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Nike, Apple working to make gym equipment iPod-compatible
Nike may have bypassed Apple with its recently revealed SportBand exercise device, but the pair are now back together again with another team effort, and they've enlisted the help of a number of gym equipment manufacturers as well. As you've no doubt surmised from that combination, that means they're working to make gym equipment (specifically cardio equipment) compatible with the Nike + iPod system, which would let you plug your iPod nano (and only iPod nano) into a piece of equipment, track your workouts, and upload the data to the nikeplus.com website. According to Nike's own announcement, Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac and Technogym are already on board and working on iPod-ready equipment, while participating gyms (including 24 Hour Fitness and Virgin Active Health Clubs) are supposedly set to starting rolling 'em out sometime this summer.[Via CNN]
Apple hits the gym
Apple and Nike are about to extend their partnership all the way to the gym. A few years ago, Apple and Nike announced the Nike+ line of products, including workout clothing designed to accommodate an iPod nano. The main product is a small chip which, when placed inside a sneaker, transmits workout data to a receiver on the user's iPod. That data is then transmitted to a special Nike website to chart progress towards goals, etc.This week, the two companies announced their collaboration on gym equipment that will do the same thing. When connected to an iPod (how is not clear), it will record information on the user's workout which can later be uploaded to the Nike website.Sounds pretty interesting. All you've got to do now is convince your gym to buy all new equipment.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple
Well what do you know, the Nike+ product line continues to evolve. This time, however, Apple's iPod appears to be out of the picture. Based on that illustration above, the 2.62 x 2.62-inch Nike+ SportBand device wedges its way into a bracelet where it communicates with the standard Nike+ shoe adapter. You then insert the USB device into your PC or Mac (presumably) to track your runs. Be sure to peep the actual device in the gallery -- looks like the FCC managed to bust the SportBand's USB connector during their tests. That doesn't bode well for final product now does it?%Gallery-16588%
Nike's Amp+ watch: hearts your heart and iPod, too
Quietly -- too quietly perhaps since Apple hasn't update their site yet -- Nike's $79.00 Amp+ Sport Remote Control just made its first appearance on Nike's online store. That "+" indicates that this device integrates with Apple's wee iPod nano receiver for Nike+ shoes allowing you to wirelessly track and monitor your runs and personal progress. Yes, it's a watch too; an LED display shows the time of day with those biggie, iPod icons appearing only when activated by the remote. It's also water resistant for you Mr. Sweaty McFaty, up to 50-meters in fact just in case your glands react unfavorably to your new Twinkie-free lifestyle. With the Amp+ now shipping, it's reasonable to expect the other unannounced devices we peeped back in January to go to market as well, donchathink?[Thanks, Bernard A.]
Nike plans to make all its running shoes iPod-compatible
Not a lot of details just yet, but it looks like that limited selection of Nike+ shoes won't be alone in iPod compatibility in Nike's running lineup for long. Nike President and CEO Mark Parker said in a recent interview that Nike "plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology by the end of the year." That's good news for the iPod kids looking for a wider selection of running shoes, and unwilling to go with one of those hacks, but we suppose a purist or three isn't going to like having their running shoe cut up in such a manner. Parker continued, saying "I won't get into specific dates or executions, but you can expect to see some of these new Nike concepts at retail this calendar year." Our guess is those shoes could be hitting 'round the time Nike Speed+ and friends start making this whole distance tracking thing ubiquitous in May.
TrailRunner 1.3 with Garmin and Nike Support
When we last mentioned TrailRunner it was pitched primarily as a tool for making your iPod into a workout tool. The newly released version 1.3 expands its functionality considerably with support for importing routes from the recently released Garmin Training Center as well as workout information from the Nike + iPod kit. Now with TrailRunner you can plan and mark out your route in color on USGS (or other) topographical maps, download those maps to your iPod (as photos), record your actual run/bike ride/hike on your Garmin GPS (like the Forerunner, right), and re-upload that tracking information to TrailRunner for analysis and comparison with others. TrailRunner can also import and export KML files for use with Google Earth.As before, TrailRunner is a free download, but donations are requested.[Via MacMinute]
Nike+ website adds 'Map it' feature
Legions of iPod nano toting runners track their workouts using the Nike+ website. I am not one of them (though I am getting in shape, sadly running has never been attractive to me), however, I still think the website is neat. Nike has just added a cool new feature to the Nike+ website: 'Map it.' Map It allows you to map your run using Google Maps. You can choose to make these maps public, or to keep them private (I can imagine some people might not want the world to know where they are running). You can then associate past, or future, runs with this new map to keep track of how you are doing. Pretty neat, though it would be even better if you could map your routes automatically using GPS. But you know what they say, baby steps (ha!).Thanks, Bob.
