Apple patent applications can be a little
out there sometimes, but this one makes so much sense we have to wonder why it's not a product already. Described as "Systems and Methods for Integrating a Portable Electronic Device with a Bicycle," the application details what basically amounts to
Nike+ for bikes. That includes the ability to relay data from bike sensors to your iPhone or iPod, which you'd be able to view on the device itself or on an external display of some sort -- the application even goes so far as to mention the possibility of a heads-up display, although we wouldn't get our hopes up for that. What's more, the application also suggests that the system could communicate and share information with other nearby cyclists, and it would apparently include some fairly extensive GPS capabilities (on the iPhone, at least), including turn-by-turn directions to help you find a specific bike route, and maps complete with reviews from other cyclists.
posted August 6th 2010 2:06PM
I for one would love this. I know Garmin has their stuff, but I love me some Nike+ to go with my nano when I work out. I actually would like nike+ to work on treadmills/and exercise bikes as well for when the weather is nasty outside.
I love this idea, which is precisely why I hope Apple don't get this patent.
@Rick James
So just like you have to buy specific shoes to use Nike+, you will also have to buy a specific bike? Right? F that... just let me hook it up to any bike I already have.
@Plazmic Flame dood.. youre already complaining about something that isn't even out yet.. relax. why would it be so hard to clip some sensors on any bike like a regular ped device?
@Rick James Apple is re-inventing the bike.
@Rick James
It's a good idea.... But where's the "Extra Xtra Juice" pocket on the bike to house the giant battery for the iPhone to keep it going for my long bike routes.
I'll need to listen to music, maybe talk a little on the phone...and do all what the patent wants to do :). I'd surely need more juice.
@BlackedOut
I thought Nokia already has a patent for this? Oh well, another pawn in the patent wars.
@stealthcrawler29 How long is it that you bike for stealthcrawler? You'd be easily be able to get a few hours on your iphone right now. I use my iphone in lab to listen to music and talk on almost all day without any need for recharging
@stealthcrawler29 Dynamo
@ironlung
Dude, I think it's pretty much standard knowledge that smartphone batteries suck, not just the iphone. I love the iPhone, but you combine music, talk(3G) and constant GPS usage on it, it doesn't last that long at all. Especially now with multi-tasking. And this sort of a system I'd think would attract serious riders who'd ride for much longer than the average guy. I don't see many casual riders putting up sensors all over their bikes. But it's just my opinion. You don't have to believe me or ague abt it.
Dynamo would work as someone just pointed out :).
Velocity sensors on your bike involve mounting a magnet on a spoke, mounting a sensor to the fork and measuring distance to the axle. How would apple make this idiot-proof? Needs to be idiot proof to live up to Apple's reputation.
@Francis the Carpenter No, they don't. You got the magnet part right, but the measurement part wrong. You don't need to measure anything from where the magnet is installed. You need to know how far the _wheel_ has traveled each time the magnet passes the sensor. You do this by rotating the wheel so the valve stem is pointing straight up, mark the ground with chalk there, then roll the bike one full wheel rotation and mark the valve stem position again. Measure between those two marks and you're done. Very easy and simple to do. If you don't need an ultra-precise measurement there aren't too many different tire sizes and choosing one from the phone screen would be even easier.
@Rick James What does Nike+ add that Garmin doesn't? Exercise bikes already have their own sensors; under most circumstances while outdoor biking you shouldn't have your headphones on anyway unless you want to end up in those Darwin books. Honestly, I can't see what Apple is doing that (a) isn't already being accomplished by someone else or (b) is useful to the vast majority of recreational / enthusiast / amateur cyclists. I'd much rather have some integrate cue sheets with GPS so that I can get audio cues from the phone's speaker when I'm supposed to turn; maybe do course splits too.
@Rick James
I'd just like to charge my iPod, not that I use it when cycling 20 miles.
@JonBoy
Exactly...except it's Apple so it'll be revolutionary and people will think it's the best damned thing to happen to cycling. Let's see 100+ for equipment, 20-30 for app, how much is turn by turn on the iPhone again? So add that...man that's some expensive stuff. My Tracks...free...done.
@pintolulz
So how is Apple redefining the bike when there's a product out now that does exactly this and I almost spent money on it yesterday after seeing a post for it on Gizmodo. It's only $99 and seems to do everything Apple says they're thinking about doing.
http://www.newpotatotech.com/LiveRider/liverider.html
I'm hoping they don't end up getting sued by Apple. I think if you go through the effort and bring something to market on an idea that anyone could have thought about, you shouldn't have to suffer cause you didn't file the paper work first. Actually, I don't think the patent should be granted for taking an existing wired technology and making it wireless.
iBike
@audi2009
Why? This is so much better, and im sure ill go nicely with your audi.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/volkswagen-rolls-out-foldable-bik-e-electric-bicycle-concept/
@audi2009
Jobs: "So we reinvented the wheel, and decided to give you two."
@audi2009
"... and you can bet we patented the hell out of it."
[Uproarious applause]
@Slick
"reinvented"? Wait a few months and the fanboys will try to tell they were INVENTED by Apple.
@PhineasJW
Haha, nearly shit myself
So do you mean ipod or iphone will pedal for me?
So uhh what happens if someone steals your bike?
@mandarin
You can log in to see how fast they made their getaway.
@Canucker major lolz found
@Canucker
Its rare a comment makes me laugh my ass off. You win, dear sir.
http://en.pedalbrain.com/
@az1324 guess that's one of Apple's next acquisitions...
@az1324
Nice. Then how the heck is Apple differentiating itself from that in order to get a patent?
@az1324
$130-$200+, then up to $25 a month!! Holy crap lol
@az1324 There's also this one for $95 for the app and hardware.
http://gizmodo.com/5605254/liverider-kit-makes-your-iphone-a-computer-for-your-bicycle
I'm thinking that Apple will be suing two companies post haste.
iLife people are too cool to work out.
Not really interested, but man Apple DOES know their audience.
That is one HUGE iPod!
@joelaf or is it a small bike???
@Alexpeegs
There are no small bikes, only small riders~
Strap iPod to bike, plug in headphones....
Next, Jobs patents the the way in which you bring air into your lungs.
@Worm in the Apple
iBreathe. I think they will just go ahead and patent oxygen. And as such, all life producing it will belong to Apple. Voilà, world domination.
How to drive under a car - Use an iPod to distract you.
@barac
Listening to music on your bike -- apple's new killer product
I really liked the look of the NIke+ hardware when it came out, but felt disappointed to see them not extend their product range to more than just runners. If this is pre-empting a future cycling iteration for Nike+, I can't wait!
Next on the list, iCar, iPlane, iSkateboard
It kind of already exist, i discussed it yesterday : http://www.iphoneincanada.com/liverider-a-wireless-cycling-computer-and-mounting-system-for-iphoneipod/ It's called LiveRider.
This company has a pretty good solution. It's based on ANT which is a proprietary standard, but at least a standard.
http://www.wahoofitness.com/
So... who's infringing on who here?
http://www.cultofmac.com/new-accessoryapp-transforms-iphone-into-bicycle-computer/53807
Just don't try to brake with your left hand.
(I'm sorry!)
All this to detects a missing spoke...
... wait a sec... HOW THE HELL CAN THEY BREATHE?!? I MEAN C'MON! THEY R IN DA FRKIN' OUTERSPACE! AND HOW DOES THE GUY GET TO SURVIVE NEAR THE SUN... OH C'MON! WTF?!!?!?!
@bleep
Were you deprived of oxygen as a child, because that would explain a lot?