Nike and Apple Launch Nike+iPod Sport Kit (for real)

So we've been on the Nike+iPod Sport Kit's jock (har) since it was announced way back in May, and after some false starts its finally materialized. Beginning on July 13th (i.e. today), retail Apple stores as well as Niketowns will stock the $29 kit, which as you may recall utilizes a proprietary wireless protocol to transmit data from the sneaker-bound sensor to your data displaying iPod nano. If you thought Apple and Nike weren't gonna do this up real big on launch day, they're proving otherwise with some big city celebrations -- Niketown New York is holding an extravaganza to kick off the release by having superstars Mariano Rivera from the NY Yankees and AJ Pierzynski from the Chicago White Sox on site, just to name a couple. If you've been looking an excuse to start exercising again, now's your shot, so run -- don't walk -- to your local joint to pick one up. While you're at it you might as well keep track of your pace as you hoof it back.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[Badpoy @ Jul 13th 2006 8:54AM]

I'm glad this finally launched. There are mixes on the iTunes/Music store yesterday with playlists by Lance Armstrong, Ronaldo, Vince Carter, etc... I also saw an Nike/Apple display at a local running store in Philadelphia last night. Going to check it out this morning.

[Dan Russell @ Jul 13th 2006 8:59AM]

Even though it's designed for the Nano, I'd like to know if it's compatible with the 5G video. I wouldn't jog/run with my hard-drive-based iPod, but I'd like to use it as a pedometer.

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 9:03AM]

Now the big question is - do you have to buy the Nike shoes or will it work with others???

[tyler @ Jul 13th 2006 9:05AM]

first off, a.j. perfagboy is not a "superstar"

[Gordy @ Jul 13th 2006 9:12AM]

That's not a big question. You have to buy Nike shoes. I'm sure you can rig up others if you're so inclined.

[andrew @ Jul 13th 2006 9:15AM]

this si going to make so weird dj mixes if the software was modifyed

[Alric Lopez @ Jul 13th 2006 9:18AM]

So, how does the Zune compete with the nano; the most popular DAP. I think M$ is dead at the gate.

Additionally, I tend to relate more to a company that makes a product that motivates me to jog and be healthier as opposed to play video games.

Cheers,

[Dolomite @ Jul 13th 2006 9:23AM]

Awesome! I may actually take up running again to try this out.

[eugene @ Jul 13th 2006 9:44AM]

i'm just bummed that being a preorder i'm not getting it drop day. you'd think they'd coordinate it so pre-orders did get it drop day, but i guess not. fwiw, i got it sans nikes bc i don't like nikes for running. they're not terrible, but there are better alternatives out there. so i'm going to rig up the sensor in my laces somehow (don't want to cut holes in my soles).

[Antonio @ Jul 13th 2006 9:46AM]

Does it only work with the nano?

[SubGenius @ Jul 13th 2006 9:50AM]

At a mere $30 bucks a pop a lot of people are going to buy these simply for the novelty of it. If I had a nano, I would.

No, it will work with any shoe.
No, you don't have to buy the Nike mixes.
No, it will only work with the nano.
Yes, Microsoft is dead at the gate.

[James @ Jul 13th 2006 9:59AM]

You do have to buy the shoes, they are called Nike+. They all cost around $100. It has some special pouch to put the transmiter in.

[pyc103 @ Jul 13th 2006 10:03AM]

From the apple site:

*The sensor's battery is not replaceable. Battery life will vary considerably based on use and other factors.

That's crap. How long is this thing going to last before I spend another $30 for the unit???

[Rob @ Jul 13th 2006 10:11AM]

Everything I've seen says you NEED SPECIAL NIKE SHOES!

[okram23 @ Jul 13th 2006 10:12AM]

you guys know that microsoft came out with this first right?

i think if they let it work with all shoes it would be alot better or if they got a couple other brands to make shoes also.

any of you think this might be built into the next nano and you'll just have to buy the shoe sensor?

[oshean @ Jul 13th 2006 10:15AM]

"Hi, I'm a Mac and this is my jock friend."

[Thomas @ Jul 13th 2006 10:19AM]

Just to clarify, you do need special shoes to use this. If I remember correctly there are currently 4 different pairs that it will work with. They have a special cut out in the middle of the shoe where the sensor goes.

[Josh @ Jul 13th 2006 10:20AM]

SubGenius has a truly fitting name.

The press release clearly says you need "Nike+ ready footwear" (so you'll be shelling out more than $30, even if you already have a Nano). The $30 device connects to the iPod and wirelessly communicates with the sensors in the special Nike+ shoes.

[Alric Lopez @ Jul 13th 2006 10:33AM]

Nike+shoes are the only ones with the cut out that fits the transmitter at this point. However, if you can find some other way to attach it to your shoes, or potentially anywhere else in your body it should work as well.

Its just a pedometer with a radio. Cheers.

[Morty Salt @ Jul 13th 2006 10:52AM]

Well, I'm starting my after market Ipod shoe hole website. For only $9.99 I will create a customized pocket for any shoe of yours (running, hiking, biking, wrestling, jogging, walking) Just send one of your shoes to me at the following adress. Please insure all packages and I will return your shoe with it's new custom ipod pocket within 10 days. With the Ipod shoe hole program you will save almost $100 and use your favortie shoe without having to buy a nike shoe!!!!

