Belkin's snazzy new Sport Armband for iPhone just arrived, so I figured I'd take it for a run along with the Nike + iPod adapter. Unfortunately, no dice. When the Nike adapter is plugged into the iPhone, the "This accessory is not supported by iPhone" message pops up. However, I think one day it might work via firmware update and/or launch of a new adapter. Here's why...

Background: Nike + iPod Sport Kit only works with iPod Nanos, not full size iPods. Why? Because, unlike the Nano, the iPod has moving parts. Apple probably doesn't want to recommend running around with your iPod, because the shock might offset the needle on the hard drive and/or some of the other sensitive pieces inside.

However, the iPhone is like the Nano in that it uses a flash memory for storage, hence no moving parts. So, why not allow the Nike + iPod adapter to work on the iPhone? Perhaps a firmware update will soon to address this. Or, here's some wishful thinking: The iPhone has Bluetooth and WiFi radios. Maybe Apple and Nike will launch a new Sport Kit that works over one of these radios, which would eliminate the need for the current Sport adapter that plugs into the bottom of the Nano. The product would be just the unit that fits in your shoe and talks to your iPhone via Bluetooth or Wifi. Hence the "Nike + iPhone Sport Kit."

In the meantime, the Belkin armband is great, it feels secure, has a little pouch for your key(s) and the touch interface is surprisingly functional even through the plastic casing.

Post by PJ Jacobowitz