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Nike FuelBand designers bought by a consulting giant
Synapse, a key creator of the Nike+ FuelBand (among other gadgets), is moving on to greener pastures. Product development giant Cambridge Consultants has bought Synapse for an unspecified amount. As Cambridge's parent company Altran says, this is all about giving Cambridge a product development foothold in the American West -- it can design gear for partners ranging from the UK to Silicon Valley. It's part of a plan to double the size of Cambridge by 2020.
My toxic relationship with fitness wearables
Fitness gadgets were meant to make me a better man. Or at least a healthier (possibly more attractive) one. Over the course of my wrist-based romance, I've strapped on a Fitbit, a Jawbone Up, two types of Nike FuelBand and an Apple Watch. Surprisingly for me, it's the Apple Watch that got the most extended use, given that it wasn't defined by its fitness features. Yet, since November (midway through a fitness challenge at Engadget), I haven't worn anything when I'm working out, nor anything to monitor my activity during the day. I've had enough of the constant nagging.
Apple and Nike work out settlement terms for FuelBand lawsuit
Nike is ready to pay up to get a two-year-old FuelBand-related class action lawsuit off its back. The case filed back in 2013 against Nike and Apple claimed that there were some "false and/or misleading statements" in the wearable's ads about its ability to track calories and steps accurately, as well as breach of warranty. While the companies maintain that they did nothing wrong, Nike has decided to settle the issue -- it's now offering class members a choice between a $15 cash payout and a $25 gift card redeemable in its US, Puerto Rico and online stores. Apple, which stopped selling FuelBand and other wearables earlier this year, won't be shelling out a single cent.
Comcast's new Chief Product Officer hails from Xbox, Nike
As Comcast keeps trying to turn around the negative reputation that it (and the rest of the pay-TV industry) has, it has a new Chief Product Officer to help. Enter Chris Satchell, who comes from Nike where he was the Consumer Technology Officer working on products like the FuelBand. According to Satchell, Nike ditched that gadget because sensors proliferated in other devices, and it chose to focus on building systems to track and handle its customers workout data. Other than the distinctive light up bangle, Satchell also previously worked at Microsoft where his work included leading its XNA game development program through the Xbox 360's early days, plus talking smack about Nintendo and Sony on the side.
Nike's iPhone Fuel app no longer needs a FuelBand to track activity
Nike is finally taking advantage of all those health tracking sensors in your iPhone for its flagship Fuel app, which previously required one of its Fuelbands to work. The latest version of the free Fuel app includes support for Apple's HealthKit platform, which means it'll take in the data that's already being tracked on the iPhone 5S and newer models. Conversely, you'll also be able to see your NikeFuel points (its unique way of counting your activity) on the Apple Health app. Nike already supported HealthKit with its standalone running app, so it was only a matter of time until it brought that functionality to the Fuel app. Of course, Nike also needs to make sure its flagship app is ready for the Apple Watch, which also tracks HealthKit data and is expected sometime in the next few months. And, after the company laid off most of its hardware team last year, it's not like we'll be seeing new Fuelbands from Nike anytime soon.
Study says phones are just as good as wearables at tracking fitness
Think you have to wear a dedicated fitness tracker to get accurate data? Don't worry -- you may have a good excuse to skip the wristband. The University of Pennsylvania has published a study showing that smartphone apps' step counts are reasonably on the mark, at less than a 7 percent variance between their data and what observers saw first-hand. With wearables, it's all over the map. Some are very accurate, like Fitbit's One and Zip; others don't give you much of an advantage over a phone, and Nike's Fuelband was sometimes off by a wide margin.
Nike has a vending machine that lets you trade Fuel for gear
When we heard that Nike had put up a secret vending machine in New York City, we definitely wanted to go find it and see what all the fuss was about. But, unfortunately, we were a little bit late to the party -- the machine is now long gone, perhaps on its way to a new place (maybe Japan?). Nike's FuelBox, as the company has adequately dubbed it, is a vending machine which dispenses goods in exchange for your daily, not total, FuelBand points. As TechCrunch pointed out, Nike packed the FuelBox with a number of different stuff, including hats, shirts and socks (sorry, no kicks). It's certainly a fun incentive to drive people to rack up Fuel on their bands, and it shows that, despite the rumors of the FuelBand going away, Nike is still very heavily invested in doing things for that community. Stay on the lookout, because Nike says you never know where it could show up next.
