Nike recently unveiled the Nike+ SportBand, confirming earlier reports that the company would release a “sans iPod” version of its fitness tracking system. According to MacLife, the SportBand functions similarly to the iPod combination set, where it can measure time, speed, distance, and calories consumed. The system supposedly writes this information to a USB memory stick for upload to a computer. Nike will sell the SportBand for €60 (~$95), and will ship in April.
Nike is reportedly not abandoning the Nike+iPod sports system, merely offering a less expensive alternative for users who can’t afford an iPod nano.
Late last year, Nike and Apple were both under scrutiny for allegedly violating a patent, involving custom footwear that tracks the wearer’s performance. Recently, Samsung announced a joint venture with Adidas with the goal of taking on the Nike+iPod system
