High-res photos of Apple's Nike+iPod Sport Kit

***AppleInsider*** · 07-13-2006, 11:57 AM

Apple Computer on Thursday began selling its new Nike+iPod wireless Sport Kit that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with an iPod nano, and we've got some photos of the $30 device.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit packaging is very similar to that of Apple's iPod nano lanyard headphones. In fact, the dimensions of the two retail boxes are identical.

Upon picking up our kits, our attention was almost immediately drawn to the weight of the boxes. They are much heavier than expected, primarily because Apple splurged for semi-glossy color instruction manuals (which include instructions in five languages).

In addition to the manual, each kit includes an Apple warranty pamphlet, software license booklet, an in-shoe sensor and a wireless transmitter. Both the sensor and transmitter are incredibly small. In fact, the devices are so tiny that we're betting it'll only be a matter of time before someone offers up a blog posting explaining how a small dog ate their iPod sensor and ran a 5-minute mile.

We'll have much more on the Nike+iPod kit in the coming weeks. However, if you're looking to pick one up today, you can swing by most Apple, NikeWomen or Niketown retail store locations.

The kit

The shoes

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

eAi · 07-13-2006, 12:15 PM

Well, nicely photographed.

solsun · 07-13-2006, 12:15 PM

Interesting... When the new iPod nano with the rumored aluminum casing debuts in the next couple of months, they are going to have to re-print all the marketing materials and the product packaging... Unless of course, they still plan on keeping a white model.

**Mr. H** · 07-13-2006, 12:21 PM

Very, very nice photos.

Why can't Apple provide photos of their products like these on their own website? Apple's website stuff never looks as good as the products really do "in the flesh".

Ireland · 07-13-2006, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solsun
Interesting... When the new iPod nano with the rumored aluminum casing debuts in the next couple of months, they are going to have to re-print all the marketing materials and the product packaging... Unless of course, they still plan on keeping a white model.

2 + 2 =

West · 07-13-2006, 01:24 PM

It seems like you're getting a pretty good value for $30. I wouldn't have been surprised if they charged $75-$100 for the kit.

CaptObvious · 07-13-2006, 01:30 PM

$30 is pretty expensive, since the battery in the sensor isn't replacable.

Porchland · 07-13-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by West
It seems like you're getting a pretty good value for $30. I wouldn't have been surprised if they charged $75-$100 for the kit.

Since it only works if you have both a nano and a new pair of Nikes, it's a loss leader for both.

SpamSandwich · 07-13-2006, 01:47 PM

It'll be interesting to see if anyone has a problem with the sensor popping out of it's chamber during high-stress use on a trail...

solsun · 07-13-2006, 01:53 PM

Can anyone confirm which Nike shoes are pictured? I thought that there was only one style so far, the Nike Moire which are black with red accents.

***Kasper*** · 07-13-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solsun
Can anyone confirm which Nike shoes are pictured? I thought that there was only one style so far, the Nike Moire which are black with red accents.

The Nike+ Turb OH+ for men in navy/grey/green. We've had em for a week and were just waiting on the sensor.

Check Footlocker.com

Best,

K

~ufo~ · 07-13-2006, 02:12 PM

now the wait is for Apple to help Nike out w/ their shoe styling.....

maaaaaaaaaaan those things are fugly

solsun · 07-13-2006, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kasper
The Nike+ Turb OH+ for men in navy/grey/green. We've had em for a week and were just waiting on the sensor.

Check Footlocker.com

Best,

K

Thanks, Footlocker has 25% off all shoes EXCEPT, you guessed it, Nike+ shoes.

krankerz · 07-13-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solsun
Thanks, Footlocker has 25% of all shoes EXCEPT, you guessed it, Nike+ shoes.

Just go to the Nike or Nike+ website. There are about 6-8 different styles (some even in different colors) for men alone. Not sure how many there are for women.

a_greer · 07-13-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eAi
Well, nicely photographed.

I especially love the gausian blur on the S/N that doesnt even come close to making it illegible...try a block pixelate then g-blur next time...or even maybe a good ole' black paintbrush...

Apparatus · 07-13-2006, 03:19 PM

Those shoes are hideous.

solsun · 07-13-2006, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Apparatus
Those shoes are hideous.

