Nike footwear _ sold separately _ and a wireless receiver that attaches to the iPod.
Data on running time, distance, pace and calories burned would be stored on the iPod, which could then display the information on-screen or deliver it audibly through headphones.
After the workout, the data also could be automatically sent to a personal runner’s log at the new nikeplus.com Web site whenever the music player is synchronized to Apple’s iTunes program.
The iPod will also incorporate a new “Power Song” feature, so a user can instantly queue up a piece of music for extra motivation at the push of a button.
I spent a couple of decades in the sporting goods industry. If this package is accepted by runners, believe me, it’s another cash cow for both companies.
Nike’s first pair of shoes designed for the package retail for $100. The iPod link is $29. The package will be on the streets in 2 months.
Who else just bought a couple hundred shares of Apple and Nike?
Thmstec, you missed the train.
Someone hasn’t already made accessories for this? In all this time? I find that hard to believe. They’re probably just officializing it and ramping up the niche.
During some waste-o-time banter on a digg discussion about eMusic & sites that offered non DRM music for sale complaints began about allofmp3 not paying the artist. It dawned on me that artists their lawyers and the folks at allofmp3 might be quietly doing the exact opposite. My speculation on the boards was (it was ignored) with allofmp3 reported as the #2 download site and money especially big money makes the world go round why wouldn’t lawyers cut side deals for artists with these private download companies? The lawyers could offer up no future legal hassles, pristine demo’s, bootlegs, live perfomances etc. for a cut of the pie. One thing that is for sure, allofmp3’s price have seen a dramatic increase for new albums from major artist. What do you think? Does 1+1=2.
Regards,
Paul Baldovin
I’m a runner (ran 7 miles this morning) and I certainly won’t be buying this. My cheap flash 128mb mp3 player and watch will do just fine.
I’m sure if you see this, it will most likely be a sign the person is out of shape. They just bought the product yesterday and think they’re a super athlete all of a sudden.
Is it just me or does this sound as though it is the biggest ‘gadget’ of the year? And I mean ‘gadget’ in the bad way along the lines of a single-purpose no-real-value kind of way.
I am a runner also, and the only use i can foresee from this device is the pace call out and distance. music is nice when i have to run alone, but i already have a full size ipod and i would not buy a nano just to get the pace and distance.
I’m a runner….10 miles daily…and I won’t be buying one….I don’t listen to music, I listen for muggers and fantasise about sex, which I could possiblt get if I wasn’t running so damn much.
All of you Doubting Thomases need to check out the badass sync features where you can set goals, track them, and compete against friends (a good motivator), all with a really nice looking web interface 🙂
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/sync.html
The next thing you know, Nike stops endorsing a high school’s sports team because one member uses an MP3 player that is not an iPod.
What a great idea!… Just another indication that the folks at Apple “Think Different.”
Wow!! An iPod that talks to your shoes!! Where can I buy one???
Maybe they’ll also devise an iPod tredmill and an iPod bicycle or even an iPod stethoscope.
Is it me, or did anyone else (in their head) say “Nike Apple” and then see the picture and have “nipple” pop into your head?
I think that was just you Rick.
#13 Rick, you have a dirty mind!!
#14…yeah, ’cause John’s choice of pictures for the Blog stories are so totally not about things like nipples!