Filed under: Accessories, Hardware, iPod Family, Software, Internet Tools, iTunes
A week with the Nike + iPod Sports Kit
The kit's been out for a while, and I have been running with my own (with a cheap shoe wallet; not Nike's shoes) for about a week now, so I figured I would post a brief review and some thoughts about one of the most unique (and arguably active) iPod accessories to date.In a nutshell - it's nice. Very nice. Setting up and configuring the kit was a snap, especially for a couple of typically complex and finicky gadgets like these (cmon, how many times has a wifi connection had an attitude with you?). For those waiting for more confirmation as to whether you need Nike's specialized shoes for this kit to work: you don't. I, like many others already, purchased one of those $8 Nike Run Shoe Wallets we blogged, tossed the sensor inside (with a couple pieces of kleenex to make sure it doesn't bounce around) and attached it to the top of my generic running shoes. I configured my kit by both running and walking a .25 mile distance, and measured my route with the gmap pedometer to make sure the sensor was accurate.
Now a lot of users are (understandably) frustrated with Apple and Nike for designing the kit to only work with the iPod nano. Unfortunately, this is a situation to actually thank these companies for, as hard drive-based iPods aren't designed to take the kind of impact that running delivers; their drives would ultimately end up failing sooner (as opposed to later), and there would be a lot of unhappy, iPod-less runners out there. Believe it or not, Apple (for once) actually saved a lot of people a couple hundred dollars with this move.
I won't spend much more time on a review, as iLounge has already been there, done that. I do, however, think that some feature requests are in order. After all, this is a 1.0 product, right?
- When on a distance run, the audio feedback begins rattling off the remaining distance every 100 meters when the last 500 meters is reached. I realize it's a 'pump you up' technique, but this can get kind of annoying when I'm grooving with a song; an option to toggle this would be super.
- The Nike+ site really needs to discover the wonders of those futuristic 'cookie' things; having to re-login at every visit is so... 1994.
- Speaking of the site - this one might be a little crazier, but: I think it would be a smoother experience if the Nike+ 'application' was simply integrated into iTunes itself (toggle-able in the Sources list: My Library - Podcasts - Videos - Nike+ would be cool). I'm using an iPod with an iPod accessory, and I need to plug said iPod into iTunes to do anything with this running data anyway - why am I surfing out to an external site to view how out of shape I am and challenge friends to distance competitions to see who has to pay for coffee next time we hang out?
- Add a 'podcasts' option to the music choices available for the run. As far as I can tell, if I want to listen to a specific podcast on a run, I need to create a playlist (either on my Mac or 'On the Go' on the iPod itself) and add a podcast in order to listen to it during a run. Clunky.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Carl Trimble said 11:19AM on 7-27-2006
The problem I have is that I already run with my iPod as do many others. So why not just make it work with all of the iPods, Not just the flash based nano.
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Brian P said 11:23AM on 7-27-2006
I use my ipod 5G all the time runnng with no problems. Just release an update or hack already. I would even agree to TOS about it.
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David Chartier said 11:33AM on 7-27-2006
#1: Because, if you already shouldn't be using a device like that while running or during any other high-impact activities, Apple could and would get themselves in hot water (i.e. - consumer groups bringing complaints) if they suddenly made a kit like this that would more or less directly condone using the iPod in this way. By requiring an iPod nano, they save themselves (and iPod owners who aren't hip on how all this stuff works) a lot of grief, lawsuits, etc.
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Brian P said 11:46AM on 7-27-2006
#3: I think that is just a cop-out.
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nezromatron said 11:46AM on 7-27-2006
I didn't realize that it forced you to go to an external site to get to your data.. How lame..
I'll wait till this is integrated directly into iTunes and a heart rate monitoring option is added. I'd like to be able to see a chart of my heart rate during my workout. Also the receiver should be integrated internally with the next Nano..
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JT said 11:51AM on 7-27-2006
So basically, I have to shell out 149 in addition to the 349 I spent on my 30gb.
