Gizmodo: ipod sport kit

iPod Nano Now iPod Sport Kit Compatible

Gizloco — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:31:36 EDT

Five weeks after the initial announcement of their partnership with Nike, Apple has released the required software update for its iPod nano that allows it to interact with Nike's Moire running shoe. Christened by both companies as the iPod Sport Kit, the iPod nano + Moire marriage lets runners keep tabs on various statistics, including length of run, distance of run and current speed thanks to a small sensor inserted inside the shoe.

Today's iPod software update includes iPod nano software version 1.2, which, in addition to support for the iPod Sport Kit, fixes several bugs as well as introduces a volume limit for the iPod Shuffle. ITunes was also updated, to version 6.5, which lets users sync their exercise data to nikeplus.com.

The iPod Sport Kit is expected to ship in July. – Nicholas Deleon

Get iPod Updater [Apple via iLounge]

iPod Sport Kit Done Already By Microsoft

Jason Chen — Wed, 24 May 2006 18:50:08 EDT

Sorry Apple, looks like this time you're the one copying Microsoft. Your iPod Sport Kit? Microsoft Research did it already.

The MPTrain is a personal trainer using both hardware and software to do pretty much the same thing your Sport Kit does. The cellphone interface keeps track of your speed, distance, workout time, heart-rate, and calories burned. It can even select music with different attributes to make the user speed up or slow down, depending on their current exercise regime.

We know, we know, Microsoft's solution is more technical and less user friendly than the iPod and Nike product. That's your whole schtick, to make technology easier to use. But we're just pointing out that Microsoft got there first, and you just made it better. There's room for both of you after all.

Note to Apple..Microsoft beat you this time.. [Mobility Today]

Nike + Apple = iPod Sport Kit

Jason Chen — Tue, 23 May 2006 13:51:14 EDT

The iPod company and the shoe company are partnering together to make your workout easier and more fun. Nike's new footwear, the Moire, tracks information during your run such as distance, time, speed, and calories burned. The iPod Sport Kit allows you to view the workout data from your shoe in real time, not after your workout is over.

There's even a voice that speaks the data to you so you won't have to look at your iPod. And after the workout, upload the information to your computer to keep track of your progress. We hate running as much as we love ice cream, but this would actually make us exercise.

Product Page

Nike x Apple [Cool Hunting]