Nike takes big step into connected tech by testing it in limited-edition sneakers

By Keith Nelson Jr. April 11, 2018

Nike

These shoes were made for walking, but that’s not all they’ll do. For the first time ever, Nike will turn sneakers into connected devices by adding its NikeConnect technology to the newly released AF1 NikeConnect QS NYC sneakers.

The new AF1 NikeConnect QS NYC sneakers will come with an NFC (near-field communication) chip embedded under a NikeConnect logo on the heel of the sneaker. By using the NikeConnect app on a phone, you can tap your phone on the sensor and gain access to exclusive content and Nike events in New York City, as well as an opportunity to purchase other popular Nike kicks.

The NikeConnect logo won’t be appearing on your favorite Nike sneakers just yet. The company is beta testing the prospect of adding NikeConnect to its footwear with a limited release of the AF1 NikeConnect QS NYC. Since this initiative is in its testing stage, only select NikePlus members in New York City will receive invitations to purchase a pair of AF1 NikeConnect QS NYC sneakers via Nike’s SNKRS app this month.

“Tests like this one with the AF1 NikeConnect QS NYC are critical building blocks as we deliver NikePlus members worldwide even more personalized services and experiences that are customized by the footwear and apparel they wear and love,” Sandra Carreon-John, global corporate communications director at Nike, emailed Digital Trends.

Nike debuted its NikeConnect technology in late September 2017 by adding a scannable NikeConnect logo to the bottom of NBA jerseys. Tapping your smart device on the NikeConnect logo on a jersey takes you to the designated page for that corresponding team, unveiling access to up-to-date game scores, curated highlight packages, limited=edition apparel, tickets, and even Spotify playlists.

This may be the first time Nike is putting NFC chips in its footwear, but others have also experimented with the technology. Adidas has been experimenting with placing NFC chips in its footwear since 2013, when the second-largest sportswear brand in the world did so with a limited number of its adidas Boost running shoes. Anyone with an NFC-enabled smart device was able to tap it on the “lace jewel” attached to the running shoe’s laces and get product information, as well as reviews of the product.

The next step of Nike footwear could be all in the taps.

Topics

Keith Nelson Jr.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Keith Nelson Jr is a music/tech journalist making big pictures by connecting dots. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY he…

Outdoors

Best Buy is having a Traeger grill sale right now

The Traeger Grills Ironwood wood pellet grill on a white background.

Summer is the perfect time for grilling, which means there will be a lot of interest in grill deals with the season's arrival. There's no shortage of options out there, but here are a couple of bargains from Best Buy that you should definitely check out -- the Traeger Grills Ironwood for $1,600 following a $200 discount on its original price of $1,800, and the Traeger Grills Ironwood XL for $1,800 following a $200 discount on its original price of $2,000. These wood pellet grills are excellent for family gatherings, game days, outdoor parties, and any similar occasion, but if you want to pocket the savings for either model, you shouldn't be wasting time. There's a chance that their prices go back to normal as soon as tomorrow, you should proceed with the transaction for the grill that you want right now.
Traeger Grills Ironwood -- $1,600, was $1,800

Traeger Grills Ironwood XL -- $1,800, was $2,000

Outdoors

The best e-bike accessories make your ride safer, smoother, and more fun

A male rider crouched down riding an Ariel eBikes Kepler fat tire e-bike on hard-packed beach sand.

So you've decided which e-bike is right for you and started your journey into cycling, but you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the accessories and tools available. From repair kits and bike pumps to keep your bike in good working order to helmets and locks for safety, there's plenty to consider. Luckily, we're here to help narrow things down for you. Here are our picks for the best e-bike accessories you can buy right now.

Outdoors

These adjustable weights are usually $500 — today they’re $200

The FitRx SmartRack and SmartBells Kit.

We’re always on the lookout for fitness deals, and we found a terrific Walmart offer we just had to shine some light on: Right now, you’ll be able to take home your very own FitRx SmartRack and SmartBells set for just $200. While that may not sound like a slam-dunk promotion, consider the fact that this fantastic weight set usually costs $500. This is a fantastic investment for those looking to upgrade old workout equipment, as well as anyone looking to pick up bells for the first time. And when you pair this offer with one of the many smartwatch deals we found this week, you’ll be able to take your exercise routine to an all-new level!

Why you should buy the FitRx SmartRack and SmartBells
If you don’t have an at-home workout space, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be to store exercise equipment. Most of these products aren’t exactly designed with “space-saving” in mind either, so we usually end up wedging weights and other gear in the corner of a room. One of the main ideas behind the FitRx bundle is providing you with top-shelf hardware that checks off the “space-saving” criteria too.