All Nike running shoes to be iPod compatible by year's end

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  • Reply 21 of 36
    dfilerdfiler Posts: 3,420member
    Yeah, I remember... it being replaced by smaller gadgets.



    (Nobody* runs with a Walkman sized gadget anymore.)



    *unless you want your milk money stolen
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  • Reply 22 of 36
    If you did want pedaling information, couldn't you put a magnet/sensor in your shoe and another one on the bike frame so they pass each other with each rotation? I used to row on a crew team, and we had a two-magnet-based device to measure how many times your seat slid back and forth so you could get stroke rates.



    First post! (for whatever that's worth)
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  • Reply 23 of 36
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sethwalt View Post


    If you did want pedaling information, couldn't you put a magnet/sensor in your shoe and another one on the bike frame so they pass each other with each rotation? I used to row on a crew team, and we had a two-magnet-based device to measure how many times your seat slid back and forth so you could get stroke rates.



    First post! (for whatever that's worth)



    For as long as I have been cycling, I can remember using the magnet on the wheel spoke with a receiver on the fork to determine speed and distance, just the way it is I guess. Then again, Apple could come out with some new product, but as I understand it, the magnet on the spoke works well because it is quite accurate when properly calibrated, and it not obtrusive.
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  • Reply 24 of 36
    Quote:

    For as long as I have been cycling, I can remember using the magnet on the wheel spoke with a receiver on the fork to determine speed and distance, just the way it is I guess. Then again, Apple could come out with some new product, but as I understand it, the magnet on the spoke works well because it is quite accurate when properly calibrated, and it not obtrusive.



    Right. That makes sense. I was just responding to JeffDM's comment about pedaling information being interesting. Why it would be interesting, I don't really know. The most cycling I've ever done was back and forth to class in Boston. Would there be a way to see how much work you're doing (versus, say, coasting) if you had speed and distance information combined with pedaling information or something?



    That question was more rhetorical than anything.
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  • Reply 25 of 36
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sethwalt View Post


    Right. That makes sense. I was just responding to JeffDM's comment about pedaling information being interesting. Why it would be interesting, I don't really know. The most cycling I've ever done was back and forth to class in Boston. Would there be a way to see how much work you're doing (versus, say, coasting) if you had speed and distance information combined with pedaling information or something?



    That question was more rhetorical than anything.



    Dedicated cycling computers have offered a measuement of pedal RPMs for several years now and it is commonly referred to as cadence. It can be a useful measure in specific training scenarios but, as has been alluded above, is not a good place to measure bike speed. You can roll downhill for several miles and never take a pedal stroke, yet (obviously) travel a great distance.



    Probably the best all around cycling computer available now is Garmin's Edge 305...it's a GPS based unit that measures speed, distance and time as well as heart rate, eleveation change and even the percentage grade of inclines. After a ride you can download all the info into your Mac and superimpose your route on Google Maps. And in terms of work done, it does have a caloric output estimation which can tell you what kind of riding burns the most calories (though in my exerience, your legs do a pretty good job of communicating this).



    The one thing it doesn't have is a music player--and it shouldn't. I love the tunes, but it's a BAD idea when it comes to bikes...and illegal in a number of states.
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  • Reply 26 of 36
    k squaredk squared Posts: 608member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SpamSandwich View Post


    For what I consider a sub-optimal product, it's sold surprisingly well. They really need to offer several levels (as some of you have noted, GPS, etc.) of product for those willing to spend the extra bucks.



    Engadget or Gizmodo had a blurp on some new watches Nike's rumored to release...although I believe they will just illustrate the same info as the nano.



    In addition to GPS, a heart monitor would be cool.
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  • Reply 27 of 36
    I can't think of anything more stupid that my running shoes needing to connect to my music player. they are shoes people. yet a third reason I have never to buy nike ( 1st: child labor/ anti fair trade, 2) all about brand not about quailty).



    johnjohn



    ps yes I said musicplayer ( I don't buy ipods either since they are all about brand and "cool" too) while the ui is nice, I don't do drm, apples' being one of the worst.
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  • Reply 28 of 36
    emig647emig647 Posts: 2,455member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by johnjohn View Post


    I can't think of anything more stupid that my running shoes needing to connect to my music player. they are shoes people. yet a third reason I have never to buy nike ( 1st: child labor/ anti fair trade, 2) all about brand not about quailty).



    johnjohn



    ps yes I said musicplayer ( I don't buy ipods either since they are all about brand and "cool" too) while the ui is nice, I don't do drm, apples' being one of the worst.



    Heh I won't even get into your drm only stuff on the iPod. There was this music format invented in 1992 called mp3... might want to look into it. Also another DRM less format invented a few years ago that goes by AAC. Yes you can buy cds and rip them to a player.



    Second of all. I won't run without a Nike+iPod solution again. You are knocking it without even knowing the details.



    First and formost it keeps track of distance. If you're a runner and suddenly come to a construction site or a lake on your trail, you have to change courses. Crap now what do you do? Go home? Or turn around and start running a different way since your iPod can measure how far you're running? I have hit this scenario many times.



    You can't always run the same path... so rely on your ipod.



    Not running as fast as last time? (thank you ipod)... run faster. Need some motivation? (thank you ipod). Not sure how you're comparing to last week's record breaker? (thank you ipod).



    I have improved my running speed by almost 2 minutes a mile since I got my package. I have ran over 150 miles since I got it and love it. They are missing out on a few features but I can live without them. I don't care what 2 companies offered this package... it works and works well.



    And btw... the Nike Moire shoes are the most comfortable indoor running shoes I have ever worn in my life. My main nike+ nike shoe is the Moto IV... it's great for outdoors. Very comfortable. I like New Balance too, but these nike shoes work perfectly for me.
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  • Reply 29 of 36
    dentondenton Posts: 725member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella View Post


    While the nano is definitely small, the iPhone is certainly not too huge and unweildy to run with.

