Apple

NIKE+ IPOD

A new kind of synthesis between two reigning companies in their respective marketplace, NIKE and Apple have combined their talents to create something actually very interesting. Apple is selling the iPod Sport Kit, which is essentially an adapter that you attach to the bottom of the iPod Nano and a transceiver, embedded in the shoe. The syncing between the two devices tracks statistics and provides feedback to the runner about their current status through the iPod controller. Afterwards, the information can be imported to an application showing visual progression and other useful tidbits.

Personally I think this is very cool and actually useful for those conscious of their athletic progression. I also think it’s a shame that this type of innovation comes from a music player and an adapter. This type of technology could easily have been developed long ago. Then again, design appeal and understanding the athlete are behaviors best understood by Apple and NIKE respectively. Now if NIKE can make a shoe that matches my taste, I might considering investing in this. I need to get back in shape, instead of hiding from the sun and reading blogs all day.

Apple Site
Nike Site