which iPod are you? it don't matter - just do it!

An interesting new development that I read about today. The increasing merging of sports and technology brings Apple and Nike together. Here's a little something from The Street.com that I read today (click on title above to directly go to the story).

Long used on the run, Apple Computer's (AAPL) iPod soon will be customized for runners.

As part of a deal announced Tuesday with Nike (NKE), the company will soon release a kit that will essentially allow the digital music player to function as a pedometer, giving runners information on the distance they've gone, the calories they've burned, and the length of time they've been running. The kit will include a wireless antenna that will connect an iPod nano to specially designed Nike shoes.

Apple plans to release the package within two months for a price of about $30. Nike will begin offering shoes that include the pedometer sensor and the wireless antenna to talk to the one for the nano beginning next month. The shoemaker plans to update many of its shoe lines to incorporate the technology.

Many companies have been trying to tap into the success of the iPod. Car companies have been adding iPod connectors to their car radios and consumer electronics makers have come out with a raft of different iPod accessories, including speakers, wireless headphones and the like.

But the deal with Nike is one of the first efforts to connect the iPod to a nontraditional electronic device.

In addition to the pedometer information, the Nike+iPod kit from Apple will include software that will allow customers to designate a "power song" that they can play at the touch of a button during workouts, and to set up customized song play lists for use with particular workout routines. As part of the deal between the two companies, Apple plans to add a sports music section to its iTunes Music store.

Shares of Apple and Nike both rose following the announcement. In recent trading, Nike's stock was up $3.03, or about 4%, to $81.01, while Apple's stock was up 67 cents, or about 1%, to $64.05.


Hey, maybe this will help (not cure) in getting people off their sofas and into exercise a little more. Considering I detest both companies (Nike for the sweatshops they run and Apple on principle), this is a great idea. I might even consider this combo myself if my knee wasn't in such horrible shape.