BEAVERTON, OR -- Several fitness equipment manufacturers as well as 24 Hour Fitness and Virgin Active Health Clubs are working with Nike Inc. and Apple Inc. to make Apple’s iPod Nano compatible with cardio equipment, Nike and Apple announced yesterday.
The Nanos would track workouts, set goals and upload the information to a Nike Web site. Also, users can access other benefits, such as buying specialty songs or challenge other users to a workout goal by joining in social network components. The new technology is expected to be ready in more than 500 gyms worldwide this summer.
More than a year ago, Nike and Apple formed a partnership to create Nike+ technology in which the wireless system allows some Nike running shoes embedded with a sensor to communicate with Nanos. Apple and Nike both say shifting their attention to health clubs was the next natural step, and both companies say there are plans to grow in the future.