Apple and Nike to sell Nike+Amp bracelet for iPods
Apple Computer and Nike plan to introduce a new wireless wristband device that will allow runners to interact with their iPods without constantly fiddling with the players' sweat-slicked Click-Wheel.
According to a report in Men'sHealth, the $80 device will act as a wrist-mounted Bluetooth remote and let users browse the songs on their iPod and check running times without that constant fumbling that often ensues while attempting to maintain focus on a run.
The device will sync up with the existing Nike+iPod running system, displaying information on an illuminated LED display "hidden beneath the matte-finish face of the bracelet." Meanwhile, the iPod may remain tucked away in a runner's pocket or armband.
Further features of the device, expected to be released under the name Nike Amp+, are unclear from the report. However, a single included marketing image suggests that gadget may hold potential to deliver one of the most frequently-requested components for the Nike+iPod system: a heart rate monitor.
Since beginning their foray into the wireless iPod accessory market earlier this July, Apple and Nike have sold over 450,000 of the Nike+iPod sport kits. The $30 system includes a wireless Bluetooth mode that inserts under the heel of a Nike+ compatible running shoe and a transceiver that plugs into an iPod nano.
Nike+iPod wristband | Image copyright: Men'sHealth
The Nike+iPod kit gathers data such as distance, calories burned, time and pace. The data is then stored on the iPod and easily uploaded through iTunes to nikeplus.com, a personal service site where runners can track their own progress and challenge other runners.
In recent months, Nike has been working on new functionality for nikeplus.com, such as adding a new 'route finder' to the web software that will let runners easily map and share their favorite running routes.
The shoemaker has also been working to expand its Nike+ enabled footwear line, for which there are now over a dozen different models.
According to a report in Men'sHealth, the $80 device will act as a wrist-mounted Bluetooth remote and let users browse the songs on their iPod and check running times without that constant fumbling that often ensues while attempting to maintain focus on a run.
The device will sync up with the existing Nike+iPod running system, displaying information on an illuminated LED display "hidden beneath the matte-finish face of the bracelet." Meanwhile, the iPod may remain tucked away in a runner's pocket or armband.
Further features of the device, expected to be released under the name Nike Amp+, are unclear from the report. However, a single included marketing image suggests that gadget may hold potential to deliver one of the most frequently-requested components for the Nike+iPod system: a heart rate monitor.
Since beginning their foray into the wireless iPod accessory market earlier this July, Apple and Nike have sold over 450,000 of the Nike+iPod sport kits. The $30 system includes a wireless Bluetooth mode that inserts under the heel of a Nike+ compatible running shoe and a transceiver that plugs into an iPod nano.
Nike+iPod wristband | Image copyright: Men'sHealth
The Nike+iPod kit gathers data such as distance, calories burned, time and pace. The data is then stored on the iPod and easily uploaded through iTunes to nikeplus.com, a personal service site where runners can track their own progress and challenge other runners.
In recent months, Nike has been working on new functionality for nikeplus.com, such as adding a new 'route finder' to the web software that will let runners easily map and share their favorite running routes.
The shoemaker has also been working to expand its Nike+ enabled footwear line, for which there are now over a dozen different models.
Comments
I say 18 months, if not sooner.
What if instead of a watch with buttons on it, Nike instead made a glove with the buttons on the palm side? The watch still requires you to upset your arm motion and use both arms while running, but a glove would just require you to bend in your fingers to push a button, which is easier.
I guess if you decide to stop and do push-ups or pull-ups though, you're screwed.
This made me think of something.
The watch still requires you to upset your arm motion and use both arms while running, but a glove would just require you to bend in your fingers to push a button, which is easier.
Yeah and special Spidey-webbing ejects out of hidden nozzles too!!
This made me think of something.
What if instead of a watch with buttons on it, Nike instead made a glove with the buttons on the palm side? The watch still requires you to upset your arm motion and use both arms while running, but a glove would just require you to bend in your fingers to push a button, which is easier.
I guess if you decide to stop and do push-ups or pull-ups though, you're screwed.
As a runner, I hate anything that can distract me. The shuffle is just enough. I would not want to wear a mini while exercising...too big and too much visual information. A glove would be a very bad idea. Even a watch can be a pain sometimes.
If I weren't crippled and deaf, I'd be all over this!
Hmm wonder how fit the average mac user is.
I really need to look into buying a Nano+Nike kit. I could use another Hobby and it would give me an excuse to buy an iPod (I never really needed one before you ask) Nano.
Recommended reading.
As a runner, I hate anything that can distract me. The shuffle is just enough. I would not want to wear a mini while exercising...too big and too much visual information. A glove would be a very bad idea. Even a watch can be a pain sometimes.
A glove wouldn't be that too bad actually. I doubt that a glove will appear but nevertheless I see it as a good idea. As a year round runner, a lot of us (guys and girls) wear gloves during winter sessions. Its amazing how cold your hand can get.
The $30 system includes a wireless Bluetooth mode that inserts under the heel of a Nike+ compatible running shoe and a transceiver that plugs into an iPod nano.
i want an ipod bike add-on. like the running one but with a sensor on the bike for tracking distance, altitude etc. i cycle rather than run and that would make a big difference...
Ditto. I'd be all over the iPod nano if such an add-on came out.
Apple was very specific in sayin gthe connection between the dondle and the Nano was NOT bluetooth, and that it was a proprietary wireless connection.
They were? Must have missed that. Do you have a link?
They were? Must have missed that. Do you have a link?
It uses a proprietary 802.11-based method.