Nike+ Coming To iPhone, iPod Touch [Archive]

MacRumors

Apr 11, 2008, 08:35 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Stuff.tv claims to have heard from a Nike spokesperson that Nike is working to bring Nike+ to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch (http://stuff.tv/blogs/sport/archive/2008/04/10/nike-coming-to-iphone-and-ipod-touch.aspx).

The first piece of news is that Nike+ will definitely be extending its compatibility beyond the iPod Nano to the iPhone and iPod Touch. No surprise there really, but the interesting detail is that it could also make use of both devices Wi-Fi (and, ultimately for the iPhone, 3G capability) to let you update your training log on the fly. Once you’ve legged round your local park you’ll be able to send the data (probably via a software app like the one the new SportBand uses) wirelessly without having to sit down and drip sweat over your computer. Very cool.

Currently, Nike+ only works with the iPod Nano. Evidence of just such a possible collaboration was found in October 2007 during jailbreaks of the iPhone software, however this is the first official word. Nike has been steadily expanding the system since its launch in 2006 to include other devices and communication with gym equipment.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/11/nike-coming-to-iphone-ipod-touch/)

tobefirst

Apr 11, 2008, 08:52 AM

More options is always a good thing. This will get some people on the Nike+ bandwagon who were dissuaded by having to purchase an iPod nano. However, I don't know that I'd want to run with something as big as the touch or iPhone.

asxtb

Apr 11, 2008, 09:00 AM

The Nike+ would be good. But the radio remote would be better.

anti-microsoft

Apr 11, 2008, 09:06 AM

Way cool! 'Nuf Said!

skemmuni

Apr 11, 2008, 09:06 AM

I don't know that I'd want to run with something as big as the touch or iPhone.

Same here. The Nano is perfect for running.

mainstreetmark

Apr 11, 2008, 09:15 AM

Same here. The Nano is perfect for running.

It's likely for us folks who already have a iPhone, and don't want to buy another device. For me, buying a Nano is just kind of silly. One more set of cables to deal with.

mkrishnan

Apr 11, 2008, 09:21 AM

Same here. The Nano is perfect for running.

I have mixed feelings about carrying the iPhone while running. I ran miles and miles with my 3G iPod in my hand. I ran a marathon that way, and it was my faithful companion. But since I moved to the Nano and the Nike armband, I've become really used to that. You're right. It is well nigh perfect. I don't need for it to be any smaller or larger.

(Aside from the one bitch point: I find that it's really hard to hit the right button during running, to do boost songs, check distance, change songs, or stop the workout. Particularly for ending the workout, I wish it was set up so that you could do it more easily, since if you have to stop and fiddle with it, it messes up your run time and speed.)

So I'm not sure about the additional size and weight. not to mention that the controls on the iPhone are difficult to use when you're sweating.

On the other hand, update on the fly via wifi would be very nice. And I do concede that, at times, I wish I had a phone with me when I run for safety's sake. So I see those as pluses.

Dagless

Apr 11, 2008, 09:30 AM

I'd rather have the Radio Remote working, even without the radio functionality. A remote would be oh-so useful for the touchscreen only controls of an iPod Touch.

stagi

Apr 11, 2008, 09:48 AM

I love the size of the nano for running and will keep using that instead of my iphone. cool to have though for people who don't want to buy a nano and already have a iphone or touch.

megfilmworks

Apr 11, 2008, 09:54 AM

I've been running with my iPhone since June. This is something I've been waiting for. Kinda hard to take a phone call on a Nano.

Virtualball

Apr 11, 2008, 10:02 AM

Thank. God.

chrisgeleven

Apr 11, 2008, 10:11 AM

Two things I think the iPhone/iPod touch need:

Support for bluetooth stereo headsets
Nike+That would make them the ultimate runner/walker device.

bobbleheadbob

Apr 11, 2008, 10:17 AM

I'd try it. I have an iPhone, but not a Nano. Only problem would be having to switch from Asics to Nike. :(

syklee26

Apr 11, 2008, 10:37 AM

i run so fast that i need iPhone to google map my location so i don't get lost.

i also need iPhone during running so i can watch pr0n sites to pump me up.

whoami

Apr 11, 2008, 10:38 AM

just wait until nike+ is tied into a GPS and 3G iphone..
how sweet would it be to map out routes and track them via GPS on a iphone!
look out garmin!