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 11:00AM]

"However, if you can find some other way to attach it to your shoes, or potentially anywhere else in your body it should work as well."

Yes, I saw that the requirements state you need Nike+ shoes, but what I am wondering is if the alogorithms used in the pod accelerometer are optimized for that position in the shoe, or if you could place it in a pouch attached to the laces and still get a reasonable amnount of accuracy.

Only time will tell.

[joachimr @ Jul 13th 2006 11:08AM]

could somebody please report here whether it worked with other shoes? I am dead-certain, it will if you attach it to the shoe (say in the laces - I agree with the pedometer with transmitter theory, but as with all theories, the proof is in the pudding...). Never mind what the website says - just attach it to a shoe and give it a try, somebody, please?

[poitch @ Jul 13th 2006 11:10AM]

I'm with eugene on that one, quite bumped down that I do not get the gear on release day when pre-ordering. It has not even shipped yet, will not even make it before the weekend, would be much faster for me to go down to the store then ...

[NeoteriX @ Jul 13th 2006 11:22AM]

I said it before, and I'll say it again: Nike running shoes suck and are overpriced.

No "runner" runs with Nikes :)

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 11:22AM]

joachimr,

I was planning on buying it today on my lunch break. I run in Sauconeys, so I'll post what happens...

[RunnerJohn @ Jul 13th 2006 11:33AM]

Add me to the list of those a little upset by the fact that pre-ordering gets you nowhere.

I pre-ordered the shoes and kit a month ago, and Nike still shows the order as not having shipped. Nice.

But their site appears to be shaping up to be something quite interesting, that you may be able to log your miles (maybe automatically via iTunes sync?) to track your miles on their site.

If anything, it might be an interesting motivation factor to get some others interested in running more.

While I'm on my rant, has anyone else here had their Nano die due to sweat/moisture? I'm on my 3rd one, and even though I have it in an arm band carrier, it seems that if any moisture makes it way near the device it turns into a brick.

Thanks...

[Lhalf2 @ Jul 13th 2006 12:06PM]

I totally agree with Neo on this one... I'm a runner and there is no way I'd buy Nike's poorly made overpriced shoe to run in. Clearly the branding is more important to Apple than the actual usage here. Team up with Sauconey, Asics, NB, or Mizuno and I'll try out your device. Otherwise, you can depend on the weak runners to buy this...or the ones who buy it for the brand and never use it. But sales are all that matter right, Apple?

[Modano @ Jul 13th 2006 12:08PM]

I pre-ordered it and the Zoom Moire shoes and they both just arrived. I'm at work so I can't really try it out right now but they look cool! If you pre-ordered (shoes from nike.com and kit from apple.com) with overnight shipping, you should get yours today too.

[Modano @ Jul 13th 2006 12:14PM]

"But their site appears to be shaping up to be something quite interesting, that you may be able to log your miles (maybe automatically via iTunes sync?) to track your miles on their site."

Of course, as detailed on the website:
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/sync.html
You pre-ordered without reading any of that?
Nike didn't send me a shipping confirmation until 1am last night but my shoes arrived here at 11am, if that's any consolation. 10 hour shipping!

[Andrew @ Jul 13th 2006 12:27PM]

Am I the only person that's noticed that when you put the new adapter on the nano that it will no longer fit in the armband. I don't know about you, but it's annoying as hell running with things in my hands. It looks like the only solution are some nike shorts and shirts that have "special" pockets to fit the iPod. I feel like i'm taking crazy pills!!

[CharlesJR @ Jul 13th 2006 12:30PM]

I was watching some financial news last night and there was some interesting things about this product:

(1) The technology is being introduced into every single ONE of Nike's shoe lines ... AIR, FREE, etc

(2) APPLE has no desire to do this with any other company. It will only work with NIKE shoes.

(3) Neither company has budgeted any monies for a "campaign". They will be relying entirely on buzz and word of mouth.

(4) The gentleman doing the reporting used the devise extensively and said it worked flawlessly and exactly as expected.

(5) He was so impressed with the product that he said it has the abilty to destroy, or severly curtail, the market for treadmills and/or fitness center running areas ... its that accurate.

CharlesJR

[DGK @ Jul 13th 2006 12:51PM]

I'm fairly sure that just putting in a pouch would not work. From what I understand, it isn't a simple pedometer, but rather an accelerometer that can detect when you take a step (like a pedometer does) combined with a pressure monitor that can tell how long your foot is in contact with the ground (which a pedometer cannot do). Supposedly this gives a more accurate reading on distance. However, if one of these metrics was not being read (like, for example, you put it in a pouch over your laces), it likely wouldn't activate the radiotransmitter at all. However, I bet that pulling out your insole and cutting out an area underneath would work... anyone tried yet?

[Dan F. @ Jul 13th 2006 1:07PM]

Well I just got off the phone with the apple salesman. He says that it will NOT work with the ipod video, and he "Cannot reveal" information about them getting it to work on the video. Pretty much they're loosing business from ALOT of people. eh I would have expected better from apple.

