Apple and Nike are negotiating with two health club chains to make the Nike+ iPod product compatible with cardio equipment. Nike+ is a system that integrates a runner's shoes with his or her iPod nano to track progress and act as an electronic personal trainer. The system also incorporates an online community of runners.
Nike (NYSE: NKE) and Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) are making the iPod compatible with gym equipment.
The companies said Tuesday that they are working with several gym equipment manufacturers and the health clubs 24-Hour Fitness and Virgin Athletic Health Clubs to allow members to plug their iPod nanos into cardio equipment. They can then track workouts, set goals and upload the information to a Nike Web site.
The new technology is expected to start rolling out to more than 500 gyms worldwide this summer.
Getting Credit
It's another major partnership for Nike and Apple, which created Nike+ technology more than a year ago. The wireless system allows some Nike running shoes embedded with a sensor to communicate with Apple's iPod nano.
Apple and Nike said the move to the gym was the next natural step.
"People enjoy tracking themselves as a way to keep themselves motivated," said Trevor Edwards, Nike's vice president of global brand and category management. "They want to get credit."
It also builds on the surprise success of the online community that built up around the technology.
1,000 Runners a Day
Nike would not disclose the number of members to its Nike+ site but has said previously that roughly 1,000 runners sign up daily. It has members in more than 160 countries, including some where the product isn't even sold.
In addition to tracking their progress, users can access other benefits such as buying specialty songs or joining in social network components, such as challenging other users to a workout goal.
"We've definitely struck on to something," Edwards said.
Apple and Nike wouldn't say what's next, but say there are plans to grow.