Nike and Apple have teamed up to announce a new line of products called Nike+iPod. The Nike+ shoes will incorporate a small compartment inside the insole to place a oval fitness sensor. The sensor will communicate with an iPod nano to collects and displays time, distance, calories burned on the screen of your iPod while the iPod headphones relay the audible version of the workout details.
I do not think Apple could go wrong marrying the world's leading athletic shoe company. Nike also seems to be set up to benefit from the widespread use of the iPod in helping to further promote its products and services with its own Nike section on the Apple web site.
I do not know if I will ever use the new sports kit since I would have to buy the latest Nike+ Zoom Moire shoes in order to be compatible, not to mention my running lately has been limited to only when I am chased. However I applaud Nike and Apple at the effort and innovation. Previously, on Somewhat Frank I reviewed the Adidas 1 shoe with the computer to adjust the comfort level based on its surroundings and I stated:
"I would love to see the ability to upload music and podcasts directly to your shoes from your iPod or other device. The shoes could then transmit streaming music to a set of wireless headphones. This would provide a user the ability to have both hands free while running or working out. I really don't think this is too far off. The shoe player would need to be done correctly in terms of music compatibility with existing players and music libraries so that users can share and play music from whatever service they already use, rather than creating yet another segmented music service with its own rules."
This move by Nike and Apple appears to be a step in the right direction to making my dreams come true. For other perspectives check out techmeme.