Engadget Daily: Lumia 630 review, the deal with laser-cut clothing and more!
Today, we dive into the realm of laser-cut clothing, review the Lumia 630, break down the benefits of the recent Xbox One update and take a look at Nike's new Android Fuelband app. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Nike finally introduces a Fuelband app for Android
Despite rumors of the Nike+ Fuelband's demise (and a cozy relationship with Apple), the sportswear maker has finally expanded its compatibility by releasing a sync app for Android. Just like the iOS companion app, it communicates with Nike's wearable fitness tracker over Bluetooth, but this one only works with the newer Fuelband SE and a select list of Android phones. Requiring Android 4.3 and Bluetooth LE support, right now that list includes the Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One, Nexus 5 and the Moto X. Last year Nike denied it even had an Android app in the works, and yet here we are. The feature list looks comparable to the iOS version, but coming more than two years after the Fuelband originally launched, we're wondering how Nike+ will fit into the health and wearable plans being laid out by Apple, Google and the rest.
Nike CEO: Focusing on software, 'excited' about relationship with Apple
Just a week after a report emerged that Nike could be ending its Fuelband division, CEO Mike Parker confirmed that the company would be focusing more on software rather than just hardware. In an interview with CNBC, Parker said, "We are focusing more on the software side of the experience [...] It'll be integrated into other products that we create." He also appears bullish on the Nike Fuel system, and hopes to increase the number of users on that platform. As for the fate of the Fuelband itself, he wouldn't comment on its reported demise or the related layoffs. However, he did say that there are currently over 30 million Fuelband customers and he hopes for that number to reach a 100 million, so it seems sales of the wearable won't be ending just yet. When asked about a possible hardware collaboration with Apple, Parker was coy but did say that they're "excited about where that relationship will go forward." He also said "I will say that the relationship between Nike and Apple will continue" and that he was "very excited about what's to come." If this at all points to the possibility of an iWatch, we're sure he won't be the only one.
Nike reportedly killing the Fuelband to focus on fitness software
Just days after Nike announced the launch of its Fuel Lab location in San Francisco to enhance partnerships with other digital services for athletes, there's a report that it's fired much of the team behind its FuelBand wristwear. CNET reports that, according to a person familiar with the matter, as many as 55 people from its 70-member hardware team are being laid off, and plans for another version of the FuelBand to follow the SE have been shelved. All of this comes just as the wearables market is heating up, with products already arriving from Samsung, LG, Motorola, Pebble and more, while activity tracking integrated with phones is also becoming more popular. At the same time, not all of Nike's tech initiatives have worked out, and Nike+ has largely disappeared from its shoes in the last year. A Nike spokesman confirmed to CNET a "small number of layoffs" as its "Digital Sports priorities evolve." (Update: In a statement, Nike says it "will continue to improve the Nike+ FuelBand App, launch new METALUXE colors, and we will sell and support the Nike+ FuelBand SE for the foreseeable future.")Given Nike's close relationship with Apple (Tim Cook is a member of Nike's board), one could wonder if the prospect of an upcoming wearable from Cupertino had a hand in swinging the apparel company's focus towards "simpler data-powered experiences" -- or they just spent all the money on tonight's sweet 3D projector intro to the Jordan Brand High School All-Star Game.
Daily Roundup: FuelBand SE Silver Edition, privacy-focused Blackphone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
LG Lifeband touch and Heart Rate Monitor earphones aim to help you keep fit
Televisions aren't the only thing LG brought to CES this year -- it's lugged along a couple of wearable fitness devices, too. In fact, we've already seen one of them. The company's FuelBand competitor showcased at CES last year resurfaced as the Lifeband Touch, a fitness band with a swipe-friendly OLED touchscreen that displays physical activity info and calories burned. Naturally, it pairs up with Android and iOS devices to get incoming calls and text information, but if you want to make the most out of it, you'll need to pair it with the company's second CES wearable: a pair of Heart Rate Monitor earphones. Aside from functioning as normal earbuds, they can track heartbeats by measuring signals from the inner ear. The South Korean company has yet to set a release date for either device, but we'll update you when we hear more.