Tom B.

Apr 11, 2008, 10:43 AM

I'd try it. I have an iPhone, but not a Nano. Only problem would be having to switch from Asics to Nike. :(

No you wouldn't (http://switcheasy.com/products/runaway.htm).

chrisgeleven

Apr 11, 2008, 10:46 AM

No you wouldn't (http://switcheasy.com/products/runaway.htm).

Wow that looks nice and reasonably priced. Might pick up one...

gusapple

Apr 11, 2008, 10:48 AM

This is what would be totally awesome. Here are a few features i would like to see.
1. Use the accelerometer inside as a pedometer.
2. Use the Wi-Fi and Cell Triangulation to track minute by minute where you have run. (Yes, it would eat up battery)
3. Make a great interface that also tracks dieting and goals.
4. Keep playlists organized so that it starts out with low BPM, then spikes your run, or it just figures out what kind of workout you want, then adjusts the songs.

tgildred

Apr 11, 2008, 10:54 AM

No you wouldn't (http://switcheasy.com/products/runaway.htm).

That's awesome. I currently have mine wrapped up in a sandwich bag and tucked beneath my laces. It sounds silly, but it works!

tgildred

Apr 11, 2008, 10:58 AM

(Aside from the one bitch point: I find that it's really hard to hit the right button during running, to do boost songs, check distance, change songs, or stop the workout. Particularly for ending the workout, I wish it was set up so that you could do it more easily, since if you have to stop and fiddle with it, it messes up your run time and speed.)

I had the same problems. But if you're willing to spend the money and don't already have a watch for running, the Nike+ amp watch works really well. Easy, convenient controls. Yes, I am a corporate hoor.

peterlobl

Apr 11, 2008, 11:15 AM

I'd try it. I have an iPhone, but not a Nano. Only problem would be having to switch from Asics to Nike. :(

You don't have to switch shoes! They have a little pouch for the sensor which fits thru the laces - it isn't obtrusive nor noticeable at all... and it works!

(worst thing about NIKE+ is its battery life - used a few sensors already - some last quiet longer than others...but still a great product!)

JasonK

Apr 11, 2008, 12:11 PM

I was really upset they never made these compatible with the ipod classic/video's (maybe it was due to the "skipability" of the larger:confused: This shouldn't have been difficult... Anyways... Glad to hear this though, hopefully more devices are built to work with the iphone. I can't wait to use bt stereo phones with 2.0!!!

QCassidy352

Apr 11, 2008, 12:12 PM

I have an iphone, so I'd give it a try. But I agree with those who say it's probably too big to run with. I'd rather see the nike+ on a shuffle than an iphone, to be honest (I realize that couldn't work for a variety of reasons, but my point is just that even the nano is bigger than I like to run with).

JasonK

Apr 11, 2008, 12:15 PM

i run so fast that i need iPhone to google map my location so i don't get lost.

i also need iPhone during running so i can watch pr0n sites to pump me up.

You should not be running in public... or anything else else for that matter. Try a tread mill :D

mkrishnan

Apr 11, 2008, 12:40 PM

I had the same problems. But if you're willing to spend the money and don't already have a watch for running, the Nike+ amp watch works really well. Easy, convenient controls. Yes, I am a corporate hoor.

Yeah, they seem cute, but wearing something on my wrist when I run drives me crazy. :( Plus the whole tan line thing. :D

Doctor Q

Apr 11, 2008, 12:40 PM

Doesn't the phrase "communication with gym equipment" strike you as funny? But that's where we are, with devices that measure us as we work out. Maybe soon your sweatband will report your sweat level to your iPod Touch. In the next phase, we'll control our workout equipment from our iPhones. Just phone your left shoe and tell it to tighten its laces.

twoodcc

Apr 11, 2008, 12:44 PM

well i really hope this happens, but probably not til after June though. looking forward to it

mkrishnan

Apr 11, 2008, 12:51 PM

In the next phase, we'll control our workout equipment from our iPhones.

