Nike and Apple Launch Nike+iPod Sport Kit

Nike and Apple announced on Thursday that it would officially launch the first product as a result of their partnership on Friday. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, retailing for $ 29 USD, allows Nike's ready footwear to communicate with the iPod Nano.

The accessory will be available through Apple's online and offline locations, as well on Nike.com, in the company's 'Niketown' stores, and in select retail locations. With the device attached to the shoe, audible updates on speed, distance ran, and calories burned would be made available.

In conjunction with the release of the accessory, Nike launched two Nike+ ready shoes, the Air Zoom Moire+ and Air Zoom Plus+.

The company said it plans to have six styles equipped with the functionality by the end of July.

The footwear is expected to range between $ 80 and $ 100 USD. An upgrade to iTunes 6.0.5 is necessary to use the enhanced functionality that the Sport Kit provides, Apple said.

Launch events are planned in Nike's New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles locations. Entertainment will include appearances from Nike athletes, as well as live performances in some locations.

Niketown Chicago will host an entire day of music in connection with the adjacent Apple store on North Michigan Avenue between Erie and Superior. The day will feature a lunchtime concert by Mae from 12:00pm - 1:00pm and performances by Chicago cover band Underwater People from 10:00am - 7:00pm.

Niketown Los Angeles will host a retail celebration hosted by local personality Carol Lewis and featuring Jeff Garcia from Power 106.

NIKE based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications.