Nike has unveiled a major update to its Nike+ Running app, introducing support for wearable products from Garmin, TomTom, Wahoo Fitness and Netpulse for the first time.
The announcement removes any suspicion that Nike's iPhone app would exclusively partner with the Apple Watch.
The Nike+ Running app for iPhone and Android has remained one of Nike's staple apps since its introduction in 2006. The addition of partners will make it easier for people to track their runs without solely relying on the the smartphone.
To connect a partnered wearable you simply go into the app, tap on 'Partners' and select the service that you're signed up to. It's then simply a case of filling in the login details and the two services become seamlessly connected.
“Whether it’s an athlete’s first or fastest run, Nike+ has been there to provide inspiration and information to motivate all runners," said VP of Nike Global Running Brand Marketing. "Together with best-in-class partners like Garmin, TomTom, Wahoo Fitness and Netpulse, we can now deliver these experiences to even more runners, regardless of where they run or the device they prefer to run with."
It's not clear when the Nike+ Running app will be updated, but with the announcement just a few days before the arrival of the Apple Watch there's every chance that the update will include support for Apple's first smart watch as well.
“This is the next step in a partnership with Nike that began in 2011 with the launch of the Nike+ Sportwatch, which was powered by TomTom,” says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director and Founder, TomTom Consumer. “We’re excited to add an industry-leader like Nike+ to the list of platforms available to TomTom users.”
“Whether it’s an athlete’s first or fastest run, Nike+ has been there to provide inspiration and information to motivate all runners. Together with best-in-class partners, we can now deliver these experiences to even more runners, regardless of where they run or the device they prefer to run with,” says Adam Roth, VP of Nike Global Running Brand Marketing.
“These partnerships are all about the runner – giving him or her even more ways to access the benefits of being a Nike+ Running member.”