I think I'll wait for a revision of the nanos before making the NikePlus plunge. In the meantime, I'll sitck with my 30gb, my custom playlists and my New Balance.
It has worked pretty well until now...
PS: am I the only one who thinks the nike playlists suck?
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SubGenius said 11:54AM on 7-27-2006
Brian & Carl, keep it up and you'll be buying a new iPod sooner rather than later.
Then you can buy a nano and and a sport kit and be happy.
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andrew said 12:31PM on 7-27-2006
I actually like #5's suggestion of a heart-rate monitor.
Strap-on wireless monitors have been available for cyclists for quite some time now. It would only seem fitting that runners start getting the same kind of attention.
Now, granted, I wasn't expecting this gizmo to be much, but I'm almost convinced to go out and buy one and a nano. Running with more than one gizmo strapped to me is out of the question, and since I either run with my iPod or a pedometer, this seems like a pretty nice compromise.
I also agree that the transmitter should be intergrated into the next-gen iPod, and the specs be opened up to other devices. The potential for this thing is amazing.
To anyone that has one: will it work on a treadmill?
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jk said 12:35PM on 7-27-2006
Yeah, I'm interested in this but currently only have a 3G iPod (which I've been running with since early 2004).
I figure once they come out with a flash based iPod that is equal to or greater in space than my current 10GB one that I'll upgrade to that.
Hopefully I'll be able to use Nike+ kit with it. The unfortunate thing about Nike is that they refuse to use GPS with any of their running kits. Supposedly this is because Nike Labs is in an area that is pretty heavily treed and the GPS wouldn't perform too well there.
Still, I tend to run out in more open areas and would like to be able to have something that integrates with my iPod but is GPS based.
For the additional cost of this kit though, there's a lot of good functionality there. I can't wait to use something like it.
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Matt said 12:35PM on 7-27-2006
Anybody want to set up some challenges? I am not at all fit and could use some motivation
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LeeB said 1:04PM on 7-27-2006
The main problem I'm having with the Nike+iPod is the calibration. I always need to calibrate it to the speed I'll be running at. If I waver form this by 1KM/hour slower or faster, the kit is still quite accurate, but anything beyond this and it goes way off. an example would be when you want to do speed work - so you'll start slow then run at a much higher pace for a certain time, then drop back down to rest - repeat, repeat etc.
I'd be interested to hear of other people's experiences with this change in running speed affecting the read out.
Of course I'm doing mine in a gym and those treadmills aren't always known for their accuracy ;) but I would expect the Nike+iPod to be consistent with it.
It's good to hear people are still running with old HDD based iPods (and newer ones) - and they're still working! I know of a couple of people who've killed their iPod doing this - then complained that it shouldn't have happened... When I used ot run with a Creative Zen and an iPod mini (again in the gym mainly) it would sit in the treadmill and so wouldn't be moving about attached to me.
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Tyler Hall said 1:22PM on 7-27-2006
The first Nike kit I bought was D.O.A. The sensor refused to link with the iPod. I tried swapping it at the Apple store, but they were out, so I just returned it and bought a new one at a nearby Footlocker. The new one works flawlessly. I'm very pleased.
My biggest feature request would be an option to let users control exactly when during a timed workout the voice feedback kicks in. For example, during a 30 minute run I'd like it to tell me my pace at 5 minutes, 10, 20, and then 25. Give us a visual timeline of our run and let us click and add points where the iPod should speak up.
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Ken said 1:52PM on 7-27-2006
#8 - Works fine on treadmill - my wife uses it a few times a week. We actually drove down to the US to get these, as they aren't available in Canada yet. Rumours said August, but she needed a new pair of shoes anyways, so we brought back a few kits. She was blown away by it, and is happily setting Goals via the Nike+ website and tracking her stats.
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eugene said 1:59PM on 7-27-2006
#12 I have the same problems when I'm doing interval work. Also, I calibrated on the treadmill, so I think mines off. But when running intervals on a treadmill (not tried outdoors yet), the kit reads all sorts of crazy.
my other suggestions for improvments:
Keep the music playing. when I'm done with a work out, end the workout and get the feedback, I want the music to keep playing. I hate having to click back to the main menu to start my tunes.
