RunKeeper Pro ($10, iTunes link) is a GPS tracking app for runners, cyclists, etc, that adds significant functionality to the free version, RunKeeper Free, an app we loved. Do the new features justify the expensive (for iPhone anyway) upgrade? We say maybe, depending on your particular style of training.

All of the features mentioned in our previous review still stand, this review just looks at the additional features in the Pro version.

There are three major gains to be had by parting with your hard-earned cash. In our mind, the greatest of these is the ability to make training workouts. You can either use the built-in ones, or add your own. The workouts allow you to start and end with a warm-up and cool-down, respectively, and specify a series of intervals in the middle. The intervals can be tied to either a time period (say 45 seconds) or a distance (maybe a half mile). Once you run the specified time/distance, a voice will anounce the next interval, and tell you to go slow, steady, or fast, depending on how you set it.

This is fantastic if you exercise with the Tabata method or high-intensity interval training (current darling of the New York Times), though it lacks the ability to tell you how many more cycles you have to go in the workout. Another notable absent feature is the ability to have your workout end, then automatically upload your data to the website without needing to hit Stop on the program.

Another great feature are the audio cues, which can be set to announce every mile or five miles, and will tell you your speed or pace. At any point in your workout, you can get the same information by tapping the screen.

The final major (and for many killer) additional feature is better iPod integration. Set RunKeeper to either your entire library, or a playlist, and as soon as you hit Start, it’ll kick in. The other change you’ll easily spot from the Free version, is the lack of ads, keeping the screen uncluttered.

The developers have also promised to roll out new features in the Pro version first, including the ability to manually add runs that the GPS can’t track, like using a treadmill–a boon given the inevitable onset of winter.

Of course, there are still the same problems as the free version. The GPS can sometimes give a spotty signal, and if you leave WiFi on, it can mess with the calculations. In our use, the distance ascended/descended seemed to be wrong as often as right. The web integration is great, though, and tracking your day to day progress is a breeze.

See your runs displayed on Google Maps.

Is it worth the money? That’s a tricky question. If you’re just jogging, and not doing anything complicated involving various times and speeds, then the free version is more than sufficient. On the other hand, if you need something to let you know every 30 seconds or minute, the training tool of the Pro version are definitely worth it, and it’s still much less expensive than Nike+.

RunKeeper Pro is a $9.99 download in the iTunes App Store.

*Updated 6/29/2009* Only the Nike+ sensor is required for use with the iPhone, not the entire Nike+ Sports Kit.

Apple has announced that the next generation iPhone 3GS will have built-in support for the Nike + Sports Kit Nike+ sensor, a system that allows runners to track and record the speed and distance of their walks or runs.

The Nike + Sports Kit comes with a sensor that fits into the sole of specially designed Nike+ shoes or can be attached to the shoelaces of other brands of running shoes. An accelerometer in the sensor measures the pace and distance of a run, and sends the information wirelessly to the iPod or iPhone. Previous versions required that a receiver be plugged into the bottom of the iPod in order to receive information from the sensors, but Apple’s announcement of “built-in” support may hint that the receiver will no longer be necessary.

The Nike+ system also integrates with a special Nike website that allows runners to track and compare their workouts with other runners around the world. It’s likely that the iPhone version of the app will bypass the need for connecting to a computer to upload your running data to Nike’s website.

Nike + also comes with other features that can enhance workouts, such as a Power Song that can be instantly played for some extra motivation and congratulatory recordings from athletes like Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Paula Radcliffe that play if a runner achieves a personal best in various categories (fastest mile, fastest 5k, etc).

Another recent addition to the Nike+ system is Nike + Workout. The new feature allows your iPod to connect with compatible Life Fitness cardio equipment, a popular brand found in many health clubs, and track and record your workout. An example an iPod connecting with Nike + Workout-compatible Life Fitness equipment can be seen below:

The iPhone 3GS will be available in stores June 19. No date has been announced for the Nike+ iPhone app, but the Sports Kit Nike+ sensor is available in stores now.

*Update* AppleInsider is citing “several people familiar with Nike+ initiative” that these screenshots are not from Nike and may be the work of a third-party developer working on a personal project.

French blog iPhon.fr has posted screenshots of what it claims is the upcoming Nike+ app for the iPhone. The Nike+ system has been available for the iPod Nano since summer 2006.

The Nike+ software/hardware combo allows runners to track their workouts, including running distances, times, and calories burned. Runners can create goal-oriented workouts and get audio feedback from the iPod when specific milestones are achieved. Data is stored and can be later downloaded to a computer, then uploaded to the Nike+ website and compared with other runners or for personal workout tracking purposes. The iPhone’s EDGE and 3G connection could remove the need to sync with a computer by directly uploading the data to Nike servers.

The hardware of Nike+ for iPods consists of an accelerometer and a transmitter/receiver. The accelerometer is placed inside the sole of special Nike shoes that come with a built-in pocket. Third-party solutions allow non-Nike shoes to use the device by attaching them to the shoelaces or inside attachable pockets.

The transmitter/receiver is attached to the bottom of the iPod and receives data from the accelerometer. Since the iPhone contains both a transmitter and an accelerometer, it will be interesting to see what hardware will be required for the new software.

The last update to the Nike+ system was the April 2008 introduction of the Sportsband ($59.99), which replaced the need for an iPod Nano.

Links:

See original article and more screenshots at iPhone.fr

Nike shoe and Nike iPod kit images via Wikipedia.