Nike+iPod: Why it’s more than just a pedometer

Published on 5/23/2006 in Apple, Design, Gadgets, Music, Productivity and Web 2.0. 14 Comments Tags: , , .

nike+ipod

At first I thought, “Wow, a really expensive pedometer…”

Reading a few blogs later, I discovered a video for this new runner’s toy and was literally quite blown away. Seriously, the pictures don’t do justice once you see how it augments your running capability. Some little known facts I’ve dug up include:

1. Voice-guided runs
Upon command, a soothing voice informs you on your distance travelled, current pace and miles to go over your iPod headphones. Since runners might have trouble reading LCDs while running, the voice acts like an auditory version of headsup display (similar to how vehicular GPS systems work).

2. “Power Boost” button
It might sound like a gimmicky idea, but I love it! When you’re in running mode, the center round button on your iPod turns into an “adrenaline booster”, playing the most driving track on your iPod to give you a stimulant for your final sprint. The Prodigy would easily fit well for this purpose. Way simple, way smart!

3. Share your running progress
The runner’s progress is stored in the iPod and synced via iTunes 6.0.5 (coming soon) to a server. Once you log into the Nike community site, you can chart your progress, join virtual running groups and see who’s leading in specific areas. Running becomes both objective-driven and a socially-oriented. Certainly makes geeks like me want to run!

While the Nike+iPod Sports Kit costs $29, let’s not forget to factor in the specialized Nike shoes which costs $100+.

In any case, watch the Nike+iPod video here.





  • annoy-me-ous

    running gets expensive…

  • http://disambiguity.com leisa.reichelt

    that is almost enough to tempt me to take up running! :)

  • http://www.westondeboer.com weston deboer

    It makes me want to run more often. The ability to track how far, and how long that you run is a good thing. And you don’t have something else to drag along with you. I already have my ipod with me, so it works out great.

  • http://theory.isthereason.com Kevin

    I knew it’d be a hit with us geeks, but I for one don’t like running with anything in the way, let alone music blaring in my ears. While I love the technology driving it, I prefer to to run stress-free.

  • http://fishbitt.com Atariboy

    I guess you could buy the kit and mod your shoes to fit it, save a bit of money.

    I would guess the sensor measures the shaking of the shoe or maybe the pressure, if its jsut the shaking you could put it in your sock!

  • http://theory.isthereason.com Kevin

    You could also cut a hole in your cheap pair of running shoes and slip it in!

  • Dan

    Yet again, another “technology driven” cover for an allowance of “softing up” the human condition, comfort slammed into the challange of physical conditioning, mental endurance and spiritual “in the moment” man vs. self, so over-looked and undermined by commercialized corporate America, just to exploit the ever increasing desire for one’s own personal lack of accountability.

  • http://www.fishee.com/blog/ fishee

    cool! never know that jogging could be so hi-tech…

  • John

    still seems like just a pedometer to me. what happens if you change your stride length? i’d love the product if i thought it would give accurate results…but i don’t

  • panda days

    Yet again, another “technology driven” cover for an allowance of “softing up” the human condition, comfort slammed into the challange of physical conditioning, mental endurance and spiritual “in the moment” man vs. self, so over-looked and undermined by commercialized corporate America, just to exploit the ever increasing desire for one’s own personal lack of accountability.

    Uh, it actually ADDS to one’s personal accountability, it does not help to decrease it. You mention “technology driven” in your first sentence…hey, if it wasn’t for the this technology, and our need for immediate gratification”in the moment” and commericialized corporate America, you would not have a computer to type that pretentious blather you spewed. If you truly believed all of that stuff, you would not own a computer or even care to comment on this subject. Gimme a break, will ya?

  • http://podophile.com Podophile

    “While the Nike+iPod Sports Kit costs $29, let’s not forget to factor in the specialized Nike shoes which costs $100+.”

    I’ve posted a shoe mod on http://podophile.com that lets you use the Nike+iPod Kit with non-Nike running shoes. It’s quick and easy and works very well… and doesn’t damage your shoe. Step by step guide plus photos.

  • ryan

    I like this pedometer from japan that acts like a taxi meter
    http://japansugoi.com/wordpress/happinets-taxi-walker-helps-you-save-money-and-slim-down/

  • marcia

    I had my nike pedometer for a year and now it doesn't work. I am training for a half marathon so I really need to know how many km I have run but the pedometer seems to loose track of the km. I have changed my sporting shoes and I am not wearing nikes anymore though I have found a way to tie the pedometer to the shoes. does anybody know how I can fix it?

  • marcia

    I had my nike pedometer for a year and now it doesn't work. I am training for a half marathon so I really need to know how many km I have run but the pedometer seems to loose track of the km. I have changed my sporting shoes and I am not wearing nikes anymore though I have found a way to tie the pedometer to the shoes. does anybody know how I can fix it?