[UnseenLlama @ Jul 13th 2006 1:09PM]

From Apples technical FAQ about the transmitter:

"How does the sensor know how fast I am going?

A sensitive piezoelectric accelerometer monitors your footstrike when you walk or run and determines the amount of time your foot spent on the ground. This contact time is directly related to your pace."

You can find it here on Apple's site:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303934

I just picked up the kit and the Zoom Air shoes and will try it out tonight. The salesperson said he had been wearing the Zooms for the past 2 months and absolutely loves them. Can't wait to try it out!

[JinKazama @ Jul 13th 2006 1:18PM]

It sucks this thing has no video support, They are missing out on a large group whose ipods serve as their music library and workout player.

I know they are afraid of lawsuits (hard drive, moving parts, etc...) but there are little things called disclaimers that would open up this device to all ipod owners.

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 1:24PM]

I just visited the apple store and bought this. I have Sauconeys. I put the pod between the tongue and laces and walked around. The nano is measuring distance, etc like it should. NO Nike shoes.

Is it accurate? Dunno yet. I'm about to go for a run with my Garmin 201 to verify distance.

This is looking hopeful though.

[MichaelC @ Jul 13th 2006 1:38PM]

I bought this and the shoes, but am going to return it tomorrow.

I set it up fine, but since I cycle, I rode for a few miles. Nothing! Showed my speed at zero the whole time. Stupid Apple products....

[UnseenLlama @ Jul 13th 2006 1:43PM]

Hey MichaelC,

You realize this is for running don't you? Cycling has no impact and therefore it will not register your movement.

But of course you already realized this...and are just saying stuff out of your arse...

[Justin @ Jul 13th 2006 1:54PM]

Paul, can't wait to hear your report. Running with your Nike+ kit and a GPS. I love it.

Michael C is kidding, obviously... err, right??

[peter h @ Jul 13th 2006 1:58PM]

i bought the Nike Ipod transmitter today. i placed the transmitter underneath my NB running shoe foot pad (small patch of duct tape).
works perfect!
1. lift out your running shoes inner foot pad
2. place transmitter in center below your foots arch
3. duct tape
run and have fun!

[peter h @ Jul 13th 2006 2:15PM]

added to my post above, i ran 3 miles today with this. mileage was about 99% accurate. also I could not feel the transmitter. the actual size is very small. once you place the transmitter in the shoe and put the shoe's foot pad back in; very difficult to feel it.

[Brian P @ Jul 13th 2006 2:51PM]

MAn I hope someone figures this out for 5G's. I really want this!

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 3:08PM]

Okay, so I went for a short 2 mile run with my gps and nike+ in sauconey shoes.

Uncalibrated, the nike was dead on with pace and calorie count with my garmin forerunner.

As for distance, they were off from each other by 0.1 mile - but I have found that my garmin can vary in distance by almost that much on any given day.

SO... running with the sport kit in non Nike shoes without calibration was extremely close to the readings i got from the gps unit.

i will be calibrating the sport kit when I get a chance to go to the track, but for now color me happy!

--Paul

[buddyduck @ Jul 13th 2006 3:12PM]

I taped the sensor to the bottom of my ASICS insert and though I can kind of feel the sensor, its not really a problem. I'm more than likely gonna cut a divet in the bottom of the insert to make it less of a bother. It seems to work well though. Apple did their homework on this one - it works out of the box quite well - just make sure you have the latest Itunes (6.0.5) and the latest software on your nano (1.2) cause it takes a while to download and install.

I'm gonna test the accuracy later after work as well.

On another note, the people at the Apple store here in Nashville were quite insistent that I buy the right shoes. I guess word must've come down from HQ.

[Christy @ Jul 13th 2006 3:15PM]

I'm agreeing w/ all you out there who are a little disgruntled at the fact that this is only for the nano. I'm a runner who didn't get the nano because it wasnt enough space. So what am i supposed to do? Buy a nano just to use the device?

Kudos for all the cool features on the Nike site though. Tracking total mileage and "virtual" races was pretty cool.

[Brian P @ Jul 13th 2006 3:20PM]

Will someone please try this with a 5G? I am dying to know for sure. : )

[Andrew @ Jul 13th 2006 3:44PM]

Are you people running with the ipod in your hand or what? The transmitter looks too large to allow for the use of the stadard apple armband.

[harrison @ Jul 13th 2006 3:50PM]

Has anyone tried syncing their run with itunes yet? if so, how does it work, is it smooth, and does it automatically work wiht nike plus's webpage? any info woudl be great. if you dont want to make a psot, im me at pzarkerr, would love to know.

thanks

[Paul @ Jul 13th 2006 3:57PM]

"Are you people running with the ipod in your hand or what? The transmitter looks too large to allow for the use of the stadard apple armband."

The standard apple armband for the nano does not have a slot for the dock. I ran with it in my hand for today, but I plan on cutting a slot for the transmitter.

[bob @ Jul 13th 2006 4:52PM]

There is a full review of the unit with pictures and everything at http://tewks.net/?p=12