If you're running a 70+ hours a week we would consider you more then an active runner :).
As I mentioned in a different reply, this is our MVP. I invite you to follow our progress and as we move into the future version of the device you'll see much more value from our pod.
Everyone must start with an MVP. We wanted to be very cautious with what we promise and can deliver for the first version, so we're only including the basic functionality. Please follow our progress to see the radically different things that are coming up in the future.
However, even this "basic" product already has advantages over having a phone. You lace it to your shoe and forget about it. No need to have the phone on you while you're running, remembering to start/stop the app that counts your mileage. What if you have two pairs of shoes, than the mile counting app will not be all that useful.
Kickstarter implemented new rules in late September (you may have seen their "Kickstarter Is Not a Store" blog post and since then it is very hard for tech projects to get accepted on their site.
So far, Indiegogo has been awesome. We've spoken with their staff a few times and response time and quality has been excellent. A very good group of folks.
I heard about the new rules, but since it seems you have an actual prototype, not just some renders, I guessed that wouldn't be a problem for this project. Not saying you made a wrong choice, just interested. Thnx for the answer!
I would check the sole of your shoes. Based on the way many people strike the pavement with their foot, the shoe's sole wears out unproportionally. It's possible that you have a balanced, proper foot strike so it's not a problem, but I pretty certain that majority of the runners aren't as lucky.
As a fellow runner, I invite you to follow our progress, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what our roadmap holds.
I believe that we learn more from our failures than from our success. Though I dont think you will fail. But learning about your experience and the learning process would positively impact all.
great question,
For Nike, the issues are:
1. The Nike+ does not have the digital tag feature so there is no emergency information available.
2. The Nike+ is much more expensive. If you already own one then you may benefit from their mileage counting but if you do not you can get this functions (plus the digital health tag) for significantly less money.
3. The MilestonePod offers an on the shoe display for constant update and reminders. Also, with Nike you have to run with a smartphone, our device is self contained.
4. The Nike+ is a Nike product built primarily for Nike shoes. It can work with other shoes but you need to attach it to the shoe in a way that it was not meant to be used and I have heard it impact accuracy.
This is great feedback...we actually have these features in the pipe, but wanted to present as low cost device possible for start, something people will be willing to spend on top of their new running shoe purchase. We have currently 3-4 characters display and browsing information over 4 letters might be too annoying...again thanks for a great feedback.
Thanks for the feedback.
Regarding your observations, while you are right, I don't run 80 miles a week all year long, me as others use few pairs of running shoes, gym, track, field, race, walk, etc...that makes it very hard keeping records for all.
Regarding your question, the fifth death case in the US is wrong treatment, over 100K people a year. Speaking with emergency rooms and paramedics led us believe this is an essential feature, which they will use, the amount of data needed might be too big to have on a bracelet, and people keep forgetting them. a treatment usually is an on going one and not finished after the first few seconds, which I agree with you is the most critical one.
The question become data security though. If doctors, medics, or law enforcement officers randomly plug in devices from an unknown source into their network, that's a serious breach in security. I can't imagine that that would change even if they know about your product.
Initial test showed over 95% accuracy, and we are working on make it even better. On one hand it's not intends to be instead of your GPS to count each and every run mileage, even though you can.
BTW, it will clearly count also treadmill runs, while a GPS will not...
After training on three five mile data sets, I was able to get very accurate speed/distance estimates for subsequent runs (say 99%+).
The method? 1st derivative of accelerometer data to determine cadence. Then correlate cadence with actual speed with a simple linear regression when GPS data was available.
This was more intended for dead reckoning on a wrist mounted device, though. We had a 3 axis accelerometer and a 3 axis magnetometer.
If you're running a 70+ hours a week we would consider you more then an active runner :).
As I mentioned in a different reply, this is our MVP. I invite you to follow our progress and as we move into the future version of the device you'll see much more value from our pod.