JupiterResearch VP & Research Director Michael Gartenberg attended the Nike and Apple event this morning in New York City featuring Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Nike CEO Mark Parker, seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe.
Gartenberg writes on his blog, “This is pretty big news. While there’s a lot of things to talk about from a co-branding perspective, it also underscores the whole nature of the iPod as not just a device but a cornerstone for the digital lifestyle. It also drives home the power of the iPod as a platform that can be built on. I’ve already talked about the notion of a BMW or Mercedes as iPod accessories. Now you can count Nike sneakers into that category as well. Another nice win for both Apple and Nike and another way that they continue to differentiate the product relative to the competition.”
Gartenberg’s blog is here: http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/gartenberg/
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “LinuxGuy” for the heads up.]
MacDailyNews Take: Accessories have become a major selling point for Apple iPod. Your sneakers don’t talk to also-ran digital media devices. Cases don’t fit, vehicles don’t integrate, software is incompatible, etc. It’s a big part of why we can so confidently state that Apple has already won. We just fill in the blank every couple of months: “More blood on Apple iPod’s Click Wheel: __________ is dead.” And, yes, we can’t wait until we can get “Creative” with that one.
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Apple’s iPod has blood on its Click Wheel: Virgin Electronics is dead – March 08, 2005
hasn’t iPod been a platform now for a long time?!
I wonder what iDont thinks about iPod and Apple now!
Creative should sell all of its stock and give donuts back to all the stckholders.
People may complain about partnerships, but the parnerships produce cool technologies and possibilities. This is America people, Nation of consumers.
I want a Sonic Care toothbrush that connects to the dock connector of my iPod!!! iPod + Sonic Care
Don’t forget the iTunes co-branding too with the Nike playlists for workouts! That is a big part of the equation too as one only needs one $30 Nike accessory, but needs lots of Jams for all that running!
This iChimp wants one!
Man this is superb, plus for once the cost isn’t that much. I may have to go a buy a pair and try this out. It’s a shame I don’t have a nano. I’ve been hold out for the next ipod video, but I may have to get a nano instead.
iPod as a platform…
iPod blood sugar monitor for diabetics. Get your sugar rush on while listening to SLAYER… YEA-A-AAAHRR!
“Analyst: Nike+Apple = iPod as a platform”
Does that mean they are platform shoes?
I thought Nike+Apple = Nipple.
mdn is turning into a bunch bizarre, obsessed psychos.
Flipped: “mdn is turning into a bunch bizarre, obsessed psychos.”
Turning?
baaaaa, baaaaa… must get a nano. baaaaa.
Ampar: Nike+Apple = Nipple
Way too clever, man. You a-a-re a funny guy!
“bunch (of) bizarre, obsessed psychos”
Must be new here.
I like that MacPinchi, maybe the pod would play morose music if the sugars are high, and really blaring when low. You get the idea. Different stuff if you have a …, well we’re getting a little tasteless.
On a more dour note, MDN should be careful what it wishes for. Don’t tamper too much with the ecology, as it might come back to bite you.
Our resident runner (a former high school 800m PA State finalist) has taken a good look at the Nike+iPod websites and put together this preemptive review.
http://www.imacazine.com/index.html#unique-entry-id-20
Sony will create its own OS that will promote the wildly popular series of ‘Bean’ MP3 players as a new platform for gardeners everywhere. Watch out Apple!
Thanks, Breast Man.
I think you can work Pickle out of the Nike+Apple combo too. Not that there’s anything wrong with that either. Just keep it to yourself.
@Ampar:
“Must be new here.”
LMAO – You are in rare form today, Ampar.
Beast Man –
You’re not a redneck like Beast Man on “The Skeletor Show” are you? – Chicken Butt!
Wireless connectivity, iPod as a platform… wow, the possibilities are unlimited!
How about iBalls? Wireless vibrating ben-wa balls with a biofeedback circuit to your iPod that let’s you know just how close you are to…
Plays cheesy pr0n music that gradually builds in intensity…
With a web interface to iballsplus.com so you can keep track of your, uhh, activities!
Girls are gonna love iBalls!
MW “board” – the iBalls train is leaving the station, git on board!
Few people know it, but Microsoft actually developed the first Nike sneaker. True story.
I thought Al Gore invented the Nike sneaker.
You don’t know the history of the Nike sneaker.
I do.
You don’t know the history of the Nike sneaker.
I do.