They are pretty typical looking for running shoes.

meelash · 07-13-2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solsun
Thanks, Footlocker has 25% of all shoes EXCEPT, you guessed it, Nike+ shoes.

I think maybe you mean "25% off", not "of". Good illustration of why reading your post before hitting submit is a good idea. You made krankerz go to all that trouble for nothing.

...unless you really meant "of". In which case I'll just shut up now.

::Update::But in that case your post doesn't make sense. So I think you really meant "off".

solsun · 07-13-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meelash
I think maybe you mean "25% off", not "of". Good illustration of why reading your post before hitting submit is a good idea. You made krankerz go to all that trouble for nothing.

...unless you really meant "of". In which case I'll just shut up now.

::Update::But in that case your post doesn't make sense. So I think you really meant "off".

25% off is what I meant... And I do re-read my posts, I just missed that typo. Anyway, it's fixed now.

superduperjacob · 07-13-2006, 05:12 PM

Is it possible to switch between miles and kilometers?

marklar · 07-13-2006, 05:30 PM

30 dollars is pretty cheap i think, but imagine how much they paid the sweatshops to make the shoes and the nano attachment...must be a real pittance!!!!! well done apple!, well done nike!

josa92 · 07-13-2006, 05:34 PM

The Air Zoom Plus sneaks in silver/black stripe/red logo aren't so very ugly, although I still wouldn't buy them -- specially for a hundred bucks. Is it possible to just put these things in regular sneakers?

Taylorman · 07-13-2006, 06:02 PM

Good question josa- I was waiting for my account to be approved to post the same question.

It seems to me they wouldn't be so dumb as to make this thing work with other shoes.....but maybe they did. Two options come to mind- I use New Balance shoes (I find them a million times more comfortable than any Nike shoe)- could I hollow out a hole under the foot pad and stick the puck in there- or even stick it under the laces- and wear it on top of the shoe? Depending on how the mechanism that counts steps is activated- either way could work- unless Nike designed some type of special metal piece that activates the puck in the well of the specially designed shoe.

Anyone who has one of these- I would love to know what you discover if you experiment.

Space Traveler · 07-13-2006, 06:06 PM

Now here is the really big question - has anyone tried the Nike+Sport Kit with a video iPod? Is there any reason to believe it not work on it?

Regards,
Andrew

**Mr. H** · 07-13-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Space Traveler
Is there any reason to believe it not work on it?

Yes - Apple haven't released a firmware update for video iPods to enable them to work with this device. It will only work with suitably updated iPod Nanos.

mdriftmeyer · 07-13-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solsun
They are pretty typical looking for running shoes.

Runners will enjoy this product and its uses with the iPod.

MacCrazy · 07-13-2006, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meelash
Good illustration of why reading your post before hitting submit is a good idea.

This is unnecessary - posts correcting people's obvious grammar/spelling errors are really not warranted.

Dogcow · 07-14-2006, 12:51 AM

Do you have to use a nike shoe? Does the transmitter need to be in the base of the shoe like that? Would it work say if you had it in a band around your ankle or otherwise attached to your shoe/foot? Could another company make an attachment to say put it on the laces or something?

**Mr. H** · 07-14-2006, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MacCrazy
This is unnecessary - posts correcting people's obvious grammar/spelling errors are really not warranted.

Whilst meelash could have been considerably more polite, there was some need for clarification.

25% of shoes means they only stock 1/4 the range.

25% off shoes means they have a 1/4 discount.

Whilst one can deduce the most likely intention was the second meaning, there'd have been no harm in asking politely which was intended, just to be sure.

wackybit · 07-14-2006, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by a_greer
I especially love the gausian blur on the S/N that doesnt even come close to making it illegible...try a block pixelate then g-blur next time...or even maybe a good ole' black paintbrush...

You probably don't know anything about photography at all for sure. Since these devices are so small, a macro lens is probably used, resulting in shallow depth of field....the blur is not from gaussian blur, but from lens blur
But the other pictures I think were photoshopped (ones with a line drawn over the S/N)

MacCrazy · 07-14-2006, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. H
Whilst meelash could have been considerably more polite, there was some need for clarification.

25% of shoes means they only stock 1/4 the range.

25% off shoes means they have a 1/4 discount.

Whilst one can deduce the most likely intention was the second meaning, there'd have been no harm in asking politely which was intended, just to be sure.