:p

Actually, though, for the Nike+ system, there's a real angle there. If the iPod could control a treadmill, Nike could sell an integrated workout package that contained a choreographed mix playlist / file with a "personal instructor" and automatically adjust treadmill parameters to match the workout. Ultimately, it could even be adaptive (it would be amazing if the Nike+ system had some training planner elements like the kind of system Flash Focus or other DS brain training games use) so that a set of music and trainer files on the iPod could be used to generate not just one workout but a system of workouts.

EDIT: PS, this is the first time I'd heard of the SportsBand. Not that I particularly want or need one, but I think it's a great idea for people who for whatever reason don't want a music player with them when they're running.

Flowbee

Apr 11, 2008, 01:17 PM

I agree that the iPhone seems too large and heavy to run with... But then I think back to my days of running with my 2G iPod. Talk about a brick.

And I guess this means I'll have to break down and buy a nice sweat-proof case for my iPhone. So many decisions to make...

Impulse29

Apr 11, 2008, 03:55 PM

Does anyone think that there is a correlation between how fast someone runs and how much their arms move? If so, wouldn't a simple app that uses the iPod touch/iPhone's accelerometer work too?

mkrishnan

Apr 11, 2008, 03:59 PM

Does anyone think that there is a correlation between how fast someone runs and how much their arms move? If so, wouldn't a simple app that uses the iPod touch/iPhone's accelerometer work too?

EDIT: Actually, I take that back. You don't have to use the correlation of the arm and leg motions (which I'm sure is not strong enough to be reliable). If you have an iPhone mounted on your upper arm, once you ignore the envelope created by your arm swinging, your iPhone's translation through space matches your body's translation through space. So if you integrate the accelerometer output, you can get the speed and translation distance. But I would guess that these accelerometers are not so sensitive to small accelerations, and so the one in your shoe works well because it's at the end of a lever arm, and so has a much larger magnitude of linear acceleration than your shoulder would.

bobbleheadbob

Apr 11, 2008, 04:23 PM

No you wouldn't (http://switcheasy.com/products/runaway.htm).

Cool! I thought they had to go in the bottom of specially made Nike shoes. It was a while ago that I looked at them. That, plus the need to buy a Nano, made it a non-starter. Thanks. :)

UCLA-Bruin

Apr 11, 2008, 04:53 PM

this would be good news indeed.

fadethis

Apr 11, 2008, 07:45 PM

Wow that looks nice and reasonably priced. Might pick up one...

there's also http://www.grantwoodtechnology.com/shoepouch/

beppo

Apr 11, 2008, 08:27 PM

I wonder if they would incorporate some way of using the wifi antenna instead of the regular antenna

Pathfinder55

Apr 12, 2008, 06:39 PM

Pathfinder55

Apr 13, 2008, 09:06 AM

There is also another idea that I had, mabye the iPod touch and iPhone will not need to have the "reciver" and they could just do it through WiFi. Does anyone think that is possible?

diamondgoldsilv

Apr 13, 2008, 11:47 AM

More options is always a good thing.

teme

Apr 14, 2008, 05:52 AM

I have planned to buy iPod Nano with Nike+ set in few months. Now I don't know what to do. I don't need Nano to anything else than for jogging and using it with Nike+ set. I could have much more usage for iPod Touch, so it would make sense to buy it and hope that the Nike+ set for it will be available soon. But then again, Nano is easier to carry and it's cheaper so I don't need to handle it with so much care...

juanster

Apr 14, 2008, 11:05 AM

Okay i bve been looking around and apple's website claims that nike+ipod only works on 2nd gen and up... but then on ebay many sellers are saying it works on 1gen, i trust apple a "bit" more on this one, but just wnated to make sure with you guys..edit: weird, the U.S site says it works with all 3g of nanos, but the canadian says it only works with 2nd and 3rd? are they somehow different? i doubt it...

mkrishnan

Apr 14, 2008, 11:17 AM

weird, the U.S site says it works with all 3g of nanos, but the canadian says it only works with 2nd and 3rd? are they somehow different? i doubt it...

