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'Nike+ GPS' App Comes to the App Store
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Ok, through the Apple Store you can buy the Polar Wearlink and the Nike + sport kit. I bought the kit, which I can return, but I have the Wearlink coming from another source. If anyone has used the Wearlink with either this new App or the Nike + kit, I would like to know. If this app takes place of the kit, yet I can still use the Wearlink, I will return the kit ( or keep it got my nano that should arrive Friday). Just too many questions about all of this.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Cumbersome iPhone...
I'll give this new App a go, but, I gotta tell ya, as a medium fast runnner, running with the iPhone just doesn't get it. I've run a few times with the great Runkeeper Pro App, but the Griffin armband I use is just too constrictive. Instead, I prefer to run with my Nano 5th G, or the Nike Sportsband. Now, would't it have been GREAT if Apple got together with Nike to make a speacial running version of the 6th G Nano that had GPS? Although, I'm sure Nike wants to sell shoes and the foot sensor, for those not savvy to get a pouch, might help their sales....
I'll give this new App a go, but, I gotta tell ya, as a medium fast runnner, running with the iPhone just doesn't get it. I've run a few times with the great Runkeeper Pro App, but the Griffin armband I use is just too constrictive. Instead, I prefer to run with my Nano 5th G, or the Nike Sportsband. Now, would't it have been GREAT if Apple got together with Nike to make a speacial running version of the 6th G Nano that had GPS? Although, I'm sure Nike wants to sell shoes and the foot sensor, for those not savvy to get a pouch, might help their sales....
I want to like this, but there are two crippling flaws. First, using the GPS will drain the battery so fast that I bet you can't even do long runs with this. Second... it requires you to carry an iphone when you run. 
But seriously, I don't get why people want to do that. Don't you find it annoying and cumbersome? I prefer to run as light as possible.
But seriously, I don't get why people want to do that. Don't you find it annoying and cumbersome? I prefer to run as light as possible.
I thought that way for a while. I actually had an iPhone and a separate iPod nano that I used solely for running. One day I tried running with my phone (with my new 3GS it no longer needed the plug in accessory), and I was really surprised. Just strap the sucker on your arm with a decent armband and you'll barely notice it's there. Plus then you have a phone with you, which is a nice safety bonus. Never looked back and was able to sell the nano!
Runkeeper Free Is Just As Good
I've been using Runkeeper Free for a while now and don't see what this $1.99 app would do that the free one does already. Each of my walks and bike rides gets posted to the Runkeepeer.com website with a map of my trails. Why pay Nike for something that is mostly a copy of Runkeeper Free?
On the battery side I gave this a whirl this morning on an iPhone 4 with a 98% full battery and the results were better than I expected. A 30 minute walk with the iPhone tucked into a pocket (so fairly weak GPS signal which won't be helping the battery) and a podcast playing took it down to 90% so figure on an average 20% drop per hour to be on the safe side, slightly less if you're carrying it on an armband with a clear view of the sky and slightly less again if you turned data off (let's face it, you're not going to need a 3G connection while running most of the time).
First impressions are very good indeed, I'm not a runner (not built for long distance although I'm very tempted to give it a serious go now the hot weather's buggered off) but I walk a 2 mile(ish) route to work and back every day and wanted something to check distance and pace accurately, especially on some alternative routes I'm trying out. The app worked very nicely indeed, got a perfect route trace despite being hidden away in a pocket and the voice prompts were a nice touch. It's going to be a really nice tool when going on longer walks too, especially if I'm meant to be meeting someone downtown. Only major annoyance is not being able to turn the screen off but I guess it's kinda essential to ensure the GPS keeps working properly.
I have been using the Nike+ system since 2007, and have logged 11,000 miles during that time.
When I upgraded to iOS4 and found that the Nike+ application no longer worked properly with my iPhone, I didn't immediately connect the dots. I brought my iPhone to the Apple Store, and a "Genius" told me I needed a new sensor. I bought one, and the problem persisted. Then I found the thread on the Nike+ forum about the problems with iOS4.
Now, Nike releases a fix — but they want $1.99 for it, and it doesn't use the sensor.