No I agree - it wasn't what he said but they way that he said it.

meelash · 07-14-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MacCrazy
No I agree - it wasn't what he said but they way that he said it.

Sorry all...didn't realize my lecturing came across as snooty as it did. Guess I should have reread it before hitting submit.

8) 8)

sipher · 07-14-2006, 03:31 PM

With regard to the Nike+ kit working with a video iPod, I don't think so. The latest iPod update included an update specifically for the Nano to enable it to work with the kit, but the update was only for the Nano.

What I'm most curious about is whether anyone knows if the sensor will work if you just, say, duct-tape it to your shoe (essentially, will it work without the special Nike shoe)?

Taylorman · 07-14-2006, 11:11 PM

Go read the Macrumors site- apparently- the question that has now been asked by at least 4 of us- has been answered there.

Yes- you can use the little puck-like accelerometer with any shoe- and Flowbee in the Rumors forum shows exactly how he did it in less than 10 minutes.

Sorry- I didn't have anything to say about anyone's use of grammar or percentages- just some news about the Nike+ product. Go figure!

wlau · 07-21-2006, 05:04 PM

Can you switch between miles and kilometres?

Ireland · 07-21-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wlau
Can you switch between miles and kilometres?

Yes

AWAL · 07-24-2006, 02:34 PM

I am a little frustrated with the sensor's calibration. I calibrated it on over a 400m distance, which helped things, but anything above my "normal" pace, the thing gets to be about 10% long every mile! This adds up especially after 5 miles. Pretty discouraging. I am going to calibrate again today with a longer distance.

How does it compute distance based on your stride length /frequency. For example- Longer strides vs. shorter strides but at the same frequency?

Project2501 · 07-26-2006, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AWAL
I am a little frustrated with the sensor's calibration. I calibrated it on over a 400m distance, which helped things, but anything above my "normal" pace, the thing gets to be about 10% long every mile! This adds up especially after 5 miles. Pretty discouraging. I am going to calibrate again today with a longer distance.

How does it compute distance based on your stride length /frequency. For example- Longer strides vs. shorter strides but at the same frequency?

Does this thing really even try to measure strides length based on frequency/acceleration, or is it just a normal pedometer, that just counts steps and then multiplies them with the average stride length?

AWAL · 07-26-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Project2501
Does this thing really even try to measure strides length based on frequency/acceleration, or is it just a normal pedometer, that just counts steps and then multiplies them with the average stride length?

"average stride length" is a bit of a generic term. If I am running 5 miles at a slower than "average pace" or running 1 mile at a faster than average pace how can it be accurate? I mean, I know the price fits its functionality, but the faster/slower you run the longer/shorter your stride is.

07-13-2006, 11:57 AM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	High-res photos of Apple's Nike+iPod Sport Kit Apple Computer on Thursday began selling its new Nike+iPod wireless Sport Kit that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with an iPod nano, and we've got some photos of the $30 device. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit packaging is very similar to that of Apple's iPod nano lanyard headphones. In fact, the dimensions of the two retail boxes are identical. Upon picking up our kits, our attention was almost immediately drawn to the weight of the boxes. They are much heavier than expected, primarily because Apple splurged for semi-glossy color instruction manuals (which include instructions in five languages). In addition to the manual, each kit includes an Apple warranty pamphlet, software license booklet, an in-shoe sensor and a wireless transmitter. Both the sensor and transmitter are incredibly small. In fact, the devices are so tiny that we're betting it'll only be a matter of time before someone offers up a blog posting explaining how a small dog ate their iPod sensor and ran a 5-minute mile. We'll have much more on the Nike+iPod kit in the coming weeks. However, if you're looking to pick one up today, you can swing by most Apple, NikeWomen or Niketown retail store locations. The kit The shoes [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

07-13-2006, 02:12 PM	#12
~ufo~ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Tilburg, The Netherlands Posts: 202	now the wait is for Apple to help Nike out w/ their shoe styling..... maaaaaaaaaaan those things are fugly iPatch pirating for the rest of us

07-14-2006, 12:51 AM	#28
Dogcow Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 698	Do you have to use a nike shoe? Does the transmitter need to be in the base of the shoe like that? Would it work say if you had it in a band around your ankle or otherwise attached to your shoe/foot? Could another company make an attachment to say put it on the laces or something? "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." -- Albert Einstein

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07-13-2006, 12:15 PM	#2
eAi Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 366	Well, nicely photographed.

