Motorola Mobility today introduced their version of Apple’s iPod nano, called “MOTOACTV.” According to Moto, the nano knockoff is “a lightweight, wearable fitness performance tracker and smart music player in one.”
Apple’s iPod anno was introduced over a year ago, on September 1, 2010, and recently updated via firmware adding the option for larger icons, 16 new digital clock faces, accessory-free run/walk tracking (Nike+) with real-time voice feedback during your workouts.
Sync your knockoff to a knockoff
Motorola says that users can sync MOTOACTV with their PCs, so they can check out the music they perform to best or track their workouts over extended time periods, set goals and even create workout competitions with friends via the MOTOACTV Web Portal, itself a knockoff of Nike’s Nike+.
MOTOACTV features a touch-screen display so “you can instantly launch a new workout or find that one song you’ve been dying to hear,” says Motorola.
MacDailyNews Take: Amazing.
MOTOACTV features:
• 8GB or 16GB of storage
• 1.6-inch color touch-screen display
• FM radio
• MOTOACTV Web Portal
• up to 20 hours music playback; Workout time: up to 10 hours indoors, five hours outdoors
• 46mm x 46mm x 9.6 mm
• Weight: 35 grams
• Color: Black
MacDailyNews Note:
iPod nano features:
• 8GB or 16GB of storage
• 1.54-inch color TFT Multi-Touch display
• FM radio with Live Pause and rewinding within 15 minute buffer
• Nike+
• Up to 24 hours music playback
• 37.5 mm x 40.9 mm x 8.78 mm (including clip)
• Weight: 21.1 grams
• Colors: Silver, graphite, blue, green, orange, pink and (PRODUCT) RED
And now for the prices (in US dollars):
Motorola Mobility MOTOACTV:
• 8GB – $249
• 16GB – $299
vs.
Apple’s iPod nano:
• 8GB – $129
• 16GB – $149
MacDailyNews Take: The fact that this product exists, especially at those prices, is iron-clad proof that those running Motorola Mobility are batshit insane.
In related news, Moto is slapping the name “RAZR” on their latest fragmandroid phone. Because. They’re. Desperate.
It’s slick and cool, but I think the current iPod nano is a step back in usability (compare to the last one with a click wheel), especially for a runner.
It makes sense to “clip on” an iPod shuffle because it has no screen and you don’t have to look at it when using it. You can use it “by feel.” But you have to look at the current iPod nano’s screen to control it, because there are no physical buttons, which makes typical clip-on locations even more inconvenient.
I have an old white “USB stick” iPod shuffle and recently bought a previous design (5th gen) iPod nano. I like using them for running, because I can hold it (either one) in my hand while running and control it (volume change, stop play, start play, next song, repeat song, etc.) without looking at it or even reaching anywhere. It’s like holding an Apple remote control while running.
I hear Tim Cook is an avid running, so he should understand… 🙂 Apple should bring back the old-school click wheel iPod nano, and call it “iPod mini.” Take away the video camera and sell it for $99 at 8GB.
It’s plastic. Scratch-able. It will last a year and look ugly after the first bike wreck. Not everybody runs. The battery life will be worse in the winter cold. It does take calls though. That’s attractive.