Nike FuelBand SE review: more social features, much longer battery life
Nike's new FuelBand is now out, and following a few weeks of running in parks, walking around exhibition halls and the occasional all-out exercise session, well, I'm pretty tired. Fortunately, I only needed to charge Nike's new wearable once in my first eight days of use. Indeed, that's the main benefit to Nike's Second Edition (SE) FuelBand: thanks to an energy-efficient Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio, it promises much-improved battery life over its predecessor. When it comes to the physical hardware, however, its appearance has barely changed since 2012, save for three new color options (and a highfalutin' Rose Gold one). Its fitness-tracking capabilities haven't changed either, although Nike has promised improvements in accuracy and a better ability to sense when you're attempting to game the FuelBand. Beneath the matte black surface, however, there's been more progress: Nike+, the FuelBand's companion app, is friendlier than ever, with the ability to group your buddies into separate categories. There are also new hourly reminders to stay active throughout the day and a Sessions feature to monitor activity in a set timeframe. More than ever, though, Nike's finding itself in a crowded wearables market. Though it was one of the early victors, has it done enough to maintain its lead? Grab your water bottle and we'll walk you through it.
Nike+ FuelBand SE now available in Rose Gold, gives you bling-bling status for $169
The Nike+ FuelBand SE is still a pretty young product, having only been officially released earlier this month. Now, as part of its new Metaluxe Collection, Nike is introducing a special edition model in a Rose Gold hue. This shiny but subtle FuelBand SE will be up for grabs beginning on November 21st for $169, making it $20 pricier than the Sports Pack, which includes the Total Crimson, Pink Foil and Volt colors. Those of you interested should be grabbing one stat -- Nike says the Rose Gold FuelBand is set to be available "in limited quantities" when it goes on sale next week. And hey, we know at least one person who will want one.
Nike bringing new features to original Fuelband on November 6th
Worried that your first generation Nike Fuelband would be left in the cold in favor of the revamped model? The sportswear company has announced that early adopters will get a firmware upgrade that'll provide better tracking algorithms, double-tap for the time and sessions support. Of course, since the SE now comes with Bluetooth LE, you won't have total feature parity, but at least it'll save you $150 while you wait for the next one.
Weekly Roundup: HTC One Max review, PS Vita review, Apple confirms iPad event and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: HTC One Max review, Nike+ FuelBand SE, Apple's October 22nd event and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nike announces new iPhone-ready Fuelband SE
Fitness fans, this one's for you. Nike revealed the new Fuelband SE at a Nike+ event in New York City. Coming in a variety of highlight colors, the device is meant to get users up and moving. The water-resistant device features Bluetooth 4.0 for low-power connectivity, improved LEDs and a re-designed circuit board for greater flexibility. But it's not about design; it's about moving. The Fuelband SE can now monitor yoga activity, if stretching on a mat is your thing, and other motivational features like "3.2.1 Go! Sessions," which let you pick a specific physical activity and monitor your progress towards that goal. Those interested in the wearable fitness trainer can expect to drop US$149 for the privilege. The Nike+ Fuelband SE will ship to select countries on November 6.
Nike+ FuelBand SE unveiled with new colors, Bluetooth 4.0, priced at $149 (update: eyes-on)
The sportswear giant from Beaverton, Oregon has just unveiled its latest fitness-oriented wearable -- say hello to the Nike+ FuelBand SE. This refreshed edition looks nearly identical to its predecessor, but comes in black with total crimson (a mix of orange and red), pink foil or volt (a yellow and greenish neon) accents. Nike's hoping to get FuelBand users to move even more throughout the day with this edition, thanks to some "fine-tuning" to how your Fuel is tracked. Namely, the new unit can identify actual movement better, rather than counting things like ambiguous wrist flicks. You'll also get better flexibility and weather sealing, hourly reminders to move, Bluetooth 4.0 and a double-tap function for the home button that'll bring up the time. Nike's tweaked the FuelBand iOS app a bit as well, to help users get the most movement out of their day. Fuel Curve graphs your hourly movements, with five minutes per hour being the minimum to achieve an hourly goal (only two-percent of users reach this currently). You'll also find dynamic info for your daily and weekly activity. Flipping the app into landscape mode gives a new view for tracking your weekly goal, hours you've "won" and the intensity of your movements. Better yet, Sessions gives you the ability to tag specific workout activities and monitor your Fuel Rate in real time. All of this is easily shareable with your friends across social networks using a centralized Group feature. Nike's running app has also been updated to automatically pause when you rest, while also enabling a photo option. If you want in on the new band, you can snag one starting November 6th, for $159 $149. Also worth a mention, Nike's reinstated its Accelerator program as the Nike+ Fuel lab in San Francisco, with an aim to help 10 more companies build Fuel-related products over the course of 12 weeks.