07-13-2006, 12:15 PM	#3
solsun Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 597	Interesting... When the new iPod nano with the rumored aluminum casing debuts in the next couple of months, they are going to have to re-print all the marketing materials and the product packaging... Unless of course, they still plan on keeping a white model.

07-13-2006, 12:21 PM	#4
Mr. H Global Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,820	Very, very nice photos. Why can't Apple provide photos of their products like these on their own website? Apple's website stuff never looks as good as the products really do "in the flesh".

07-13-2006, 01:24 PM	#6
West Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 34	It seems like you're getting a pretty good value for $30. I wouldn't have been surprised if they charged $75-$100 for the kit.

07-13-2006, 01:30 PM	#7
CaptObvious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 14	$30 is pretty expensive, since the battery in the sensor isn't replacable.

07-13-2006, 01:47 PM	#9
SpamSandwich Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 8,453	It'll be interesting to see if anyone has a problem with the sensor popping out of it's chamber during high-stress use on a trail...

07-13-2006, 01:53 PM	#10
solsun Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 597	Can anyone confirm which Nike shoes are pictured? I thought that there was only one style so far, the Nike Moire which are black with red accents.

07-13-2006, 03:19 PM	#16
Apparatus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 78	Those shoes are hideous.

07-13-2006, 05:12 PM	#20
superduperjacob Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 5	Is it possible to switch between miles and kilometers?

07-13-2006, 05:30 PM	#21
marklar Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: london Posts: 4	30 dollars is pretty cheap i think, but imagine how much they paid the sweatshops to make the shoes and the nano attachment...must be a real pittance!!!!! well done apple!, well done nike!

07-13-2006, 05:34 PM	#22
josa92 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Far, Far Away Posts: 191	The Air Zoom Plus sneaks in silver/black stripe/red logo aren't so very ugly, although I still wouldn't buy them -- specially for a hundred bucks. Is it possible to just put these things in regular sneakers?

07-13-2006, 06:02 PM	#23
Taylorman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 10	Good question josa- I was waiting for my account to be approved to post the same question. It seems to me they wouldn't be so dumb as to make this thing work with other shoes.....but maybe they did. Two options come to mind- I use New Balance shoes (I find them a million times more comfortable than any Nike shoe)- could I hollow out a hole under the foot pad and stick the puck in there- or even stick it under the laces- and wear it on top of the shoe? Depending on how the mechanism that counts steps is activated- either way could work- unless Nike designed some type of special metal piece that activates the puck in the well of the specially designed shoe. Anyone who has one of these- I would love to know what you discover if you experiment.

07-13-2006, 06:06 PM	#24
Space Traveler Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1	Now here is the really big question - has anyone tried the Nike+Sport Kit with a video iPod? Is there any reason to believe it not work on it? Regards, Andrew

07-14-2006, 03:31 PM	#33
sipher Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1	With regard to the Nike+ kit working with a video iPod, I don't think so. The latest iPod update included an update specifically for the Nano to enable it to work with the kit, but the update was only for the Nano. What I'm most curious about is whether anyone knows if the sensor will work if you just, say, duct-tape it to your shoe (essentially, will it work without the special Nike shoe)?

07-14-2006, 11:11 PM	#34
Taylorman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 10	Go read the Macrumors site- apparently- the question that has now been asked by at least 4 of us- has been answered there. Yes- you can use the little puck-like accelerometer with any shoe- and Flowbee in the Rumors forum shows exactly how he did it in less than 10 minutes. Sorry- I didn't have anything to say about anyone's use of grammar or percentages- just some news about the Nike+ product. Go figure!

07-21-2006, 05:04 PM	#35
wlau Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5	Can you switch between miles and kilometres?

07-24-2006, 02:34 PM	#37
AWAL Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 64	I am a little frustrated with the sensor's calibration. I calibrated it on over a 400m distance, which helped things, but anything above my "normal" pace, the thing gets to be about 10% long every mile! This adds up especially after 5 miles. Pretty discouraging. I am going to calibrate again today with a longer distance. How does it compute distance based on your stride length /frequency. For example- Longer strides vs. shorter strides but at the same frequency?

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