Filed under: Hardware, iPod Family, Retail, Apple
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is now available
Lace up those running shoes kids, cuz Apple just released the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. You've been able to pre-order it almost since the original announcement, but I just received an announcement email from Apple and sure 'nuff: the store lists them as 'now shipping'.
Unfortunately, I can't track down anything about the rumored kit that works with any shoes, not just the $85-100 shoes Nike is pimping as compatible with this kit. Most likely, if this kit exists, I would imagine it'll be some time before it's released so Nike can sell some of these fancy new shoes.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sean said 1:19PM on 7-13-2006
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1034000/wo/7g4o4HZlEDF03vTcJe3DTNr3Hhy/1.0.19.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3
Thats the link to the kit for any shoes.
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David Chartier said 1:32PM on 7-13-2006
#1: Looks like that's still the customized one; the page is littered with "find compatible Nike shoes" links and images that detail how to insert this sensor into said Nike shoes.
I'm willing to bet the generic kit will be something you attach to the top of your shoe, like the tiny wallets that Nike makes for carrying a few personal items on your run; they attach to the top of your shoe and (I think) they wrap around your laces to stay in place.
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mingistech said 1:35PM on 7-13-2006
#2 That won't work being on top of the shoe. The purpose of the sensor going under the sole is, your foot compressed the sensor down to count the foot step.
I already went to the Apple Store and picked up one of thses kits. Now I have to find a place with the shoes in stock and i'll be set. :)
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moksha said 1:45PM on 7-13-2006
I just wish this worked for the regular iPod…
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Jay B said 1:48PM on 7-13-2006
I just got back from the Apple store here in Austin, Tx and I think I was the first one to buy the kit. The store hadn't even put them out on the shelves yet but the guys in the store said that the shoes have been on sale for some time already. Finish Line had a good assortment here along with a slew of videos and iMacs throughout the store touting the new Nike + campaign. I'd assume they'd be pretty stocked at other malls in other cities too.
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Ryan said 1:48PM on 7-13-2006
I know that these ads all say iPod nano...but does anyone know if this system actually works with regular iPod's as well? I'm assuming not because of the nano software update but just wondering.
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Colin Busby said 2:16PM on 7-13-2006
Any idea when this will be available in canada?
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JC said 2:26PM on 7-13-2006
I contacted Nike about the shoes and if it would work with other things such as an Elliptical machine, sadly no. I really can't imagine that it is an "impact" sensor. That would blow out extremely fast for an avid runner. It has to be something else.
Anyway here is their response:
Thank you for contacting Nike regarding our Nike + iPod Sport Kit.
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit will work for both walking and running. Unfortunately, this will not work with elliptical machines or for other sports at this time. We will forward your interest in this product to the proper department. Hopefully, Nike will come out with a compatible product in future seasons.
Please check out our http://www.nikeplus.com website for updates and more information on Nike+ ready products.
Thank you again for contacting Nike+.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Nike+
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carguy0625 said 2:27PM on 7-13-2006
It's working with my New Balances in the laces, and seems to be pretty accurate too. I repeat, it is not under my foot and it still works.
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Geoff said 2:27PM on 7-13-2006
#3. No, it doesn't compress -- ugh, that would wear out quickly with high mileage. Moreover, knowing when you stepped doesn't help much -- it still would need to know the length of your stride. (That's the problem with conventional pedometers.)
These sensors are accelerometers -- like Apple's "Sudden Motion Sensor" in the PowerBooks/MacBooks. They sense when you change direction or speed.
So think of this as having a very sensitive motion sensor in your shoe. Should work just fine on top too -- many other companies (Polar, Timex, even Nike at one point) had "shoe pods" with similar accelerometers.
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Evan Holt said 2:39PM on 7-13-2006
Check out the numerous comments over at Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/13/nike-and-apple-launch-nike-ipod-sport-kit-for-real/#comments).