So, I'm stuck with two sensors and an iPhone that can't use Nike+ UNLESS I want to give Nike more of my money. It's not that $1.99 is a big deal. It's that I wasted $20 on the second sensor even though I didn't need it.
I think I'll log my next 11,000 miles with another company's product.
When I upgraded to iOS4 and found that the Nike+ application no longer worked properly with my iPhone, I didn't immediately connect the dots. I brought my iPhone to the Apple Store, and a "Genius" told me I needed a new sensor. I bought one, and the problem persisted. Then I found the thread on the Nike+ forum about the problems with iOS4.
Now, Nike releases a fix — but they want $1.99 for it, and it doesn't use the sensor.
So, I'm stuck with two sensors and an iPhone that can't use Nike+ UNLESS I want to give Nike more of my money. It's not that $1.99 is a big deal. It's that I wasted $20 on the second sensor even though I didn't need it.
I think I'll log my next 11,000 miles with another company's product.
Micoach
One of the things I do is walk run and cycle a lot so I've tried a lot of the GPS apps on the iPhone and other phone platforms.
Micoach is the evolution of the former "Bones in Motion" application that I used for years on my Verizon cell phone and has applications for cycling, running, walking and other sports. I was happy when I saw that Adidas bought them and rebranded it as Adidas Micoach.
Micoach appears very polished - I've used it to track walks and runs but there is a strange bug that has effected some uses of the application - I noticed that it was having issues tracking my cycling even though I had the phone in my back jersey pocket.
Another good sports GPS is the AllSport GPS package and that didn't have the tracking issue for cycling that Micoach had although historically I prefer Micoach because it's going to be importing my last 3-4 years of data from Bim active into itself and hopefully they'll figure it out (some have reported that if you have 3G and Wifi enabled on the phone it causes problems).
I have to admit the Micoach app is cool because you can be working out, listening to music (I have specific playlists for working out) and have the voice of a coach (male or female, your choice) superimposed over the music (you don't have to have that, it's just an option) urging you to better your performance.
AllSport GPS is nice because it's got specific subroutines for road cycling, mountain biking, running, walking, running, hiking, skiing, skating, driving and "other".
I've also tried MotionX GPS and the problem with that one is that it's very good and has many options but I find it so option laden that it's hard to use for athletic use. They actually split their product off into "MotionX GPS" and "MotionX Drive" for automotive driving usage so the MotionX GPS got a little better for using for athletics.
One of the things I do is walk run and cycle a lot so I've tried a lot of the GPS apps on the iPhone and other phone platforms.
Micoach is the evolution of the former "Bones in Motion" application that I used for years on my Verizon cell phone and has applications for cycling, running, walking and other sports. I was happy when I saw that Adidas bought them and rebranded it as Adidas Micoach.
Micoach appears very polished - I've used it to track walks and runs but there is a strange bug that has effected some uses of the application - I noticed that it was having issues tracking my cycling even though I had the phone in my back jersey pocket.
Another good sports GPS is the AllSport GPS package and that didn't have the tracking issue for cycling that Micoach had although historically I prefer Micoach because it's going to be importing my last 3-4 years of data from Bim active into itself and hopefully they'll figure it out (some have reported that if you have 3G and Wifi enabled on the phone it causes problems).
I have to admit the Micoach app is cool because you can be working out, listening to music (I have specific playlists for working out) and have the voice of a coach (male or female, your choice) superimposed over the music (you don't have to have that, it's just an option) urging you to better your performance.
AllSport GPS is nice because it's got specific subroutines for road cycling, mountain biking, running, walking, running, hiking, skiing, skating, driving and "other".
I've also tried MotionX GPS and the problem with that one is that it's very good and has many options but I find it so option laden that it's hard to use for athletic use. They actually split their product off into "MotionX GPS" and "MotionX Drive" for automotive driving usage so the MotionX GPS got a little better for using for athletics.
Thanks for the feedback! I took the plunge and agree that the battery life was way better than expected. I ran for 45 minutes and used 14% of my battery, without turning off 3G (good idea btw). That rate of battery loss would well cover even marathon length runs.
Anyone have any experience with what happens when you get a phone call?
