The current Nike + iPod system is a $48 kit (a sensor you place in your shoe and a dongle you attach to your iPod via the standard 30-pin connector) that lets your shoes talk to your iPod Nano and record the distance you've covered on your walk or run. When you sync your iPod, info is transferred to a flash-based website that lets you plot your progress against your own goals or compete with others using the same system.
However, the deal between the two iconic brands has proven to be a marketing success for both parties, and the functionality has received a good reception from consumers. Apple is about to take this concept to the next level by announcing partnerships with various fitness equipment producers, including Techno Gym and Life Fitness. Both manufacturers have already announced exercise equipment with built-in iPod integration, allowing gym goers to plug in and control their iPods via the touch interface on the exercise equipment.
iPhone compatibility is also coming soon, if Apple's recent patent application is anything to go by. The application shows an extensive interface running on the iPhone. The black-and-white images show the iPhone interface controlling and monitoring all details, from starting the treadmill to managing the number of bicep curls you do as part of your workout routine.
While details are still scant, the compatible gym equipment uses a similar 30-pin connector that Apple sells to display video from an iPhone to TV and contain the new authentication chip that Apple only provides to Apple-licensed third-party developers.
Instead of watching TV shows and movies on your iPhone or iPod Touch, it would be possible to plug it in to the gym machine's dock and watch the movies on the machine's large screen. Top-of-the-line gym treadmills, steppers and bikes come with 15" displays.
Another article outlines a patent request by Nike for additional sensors that may monitor many different factors, including EKG,heart rate, body temperature and even hydration to be integrated in to future iPhone compatible products.
Visit www.apcmag.com for more tech news and reviews.
Apple looks set to capitalize on the money making opportunity of tie-ups with the fitness industry, in particular by expanding its existing Nike + iPod system to gym machines.
The current Nike + iPod system is a $48 kit (a sensor you place in your shoe and a dongle you attach to your iPod via the standard 30-pin connector) that lets your shoes talk to your iPod Nano and record the distance you've covered on your walk or run. When you sync your iPod, info is transferred to a flash-based website that lets you plot your progress against your own goals or compete with others using the same system.
However, the deal between the two iconic brands has proven to be a marketing success for both parties, and the functionality has received a good reception from consumers. Apple is about to take this concept to the next level by announcing partnerships with various fitness equipment producers, including Techno Gym and Life Fitness. Both manufacturers have already announced exercise equipment with built-in iPod integration, allowing gym goers to plug in and control their iPods via the touch interface on the exercise equipment.
iPhone compatibility is also coming soon, if Apple's recent patent application is anything to go by. The application shows an extensive interface running on the iPhone. The black-and-white images show the iPhone interface controlling and monitoring all details, from starting the treadmill to managing the number of bicep curls you do as part of your workout routine.
While details are still scant, the compatible gym equipment uses a similar 30-pin connector that Apple sells to display video from an iPhone to TV and contain the new authentication chip that Apple only provides to Apple-licensed third-party developers.
Instead of watching TV shows and movies on your iPhone or iPod Touch, it would be possible to plug it in to the gym machine's dock and watch the movies on the machine's large screen. Top-of-the-line gym treadmills, steppers and bikes come with 15" displays.
Another article outlines a patent request by Nike for additional sensors that may monitor many different factors, including EKG,heart rate, body temperature and even hydration to be integrated in to future iPhone compatible products.
Visit www.apcmag.com for more tech news and reviews.
