Apple, Nike Hook Up in iPod Fitness Venture

The new Nike+iPod Sport Kit uses a special in-shoe sensor and a wireless receiver attached to an iPod nano to track one's exercise progress.

Nike and Apple today rolled out a new wireless system which lets special Nike footwear talk wirelessly with an iPod nano to report workout data. The new Nike+iPod Sport Kit is priced at $29 and should be available within the next two months.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, said the two companies, consists of a sensor which is inserted into a special Nike+ shoe as well as a wireless receiver which attaches to an iPod nano. The first Nike+ footwear to be part of this iPod integration is the new Moire. As one exercises with the in-shoe sensor inside the Moire, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones.

Designed to accompany the Nike+iPod Sport Kit are a special iTunes music section as well as a special Web site for tracking one’s progress.

“We’re working with Nike to take music and sport to a new level,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, in a statement. “The result is like having a personal coach or training partner motivating you every step of your workout.”

“Nike+iPod is a partnership between two iconic, global brands with a shared passion for creating meaningful consumer product experiences through design and innovation,” added Nike CEO Mark Parker. “This is the first result, and Nike+iPod will change the way people run. Nike+iPod creates a better running experience. We see many more such Nike+ innovations in the future.”