I recently read that the new iPod nano is raising many privacy concerns within certain fitness chains, such as the YMCA and Life Time Fitness. The new model contains a camera, which would not be traditionally allowed in a gym. One could record a video within the gym, or in the locker rooms. This could raise serious problems for the chains, and other clients, but it is hard to regulate who has an old model and who has a new model. Other than the camera, and the slightly larger screen, it is hard to tell the difference, when in case. It is also difficult to ban a musical device, such as an iPod, when it has such a vital use to so many gym-goers. Life Time has officially put the ban on the nano, restricting the iPod from its 84 stores, across 19 states. The nano also has a special workout option, Nike+, to track workouts, but cannot be used if all gyms exclude it. This idea is spreading rapidly to many other chains, which could be a potential problem for Apple.
(image: http://theappleblog.com/2009/09/23/new-ipod-nano-raises-privacy-concerns-with-fitness-chain/)
Wow. Nice story. I am sure apple didn't take this into account when they created their new models.It is a shame that gyms and workout facilities can't trust their clients enough to let them use the new nanos and I'm sure is going to cause some issues in the future.
ReplyDeleteyeah this would raise a lot of problems. I see what the gym is talking about, but ipods are vital to people who use gyms. it will be interesting to see what apple does if this affects their sales
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