Hasta La Gadget!

Nike’s new FuelBand is now out, and following a few weeks of running in parks, walking around exhibition halls and the occasional all-out exercise session, well, I’m pretty tired. Fortunately, I only needed to charge Nike’s new wearable once in my first eight days of use. Indeed, that’s the main benefit to Nike’s Second Edition (SE) FuelBand: thanks to an energy-efficient Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio, it promises much-improved battery life over its predecessor. When it comes to the physical hardware, however, its appearance has barely changed since 2012, save for three new color options (and a highfalutin’ Rose Gold one). Its fitness-tracking capabilities haven’t changed either, although Nike has promised improvements in accuracy and a better ability to sense when you’re attempting to game the FuelBand.

Beneath the matte black surface, however, there’s been more progress: Nike+, the FuelBand’s companion app, is friendlier than ever, with the ability to group your buddies into separate categories. There are also new hourly reminders to stay active throughout the day and a Sessions feature to monitor activity in a set timeframe. More than ever, though, Nike’s finding itself in a crowded wearables market. Though it was one of the early victors, has it done enough to maintain its lead? Grab your water bottle and we’ll walk you through it.%Gallery-slideshow122860%

Filed under: Wearables

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Imagine setting aside three months of your life to pursue a dream. As romantic as the idea may seem, it requires a gut check somewhere along the way. Recently, a handful of entrepreneurs said goodbye to their families and loved ones, and in some cases, flew across the globe for an opportunity to do just that. Some put their budding companies on hold, while others came only with an unwavering belief in their idea. In all, 10 companies converged on the Nike+ Accelerator in Portland, Ore., this past March, each united with the goal of building products that integrate with Nike’s line of fitness trackers.

It’s hard to underestimate the sacrifice, or the opportunity. With less than three weeks to relocate, many had to act quickly. But with a vote of confidence from Nike and its accelerator partner, TechStars, support from a vast network of mentors and industry contacts — and just as importantly, early access to the Nike+ API — it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a head start over the competition in the burgeoning wearables industry.

From the moment these entrepreneurs touched ground at PDX, the clock was already running. In just 12 weeks, they’d pitch their products to potential investors at Demo Day — first in Portland on June 10th, and again in San Francisco on the 20th. It’s a lot to accomplish in three months, and certainly unfamiliar territory for Nike as well. But even amidst the breakneck speed, one must hit the pause button and ponder Nike’s motivation behind the accelerator. Ten companies were certainly given an upper hand, but can the same be said for Nike itself?

Filed under: Wearables, Software

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Where’s the fun in owning an exercise tracker like the Nike+ FuelBand if you can’t lord your healthiness over others? Nike must have wondered the same thing, as it just updated the FuelBand’s iOS app to add Nike+ Friends. Wearers can now learn where their step count places them relative to their peers and share the results for all to see. Should there be any doubters, owners can attach photos, locations and mentions of nearby friends to back up their boasting. Yes, it’s an upgrade that’s primarily focused on oneupmanship, but it’s good in our book if it makes us walk just a bit further each day.

Filed under: Peripherals, Wearables

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Source: App Store

Nike’s always been tight with Apple, as its Nike+ platform has gotten along with iPods and iPhones for years, and the cooperation continued with an iOS app for the FuelBand. Given the number of Android users out there, many figured the Swoosh would also release a ‘droid friendly version, but it turns out those expectations will remain unfulfilled… for now. Nike Support’s Twitter account confirmed as much today, saying its devs are focused on iOS and web and are not working on an Android app. Why no love for the little green ‘bots? Well, Nike had this to say:

To deliver the best experience for all Nike+ FuelBand users, we are focusing on the FuelBand experience across iOS and nikeplus.com, where you can sync your activity, set new goals, and connect with friends. At this time, we are not working on an Android version of the mobile app.

When we asked if it’s shelving its Android efforts permanently, the company informed us that it was not — meaning we may see such an app at some undisclosed time in the future. So, hope springs eternal for all you FuelBand users with Googlefied phones.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Google

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Via: Droid Life

Source: Nike Support (Twitter)

With the recent resurrection of Jawbone’s Up, as well as news of Nintendo’s planned Wii U FitMeter, it’s become clear that competition in wearables is just now heating up. And now Nike, one of the forerunners of the category, is reaching outside of the box with two new initiatives to propel adoption and expand usability of its activity-tracking devices. Announced as a teaser via its Youtube channel today, NikeFuel Missions — a virtual game — appears designed to motivate users by translating their collected movement data (read: NikeFuel points) into currency for escape from a gaming world “conquered by cold.” Not much else has been made known about the title, but according to the company’s Facebook page, further details will be revealed tomorrow, December 11th. Curious parties can head to that destination site now to sign-up for updates and register to be one of the first in line to play — but be warned, you’ll need a Nike+ device to participate.

Further building upon its work in the wearables space, Nike+’s also announced the creation of a three-month long startup program, dubbed Accelerator. Set to take place in Portland, Oregon this coming March, the initiative will bring together 10 startups for an “immersive, mentor-driven” experience that aims to foster innovation and integration with its Nike+ tech. The deadline for consideration is this February 3rd, so if you think your small company could benefit from a swoosh of support, there’s still plenty of time to apply at the source below. And while you’re at it, be sure to click past the break for a preview of the virtual gaming goods Nike has in store.

Continue reading Nike+ aims to innovate wearable tech with virtual game and startup Accelerator program

Filed under: Wearables

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Source: Facebook (Nike+), Nike