News
Nike stores pushing iPod-less Nike+ solutions
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Monday, December 13, 2010
News Categories: iPod Accessories
After years of touting the tight integration between the Nike + iPod Sport Kit and various iPod nano models, Nike has taken a surprising and seemingly anti-iPod position in its holiday marketing of a new Nike+ product. Touting “the freedom of running without music,” new Nike signage brings shoppers’ attention to the Nike+ SportBand, an iPod-less wristband solution that tracks distance, pace, time, and calories burned using a USB-ready dongle rather than the iPod nano. Given the previously close development relationship between Nike and Apple, it is unclear whether this is merely a push by Nike to bolster awareness and sales of the SportBand, or a negative reaction to Apple’s devolution of the latest iPod nano model, designed to undermine the value of music during workouts.
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1
I have one of the original Nike+ sportsband. They suck! Now I just use my iPhone4 with Nike+ or Nike Running app.
Posted by Benjamin on December 13, 2010 at 12:54 PM (PST)
2
It is more likely a reaction to all of the situations in which music is not allowed. Most serious races do not allow participants to listen to music.
Posted by oldgal3 on December 13, 2010 at 2:37 PM (PST)
3
Is Nike moving away from Apple because Steve Jobs only wears New Balance shoes?
Posted by qka on December 13, 2010 at 4:24 PM (PST)
4
Uh? Nike has been selling the Sport Band almost as long as Nike+ has been available. The original Bands were terrible (bronze/black display), but the new ones (black/silver, as pictured) work well. I use the SB instead of my iPod when I’m in a race or group run.
Posted by Jim on December 13, 2010 at 8:16 PM (PST)
5
In a lot of large races, etiquette says you should not run with headphones. A lot of distance running events prohibit MP3 players, as they distract you from your surroundings (runners in front and behind). The sport band works extremely well for these circumstances.
Posted by BK on December 14, 2010 at 4:21 AM (PST)
6
Keep in mind that running is roughly 95% training and 5% racing. I would imagine most people would prefer to train with music, as it makes those long runs more tolerable, especially if you are doing them alone. I’m pretty surprised that Nike would push a “no music” angle so aggressively because I don’t think it will resonate with the average runner.
Posted by BrennerM on December 14, 2010 at 6:07 AM (PST)
7
As several people have stated, there are situations where music/headphones are simply not allowed. On military installations, if you are running on the sidewalks and/or roads, headphones are generally forbidden. You must utilize tracks or trails away from traffic areas to listen to music.
While I can not imagine running without music, it just seems that safety concerns often come into play. Why not put some focus on that market? This is not necessarily a slap to Apple, it is simply drawing in folks that can not/choose not to run with musical accompaniment. It wouldn’t hurt for Steve to wear some Nike’s now and then though.
Posted by Mitch on December 14, 2010 at 7:54 AM (PST)
8
I’ve run 5 full maratons and about as many half marathons with a few other races. In all my training, I only listen to music when i am forced to run on a treadmill (inclment weather etc…). When running outside my personal opinion is to focus on your running (the music distracts that) and two is saftey. There are numerous times when i pass someone on a run who is listening to music and is starteled when i pass them. So i think, just like a Garmin Forerunner, it will find a niche for those who prefer to run without music. Plus most races discourage you from wearing headphones while running.
Posted by Jeff on December 14, 2010 at 8:15 AM (PST)
9
It’s not about racing, it’s about running. Pure and simple. Really want to keep it simple, don’t buy anything except shoes, socks, shorts and a top. RUN.
Posted by solarpos on December 15, 2010 at 4:48 AM (PST)