Nike+ GPS Goes Running

Steve Ankney2 Comments

For those of you who have been following us for a while, you know Meagan and I both are long time Nike+ users and have been following the system since its beginning. Meagan has compared the Nike+ GPS app to the Nike+ iPhone sensor app, and covered the release of the Nike+ FuelBand, while I have covered Nike’s updates and major software  announcements.  You can imagine our excitement, then, when we saw the recent update to Nike+ GPS waiting for us in the app store last week.

Nike has finally delivered on their promise to update their deteriorating Nike+ system, and we’re here to tell you about the many changes to both the app and website.  This year, we will remember June 21st not only as the summer solstice, but also the day that Nike delivered a stellar product to the masses (including the masses of Android users who are finally able to use Nike+ on their phones!).  The release of version 4.0 of the Nike+ GPS app is an exciting, and very much needed, update to everything Nike+, and it all starts with its new name: “Nike+ Running”.

Application pictures after the break!

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The photos above are of the original Nike+ GPS app, and show what the defect-riddled app looked like up until June 21st.  The Nike+ Running update is a complete overhaul of the application from front to end.  Here are the update notes from the App Store:

  • Get into a run even faster. You can now tap the run button from anywhere in the app. And off you go.
  • See how your last run stacks up against your previous seven, and get fresh insights based on your latest activity every time you come back to the app.
  • Swipe downwards on the new Home Screen to view your next moves. From picking your PowerSongs to challenging one of your personal bests, there’s always something to make your running experience better than before.
  • Visualize your runs side-by-side and see your progress with a new landscape history view.
  • Our new Run Summary makes it easier to view your route, tag how you felt, and note your terrain. And don’t worry about the weather; we’ll automatically tag it for you.
  • Rotate your phone while viewing the Run Summary to see the breakdown of your run into mile splits.
  • Introducing shoe tagging: Type in the name of your running shoes to track the distance they’re logging and see when it’s time to lace up a new pair. Your’ve never done running, but your shoes might be. 

Before I allow you to bask in the glory of the new system, I want to zero in on a few of the new features.  First, I would like to mention the new landscape features.  These are most useful when in the run summary screen, which allows you to see mile splits (OMG FINALLY), and in history view, which allows you to see the progress you have made in your running journey via a bar graph.  Second, is the redesign of the in-run screen, which not only looks better, but now has a swipe out map that allows you to view your route as you’re running.  Last, but not least, is my favorite new feature.  It may stem from our ever growing stack of minimalist running shoes, or it could be my never ending need to collect more data (it’s a computer nerd thing), but, if you ask me, the shoe tagging feature is the best thing since sliced bread.  Nike+ now allows you to tag your shoes after a run.  This is not only helpful when trying to figure out how much life your shoes have left, but also extremely helpful when trying to gauge which pair of kicks is has the best influence on your run.

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Of course, it’s not just the Nike+ Running app that got overhauled. Nike has gone one step further and completely redesigned the Nike+ website, as well.  Nike’s new site also brings several awesome new features to users:

  • No more Flash.
  • NikeFuel for everyone.
  • Facebook Timeline integration.
  • More user friendly.
  • New informative tabs including a profile page, dashboard, activity, and a places tab (which provides information on the best routes in your area).

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I have to applaud Nike with this update.  They really delivered on their promise/apology to everyone and proved that they have their customer’s best interests in mind. What’s your favorite new feature of the Nike+ app and/or website? Share in the comments!