Evidence from Apple's own website

The latest iPod nano may soon have an optional Nike heart rate monitor, a guide from Apple's website is said to indicate. The manual (PDF) includes a section called "Linking a Nike+iPod Compatible Remote or Heart Rate Monitor," specifically stating that the technology is only compatible with a fifth-gen Nano. Although the new player is already in stores, there is no sign of the quoted monitor.

The accessory is described as shipping separately, and connectable to a Nano through a unique Heart Rate Monitor menu under hardware settings. The fifth-gen player is notable for being the first iPod to include its own pedometer, eliminating the need for a separate transmitter. The unit can now also play FM radio or PowerSong playlists during exercise, and display brief summaries at the end of workouts.

One media report claims that the monitor was intended to launch alongside the new Nano, but that its release date has been postponed. No second launch date has been leaked.

by MacNN Staff