iPod nano's pedometer

Apple announced a new iPod nano that has a video camera, FM radio and a for the sport enthusiasts -- a pedometer.


A pedometer or step counter is a device, usually portable and electronic or electromechanical, that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hips. Because the distance of each person's step varies, an informal calibration performed by the user is required if a standardized distance (such as in kilometres or miles) is desired.  Used originally by sports and physical fitness enthusiasts, pedometers are now becoming popular as an everyday exercise measurer and motivator. Often worn on the belt and kept on all day, it can record how many steps the wearer has walked that day, and thus the kilometres or miles (distance = number of steps × step length). Some pedometers will also erroneously record movements other than walking, such as bending to tie one's shoes, or road bumps incurred while riding a vehicle, though the most advanced devices record fewer of these 'false steps'. Step counters can give encouragement to compete with oneself in getting fit and losing weight. A total of 10,000 steps per day, equivalent to 5 miles (8.0 km), is recommended by some to be the benchmark for an active lifestyle, although this point is debated among experts. Step counters are being integrated into an increasing number of portable consumer electronic devices such as music players and mobile phones.


Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that the step counts and estimated calories burned data collected by the iPod nano can be sent to the user’s Nike+ iPod account for tracking.

“iPod nano is the world’s most popular music player with over 100 million sold,” Jobs stated in a company release. Despite the additional features added to the new iPod nano, it will still cost between $149 and $179.

“iPod nano is also now an even better workout companion with the new built-in pedometer,” the company’s release explains. “iPod nano can keep track of your steps taken and calories burned, helping you meet your short and long-term fitness goals.”