Nike

Nike Adapt: Smart Shoes with App Integration and Discontinuation

Nike Adapt is a line of self-lacing smart shoes introduced by Nike, featuring app-controlled functionality. These shoes represent a significant innovation in footwear technology, combining traditional shoe design with modern smartphone integration.

Key Features

• Self-lacing technology: The shoes can automatically tighten or loosen their laces via a smartphone app or buttons on the shoe.
• Smartphone app control: Users can adjust fit, change light colors, and update firmware through a dedicated app.
• Customizable LED lights: The shoes feature LED lights that can be customized using the app.

Nike Adapt BB

The Nike Adapt BB, released as a self-lacing basketball shoe, was one of the prominent models in this line. Priced at $350, it showcased Nike's commitment to integrating technology into athletic footwear.

App Discontinuation

On August 6, 2024, Nike announced the retirement of the Adapt app, which was crucial for controlling various features of the Adapt shoes:

• The app was removed from both Apple and Android app stores globally.
• This decision affected users' ability to access all features of their Adapt shoes, particularly those requiring smartphone control.

Controversies

1. App-dependent functionality: The retirement of the app raised concerns about the long-term usability of the $350 shoes, as some features became inaccessible without the app
2. Software update issues: Prior to the app's retirement, a software update reportedly "bricked" some shoes, rendering them temporarily unusable and highlighting the risks of software-dependent footwear

Impact on Consumer Electronics in Footwear

The Nike Adapt line and its subsequent app discontinuation have sparked discussions about the longevity and support of smart consumer products, particularly in the footwear industry. This case highlights the challenges of integrating rapidly evolving technology with traditional consumer goods.

Open Source Alternative

Nike's decision not to open-source the Adapt app has been a point of contention. By making the app's code publicly available, Nike could have allowed the community to maintain and update the app, ensuring that Adapt shoe owners could continue to use all features of their expensive footwear. This approach would not only have preserved the functionality of the shoes but also demonstrated goodwill towards customers who invested in Nike's innovative technology.

Consumer Implications

The discontinuation of the Adapt app has several implications for Adapt shoe owners:

1. Limited functionality: While the shoes will continue to work without the app, users will lose access to certain features, particularly the ability to change LED light colors and control the shoes via smartphone.
2. Reduced value: The discontinuation of the app is likely to negatively impact the resale value of Adapt shoes, affecting both current owners and resellers.
3. Customer frustration: Many users feel betrayed, considering they spent $350 on shoes with the expectation of long-term app support. [1]

This situation serves as a cautionary tale for consumers about the potential pitfalls of "smart" products that depend on manufacturer-controlled software. It also raises questions about the longevity and support of digital components in consumer goods, particularly in the footwear industry.

Sources:

https://www.techdirt.com/2024/07/11/nike-to-discontinue-app-for-expensive-shoes-already-bought-breaking-some-features/

https://sneakerbardetroit.com/nike-ends-adapt-app-auto-lacing-shoes/ https://www.wired.com/story/nike-kills-adapt-bb-app-self-tying-sneaker/?rand=7247