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iTunes 6.0.5 "available soon"
According to Apple, iTunes 6.0.5 will be "...available soon" (check the lower right hand corner of that page). It looks like the main feature will be the new Nike section, which will feature "...Nike-generated content," including music and specifically timed workout mixes, as well as video and audio podcasts with top athletes.Apple seems to be going all-out with the Nike collaboration. I suspect we'll see TV ads in the next month or so.Thanks, Ruben!
Bluetooth iPod functionality days away
Damien pointed out the new Nike/Apple joint venture that was announced today, and mentioned that it seems to lend credence to the notion of an Apple-branded bluetooth* device for the iPod. After poking around the site a bit, I'd say that it's a lock see the update below.Click "Overview" and watch the video. The actor plugs a "receiver" into the bottom of his iPod which, according to the site, "talks" to a transponder in the sneakers. As you run, software on the iPod relays information on your journey gathered by the transponder to your headphones, like total distance traveled, average pace, etc. You'll notice there's no cable traveling from the sneaks to the 'Pod (you can see a larger version of this snapshot plus another after the jump). In fact, this page contains the following quote:"The receiver fits securely into the Dock connector on the bottom of your iPod nano. Wirelessly connected to the sensor in your Nike+ shoe, it receives up-to-the-second information as you run."Now, it looks like it's the receiver that adds wireless functionality to the iPod, and not something built into the player itself (which makes sense, because who would want to buy a brand new nano just for this?). So, this setup will most likely only perform this single task wirelessly (note that the actor still uses wired headphones with the iPod). But once that receiver is in place, manufacturers (including Apple, of course) should be able to easily create accessories for it. Still, it's pretty cool. According to Nike, the kit will available in 60 days, but you can pre-order now.*Update: Could be a false alarm on the bluetooth, folks. Further inspection has revealed that the sneaker transponder uses a 2.4 Ghz, proprietarysignal to transfer information to the iPod. Drat. Plus, "proprietary" sounds like "3rd party manufacturers won't be making headphones any time soon." Oh, well.
Nike + iPodGlobal
Apple Computer and Nike announced today a partnership called Nike + iPodGlobal. The first product from the collaboration is the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, which will allow your Nike shoes to talk directly to your iPod, on which will presumably be loaded some personal training software.From the Yahoo News article: "The new Nike+ Air Zoom Moire is the first footwear designed to talk to iPod. Nike plans to make many of its leading footwear styles Nike+ ready, connecting millions of consumers to the Nike+iPod experience. With the Nike+ footwear connected to iPod nano through the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones. The kit includes an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attaches to iPod. A new Nike Sport Music section on the iTunes® Music Store and a new nikeplus.com personal service site help maximize the Nike+iPod experience."The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is expected to be available within 60 days and will cost approximately $30.I've also been hearing some rumor buzz about a new iPod (perhaps as early as tomorrow) that will include built-in Bluetooth, used to connect to accessories such as earphones. This Nike+ development only lends veracity to the idea that a Bluetooth-enabled iPod is inevitable.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Apple and Nike launch $29 Nike+iPod Sport Kit
Maybe the third time's the charm. After rolling out branded MP3 players with Rio and Philips, Nike has now partnered with Apple for its next music-on-the-go solution. But instead of launching another Nike-branded player, the sneaker company is focusing on athletics by working with Apple to roll out the iPod Sport Kit, a $29 device that includes a sneaker-based sensor that combines with another sensor attached to the iPod to allow users to enter and view workout data using the iPod's menus. The iPod Sport Kit will only work with certain compatible shoes, including the new Nike Air Zoom Moire. Audio prompts can also be configured to provide workout info such as distance and time, and workout data can be uploaded to a Nike web site for analysis and comparison with other runners. The iPod Sport Kit is expected to be available within 60 days and will work with the iPod nano.
