Nike shoe will ‘talk’ to iPod

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Nike Inc. and Apple Computer Inc. have joined forces to try to become a runner’s best friend.

The two companies announced Tuesday they are jointly developing a wireless system so some Nike shoes embedded with a sensor can communicate with Apple’s iPod Nano music player to track a runner’s performance and help choreograph songs to the moment.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, which will be available in two months at $29, has already won an endorsement from Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, who plans to run his first New York marathon later this year.

“It will take working out to a whole other level,” said Armstrong, who appeared at the companies’ news conference in New York City.

The co-branded kit comes with a sensor that fits inside compatible Nike footwear – sold separately – and a wireless receiver that attaches to the iPod.

Data on running time, distance, pace and calories burned would be stored on the iPod, which could then display the information on-screen or deliver it audibly through headphones.

After the workout, the data also could be automatically sent to a personal runner’s log at the new nikeplus.com Web site whenever the music player is synchronized to Apple’s iTunes program.

The iPod will also incorporate a new “Power Song” feature, so a user can instantly queue up a piece of music for extra motivation at the push of a button.

The $100 Nike+ Air Zoom Moire shoe will be the first footwear designed to talk to the iPod, and more are planned, said Trevor Edwards, Nike’s vice president of global brand management.