So far there have been three people who have tried it with Non-Nike shoes (placing it in the laces, or taping it on) and it seems to work just fine. One person is going to run with a GPS in conjunction with the Nike+ to see just how accurate it is with non-Nike shoes.
I really hope this works... for myself and many people, it depends on the way your foot is shaped and what shoes work for you. Saucony were the only shoe company that could provide the support for my ankles so that is the brand I have been using.
In regards to Colin Busby's post. I have contacted The Running Room Canada to see when the sensor, and Nike+ clothing will arrive (expensive, but it saves the iPod headphone cables bouncing around in your face) and will post back here when I get a response. No ETA on Apple.ca's web page for just the sensor itself.
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Mikky said 2:46PM on 7-13-2006
The Interesting composition... Boots with music :)
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Evgeny Kazakov said 3:19PM on 7-13-2006
I like this kit but I do not like the idea of tightening it with the Nike shoes. I do not see any technical reason for it (i.e. there are many Running Pods which attach to laces rather then inserted into the shoe, which work just fine). Obviously, the only reason is to promote Nike sales, which is not good for consumers and may distract some potential buyers. I personally, when the kit arrives, plan to try to use it with non-Nike shoes. May be I will just tape it to laces. Hope it will work but again, the fact Apple forces me to use Nike shoes (as well as the it forces me to by new kit once the battery is discharged) is annoying. It even makes me doubt that he statement "Apple Hardware better suits Apple OS" is true:)
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Nick said 3:45PM on 7-13-2006
I just tried it out (with Nike shoes) - first of all, it works great once you calibrate it to your stride length by running a particular distance (definitly need a treadmill for this) & there are lots of great little touches that make this combo very useful, like getting your pace, distance, etc over the music (the music is automatically lowered and then raised in volume again). Secondly, the shoes are extremely comfortable & no more expensive than any decent running shoes - I bought the Moire. All in all - good stuff Nike+Apple.
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Melissa said 3:49PM on 7-13-2006
I'm in Chicago for a work conference and was walking past the Niketown store on the Magnificent Mile. They're running a big promo for the Nike+ today, you can "test drive" a pair of the shoes on the street - you tell them your size, they give you an iPod and you hit the street. A nice free tshirt at the end of it as well. Not sure if it's at every Niketown store, but worth the time if you're in Chicago today.
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spil said 4:20PM on 7-13-2006
David, your idea for the any shoe kit could be done already with this kit, you could just make a pouch, or just slip it in between the shoe laces and hope it doesnt fall out or tape it. Puting the piece in that part of your shoe might screw up the accuracy of it, though, because I think it is supposed to go in your heel.
-Spil
PS- i dont see why it wouldnt work on any 5g iPod, i just think the resolution might be mesed up on the screen.
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Matthew Smith said 5:02PM on 7-13-2006
Anyone remember Roos? Those shoes had a pouch on the side. They might just be PERFECT for the sensor!
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/4107310/c/12898.html
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Evan Holt said 5:47PM on 7-13-2006
From ilounge.com
"We have also confirmed that the Sport Kit is, at least for the moment, incompatible with all iPods save the nano. Connecting it to the 5G iPod brings up a screen that says, “The currently attached accessory is not supported by this iPod,” the same message that appears on an un-updated nano. Earlier iPods do not visibly recognize that the device has been connected."
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eugene said 8:49PM on 7-13-2006
okay wrote and acted too soon. well not fully. this morning i checked online and my pre-order for the kit wasn't even on nike's page. so i called and they said they were going to ship it this morning. so being upset that i didn't get it drop day i posted above about not getting it drop day even though i (a) pre-ordered and (b) even paid expedited shipping. then i actually went to go buy one at the apple store (only $30 and i'm that impatient). i come home and in front of my door is a ups package containing my pre-ordered nike kit! if nike had only emailed me shipping info (or even a thing saying i could expect it today) i could've saved me some trouble. oh well, if it's nice i can give it to a friend or i can just keep it for when the battery on mine eventually dies...
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sunny said 9:01PM on 7-13-2006
great!i like it
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