News
Nike+iPod system uses proprietary 802.11, not Bluetooth
By Jeremy Horwitz
Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, May 23, 2006
News Category: iPod Accessories
Confirming whispers heard by iLounge over the past several months, an individual familiar with the product disclosed that Apple’s first wireless iPod accessory—the Nike+iPod Sport Kit—will use a proprietary 802.11 protocol, rather than Bluetooth, for communications. Announced earlier today, the $29 Sport Kit consists of an in-shoe sensor that transmits running performance data, and an iPod receiver that helps record the data and provide audio feedback to the runner. Though not conclusive in any way as to Apple’s future plans, the company’s use of a proprietary 802.11 protocol rather than the widely-licensed Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard, combined with the surprisingly low price point and small size of the Nike+iPod Dock Connector-based Adapter, suggests that future iPod wireless accessories will use similar technology. Such a move could conceivably help Apple avoid the bandwidth limitations associated with Bluetooth standards, and reduce the number of fully “iPod-compatible” wireless accessories released by third-party developers.
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21
Actually, the cubby hole comment seems to be dead on. the Nike+ shoe seems to have a slot in the sole of the left foot for the transmitter. I have less issue w/ the “proprietary” nature of the transmition, than the proprietary nature of the shoe. It seems you require a pair of Nike running shoes to use this particular solution, and I’m not a particular fan of Nike for running. Oh well.
Posted by Dan on May 24, 2006 at 2:19 PM (PDT)
22
I think the nano is considered for this since it is lighter and efficient for this type of activities (running).
Posted by Oliver on May 24, 2006 at 9:11 PM (PDT)
23
This technology was first developed by Fitsense (a bunch of MIT folk in Cambridge). I owned an FS-1 for several years. Fitsense licensed the technology to others (including Nike) some time ago and recently stopped selling their own version. Unless they made some significant improvements, the accelerometer technology in these foot pods has some drawbacks. It needs to be calibrated to your pace, stride and position on the shoe. It also has trouble when your running pattern changes, such as when moving from pavement to a trail or grass, from jogging to hard running, or from flat terrain to hilly. Once calibrated, the same course will come out within a percent or two in total distance for each run. However, a new course can be way off. I’d run a 10K with the FS-1 and come out to 6.5 miles instead of 6.2. Also, the battery (CR32) would last 3-4 months with only turning on the pod for running. I now use a Garmin Forerunner 201 and am much happier (no pods, run in any shoes, much more accurate, etc.). Now if Apple and Garmin get together….
Posted by Ed on May 25, 2006 at 12:00 AM (PDT)
24
Do you really need the nike shoes. do they have something in them that activates this device. OR could you just get a foot pouch or modify your current shoes to work with this. I really dont like nike shoes I am a saucony fan.
Posted by Dale on May 25, 2006 at 4:38 AM (PDT)
25
sry but i want to nikes site and u have to buy the shoes 2 which r $100
o well
Posted by speedking261 on May 26, 2006 at 2:21 PM (PDT)
26
the shoes have a spot to put the thing in so u got to but there shoes 2
Posted by speedking261 on May 26, 2006 at 2:24 PM (PDT)
27
I saw about 15 different types of Nike shoes that were Nike+ ready.. This is awsome! simply awsome. The most attractive part is th online data and tracking ability.. i can challenge my dad in chicago to a 50 mile run, and I’m in NY!.. killer sutff!!
Posted by bigun on May 26, 2006 at 5:44 PM (PDT)
28
good stuff buddy,keep up the good work
Posted by pence on June 27, 2006 at 4:00 AM (PDT)
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