Samsung and Adidas team against Apple and Nike

Jonny Evans
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March 06, 2008
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Samsung has teamed-up with Adidas in a direct assault on the Apple and Nike Nike+ partnership.

Samsung this morning announced its new initiative in partnership with Nike competitor, Adidas.The two firms have teamed-up to introduce a new product, the miCoach phone, which they are calling the "first true sports music mobile" and which will be available across Europe from mid-March.

Just like the Nike+ system, miCoach collects and analyzes personal data and then customizes training plans based on a user's fitness level and specific goals, while offering real-time feedback during a workout using the phone.

The device offers a stride sensor and heart rate monitor, offering training tips and time updates, all to a musical accompaniment that's tailored to the workout. 

Apple and Nike this week announced their plans. The partners intend extending their combined system for iPod nano users to integrate with gym equipment. The partners are working with major gym equipment manufacturers such as Life Fitness and Technogym to achieve this. The Nike+-enabled equipment will be installed at participating gyms, including 24 Hour Fitness and Virgin Active Health Clubs.

The upcoming battle for athletes ears and wallets seems set to play out a little like a WWE doubles match, with Samsung and Adidas attempting to "lay the smack down" against Apple and Nike.

Comments (2)

pr (not verified) | March 06, 2008 - 10:01am

Is it just me or does it look this way to you too?

The Samsung logo looks like a crooked painting on a wall...

and the Adidas logo looks like a sinking ship...smokestacks just about to
go under.

Now that I've put these mental images in your mind...just try and look at them without thinking this.

IndieGeek (not verified) | March 07, 2008 - 8:13am

I totally understand the Apple wants to team up with the biggest shoe-maker in the whole wide universe, but I do wish they'd open it up a bit. That's because Nike is primarily fashion (i.e. hardly the best running shoe unless you're a millionaire athlete and can have them custom-made). Most serious running shoe stores barely stock Nike shoes because of this point, but tons of runners use iPods.

That said, is it possible that there is an after-market device such as the Nike + iPod that works with Saucony, Asics, or other "safe" running shoes? Let me know if you have any suggestions.