I can confirm... I know people who use the 1st gen Nano on the Nike+ system. It has always supported all Nanos in the US. I can't imagine any reason it'd be different in Canada (unless the gen 1 Nano was for some reason not officially sold there?). I do remember however that in the past, some of these compatibility charts have been wrong on other Apple international sites before, though.

juanster

Apr 14, 2008, 11:18 AM

ok great thnx,, *off to bid on the cheapest nano he can find*

mono1980

Apr 14, 2008, 11:24 AM

This had better not be some cruel joke. I have been wishing for this ever since I gave my old nano to my brother. It is the one thing I have been missing.

roncordell

Apr 14, 2008, 11:29 AM

I've always wanted to try the Nike+ system but had either a iPod Mini or iPhone and didn't want to shell out for a Nano at the time. But what is a good sports band or armband to use with the iPhone? I've tried the Belkin sports arm band and the metal strap buckle broke after using it 3 or 4 times, so it's pretty poorly made for a ridiculous price. Is there anything else out there for the iPhone for running?

twoodcc

Apr 14, 2008, 11:49 AM

So, when do you guys think we will see this? First half of 2008, Second half of 2008, or 2009? Personally I'm hoping first half of 08 but I think it isn't coming until the second half. What do you think?

i think it'll come in late June / July, or basically after the iPhone 2.0 software update

juanster

Apr 14, 2008, 12:08 PM

can someone take a look at this.... and when i try to order it, it tries to charge me 6 dollars more for shipping, not that I am cheap or naything, but doens t free shipping mean free shipping? i called up apple an dthe lady told me that i have to qualify to get free shipping on it...(over 75 bucks spent) this is on teh canadian store by tehw ay you can check it out yourself...

born4sky

Apr 14, 2008, 09:11 PM

it made me confuse ... will it still be only for running or for workout itself too

Eriden

Apr 14, 2008, 10:24 PM

To heck with the current limited Nike+ system!

To make the iPhone/iPod Touch the ultimate workout companion, Apple should implement the Digital Fitness Companion System (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/27/apple-digital-fitness-companion-system/) to be integrated with a Heart Rate Monitor(HRM) and pedometer which both transmit over WiFi, eliminating the need for a separate dongle, and capped with the A2DP Bluetooth Profile for listening to music on a pair of Apple-designed bluetooth stereo headphones.

Speaking of HRM transmission, I wonder what technology most (http://www.shoppolar.com/_polarelectrostore/cgi-bin/pd.cgi?frompage=category&page=product_detail&fromcategory=Accessories&category=Accessories&pid=F2222B7639WHXYRGH9A) current (http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?cp=USNS_KW_SU07_US_Google_B&ref=http://www.google.com&l=nikestore,grid,_pdp,cid-1/gid-20510/pid-20510,_grid,s-Nike%20Triax%20Elite%20HRM%2FSDM&re=US&co=US&la=EN#l=nikestore,grid,_pdp,cid-1/gid-20510/pid-20510,_grid,s-Nike%20Triax%20Elite%20HRM%2FSDM&re=US&co=US&la=EN) HRMs use to transmit data...

Pathfinder55

Apr 15, 2008, 03:22 PM

juanster

Apr 15, 2008, 03:33 PM

yes, and i called and they said how i didn t qualify because i needed to spend at least 75 CAD, so i just drove down the street to a "running room" store and bought one...

mikey.f

Apr 16, 2008, 10:16 PM

That's quite cool. Not that I need it, but I know a few who will surely like it! :cool:

Pathfinder55

Apr 17, 2008, 07:24 PM

That's quite cool. Not that I need it, but I know a few who will surely like it! :cool:

Ya, like me!

juanster

Apr 17, 2008, 07:29 PM

I don't need it, but i do want it.. right now im borrowing my sister's nano...

JML42691

Apr 17, 2008, 07:44 PM

This will be great, this was one of my most missed features when upgrading from my nano to my touch.

WalrusCP

Apr 19, 2008, 07:30 PM

Cannot wait for this to come out! :)

Pathfinder55

Apr 19, 2008, 08:42 PM

I hope it comes out with iPhone 2.0, that would be great!

tangledweb16

Apr 20, 2008, 03:20 AM

Wasn't this kind of a no-brainer?

