Nike+ Basketball and Nike+ Training make better-connected athletes

MANILA, Philippines - Nike recently unveiled the Nike+ Basketball and Nike+Training, two new experiences connecting digitally enabled footwear with interactive mobile applications that together deliver a revolutionary sport experience. First unveiled for running products in 2006, Nike+ has grown into a community of six million digitally connected athletes and is set to expand with the recent launch of the Nike+ FuelBand, a wrist-based device designed to track everyday activity.

The new Nike+ Basketball experience breaks down the user’s game to deliver information and measurement, which in turn provides motivation. Nike+ Basketball measures how high, how hard and how quick players play each game.

Nike+Training transforms a daily workout from a necessity to something fun. The experience fuses the appeal of gaming with high-intensity fitness to create the perfect training companion to a 24/7/365 lifestyle.

The technology in both experiences utilizes a new Nike+ Pressure Sensor built into each shoe that collects information about the user’s movement and then wirelessly transmits data to their phone. It is then translated into different metrics delivering previously unknown information about either their workout or their game.

Nike, Inc. president and CEO Mark Parker unveiled the new Nike+ technology at an event in New York attended by US sprinter Allyson Felix, Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz, and boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao.

“Nike+ allows us to connect the physical world of sport with the social elements of digital to create a better sport experience for every athlete,” said Parker. “It’s about much more than a shoe. It represents a shift for Nike from product, to product + experiences.”

Nike+ Basketball measures how high, how hard and how quick players play the game via the “Track My Game” mode. The Nike+ enabled basketball shoes track information on every movement during the game and deliver back information to the user, giving them a basis from which to improve. Messages from Nike Basketball players and coaches provide motivation when goals are reached. The experience also offers “Showcase” mode, a feature that allows players to record a dunk and superimpose their live data on the video, which can then be shared with their friends via social media.

“I think Nike+ Basketball will change the game,” said LeBron James. “Giving every player access to this level of information will have a huge impact on the way players train and play the game.”

“When you’re growing up and playing the game of basketball, your friends are your competition,” added James. “Young players will be excited to track their stats to earn bragging rights or showcase their best plays on video. They’ll be anxious to get back out on the court to improve their stats.“

Nike+ Training is designed to turn working out into a game. Featuring insights from some of the world’s top athletes including Rafa Nadal, Manny Pacquiao, Allyson Felix and Hope Solo, the Nike+ Training experience makes elite level training available to everyone.