iPod-controlling Nike Amp+ watch makes FCC appearance
By Donald Melanson 
posted August 14th 2007 1:54PM
posted August 14th 2007 1:54PM
Nike's iPod nano-controlling Amp+ watch has been making itself known since late last year, but it looks like it could finally be getting close to a release, with it recently making its debut on the FCC's website. That, of course, means that we can get a look at some less than flattering photos of it, along with the user manual and the usual test reports. One particularly interesting detail in that last item is that the watch apparently operates on the non-Bluetooth 2425MHz frequency, the very same frequency that the Nike+iPod Sport Kit uses. As further explained in the user manual, that means you'll be able to use the watch with your other Nike+ gear, with the watch giving you control over both your tunes and your workout. Click on through for a few more pics, including a look at the watch's innards.
Now if they would only integrate an HRM on it....sigh...
Word...
It's about time! Where is the Aero+...I believe that one has an actual screen.
This *is* the Aero+
Its display is a very low-res matrix (looks like maybe 5x8?) of tiny red LED's embedded below the bracelet's rubber skin. You can see the conductive ribbon they're attached to if you look at the third photo that Engadget pulled from the FCC filing -- the flap on the right.
Looks like there's some skin contacts. Can this thing measure my heart rate and tie that in too? That would be awesome. Maybe some prompts to help you achieve the right pace?
Those are buttons for the integrated iPod controls -- placement of the controls and LEDs are more visible in this scan from Men's Health magazine [via AppleInsider].
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/11/27/apple_and_nike_to_introduce_nike_amp_bracelet_for_ipods_image.html
I dont think the aero lets you use your ipod at the same time though? I think it just tells you stuff on the watch? Not sure though!
That's the Flight+ which sidesteps the iPod.
The clasp and design is nearly identical to my Phillipe Starck Fossil watch, which is incredibly comfortable.
Looks like Nike + Apple have another winner.
yes, it is about time. no pun intended.
sweet.. could be handy when I'm snowbaording.. given that the battery wont die in the extreme cold of Ontario, Canada!!
That could be the only place a sony battery isn't likely to explode.
I had yet to even think about that, but yeah.. this is a great way to control your iPod wirelessly... assuming that you have already have the Nike+ kit.
How is this a watch it doesn't have a display to show the time, isn't that the #1 thing that a watch needs to do? Otherwise it's a very cool thing to control your ipod.
Like Tony C. said above, the "display" is a low res LED matrix which shows throught he rubber skin, its the part on the right of the 3rd pic
Finally! been waiting on these toys forever.
I'll be getting one..
Will this work with new iPhones? That would be great
Nope. For some reason the iPhone was not made Nike+ compatible, so this watch wont work with it either, most likely.
Grrrr.