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Nike intros Nike+ SportsWatch GPS

updated 06:30 am EST, Thu January 6, 2011

 

Boosts performance with GPS tracking


Nike has introduced its new Nike+ SportsWatch GPS at CES 2011. It leverages the shoe-based Nike+ sensor to track time, pace, distance, calories burned and heart rate. Using Tom Tom navigation technology, the SportsWatch GPS will track what a user does, how they do it, and then motivates the user to improve on previous performances over the each route.

The watch connects to a user’s PC via a built-in, but retractable USB dongle in order to allow users to upload their data to NikePlus.com to view completed runs, set new goals and interact with other runners. It has already taken home two awards from the CES for innovation in the Health and Wellness and Personal Electronics categories.

Information on how to pre-order the device has been posted on the Nike website.



By Electronista Staff

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gadgets, TomTom, Nike

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  1. msuper69

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Jan 2000

    +2
    01/06, 07:26am | report spam | reply

    "... over the each route"

    Yeah, that's it.


  1. Flyingjoe

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2010

    +2
    01/06, 09:07am | report spam | reply

    Nice but not Great.

    My first reaction was this is really cool, until I read that it was limited to using a USB dongle to connect to a computer. Now it's just OK.

    Obviously, it can do wireless since it interacts with the foot sensor - seems like a lost opportunity.

    And if the system it interacted with was web-based, then it wouldn't matter if it was Mac or PC.


  1. bogmonster

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2007

    +1
    01/06, 09:18am | report spam | reply

    GPS *and* shoe button?

    Why would you need the Nike+ sensor (fancy pedometer) if there's a GPS in the watch? That would give you your pace and distance unless you're on the hamster wheel


  1. appleuzr

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2006

    +4
    01/06, 10:58am | report spam | reply

    To answer the questions above:

    @Flyingjoe
    All of the current GPS exercise tracking equipment uses this sort of technology. It's nothing extraordinary but is a lot more convenient than you're making it sound. I use a Garmin Forerunner and it utilizes the same transfer method. You plus a small USB dongle into the back of your computer and whenever you come within 10-15 feet of the computer it automatically links and uploads new workout info. It's very convenient and far better than having to plug in your iPod to upload the info, which is the previous transfer method Nike+ used, so at least they're moving forward. I'm sure the wireless bluetooth transfer has something to do with fitting the technology into a small form factor.

    @bogmonster
    You hit the nail on the head with your hamster wheel comment. When it's raining outside most people won't go out and run in the rain, so they go to the gym. The sensor allows you to track your workout indoors when there isn't sufficient GPS reception. Again I got away from the glitchy Nike+ last year and use a Garmin Forerunner it has a FootPod, which they intentionally designed to mimic the Nike+ sensor so it fits into the Nike+ slot in your shoes and it serves the same purpose.

    Overall this is a logical step for Nike to take in their Nike+ line because the previous design sensor/receiver was extremely glitchy. The sensor you plug into the iPod shorted out constantly because of contact with moisture, whether it be rain or sweat. I love my Garmin and if this is anything like it, which it seems like it is, there will be plenty of people who will buy it.


  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -2
    01/06, 02:44pm | report spam | reply

    Re: Nice but not Great.

    My first reaction was this is really cool, until I read that it was limited to using a USB dongle to connect to a computer. Now it's just OK.

    Yeah, because they should just jam in 600 pounds of features because a few people prefer not to plug in their devices to their computers. Then again, it's what you'd have to do with your Nike+ iPod device. (Except that would require a full device sync, not just a quick download of data).

    Obviously, it can do wireless since it interacts with the foot sensor - seems like a lost opportunity.

    Geesh, seriously? Being able to talk wireless with one device does not mean it can speak to a variety of devices. And the foot device has a transmitter. This only has a receiver. But, I guess in your mind, if it can receive, they should just put in a transmitter so you could send it to your computer. And if they did that, you'd then complain that it wasn't bluetooth, but just some RF device.

    And if the system it interacted with was web-based, then it wouldn't matter if it was Mac or PC.

    You can upload your data to the web. However, how do you propose to get your web browser to pull the information off the device? Or are you now thinking the wriststrap should now include wifi (which would need to be set up, but why quibble, there's enough room on the screen to type an SSID and password) so you could just push it directly to a web server.

    Yes, you are talking many missed oppurtunities here.


  1. creels21

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2011

    +1
    02/23, 01:31pm | report spam | reply

    Explanation

    Call me a newbie to this but i was wondering if any of you could explain how this works with the watch sensor and your ipod i would really apperciate it. I just started running a lot and my friend told me to give this a look makes running easier and more enjoyable


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