14 DAY TRIAL // A major gym chain has banned the new, video-capable iPod nano from its locker rooms to prevent privacy issues, according to TwinCities.com. According to the company, it's very hard to tell whether a user browses their song library, or actually shoots video with the device.
Life Time Fitness is a company that runs 84 gyms in a total of 19 states. It has decided to allow the device in work-out rooms, but not in the locker rooms. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that cell phones and other miniature devices capable of shooting video are also banned from locker rooms in some gyms. The reason is to protect the privacy of those using the gym. No one wants to see a video of themselves undressing in the gym’s locker room posted on YouTube, especially when Apple makes it so easy with the new iPod nano.
However, the camera-enabled iPod nano 5th generation is actually marketed by Apple as a workout companion. “An armband turns your iPod into a workout companion. Find the armband that fits your iPod and your taste. Then just strap it on, press Play, and hit the road or gym,” Apple says on its website.
“Available in gray, the all-new iPod nano Armband is the perfect iPod nano companion for a jog or a workout at the gym,” the company describes one such accessory. “Exercise your right to a great soundtrack with the ultimate workout duo: an iPod nano and a flexible, lightweight armband,” the description goes. Apple doesn’t forget to note that the armband’s pocket even has space for the Nike + iPod Sport Kit receiver, which turns pretty much every iPod into a workout companion. Still, those relying on this method to track their workout progress may well skip upgrading to the just-launched nano without any hard feelings.