Allow users to make greater custom workouts (even if you have to make them on Nike's site and download them to your iTunes then to nano). I'd like to be able to do intervals and have a tone/beep when intervals change. (I know about the script answer, but it should be integrated into this kit).
Have the voice prompt on the Basic workout. I realize that it counts up to half then down and the basic is an open ended workout, but even if it's just a straight time count, that's fine. I want the auto-prompt.
There should be a way to change the music without pausing the workout.
Does anyone know, are Lance Armstrong and Paula Radcliffe the only celeb voices? I've only gotten those two for longest workout (time) and fastest mile.
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Brandon Hays said 3:37PM on 7-27-2006
I went out and bought the kit immediately, and I love it. Not a fan of their workouts, though, but I'm quite biased, since I do tech work for Podfitness. My honest experience with downloading the workout wasn't that great. Forcing your music on me in a spinning class is one thing, but having to hear what Nike thinks I want again & again was off-putting.
Two thumbs up on the device, though, I think I'm going to stick it on my shoe all day and track my day's activities.
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Marty Joyce said 6:37PM on 7-27-2006
I bought the Nike+ Zoom Air Moire shoes this weekend with the kit, and couldn't be happier. I needed new running shoes and these shoes are not only stylish, but lightweight and keeps your feet cool with the little air pockets around the suede.
Hearing Lance Armstrong and Paula congratulate me on a long run or a fast mile is a nice touch. I used scissors to cut a space for the sensor in my apple nano armband and it works great.
I have yet to log into the nike plus website since i've been away from my computer but looking forward to it. I also want to compare my 18 minute 2 mile run that burns around 300 calories with what the ipod reports, have not tested it's accuracy yet but was able to calibrate once already.
i like the idea about integrating the nike website login with itunes, they already do it for the itunes music store so i think they could manage to do it. A+++ product for me
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henrrrik said 8:44AM on 7-28-2006
andrew,
Garmin, Polar and Suunto have been making heart-rate monitors for runners for a long time. I believe Garmin is the only one that offers Mac support.
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vacuumseal said 9:27AM on 7-28-2006
The introduction of a wireless centre and play/pause button would be ideal. The control could be incorporated into a DriFit wristband resembling a simple watch, *heck* even throw a small lcd display onto it for kicks.
The reason I say this (on a serious note) is because I currently run in a summer DriFit shorts/T-shirt combo and the shorts have a neat zippered pocket at the back just below the waist band. Although this is an ideal size and location for my Nano+receiver, it is very difficult to press the feedback button without accidentally pressing pause.
Nike already sells a wristwatch made from a sweat band. How hard could it be to add a button to control the feedback announcement from your Nano?
I know what you'll probably suggest! "Go out and buy a Nike+ running top complete with forearm pocket for your Nano"?.. Simple answer to that is 'I can't stand wearing those stupidly tight tops'..
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Kevin C. Tofel said 12:10PM on 7-28-2006
Good review David. I haven't used the Nike offering but I did review the MotionLingo Adeo which conceptually is the same. Benefits: works with ANY MP3 device, has GPS, provides much more data, and automagically integrates with Google Maps so you can see your routes online. Con: pricier at $149. Here's the review for those interested: http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2006/07/motion_lingos_a.html
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Sean (Double Crown Records) said 6:19PM on 7-29-2006
I used the Nike Sport kit during a soccer game. I coincidentally have Nike soccer shoes (without a hole for the sensor), but cut a hole into a pair of Shock Doctor inserts for the sensor to go into. It worked flawlessly. I ended up running about 6.2 miles and burned about 900 calories. Kicking the ball throughout the game didn't seem to interfere with performance. I wouldn't do it again - having the Nano strapped to my arm was kind of annoying and it kept slipping, but I have always wondered how much I was running each game.
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