I mean, it seems it was only a matter of time.

Michael CM1

Jul 16, 2008, 02:45 AM

My search came up with no info on this (just wants), so I wanted to see if anybody knew if (more like when) Nike was going to release the Nike+iPod thing for iPhone. I saw a rumor about it months ago, but haven't seen any updates since.

I just bought some new shoes today and made sure to get a pair of Nike+ shoes so I could use this. I honestly don't know what all is part of the Nike+iPod stuff, but I needed new shoes and what the heck?

Also, if any of you use the thing now with a Nano, any thoughts/reviews?

iTeen

Jul 16, 2008, 02:51 AM

I have heard many times that it is coming to the iPhone, and the most recent think that I have heard is that it will be coming September to the app store...but who knows...:rolleyes:

Also see this:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=469081 (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=469081&highlight=Nike%2B+iphone)

BTW: I have the Nike+ Sportband and I am really happy with it!!!

MAcNIAC

Jul 16, 2008, 08:45 AM

shaggymac

Jul 16, 2008, 09:48 AM

benfilan

Jul 16, 2008, 09:51 AM

the iphone doesnt need the nike+ sensor/receiver - it has GPS, i guess that leaves the nike/apple collaboration at a bit of a sticking point.

please 3rd party developers - make some running software that uses GPS.
just time elapsed, distance covered, time per km for each km run, and a database to keep track of your runs - i'm sure lots of runners would happily shell out the $ on the app store!

are you sure? the sensor in the shoe detects speed as well as distance, in my opinion GPS would only be able to calculate distance accurately. I don't think it would be accurate enough to detect speed.

Jeremy1026

Jul 16, 2008, 10:02 AM

are you sure? the sensor in the shoe detects speed as well as distance, in my opinion GPS would only be able to calculate distance accurately. I don't think it would be accurate enough to detect speed.

The Nike+ is actually very inaccurate. It counts footsteps, and from the calculates speed and distance. Which is fine as long as you keep a constant stride length the entire run, but beyond the elite runners, this doesn't happen. The Nike+ calculates speed by using the formula distance/time, there is no reason that a GPS can not do the same.

MAcNIAC

Jul 16, 2008, 07:58 PM

gps based would be much better, there are GPS systems for runners already - they are vastly superior to nike+ (and cost vastly more). but the iphone already has all the hardware ... it could be SO good, and you get to run with your ipod and your phone all in 1.

noTe on iPhone

Jul 17, 2008, 09:39 AM

So all of us who use Nike + on a treadmill would be screwed...

mkrishnan

Jul 17, 2008, 09:45 AM

The Nike+ is actually very inaccurate. It counts footsteps, and from the calculates speed and distance. Which is fine as long as you keep a constant stride length the entire run, but beyond the elite runners, this doesn't happen. The Nike+ calculates speed by using the formula distance/time, there is no reason that a GPS can not do the same.

Have you actually used one? It's pretty accurate. Everyone who does the macrumors run challenges who's calibrated found it within 5% of correct. And as far as I know, it integrates off an accelerometer, which is not the way pedometers that measure footsteps typically work. It's handled changes in stride fine in my experience.

So all of us who use Nike + on a treadmill would be screwed...

This is variable... some people get wildly inaccurate (e.g. distances being off by 50-100%) results on treadmills and other people get reasonably accurate results. It might have something to do with what your running style is like on a treadmill. For me, when I've tried mine on a treadmill, it's reasonably close.

Soreo

Jul 17, 2008, 12:52 PM

Ehhh, I've ran with an iPhone 3G and it's not that bad. a littttle heavy-feeling but other than that it's actually pretty comfortable.
No doubt though that I would rather run with an iPod nano, though.

jlanuez

Jul 17, 2008, 02:11 PM

It's likely for us folks who already have a iPhone, and don't want to buy another device. For me, buying a Nano is just kind of silly. One more set of cables to deal with.

Agreed, I already have an iPhone and will NOT buy another iPod. I love my all-in-one iPhone device - why buy and carry a Nano???

If they bring Nike+ to te iPhone, I will use it. It's that simple.

Flowbee

Jul 17, 2008, 02:16 PM