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Adidas will introduce a $250 running shoe in December that alters its properties based on real-time measurements. Michel Marriott of The New York Times writes about the new shoe in today’s issue.
Each second, a sensor in the heel can take up to 20,000 readings and the embedded electronic brain can make 10,000 calculations, directing a tiny electric motor to change the shoe. The goal is to make the shoe adjust to changing conditions and the runner’s particular style while in use.
The heel contains a sensor and magnet to gauge the cushioning needed and relay the data to the microprocessor; a drive train running from the motor makes adjustments.
Alex Salkever of Business Week would like to see an iPod IPO.
For Apple, the best move right now is to spin out iPod and pocket the cash, because Wall Street’s current euphoria marks the market’s peak. Although Apple would be loath to admit it, digital music players are on the verge of commoditization.
The Rinspeed Splash Amphibious Hydrofoil Sportscar is capable of 45 knots on the water and 125 mph on land. Gizmo reviews the car. 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds from its turbocharged two-cylinder four-valve 750cc natural-gas engine.
Matt Richtel of the New York Times writes about Cisco, Microsoft, and I.B.M.’s test market for public work spaces. Mobile workers want a structured environment to work, but also the opportunity to meet others. Target the small business workers and the artists and you will have a nice place to work, meet, and consume.
“[T]he essential factor in luring office workers was to give them the aura of freedom; there was no pretense that they are in an office, even though they might be working intensely for hours”