Nike + iPod + Google Maps = Runometer
Here's something I've been wishing the Nikeplus.com site to implement itself: integration with Google Maps. Not ones to wait around for giant companies to switch on niche features, a small software company by the name of Gordian Labs has created the Runometer, a not-quite-even-beta mashup that lets you view and compare your Nike+ running data, as well as plot out your runs on Google Maps. By providing software and/or instructions for Mac OS X, Windows and even Linux, Nike+ owners can upload their run data, sketches of their routes or even GPS data for the ultimate in geek running goodness. A handy how-to guide is provided to help you get on your feet, but you'd better get moving - Runometer users have already ran over 1000 miles and plotted 284 routes![via Engadget]
Nike wants to help you with your resolutions
Nike wants to help you get in shape in 2007. Using the Nike+ iPod sports kit and the Nike+ website you can set a running goal for January 2007. You also say what you'll do if you don't meet that goal (I suppose 'run faster' might be a good one).Nike is also running a 'Superstars Resolutions' challenge in which LeBron James and Maria Sharapova are competing against each other. If LeBron wins Maria will be LeBron's water girl at a game, and if Maria wins LeBron will be a ball boy during one of her matches. OSU is also competing against UF. The loser will be forced to put a statue of the winner's mascot on their campus. You can participate by adding your miles the side you want to win.Don't forget that we at TUAW are helping with your resolutions during our TUAW Resolutions series.[via iLounge]
Found Footage: New Nike+ commercial
Nike has a new commercial out advertising the Nike+ iPod sports kit. It features a young man getting off a couch, iPod in hand, to go running. He runs on a treadmill whilst he scenery changes in the background. But why are you reading about the commercial, just go watch it![via iLounge]
Widget Watch: Nike+ iPod Challenges and Goals widgets
I have been trying to get in shape, but I haven't yet gotten myself a Nike + iPod sports kit. When I do, though, I will be sure to download these two Widgets that Nike has just made available (they are currently in Beta, but what isn't?). One widget tracks your challenges (you can challenge another user, or group of users, of the NikePlus website to challenges) and the other tracks your goals (the person above has a goal of running 300 miles in 30 days).At the moment they are only available to registered users of the NikePlus website.Thanks, Hugh C.
PSA: The TSA is not down with Nike+iPod
So you picked up the latest kicks from Nike -- you know the ones that work with the iPod Nano -- and, even though you don't run, you wanted to check out the high-tech angle (and why not, with only $20 separating you and the Nike+iPod sports kit?) But then on your way to grandma's for Thanksgiving, you got more than you bargained for going through security at the airport. The TSA is going to have a few questions for you when some odd shape shows up on the X-Ray of your new sneaks, so expect to spend the next 30 minutes explaining whats in your shoe. After all, who knows what they think they'll find in your shoes: if it's bad enough to make every traveler take theirs off, it's bad enough to hold you on the side till the coast is clear. So do yourself a favor and leave the sensitive accelerometer at home or in your carry on -- and unlike us, you may want to shave off that scraggly beard and sport a t-shirt that doesn't say "Shü Bomba" on it.
Look at your workout data without using the Nike Plus website
Matt is a big fan of the Nike + iPod kit, as it would seem more people who use it are. He does have on problem with it, though. There is not an easy way to share your running data with others. Sure, the Nike Plus website graphs your progress, and you can compete with other runners, but you can't link to your progress from an outside source, or even display that info on your blog.Knowing that Apple has a fondness for storing data in XML, Matt went poking around his iPod and found that all the workout infomation is stored in iPod/iPod_Control/Device/Trainer/Workouts/Empeds/{Sensor ID}, where the Sensor ID is unique. Keep in mind that this folder is hidden, so if you just mount your iPod as a harddisc you won't see it, but yu can get to it using the Terminal. Matt even went so far as to whip up a widget that gets the info from the XML file and posts it to a temporary file on his webserver.[via Not Myself]
A week with the Nike + iPod Sports Kit
The kit's been out for a while, and I have been running with my own (with a cheap shoe wallet; not Nike's shoes) for about a week now, so I figured I would post a brief review and some thoughts about one of the most unique (and arguably active) iPod accessories to date.In a nutshell - it's nice. Very nice. Setting up and configuring the kit was a snap, especially for a couple of typically complex and finicky gadgets like these (cmon, how many times has a wifi connection had an attitude with you?). For those waiting for more confirmation as to whether you need Nike's specialized shoes for this kit to work: you don't. I, like many others already, purchased one of those $8 Nike Run Shoe Wallets we blogged, tossed the sensor inside (with a couple pieces of kleenex to make sure it doesn't bounce around) and attached it to the top of my generic running shoes. I configured my kit by both running and walking a .25 mile distance, and measured my route with the gmap pedometer to make sure the sensor was accurate.Now a lot of users are (understandably) frustrated with Apple and Nike for designing the kit to only work with the iPod nano. Unfortunately, this is a situation to actually thank these companies for, as hard drive-based iPods aren't designed to take the kind of impact that running delivers; their drives would ultimately end up failing sooner (as opposed to later), and there would be a lot of unhappy, iPod-less runners out there. Believe it or not, Apple (for once) actually saved a lot of people a couple hundred dollars with this move.I won't spend much more time on a review, as iLounge has already been there, done that. I do, however, think that some feature requests are in order. After all, this is a 1.0 product, right? When on a distance run, the audio feedback begins rattling off the remaining distance every 100 meters when the last 500 meters is reached. I realize it's a 'pump you up' technique, but this can get kind of annoying when I'm grooving with a song; an option to toggle this would be super. The Nike+ site really needs to discover the wonders of those futuristic 'cookie' things; having to re-login at every visit is so... 1994. Speaking of the site - this one might be a little crazier, but: I think it would be a smoother experience if the Nike+ 'application' was simply integrated into iTunes itself (toggle-able in the Sources list: My Library - Podcasts - Videos - Nike+ would be cool). I'm using an iPod with an iPod accessory, and I need to plug said iPod into iTunes to do anything with this running data anyway - why am I surfing out to an external site to view how out of shape I am and challenge friends to distance competitions to see who has to pay for coffee next time we hang out? Add a 'podcasts' option to the music choices available for the run. As far as I can tell, if I want to listen to a specific podcast on a run, I need to create a playlist (either on my Mac or 'On the Go' on the iPod itself) and add a podcast in order to listen to it during a run. Clunky. That's about it for my list of requests for an update to the Nike + iPod Sport Kit product and software. What do you readers think? Has anyone else been stopped dead in their tracks with one problem or another? Sound off.