    Remember the Walkmans?



    iPod nano

    Dimensions 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.26 inch

    Weight 1.41 ounces



    iPhone

    Dimensions\t4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches

    Weight\t 4.8 ounces



    While I don't disagree that the iPhone is not huge, the Nano (and other similar devices) have changed the perception of what is unobtrusive for exersize. I doubt that Apple will attempt to blur the lines on this one. There is little reason for them to do so.
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  • Reply 30 of 36
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,954member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Denton View Post


    While I don't disagree that the iPhone is not huge, the Nano (and other similar devices) have changed the perception of what is unobtrusive for exersize. I doubt that Apple will attempt to blur the lines on this one. There is little reason for them to do so.



    Don't people run with their phones? I just use a treadmill so I wouldn't know, but I'd think I might use a belt clip.
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  • Reply 31 of 36
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by terrillja View Post


    The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bdj21ya


    I don't know about that. The current Nike+ sensor is quite inaccurate for running distances, even after calibration, yet I still love it and use it a few times every week.



    If anything a cycling sensor could easily be more accurate. It wouldn't be too hard to have a pressure sensor in a shoe that fired each time the pedal went around and then a setting in the iPod for your wheel diameter. Seems like a pretty good idea to me, although when I'm out on a bike I like to have a little more audio feedback from the world around me, but maybe that's just me. For stationary cycles, this could be a great product for people who'd like to keep track of their exercise easily. I always run on a treadmill, but still use the Nike+, just because I like to be able to easily track how many times I run and about how far/fast I'm going.



    The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.



    I wonder if either of you have ever ridden a bike. You both completely ignore the distance covered by coasting! When I was a kid, the cool kids would coast and spin their pedals backwards for no reason except to look cool. Would these "shoe sensors" register negative distance?
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  • Reply 32 of 36
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by wtfk View Post


    I'd like Nike to make shoes compatible with my feet.



    Ditto...who cares if I'm listening to an ipod but I have chronic blisters on my arch.



    I'd like Nike to make shoes that explode if you try to run with a zune, too.
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  • Reply 33 of 36
    emig647emig647 Posts: 2,455member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by blingem View Post


    Ditto...who cares if I'm listening to an ipod but I have chronic blisters on my arch.




    They do make them in wider versions.



    Quote:

    I'd like Nike to make shoes that explode if you try to run with a zune, too.



    YES!!!



    Quote:

    I wonder if either of you have ever ridden a bike. You both completely ignore the distance covered by coasting! When I was a kid, the cool kids would coast and spin their pedals backwards for no reason except to look cool. Would these "shoe sensors" register negative distance?



    The only way I see this happening is if there was a sensor on the forks and front wheel. This would calculate speed, distance, avg calorie burn.



    My biggest complaint about nike+ipod (though it really doesn't apply that much to me) is I'm not entirely sure if it compensates for hills on the calorie calculator. It would be nice if you could some how map out the elevation on a run and apply it.
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  • Reply 34 of 36
    Quote:

    Heh I won't even get into your drm only stuff on the iPod. There was this music format invented in 1992 called mp3... you can buy cds and rip them to a player.



    Yes any music player can play drm-less formats like mp3, but the ipod/itunes structure is still based on a very aggressive drm co-relationship. Enough so that whole countries like France have thought of making it illegal.



    Quote:

    Second of all. I won't run without a Nike+iPod solution again. You are knocking it without even knowing the details.



    First and formost it keeps track of distance. If you're a runner and suddenly come to a construction site or a lake on your trail, you have to change courses. Crap now what do you do? Go home? Or turn around and start running a different way since your iPod can measure how far you're running? I have hit this scenario many times.



    Yes I run, I know of the scenario you speak, but as you must know there are much better and cheaper devices for tracking distanced run, heart rate, .... bikers have had them for years ( not to mention how long the $5 pedometer has been around). Why put it in a specific show. For instance I sometimes run mountain trails other times the street. I wear different runners for each ( the New Balance mountain trail runners are great for muddy mountain paths) and don't have to worry that my shoes have a distance device in them. I can even lend out my devices to others without them being my show size.



    I used the word stupid not to flame bait but more meaning that from a User Interface point of view putting devices in shoes makes no sense in the bigger scheme of things. But then again I don't think my toaster needs to talk to my refrigerator either. Or rather I don't want to pay for the extra cost of them when there are far more easier ways of doing things - to me this is identical to sneakers talking to music players. What, because I decide to get my dog out of the mud or jump into a puddle with my son or get out of my car when it gets stuck in the snow, I have to worry that my nikes my break. I am not against bluetoothing connections between sensors devices to a display ( like an ipod or even better a watch - which is what I have) that makes sense. But doing it in a expensive/ ridiculous way because nike is like so cool (or whatever brand bs you want to put in) for me doesn't make sense
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  • Reply 35 of 36
    tdnc101tdnc101 Posts: 109member
    I would disagree with you johnjohn. I have a library of over 9,000 songs all in iTunes as well as two ipods. Not a single song is DRMed.



    iTunes still functions regularly. It gets me album artwork for my songs, keeps 'em organized, and so forth. DRM is only involved if you buy through iTunes, as it is with any music player and music store combined solution (only real online exceptions are smaller label supported like eMusic, but again there aren't specific players to go along with this).





    EDIT: What music solution allows for puchase and has an integrated mp3 player? Or what do you use?
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  • Reply 36 of 36
    icfireballicfireball Posts: 2,594member
    Nike + iPod system actually works pretty well. And you don't need the Nike shoes. No serious runner actually buys Nike shoes. If you're a serious runner, your much better off with asics, mizunos, or brooks.
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