Apple and the sports giant team up to create a new running system


For a field already glutted with gadgets, the Nike + iPod kit is the most elegant of high-tech runner's aids.


An instrument the size of a pebble measures your pace from a pocket inside one of Nike's specially designed shoes. The pebble streams data to a computer that keeps time and calculates caloric burn. Instead of making you buy a whole new computerized accessory, Nike and Apple decided to use a computer you may already own, an iPod nano.


When you drop the pebble into your shoe and connect the wireless receiver to the nano, a Nike + iPod menu item appears.

Click it, then select a distance or time for your workout. Select your music, a particular playlist or the iPod's "Shuffle Songs" feature.
You are immediately prompted by a female voice to begin your run, and then the music adjusts to the right volume. The voice returns calling out your performance, at every 10-minute interval for instance, or every time you hit the nano's center button.

As she speaks, the music falls to the background.
Towards the end of your run, her calls increase in frequency, a countdown to your personal finish line. (If you want, you can change the woman's voice to a man's.)

To get you going when you start to drag, you designate a Power Song, activating it mid-run by holding down the center button.


Source: Time.com

Anybody who's played Myst will recognise this case as an important artifact. Anybody who hasn't will either thing 'Wow, retro, great for my old Bakelite iPod' or 'Hmm, not for me'.

The Recoleta iPod case does have a certain air of chic about it. I personally like it and my artistic 16-year-old daughter is "Like, no way, that's, like, just the coolest. I just gotta, like now". Her logic being that she can't look cool (in a sort of really uncool late 60s way), with a piece of 21st Century metal/plastic hanging off her - she's already tried to modify her headphones by sticking a range of leather/tape, etc. all over the wires, so this really is for her.


They're available from Shoptwigs at a (half price) $39. So I'm "Like, no, no way, you've like already got a case, baby".


They come in aqua, bronze and rose metallic - the bronze is the one you want for the real feel, in my opinion. In keeping with the 'retro' feel, they're already dated as they're not available for the Nano or Video, which is a bit odd.



Anyway, its one of the most original (without being plain stupid) cases out there and if you're willing to pay $40 for one, I suggest you do so now. I don't think they'll move too many of them at the original $78.

Top 10 Strangest iPod Accessories- Some of which are just plain wierd.





10. Wurlitzer’s iPod Jukebox


Enjoy listening to music from your iPod in a whole new way with Wurlitzer’s “One More Time” Jukebox. In addition to the retro styling, it features a built-in iPod dock, Bose Acoustimass Sound System, and 100 CD Changer. All this doesn’t come cheap though, expect to shell out $9,500 USD to own one of these babies.



9. - Tunebuckle


Apple’s iPod Nano is so small that it easily fits into a special compartment found on the Tunebuckle. This buckle will protect your Nano from scratches and has an opening for your headphones. Its made from “high grade metals and leather” and comes in white or black colors.




8. iPod “Chair Man” Speakers


Even iPods need to relax, that’s why a Japanese company created “Chair Man” portable speakers. Available in three different colors, this bizarre accessory has two built-in 50mm diameter speakers along with flexible arms/legs to secure your iPod.


7. iPod DJ Docking Station


You can plug your iPod into KNG’s new docking station and watch the DJ start scratching to your favorite tracks. It also has built-in standalone speakers that “thump to the beat” and big Fubu jacket sleeves to give it style.


6. iPod Nano Thong Case


If you thought the iPod Nano couldn’t get any sexier, think again. The guys over at iPodStreet are selling a thong shaped case for the iPod Nano. Funny but not very practical, the leather thong covers your Nano’s clickwheel which makes it tough to use.


5. iPod Nano Wallet


Marware.com introduces the Billfold Wallet for the iPod Nano. At first glance, it looks like a normal wallet until you flip it open to reveal a special slot for the Nano.


4. iPod Compatible Bed


DesignMobel introduces “Pause”, the world’s first iPod compatible bed which features an integrated iPod Dock and a Bose Speaker System (optional).


3. iBox


This list wouldn’t be complete without iPod boxers, the “Play iBox Solid Boxer” is made from a cotton/spandex blend and features an integrated front pocket for your iPod.


2. iLounge Toilet Paper Dispenser


You’ll never miss a song even in the bathroom with Atech’s “iLounge hybrid toilet paper dispenser/iPod dock”. The iLounge supports all iPod models that have a dock connector and has an integrated USB slot for the Shuffle. Speakers are hidden in the dispensers arms with navigation buttons located conveniently on top for easy access.


1. iBuzz


If listening to your favorite songs isn’t enough, a UK company has created a music activated vibrator for the iPod.


Honorable Mention - iShirt


Want a new way to carry your iPod Shuffle? Check out the iShirt, it’s equipped with a magnetic clamp system to ensure your iPod Shuffle stays firmly attached even during vigorous activity.


Thanks to: TechEBlog