Runners...do you prefer AW or iPod Nano

[satchmo]

I've always run with an iPod Shuffle, but that's more because I like the physical buttons. That said, I've been thinking of going cordless with bluetooth headphones paired to either an AW or and iPod Nano.

I've heard some reports of poor bluetooth connection when using an iPod Nano. But syncing song is pretty fast, although you have to physically connect to your Mac.

The Apple Watch on the other hand will allow you to run without an iPhone, but the time to download and synching songs/playlists is rather lengthy.

Any experiences with either would be appreciated.

 

[ftaok]

Hands down. The AW. I've been an basic runner for years and have gone through an a nano 6g and a nano 7g. Now I'm using a S2 apple watch.

The 6g was perfect for running. Just connect it with the Nike footpod and receiver. Put on a watch strap and it was perfect, except for the lack of Bluetooth.

The 7g fixed the two biggest problems of the 6g. It added Bluetooth and eliminated the need for the Nike receiver. But the form factor sucked compared to the 6g.

The Apple watch puts the device back on the wrist. Eliminates the need for the strap. Allows for using apps other than Nike. Adds GPS (built in or via iPhone).

But it's not perfect. Music abilities is limited.

 

[satchmo]

How is the BT connection with your AW? Is it finicky with wireless headphones?

 

[ftaok]

By connection is nearly bulletproof. No drops in connections.

To be fair, the nanos were bulletproof too.

I use jaybird blue bud x headphones.

 

[japanime]

I've been using Nike+ since it was first offered in 2006 for the iPod nano (with the sensor in the shoe and receiver-dongle attached to the iPod). I always felt that was a great kit. However, I'd say the Apple Watch Nike+ edition is better to the iPod setup ... except for one BIG thing.

The Nike+ Runners Club app on the iPhone, which is required to sync runs from the AW, is absolute garbage. On my iPhone 5s, the app always crashes twice before opening on the third try. Only about half the runs sync properly. And NONE of the runs get uploaded to the leaderboards (the introduction of which was apparently was the whole reason behind the redesign of the previously great Nike+ app).

I've grown so frustrated and disappointed with Nike+ that — 10 years and thousands of miles later — I'm now looking at the alternatives.

 

[logicstudiouser]

Neither, I use Nike + Running App for iPhone. I use the older version compatible with iOS 6, works great. Sometimes I use a watch instead on my runs but I am quite impressed with the accuracy of the Nike + app. I ran the Boston Marathon last year and I tracked using both Nike+ and a Garmin watch and my Nike+ app was more accurate with the distance.

 

[japanime]

I use Nike + Running App for iPhone. I use the older version compatible with iOS 6, works great.

I agree — the old version of the Nike+ app is outstanding. I recently reinstalled it onto my iPhone to see if it might just work with my Apple Watch, but sadly it doesn't.

 

[logicstudiouser]

I agree — the old version of the Nike+ app is outstanding. I recently reinstalled it onto my iPhone to see if it might just work with my Apple Watch, but sadly it doesn't.

Ya it is very stable, no crashes ever and I have been logged in the app for more then 3 years. Too bad it doesn't work with the Apple Watch.
In 2015, shortly after the Apple Watch came out, Nike made changes to the app and disconnected older app users from syncing runs to the Nike Plus website. Fortunately, grassroots efforts from users on here and reddit got them to fix the issue. No issues ever since, in fact I think syncing got faster lol

 

[japanime]

In 2015, shortly after the Apple Watch came out, Nike made changes to the app and disconnected older app users from syncing runs to the Nike Plus website. Fortunately, grassroots efforts

Any links you can share? I'd really like to return to using an older version of the app!

 

[logicstudiouser]

Any links you can share? I'd really like to return to using an older version of the app!

The version I have been using is 4.5.4
Older iPhones running iOS 6 and older iPod Touch users relied on this version to use Nike + because the older version series was discontinued from support. The problem is, the only way you will be able to download the app is if you download this version on an iOS device where it is the latest compatible version. If you still have an old device running iOS 6 or possibly 7, you should be able to download the latest compatible version and transfer to your computer so you can sync with your current device. Not too helpful but I think that is the only way, unless you can somehow get someone in Apple Support to help you download this version - not sure if they have the ability to do that.

 

[japanime]

The version I have been using is 4.5.4
Older iPhones running iOS 6 and older iPod Touch users relied on this version to use Nike + because the older version series was discontinued from support. The problem is, the only way you will be able to download the app is if you download this version on an iOS device where it is the latest compatible version. If you still have an old device running iOS 6 or possibly 7, you should be able to download the latest compatible version and transfer to your computer so you can sync with your current device. Not too helpful but I think that is the only way, unless you can somehow get someone in Apple Support to help you download this version - not sure if they have the ability to do that.

Thanks for your reply. I actually have many of the older versions of the Nike+ app archived on a backup drive. I thought what you were suggesting, though, is that the older version could be made to sync workouts completed on the Apple Watch. I now realize I was mistaken.