A perfect match: iPod and Nike

by Cory Fisher  |  May 5, 2009

It is often said that two are better than one and in our recent history this proved to be quite true. Although rare, the occasions in which two meet and form that perfect ”match maid in heaven” are very spectacular. Examples as: chocolate and ice cream, Steve Jobs and Apple, Brad and Angelina and many others, have shown that couples sell more. In 2006 a new couple was formed ready to conquer both the entertainment and sports market – Nike + iPod.

The young couple wants to sustain the effort of the occasional and professional runners by providing accurate information about the distance, time and even burned calories. Moreover, the user can opt for real – time, spoken feedback. In order to benefit from these information, one needs a pair of Nike shoes and an iPod Nano, or an iPod Touch and the “Nike + iPod Sport Kit”. The latter product can be bought at a price of $29 and contains a wireless sensor and a wireless receiver; the sensor will go in the Nike shoe, more exactly in the special pocket under the insole and the receiver will have to be inserted in the Dock connector of the iPod.

After all these specifications are met, one can start running and the sensor, which is in fact a accelerometer, will transmit all the details of the run to the iPod. The exact information can be seen on the iPod or one can opt to see it on a Mac or PC. In this case, the data will automatically be transfered to nikeplus.com and one will be able to see his performances and get in touch with other runners.

Very interesting and useful is the fact that a runner can set a workout goal, can select how to run, and can even set a PowerSong, when motivation is needed, by simply connecting the receiver to the iPod and accessing the Nike + iPod menu.

For the indoor sports - in a gym - Nike and iPod have prepared the same feature, which offers the same  pieces of information (distance, peace, time, burned calories) only this time the iPod is connected to a (compatible) cardio device. Impressive is the ability of the iPod to recharge while is plugged to the machine and plays music. The results of the workout will be both displayed on the cardio machine and will be saved on the iPod.

Along with the useful pieces of information, the couple iPod and Nike succeeds in offering a stimulus to the ones that need it; one sees how far he went, or how much calories has burned and tends to continue. Not to mention, the fact that whenever a goal is met or surpassed, the “celebrity feedback” feature is activated. So, to be congratulated by Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods or even by Paula Radcliffe, keep on running!

Related articles:

iPod Nano Chromatic: 4th Generation iPod
iPod Small Talk: when the Small becomes Big
The newest iPod: just Touch it!
The iPod Nano 5th Generation Review

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