Business

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Jamming on the forbidden fruit 3/5/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 IPods will keep track of workouts Associated Press BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Nike and Apple are making the iPod compatible with gym equipment. The companies said Tuesday they are working with several gym equipment makers and the health clubs 24-Hour Fitness and Virgin Athletic Health Clubs to allow members to plug their iPod Nano into cardio equipment. The Nanos would track workouts, set goals and upload the information to a Nike Web site. The new technology is expected to hit more than 500 gyms worldwide this summer. It's another major partnership for Nike Inc. and Apple Inc., 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 shifting 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. Nike would not disclose the number of members to its Nike+ site but has said previously that about 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 also buy specialty songs or join in social network activities, 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.

1. 5 die of swine flu in Snohomish County 2. Driver charged in deaths of 4 3. Red Cross honors acts of heroism, many by ordinary people 4. Barista clothing rules delayed by County Council 5. Haugen's husband accused of sexual assault in civil suit 6. Ruskell steps down as Seahawks GM 7. Three people hurt in Everett house fire 8. Steelhead anglers finding mixed results 9. Airbus wins order for 52 single-aisle jets 10. Silvertips hammered 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Wildcats fall to familar foe in semis • ‘Nutcracker' times three • Road warrior • Mavericks reloading • Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings • Cities prepare for winter blast repeat • Wolfpack duo takes last shot at state tourney • This Weekend in Your Town • Tips for the stormy season • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million