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Back to the Future II's rosy predictions of the future didn't include the mandatory surveillance required to buy a mechanical gadget:
Nike has unveiled its much-anticipated range of self-lacing shoes. It said the HyperAdapt trainers would be released to the public before the end of the year. A pair of Nike-branded shoes with self-tightening laces featured in the 1989 film Back to the Future II, but it was not until 2013 that the firm started trying to make real-world versions. In an unexpected move, the US firm has said that sales would be restricted to users of its apps.
While some might see the self-lacing function as being more gimmicky than useful, the tie-in to the Nike+ software will help the company promote other goods to those curious about HyperAdapt. Nike+ apps are currently focused on tracking data about users' activities and offering them training programmes. But from June, the platform will introduce personalised shopping recommendations and an online store. "Nike has lost a fair bit of traction recently to sportswear upstarts including Under Armour, which bought the MyFitnessPal app, and Asics, which has acquired Runkeeper," said Marc McLaren, online editor of Stuff, a tech-focused magazine. "This will help keep people engaged, and we can already see from the reaction our readers are having to the announcement that they are very excited by it."
All proceeds from the shoes that replicate the style of the ones in the film are being given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Friday March 18 2016, @08:41AM
Engineering perspective: advantages over the classic solutions? None.
If the thingy decides to let out the holy smoke:
Or... set your feet on (a battery) fire?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @10:04AM
Moreover, these will likely get ruined the first time they're laundered. Nike should have followed the KISS principle and just used clockwork.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @01:23PM
the majority of modern shoes are ALREADY disposable if reaching the point of needing a wash. Rawhide shoes, any shoes with thin plastic sheets/coatings that will disintegrate in the wash, etc.
I can't remember the last time I got a show that actually COULD go through the wash. Maybe converse all-stars, or the generic equivalent canvas shoes?
(Score: 2) by JeanCroix on Friday March 18 2016, @02:06PM
Confirmed. I've successfully run both chucks and $20 Malmart knockoffs through the washing machine (not the dryer) with negligible degradation.
(Score: 2) by SanityCheck on Friday March 18 2016, @08:37PM
It does fade the dye somewhat. I usually only keep them around till either the smell is too strong or the heel is too crooked.
(Score: 2) by JeanCroix on Friday March 18 2016, @09:36PM
True, but what kind of poseur walks around in brand new chucks? ;)
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @11:30AM
This is a novelty item. Sheesh. Lighten up, Francis.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @12:24PM
FTFY.
Netbooks were a novelty item, iPhone as well, there were people that could make use of it.
I'll grant you, this is a novelty, but otherwise is junk.
(Score: 2) by LoRdTAW on Friday March 18 2016, @11:09PM
I would still like a netbook with 1200x800+ with a quad core AMD G SoC. Tablets are pretty much useless save for video watching, narcissistic facebook/instagram posting, and shitty games.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 19 2016, @02:08AM
768 pixels ought to be enough for anybody.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @12:09PM
I stopped buying nike running shoes when they pulled out full-length zoom airbag to make room for electronic gizmo. Nike is all about bling now.
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @12:18PM
Try espadrilles [wikipedia.org] - should be able to DIY.
(Score: 2, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 18 2016, @03:22PM
Knot going to happen.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday March 18 2016, @05:25PM
Can we get a hack-a-shoe app? Just make them tighten and loosen every few seconds as I walk by the one guy actually wearing them outside.
Gives a new meaning to Rebooting.