Nike has updated their Fuelband app for iOS devices which allows users to deploy it without having to have a Fuelband on their wrist. It works by making use of the sensors already onboard the iPhone 5S (and up) devices.
Users can now also share the information from the Fuelband app with others apps, such as iOS’s own Health app and other Nike fitness apps, so that the information can be consolidated and tracked on a larger scale.
This is a solid move for Nike, allowing them target the niche of users who appreciate the app, but don’t yet have a band to place around their wrist. Of course, certain data won’t be available since the iPhone won’t be able to track data such as your heart rate without a sensor being worn somewhere, but it at least provides a start for many users.
Also, with the release of the Apple Watch just around the corner, you can rest assured that all of these apps are going to want to support it. Increasing their support to the new watch will bring more users into their app/network membership allowing them to target them for ads, apparel/products and in-app purchases.