Its a bit frustrating- I see how many of you commenters are recommending other products. One of the best things Nike+ does is help me keep track of my runs. Losing or fragmenting my records of 2+ years of running would be worse for me than any feature benefit that I would get over this current Nike+ implementation. You all don't feel that way? Especially japanime with your 11,000 miles in three years (that is some serious running!) Is there some way of importing/exporting running history between these competitors that I'm not aware of?
I too wish the posts would answer the questions asked about Nike+, Wearlink, etc. and stay away from recommending other apps. We get that, others are out there, and possibly better. What some of us what to know are the issues with Nike+, how it works (does it turn off if you want to read an e-mail while you walk?), how is the app better than the kit. Does the nano still need the kit. etc. Just listing various questions. I know some have been answered, except some of mine about the wearlink. When I check back all I see is a few people posting their experiences (thank you), but mostly others posting "I use this". For all we know you are the apps developer.....
I've been using Runkeeper Free for a while now and don't see what this $1.99 app would do that the free one does already. Each of my walks and bike rides gets posted to the Runkeepeer.com website with a map of my trails. Why pay Nike for something that is mostly a copy of Runkeeper Free?
I think the main selling point of this app is that it allows people to continue using their Nike+ accounts instead of switching to another service. Runkeeper has built a very solid product, but people who have logged thousands of miles with Nike+ may be reluctant to switch to another service. Also, if you're into the "social" aspect, Nike+ still has the biggest community of runners.
Excellent News!
I'm pleased to report that I have just completed my first run after updating my iphone OS to 4.1 and it seems to have fixed all of the issues with the native Nike+ application. It's about F@$%ing time!!
As for this new app, it's nice but I 'd rather keep everything in one place mileage wise.
I'm pleased to report that I have just completed my first run after updating my iphone OS to 4.1 and it seems to have fixed all of the issues with the native Nike+ application. It's about F@$%ing time!!
As for this new app, it's nice but I 'd rather keep everything in one place mileage wise.
I used the old app this morning with a sensor and the new app tonight without the sensor and all the km go into one account on Nike+. If you mean you want all your history on one app on your phone, then you are right to stick with just one.
The release of 4.1 said it included a fix for the bug of the old app.
Whether you use the old or new app, they both can send your runs to the same Nike+ account on the web. A least on the Nike site you will not be losing miles.
But I hear you on the frustrations. Sorry about the money spent.
I ran with this app yesterday and I was very happy with it. Now I can find shoes that aren't my Nikes, and don't need a sensor.. although I've been happy w/ the nikes I've used, so that's not a big deal.. I just like that it's 'officially' accurate by using GPS.. I'll keep the sensor for the treadmill ...
I love the over the air update of nike+ web site, no need to sync the phone to perform that update!
I love the over the air update of nike+ web site, no need to sync the phone to perform that update!
I want to like this, but there are two crippling flaws. First, using the GPS will drain the battery so fast that I bet you can't even do long runs with this. Second... it requires you to carry an iphone when you run.
But seriously, I don't get why people want to do that. Don't you find it annoying and cumbersome? I prefer to run as light as possible.
Where I live doesn't have 3G service, so I am on EDGE all of the time. I did about a hour long run and I think I only lost about 10% of my battery.
Let me know if you find an app that does just the opposite...
I don't know what it is... maybe an OCD, but I just don't like walking to the beat of my music.
On that note, if you want a good walking song, try "Be Yourself" by Audioslave. I'm sure there are thousands of good walking songs... just saying.
You do know that Polar Wearlink is only compatible with the sportband and 5th gen Nano? It doesn't work with iPhone.
I used mine for a 4 mile run. In 31 minutes, with GPS and music playing, I only used 3% of my battery life. I started at 100%. The was the first time I used it for a run. I'm still leary of running with my iPhone 4. My iPhone 3G somehow had the moisture indicators tripped, and since I know it had never been anywhere near water, the only thing I can think of was sweat from runs. I store the phone in the pouch of my fuel belt.
It should stay dry, but even on my lower back, the neoprene is wet. Before I use my iPhone 4 on long runs, I need to find a way to keep moisture out of the dock connector. Are there any dock connector plugs??