Apple and Nike, two global leaders, have joined hands and will create products for runners who listen to music.

This new running gear will bring together two products that were meant for a relationship.  Over 18 months ago Nike and Apple iPod met where they found each other to be a perfect match.

The new Nike Zoom Moire shoes will have a small insert in the bottom where a device will send information to the iPod Nano.  Information that will be recorded is distance, calories burned, time, and other related data to help the runner improve.  Apple compares the product to your own personal trainer. 

Nike has also come out with software at nikeplus.com which allows runners to track and compare statistical results to that of others around the world.  One of the first athletes to give the Apple/Nike product their stamp of approval was Lance Armstrong.  Lance ran over 5 miles and then tested the distance accuracy of the product.  He found it to be extremely accurate down to tenths of a mile.

While Apple and Nike may seem like a match made in heaven there were small quarrels along the way.  Apple believed that the sensor product should be larger when placed in the shoe while Nike wanted it to be as small as possible.

So far, the release of the product has proven to be a big tease by Apple and Nike as the kit will not be available until 60 days.  The kit will include the necessary components to get the Nano and shoes to work together.  Apple is allowing potential purchasers of the products to sign up for pre-order.

The user must also purchase a Nano and the specific shoes if they do not already own them.  The kit will cost $24.99, the Nano averages around $150, and the shoes will cost $100.  Most runners already seem to have Nano’s so the biggest purchase will be the related shoe products.

Apple says this is just one small step in their relationship with Nike.  They plan to venture out in this market and release even more products with this athletic frame of mind.

News Source:  Apple.com New Product