UPDATED: So they DID come out with a new app that does at least most of the things I complained about the previous app not doing. I’ve bought it and used it once. Will keep you posted.
Open letter to Nike+.
Dear Nike+ developers, if you still work there,
I’ve mentioned that I’ve started running with the Nike sensor and my iPhone. (Not last week, last week I took a break. Called vacation.) And I had a few complaints. I still have them. I was unsure if maybe I was doing something wrong, especially since the solutions seemed so intuitive. Nope, I’m still mad.
It’s a good thing this app is free/built in because if I’d paid for it, I’d throw a damn fit. Hell, it is free and I’m throwing a damn fit (“free” being relative, what with the $19 sensor, $25 armband and $60 Nike+ shoes). Because I expect MORE from you. You’re NIKE, for chrissakes. And Apple? Don’t even get me started.
1. Everyone I’ve told about the Nike+ programs is like, “That’s awesome! So then there’s a voice that tells you, ‘Start running’ and ‘Start walking’ at the right times?” NO, BECAUSE THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE. This is my #1 complaint. If you’re going to have a “Coach” program, the least it could do is effing COACH. Yes, hooray that I can plug in my phone and sync my runs and see a pretty chart. But how awesome is that, really, when I have to check my armband every 4 seconds to see if I can stop running yet?
2. Speaking of syncing, why do I have to sync it through iTunes? The phone is 3GS. I have to use a plug? To update a website? What year is this??
3. So since the app is so bare bones I have to log in to the Nikeplus website (which only works when it wants to) to see what my next workout is. I have period tracker apps that are more advanced than this.
4. And then? The fucking website is FLASH. So I can’t even check it from my iPhone. So much for vacation running.
5. I already complained about not being able to shuffle the songs. It still blows. I have a 49 song workout-specific playlist. I’d like to hear more than the first 6 songs every time I work out.
6. Know what else I’d like? I’d like to pause the workout (say, when my dog poos or I see Monk Parakeets) and when I hit resume, I DON’T WANT THE PLAYLIST TO START OVER! Seriously? If I wanted that to happen, I’d get a Sony Discman to run with. Oh wait, even THAT has a decent pause button.
7. Interval running. This goes back to #1. If there is a voice that can say “Halfway point” and “4 minutes remaining” then I don’t see why she can’t say, “Start 2 minute run,” “Start 3 minute walk” or whatever. And we should be able to program our own intervals.
These problems are so basic that I can’t believe this app made it out of development. Has anyone complained about it? I’m guessing yes since the Nike+ forums don’t work. Know what else, I’d PAY for the Walk to Run coach program! You want to charge me a buck or 3 to use an ACTUAL coach program for 12 weeks? I’ll do it! Sign me up! Who can I give the money to?
Anyway. I think I’m done. All I can say is that I hope that the sorry state of this app just means y’all are about to unveil something spectacular. That’s how Apple usually does it. You want them to fix something that bugs you and then BAM! They’ve gone totally above and beyond. I hope you are going to do this too. For everyone’s sake.
Thanks,
A beginner runner
