Now word comes that Nike is combining with ipod. (the story is below, if you're interested.)
Basically, Nike is putting a sensor chip in their new running shoes that will attach to an iPod, and give information on running time, distance, calories and so forth.
Now, straight up I want to admit I know very little about iPods. I don't own one, and the whole thing seems very silly to me. Obviously others disagree.
But no matter what your feelings are on iPods, is this technology really needed? I mean, I'm no Luddite, but just because we can do something doesn't mean we have to. Do people really need their shoes to tell them exactly what they are doing when running? Can't they just exercise? Haven't people done this for thousands of years, and somehow managed it?
Okay, maybe long-distance runners will find this useful, but be honest: won't this become the latest fashion accessory for those who just have to be at the edge of hip?
Those of you who have iPods out there, will you get these shoes?
by Dan Nystedt, IDG News Service, Taipei Bureau
Nike Inc. is putting the world's most popular music player to work in a system designed for its latest athletic shoes that tells runners the distance and time they've covered in their daily jog.
The company teamed up with Apple Computer Inc. to offer the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that includes a sensor chip used in Nike+ shoes to relay information to a receiver that attaches to an iPod nano music player.
In a demonstration video on its Web site, Nike showed a runner hooking up the system to his iPod nano, which then proceeded to keep him updated on his running time, distance, calories burned and other information. It also displays the information on the iPod's screen. The Nike video can be viewed at: http://www.nike.com/g1/na/usa/index.jhtml.
The new system can only be used with Nike shoes made for the Nike+, and the first such shoe on offer is the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire, which can be pre-ordered on the company's Web site. Nike has also specially designed other apparel, including jackets and shorts, and an iPod armband, with water-proof pockets for iPod nanos.
In addition, a new Nike Sport Music section has also been added to the iTunes Music Store, and Nike has set up a new Web site to personalize the system for users: http://www.nike.com/nikeplus/.
The Nike+iPod sport kit is expected to be available by late July in the U.S. at a retail price of around US$29 each, through Apple and Nike stories and Web sites, in addition to select retail stores throughout the U.S.
Apple users interested in the shoes will need a Nike+ shoe, an iPod nano and Mac with USB 2.0 and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later, as well as iTunes 6.0.5 for the system. PC users will require USB 2.0, Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional and iTunes 6.0.5.
5 comments:
Because I run, I think it'd be nice to have something that you can use to optimize your training runs, especially your long runs. BUT, it's my understanding that knowing your heart rate is more important and there are already things out there to measure that.
I guess what I'm getting at is that, as a runner, I'd find it pretty useless. Plus, it's not good to run with earphones especially outside because you wouldn't hear cars or stalkers etc.
I've decided that I'm not getting a portable music player of any kind until I can get one of those that they implant into your breast. That's right, you heard me, I said BREAST.
Tracy Lynn, You made me snarf yogurt through my nose. I'm ROTFLOL!
My work here is done. My entire goal in life was to make LJS snarf yogurt through her nose, and now I can retire. WHEEEEE! I love it!
When I wrote that it was a fashion accessory, I was meaning more in the heads of certain people, the same people we've been arguing over (whether or not they are sheep).
I'm reminded of the novel American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis, where the guys are at lunch and make a point of pulling out their wallets to show off their business cards.
In my mind--and maybe I'm just overly hard on rich people, and while you may not think you're rich, if you can afford an iPod you are rich to Hyperion--these people we've been debating would be damn sure to tell everyone they run into how their iPod is communicating with their Nikes.
Hell, I suppose I might do the same. It's kind of neat, and something you'd want to talk about, but I can just see people buying it just for that.
In other news, I have no idea what bluetooth means. I really know nothing about iPods (although I suspect that is a technology term, but I know even less about that.)
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