Apple talks to Nike on the run

 

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Posted on 24 May 2006 at 10:54

Apple has announced a partnership with sportswear maker Nike that will result in the launch of a range of Nike+iPod products, starting with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that lets Nike+ footwear and an iPod 'talk' to each other.

The new Nike+ Air Zoom Moire is the first footwear in the range. When connected to iPod nano through the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones. The kit includes an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attaches to iPod.

Nike CEO Mark Parker and Apple CEO Steve Jobs were joined by seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe to launch the partnership

'If you can incorporate time, distance and calories burned together and make it function for both the fitness runner and the high level athlete, it will take working out to a whole other level,' said Armstrong.

Radcliffe said that music can play more than one role in her training programme.

'I definitely use music both ways,' she said. 'I listen to faster music if I am doing a workout in the gym to just get the best out of myself, but I also use it to help me relax in the buildup to a big race.'

There will also be a collection of specially designed Nike apparel, including jackets, tops, shorts and an iPod nano armband, plus waterproof pockets that accommodate an iPod nano and are designed to make it easy to operate during a workout.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit is expected to be available in the USA within 60 days for around £16. It requires a pair of Nike+ shoes and an iPod nano and is compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows (USB 2 required).

Author: Simon Aughton