Nike and Apple Launch Nike+iPod Sport Kit (for real)
posted July 13th 2006 8:43AM
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]
There is a full review of the unit with pictures and everything at http://tewks.net/?p=12
I just synched my data up to nikeplus.com and have to admit its pretty cool. I'm not a flash fan, but the ability to set goals, make challenges and track your history is awesome. I configured Itunes to upload my nike+ipod data every time I connect my nano to ITMS.
loving it so far...
Alright 5G video owners we have an answer: See below from ilounge.com
"We have also confirmed that the Sport Kit is, at least for the moment, incompatible with all iPods save the nano. Connecting it to the 5G iPod brings up a screen that says, “The currently attached accessory is not supported by this iPod,” the same message that appears on an un-updated nano. Earlier iPods do not visibly recognize that the device has been connected."
Oh well, sucks for us :-(
Does the new Nike sport ipod armband worth with it?
(I assume so, but I would like confirmation)
Do they sell the armband at the Apple store?
As far as it not working with 5G:
THAT F-ING SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hello Apple! If I want to run with my iPod that is up to me!
Josh, Here's a special Press Release just for you: F.U.
Lhalf2, Apple is a business. 0.01% know what Mizuno is.
MichaelC, 0 isn't your speed, that's your I.Q.
Christy, 8GB nanos should be out soon.
Brian P, If I want to run with your video iPod, go ahead. No one is stopping you.
Apple isn't dumb. They purposely limited the kit to the nano to sell more nanos and not lose money replacing video iPods.
"Brian P, If I want to run with your video iPod, go ahead. No one is stopping you.
Apple isn't dumb. They purposely limited the kit to the nano to sell more nanos and not lose money replacing video iPods."
exactly, I think it has more to do with lawsuits than wanting to sell more nanos. Yeah it sucks for us 5G owners/runners but we all know even with a disclaimer some idiot would find some way to sue for 50 million because their 5G got ruined by running with it.
Paul,
did you end up attaching the nike+ above your laces or put it within your shoe. I run with asics since I have high arches and I've had problems with them in the past I'm not going to risk putting the unit inside the shoe. I plan on purchasing it tonight and I'll do a run with it on top of the laces tomorrow. Odds are you can just slip the unit in between the tongue and the laces, if not it prbly wouldn't be too hard to attach it above the laces.
My feet are too wide to wear Nikes, which seem only to come in Ds. So, I cut a little hole under the sock liner of my New Balances (2E width), and the sensor plus Nano works. It's very cool hearing about my progress and how many meters I have to go. (I could do without Lance Armstrong congratulating me on my "longest run" ever.) So far, though, accuracy is only fair. I calibrated it on a track, running a half mile. But when I did a 5-mile run, the distance measure was off by nearly a half mile. The Garmin does better, but only in winter when trees don't block the signal. Since mid-spring, I've found the Garmin useless on trail runs.
I did not want to purchase the specialty shoes so I tried putting the sensor under the laces of my regular Nike shoes. It works perfectly and I even ran multiple times. I repeated my steps with the Garmin Forerunner and they were both very close to recording the same distance.
Im getting 60% accuracy out of the box wich is so bad that It wont even let me calibrate. Oh Well.