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Nike: Sportband release no sign of Apple rift
Despite any suggestion to the contrary, Nike’s official announcement today of the Nike+ Sportband—a new watch-like accessory that works without the iPod nano—does not represent a break between the shoe maker and Apple. Similar in appearance to the company’s earlier Amp bracelet for the iPod nano, Sportband allows runners to track distance, pace, time and calories burned when they run, and also allows their training data to be loaded onto a computer and uploaded to nikeplus.com, using a USB plug-in rather than an iPod as a data conduit. The similarities in functionality between the Nike + iPod Sport Kit and the Sportband have led some to suggest that there might be a rift between Apple and Nike, which Nike denied in a statement to iLounge today. “Absolutely not… we are simply expanding our Nike+ arena of products to allow those runners/walkers who do not want to use music to experience Nike+ and nikeplus.com,” answered Nike’s Kerry Sobol when asked if the release meant the end of Nike and Apple collaboration. “We are still very much working with Apple daily.”
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1
Actually, this is a great idea if it’s true rather than “spin”. I love running with the sport kit, but don’t always want to listen to music. Yes, I know I don’t have to listen to music to run with my nano, but it’s easier to operate with headphones on. It would be nice to be able to shed the headphones and run like the true Cheetah I am - at just under 10 minutes/mile haha.
Posted by urbanslaughter on April 2, 2008 at 6:45 PM (PDT)
2
This is great! With my birthday coming up, I was torn between asking for my first choice, an iPod Classic to replace my 5G, or a nano to accompany me on my runs. I really need the extra hard drive storage of the classic, but I’m also working to improve my running time and could really benefit from the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit. With the SportBand I can have an iPod Classic and compatibility with the Nike+ Sports Kit without having to buy a nano! Yes! I hope it’s not too expensive…=o
Posted by maybelline on April 2, 2008 at 7:23 PM (PDT)
3
...is that astroturf i smell?
Posted by OnlyShawn on April 3, 2008 at 5:25 AM (PDT)