There has been a flurry of speculation this week (Engadget and Gizmodo both reporting the same story) regarding a possible new Nike+ device that works without the need for an iPod. Tentatively titled the “Nike+ SportsBand,” the device will negate the need for an iPod and will function instead by communication between the Nike+ chip (in or on the running shoe) and the SportsBand device. The new device, which appears to be a bracelet/watch, features a removable section that would connect to your computer after a run via a USB interface.
What the reports this week haven’t realized or reported is that this is actually an update or variation to the Nike Amp+ device that has already been released. Take a look at the prototype image below and compare against the existing Amp+ device, the interface console/button is exactly the same:
My personal view is that Nike most likely always envisioned the possibility of an Apple iPod-free device way before the Apple and Nike partnership. The obfuscation of Apple from the scenario obviously maximizes potential profit for Nike. What I hope will happen now however, is that Apple and Nike will continue to work together to build upon the success of Nike+ (in the Apple and Nike collaborative sense of the word) to develop a new Nike+ device that continues to be based around the Apple iPod Nano. My wishlist of features and improvements that I would like to see in the new Apple/Nike+ device will be listed in the near future in a separate post.
7 Responses to “New Nike+ Device(s) Imminent?”
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February 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Interesting. I figured there was no reason why it had to be an iPod that received and processed the data. A watch device could work just as well. Having to have specifically an iPod nano seems to be a barrier to entry for some potential Nike + users. I assume Nike will sell two different Nike + packages; the one for the nano including the receiver and the shoe transmitter and another with a USB watchlike device and a shoe transmitter.
Personally I am OK with the nano version. If I had the watch version I would still have my nano with me to listen to music on a run.
One last thought that comes to mind is the elegant simplicity and design of the system with the nano. The photos of the watchlike device look about like strapping a pager to your wrist. Whether you love or hate Apple you have to admit that they know how to design attractive functional devices. The thing in the photo certainly does not look like it was designed in Cupertino.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Hey Mike, I don’t know for sure, but I’m not convinced that Apple had/have anything to do with the Amp+ design. One thing that I absolutely dislike about the Amp+ design is that the customer has to cut the strap with scissors in order for it to fit perfectly.
You’re exactly right — Apple’s product and overall branding design is magnificent, and this is why I don’t think they would design something that has to be cut and permanently destroyed/configured by a pair of scissors before you can use it!
February 27th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Scott,
I have also assumed that the Amp and the new watchlike receiver thing were designed by Nike without Apple.
I also have to assume that Apple was fully aware that Nike had other plans for the Nike + system. I would imagine there was some sort of agreement that prohibited Nike from releasing a product that wound take the nano out of the system for a certain period of time, but after that time period was over Nike could do as they pleased.
I do agree that Nike wold be better off to continue to work with Apple for future Nike + products, even if they did not include an ipod in the system. Imagine what Apple could do with a chronograph. I am sure the first plan would be to make it white and stick an i in front of the name.
February 28th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Mike, I think you’re onto something there… The Apple iTime, retailing for $400, including amongst other things, holographic video conferencing, all from the comfort of your wrist! You know people would be lining-up around the block to pay for that.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:45 am
I am also of the opinion that Nike should be very wary about stepping away from Apple in this arena. Apple can be truly amazing with product design and seem to demonstrate time and time again that they know what the consumer wants.
If they begin to offer too many alternatives then the customer will become confused and the brand will dilute.
I would also find very little use for a device that didn’t incorporate the listening of music or the infamous “400 meters to go”.
February 28th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I can see the potential to tap into a new potential iPod free market, but let’s be honest iPods and running go together like peas and carrots (or bangers and mash for our British brethren).
Having a run without ending in “400 meters to go” would be like be like having a wedding without a honeymoon.
February 28th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Yes i agree music makes a difference. However, if you are training for an sacntioned event, music is not allowed and they are getting stricker by the day. So to me, training with music will hinder my performance on race day, so i have become very accustomed to running without music. But i am not always training for something and those leisurely runs are where the music comes in handy.