Jul 13 2006
GPS Update
Lots of interesting things have been happening in the area around BiM Active and GPS. Things I find most interesting…
Nike + iPod Sport Kit – a step sensor in your running shoe that talks to your iPod – but they key is the implication of a low power wireless body network between the iPod and multiple sensors on and near your body. Step sensor now, but I’m waiting to see the iPod start communicating with things like a heart rate monitor, body temp and respiration, a GPS puck, and devices in exercise equipment. The implications of Apple making a strong play for owning the “body server” complete with a wireless network and path to the internet (USB docking today) are huge. And their entry point is only $29 plus an iPod.
Trimble has acquired AllSportGPS (a lite and Java only version of BiM Active without the strong web support). Congrats to Dave Sutter – couldn’t happen to a nicer guy! Between Trimble Outdoors and the AllSportGPS acquisition, Trimble has declared itself clearly in the mobile phone GPS space. Garmin is in with a navigation handset entry and a ‘GPS device on your phone’ entry. So how about the rest of the GPS space? Time to get in or be passed by. Should be interesting.
ADEO Fitness GPS by MotionLingo is a $149 stand alone GPS receiver with headphones, music, activity recording, pace/progress/goal feedback, and a web site back end. I’m not much for the “have to connect a cable to your PC ” issue, but I’m biased because I love the wireless saving/update of BiM Active. But it’s an interesting looking product, doesn’t have cell phone network issues, and is at a pretty good price point. You can mark laps, and it’s getting great press.