Nike recently revealed its 2-year secret project called Nike Fuelband, in an effort to compete against Jawbone, a similar tracking device. The Fuelband is a wristband linked to an iPhone app that tracks your movements. It uses LED to display your progress on a fitness index: The Nike Fuel. The Fuelband is run by a 3-axis accelerometer using algorithms to classify your movements, from walking up the stairs to skateboarding. Fuel points are calculated by giving you more points for more strenuous exercises. The idea of the Fuelband is to allow you to have an index for every activity you perform, giving you an universal currency to motivate and improve on your physical fitness.
Real-time feedback is key. While Jawbone lacked this feature because of battery limitations, the Nike Fuelband comes with two curved lithium-ion batteries, the first of its kind. Another cool feature is that designers have made Fuel readout only legible to you, thus protecting your privacy. The wristband can be also used as a social instrument to pay games and compete with your friends.
We also recommend watching: "Jawbone UP: Wellness Tracking Wristband" and "SportWatch: Nike's Runner Watch with Touch Screen and GPS".
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area. It is the world's leading supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$18.6 billion in its fiscal year 2008
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area. It is the world's leading supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$18.6 billion in its fiscal year 2008
Nike Fuelband: Personal Wristband Trainer