Kasper JadeApple Computer is in the process of shipping the first of its wireless Nike+iPod Sport Kits that will allow Nike+ footwear to talk with an iPod nano, AppleInsider has been told.
The kits are currently en route to the United States and should begin showing up at Apple and Niketown retail stores beginning tomorrow, Thursday July 13th.
First demonstration
CNBC Sports business reporter Darren Rovell (formerly of ESPN) has already obtained one of the sport kits and plans to perform the first ever test of the new technology this evening on CNBC's prime time show "On the Money."
Rovell will be testing the kit along with a pair of Nike's new Air Zoom+ running shoes. The CNBC broadcast will air twice, at 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM eastern time.
Update
Nike has issued a press release stating that Niketown locations in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles will host launch events to celebrate the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.
The kit will be available for purchase first at Niketown New York tomorrow morning at a special event featuring Nike baseball players Mariano Rivera (New York), Chien-Ming Wang (New York) and AJ Pierzynski (Chicago), basketball player Ben Gordon (Chicago), retired basketball player Cynthia Cooper (Houston), Olympic speedskater Chad Hedrick and Olympic snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis.
Niketown Chicago will host an entire day of music in connection with the adjacent Apple store on North Michigan Avenue between Erie and Superior. The day will feature a lunchtime concert by Mae from 12:00pm - 1:00pm and performances by Chicago cover band Underwater People from 10:00am - 7:00pm.
Niketown Los Angeles will host a retail celebration hosted by local personality Carol Lewis and featuring Jeff Garcia from Power 106.
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24 Comments
Someone is excited.
That is ALOT of celebrating for an accessory.
At a mere $30 a pop, many people will buy and try just for the novelty of it.
If I had a nano, I'd get one just to play around with.
I'll probably wait for version 2.0
It's insane how cheap this thing is. I have the Nike Triax SDM Elite watch (based on the same technology) and it was over $500. And the sensor is WAY bigger. However, it also does heart rate. As cool and as fun as speed and distance are... heart rate is a much more useful training tool. If they come out with a version 2 that includes a HRM... I'm sold.
Actually... the other issue is that you have to use a Nike shoe. You should never choose running shoes by brand. Brand is irrelivant. It's all about fit. Forcing you to stick with one brand could mean that you are not getting the right shoe for your feet... which could lead to injury. I've never found a Nike shoe that worked for me. I usually end up in a pair of Asics... most times. That said... you could probably just velcro the sensor to the top of a non-Nike shoe or something.
In order for me to get one:
1. make it available in Europe
2. Nike clones available for nice cheap price compatible with sensor
Sure the $30 (presumably £20-£25 with traditional UK price hike) kit sounds good but I know jack about the shoes its supposed to work with. I'm not the right kind of footwear nerd!
It's insane how cheap this thing is. I have the Nike Triax SDM Elite watch (based on the same technology) and it was over $500. And the sensor is WAY bigger. However, it also does heart rate. As cool and as fun as speed and distance are... heart rate is a much more useful training tool. If they come out with a version 2 that includes a HRM... I'm sold.
Actually... the other issue is that you have to use a Nike shoe. You should never choose running shoes by brand. Brand is irrelivant. It's all about fit. Forcing you to stick with one brand could mean that you are not getting the right shoe for your feet... which could lead to injury. I've never found a Nike shoe that worked for me. I usually end up in a pair of Asics... most times. That said... you could probably just velcro the sensor to the top of a non-Nike shoe or something.
I read (on this very site) that one could use the Nike+ without buying the Nike shoe, instead using a pocket or strap (?) for the sensor... Anyone have a link for this?