All your workouts are belong to Nikeplus
We're not sure how a one-sentence support document made it into Apple's support knowledgebase, but this strange doc somehow snuck past the velvet rope. It simply states: "There is no way to remove workout data from the nikeplus website", with a 'stay tuned for more info' bit at the end to finish off what is probably the shortest support document we have ever seen. Getting to the topic, however: it seems just a bit strange that there is no way to remove workout information from this supposedly revolutionary new service/iPod accessory. It's not like we're suddenly terrified about Nike's trampling of user privacy, but we wouldn't be surprised if a few tin foil hat fashion aficionados raised at least some sort of a flag over this.
iLounge unboxes the Nike + iPod Sport Kit
iLounge has unboxed the Nike + iPod Sport Kit and decided to go full-on with pictures of everything, including some iPod-infused Nike apparel and screenshots of how exactly the software in the iPod nano works. While we've already seen some pics of the software, iLounge posted more images that reveal the workout options are surprisingly in-depth and customizable. There are various workout types that target distance running and burning calories, for example. iLounge even posted images of the Nike+ site and the user experience, even saying that it's hard to give Nike enough credit for the beauty and simplicity baked into the site. Head over to iLounge's First Look at this impressive new accessory.
Unboxing the Nike+iPod Sport Kit
Now that you can actually go out and purchase a Nike+iPod Sport Kit, you're probably wondering what exactly it is that you're getting with this package, so iLounge was kind enough to snap some photos of the unboxing process and post a few screenshots of the new menu options that will show up on your nano. Feature-wise, there's really nothing here that we didn't know already, though we did learn some more details about the kit's integration with the Nikeplus website -- besides tracking your workout statistics and long-term progress, you can also compare your performance with runners much better than yourself, providing you with an incentive to either work harder or try your hand at another sport. Also worth noting is the fact that the kit will definitely not work with any iPod other than the nano, and your device must sport the latest firmware in order to recognize the adapter. Keep reading to scope out a few of the menu screens, head over to iLounge for the full rundown, and stay tuned for a roundup as reviews start trickling out...
iPod Updater 2006-06-28 is available
Hot on the heels of iTunes 6.0.5, Apple has released iPod Updater 2006-06-28. According to Apple, this update:"...includes iPod Software 1.1.2 for iPod, iPod Software 1.2 for iPod nano, and iPod Software 1.1.4 for iPod shuffle. iPod Updater 2006-06-28 contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2006-03-23 for all other iPod models."Specifically, the update offers Nike + iPod support for iPod nano, a volume limit setting for the iPod shuffle and various bug fixes. The fact that Apple specifically states that the Nike + support is for the nano makes me wonder if that functionality won't make its way to other iPods.
Tune your run, old school
The Apple Blog points out that, with all the hubbub surrounding the Apple/Nike deal, we ought to remember that the Air Zoom Moire isn't technically the first time Apple has become involved in footwear. Many moons ago, some Apple employees could be seen sporting these babies. Oh, yeah. For some reason, those sneakers make me want to drive that DeLorean and rent Ferris Bueller's Day Off.Thanks for the chuckle, Apple Blog!
Steve abandons New Balance for Nike
With all the hubbub surrounding the announcement of the Apple/Nike partnership, no one mentioned the day's most striking revelation. No one except Arik Hesseldahl, that is. In an article at Business Week Online, Arik points out that Steve was wearing a pair of Nike Moires instead of his usual New Balance 991s at the press conference. Of course, Steve couldn't wear New Balance while talking about Nike (the Moires he was wearing are part of the Nike+ line and still unavailable to the general public). This wasn't the first time we've seen Steve stray from his typical outfit. He wore brown pants when he announced FrontRow, iTunes 6, etc. back in October. That's right, I just put up a 129 word post about Steve's clothing. Flame away.
