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Clever Runners Force Apple to Patent Nike+iPod Sensor and Shoes

Aviv — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:10:55 +0000

In a recently published patent filed by Apple, only authorized garments would work with your Nike+iPod Sport Kit combination. The patent has been set in place to thwart runners and athletes from using non Nike branded garments, or placing the Nike+iPod sensor in other shoes, jackets or garments.

The patent was published in March of 2007 and published last week. It describes a Smart Garment “that would allow a gadget to authenticate to a specific garment—whether that garment is shoes, pants, or a jacket. When the garment is authenticated, however, unapproved garments would be blocked from being able to use the device,” Ars Technica reports.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit relies on a sensor (the sensor sends data to your iPod) that is supposed to be placed under the sole of specifically designed Nike shoes. Some clever runners however, have been placing the sensor in unsupported places, like the shoelaces of other (non-Nike) shoes, causing Apple to enforce something similar to DRM.

In order to accommodate the sensor and provide appropriate data to the iPod nano., the shoe must be a Nike+ model with a special pocket in which to place the sensor. However, some people have taken it upon themselves to remove the sensor from the special pocket of the Nike+ shoe and place it at inappropriate locations (shoelaces, for example) or place it on non-Nike+ model shoes.

Apple claims that this new rights management system is meant for preventing thieves or “”a recalcitrant finder” from finding your Nike+ sensor and attempting to use it with unauthorized garments. They write that this would “markedly [reduce] the incentive to steal (or keep) the sensor resulting in vastly improved security than would otherwise be possible.” While it seems plausible, it’s probably more accurate that you’ll lose the little gadget, rather than someone stealing it from you. Of course, if you’re using a pair of brand new Air Jordans, you might be a little more susceptible to being a target. Ars says that “such ’security’ measures could be considered a little excessive.”

Apple’s patent also explains new features in Nike+iPod. One is providing a sensor within the garment itself to let the user know how the status of his garment/shoe is doing.

[I]n many cases, a runner will not notice that a running shoe has been worn down to the point where crucial support (arch support, for example) has eroded thereby increasing the likelihood of injury. In this way, by providing a notification that one or both of the running shoes should be replaced, the runner may be better able to avoid injuries related to outworn equipment,” writes Apple.

Additionally, if GPS were involved, then core location features could be utilized. The device could track location and elevation data to provide more detailed statistics. Or, you can expect to hear a Dollar Menu advertisement as you jog past that neighborhood McDonald’s in the morning.

[via US Patent Filing via Ars Technica via Gizmodo]

Apple Filing Shows Future Potential of Nike+iPod; GPS, Ads and Sensors

Aviv — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:46:49 +0000

A new filing by Apple shows the future potential that Nike+iPod has. The 20 page filing explains how the system could be used for real-time performance feedback, providing status of athletic gear, and possibly utilizing core location features to determine your location and convey advertisements as you run by establishments.

Whether Nike builds this directly into the shoe, or if this is a complete overhaul of the entire kit, we’re not sure. But we can determine that there is a healthy amount of new functionality here. Core location (GPS) is being relied upon as well as sensors in the actual shoe. When everything is seamlessly working together, the system will be able to measure your stride, the condition of your footwear, as well as your run routine, alternate paths, as well as convey advertisements while you run by different locations. The system would even be able to tell you what patterns have emerged in your run, and it can measure your accuracy in the range of 0.1 MPH.

[via AppleInsider]

[Update] Leaked Screenshots: iPhone & iPod touch+Nike Interface

Aviv — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:10:27 +0000

Update: These screenshots are not authentic. More information here.

Nike+iPod has only been available on the iPod nano in recent history. The below shown images are purportedly leaked screenshots of the upcoming Nike+iPhone/iPod touch application.

One of the biggest features that we can hope they get right will be the native mapping and location support. This would enable users to not only plan and track routes but richly navigate through locations as well as geo-tag notes for later review. The ability to update your Nike performance specifics on the fly from your phone (to the web) is greatly anticipated as well.

[via iPhone.fr via Gizmodo via MacRumors]