Nike talks iPhone, running and its connected devices
We did get to chat with Nike about its iPhone app, Nike+ GPS, which is consistently seen at number one in the Health and Fitness category on the App Store and has earned over a half million downloads around the world. Nike says it plans to continue supporting the app, and a recently released version added some interesting social functionality called "Cheer Me On," allowing Facebook friends to send you motivational messages during a run, and last week the app got versions for non-English speakers. Nike says its goal with the app is motivation -- Nike+ started because it discovered that "music is motivating to athletes," and it's since learned that having feedback on your location while running is motivating as well.
As for what's next with the app, Nike was tight-lipped, only saying "we've nailed it with what we have." Over the five years since it's been live, Nike+ has picked up 4 million members, and users have run 320 million miles so far. It looks like Nike's plan to motivate users is working.
Share
Nike was at CES last week to premiere its new Nike+ SportWatch GPS, a sports watch hooked up to GPS via TomTom-based technology, designed...
Add a Comment
The Heart Rate monitor is not compatible with anything other than the nike watch and the ipod nano. They desperately need to sort it out for the iphone/touch. In addition some advancement to the app to record the HR would be great. I love nike and I love the Nike + concept but they are falling short themselves at the last hurdle so to speak. If they are really serious about this concept then they should invest all the energy into completing tasks instead of taking on new projects ( al la tom tom ) and leaving others 1/2 finished. It cant be that hard - I mean I could write the app myself!
In addition they do not listen to consumer feedback. Folk have been harping on about this issue for ages - just check out the forums over at Nike +.
They have an opportunity to grasp a huge chunk of the marketshare from Polar / Garmin / Addidas etc but just cant make that small step. Shamefull waste I say...
John
Disclaimer - I work for Wahoo
You can upload runs and HeartRate data from the iPhone directly into Nike+ using WahooFitness products and our free fisica Fitness App. The Wahoo App is more for people that really like numbers and analysis. We decided to upload to Nike+ because we think there are people that participate in the social features that it provides, but would like HeartRate as well. Our App also covers cyclists very well (although Nike+ will only upload runs).
Chip
Why doesn't the Polar/Nike+ heart rate monitor strap work with the iPhone or iPod touch? It works with the Nano.
January 11 2011 at 5:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI wish they'd add support for other activities, such as cycling. I'd pay $100ish for a nike+ compatible cyclometer sensor setup on the bike, especially if it didn't suck and there were cool social features too.
January 11 2011 at 5:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThere are a number of questions surrounding the Nike+ SportWatch.
* Is it waterproof and moderately shock resistant? When I run, if it's warm, I sweat. And if it's raining, I still run. There's no way I'd take an iPhone out in such conditions, much as I'm sure Apple would be happy to sell me a new one on a regular basis. The same applies to the iPod nano.
* How accurate is it, especially when used entirely in GPS mode? Early Garmin GPS watches had serious trouble seeing satellites and lost connections repeatedly. This is the first small device I've seen from TomTom. (And no, I'm not going to wear Nike shoes; real runners wear the shoes that are right for their feet, and Nikes don't fall into that category for me or many other people.)
* How easy is it to use? With my Garmin Forerunner 305, I can press its buttons without looking, something that's also essential for anyone who is running intervals on a track. With the iPhone or an iPod nano, the usability would be minimal, especially if it were encased something to make it more waterproof.
At least the Nike+ SportWatch has a chance of answering these questions positively, whereas the iPhone and iPod will always be substandard when it comes to real training aids simply because they aren't designed for the task.
Check out Jog Log if you want heart rate monitor integration - http://bit.ly/joglog
January 11 2011 at 4:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyTHey need a heart monitor of some sort.
January 11 2011 at 4:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou can use the Polar Wearlink Nike+ Transmitter, which integrates with the Nike+ system to give you heart rate monitoring.
http://www.polar.fi/us-en/products/accessories/Polar_WearLink_transmitter_Nike
Wear link doesn't work with iPhone , only the nano .. Sucks big time
January 12 2011 at 2:19 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDeals of the Day
more deals- Used Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Tablet for $200 + free shipping
- Apple iPod nano Multi-Touch 8GB MP3 Player for $100 + $8 s&h
- Cases for New iPad at HandHeldItems: Extra 20% off, $2 credit, from $3 + $3 s&h
- $15 Apple iTunes Gift Card for $8 for new Saveology customers
- Retro 80's Case for iPhone for $11 + $2 s&h
- HHI 360 Dual-View Stand Case for new iPad w/ $2 credit for $12 + $3 s&h
Software Updates
more updatesFeatured Stories
more stories
Popular Stories
TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
12 Comments