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Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

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Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#11

Post by kyro »

lnanek2 wrote: post #7

Just use one of a thousand other pedometers that attach to shoes? Really disappointing that you left working on something cutting edge to produce something that countless other companies already make. Good luck to you, though. I'm not really your market anyway. I wore out my knee doing track in school and can only run on my forefoot now. This eliminates the need for shoe padding since you just cushion your step using…

What a weird comment - critique of his career decision, admission that you're not in his market, and a pretty irrelevant backstory.

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#13

Post by mmachlin »

mtkd wrote: post #9

Has potential. Could you add an "ICE" button on the device to scroll key information - e.g. contact details, medical conditions etc. without having to plug it in. Also inclusion of personal attack alarm could be additional benefit (e.g. pressing ICE button twice)

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.

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#15

Post by orangethirty »

I'm an amateur runner. On average, run about 20 miles per week at a fairly good pace of 6-8 minutes/mile. Anyone would think that I go through a lot of shoes, but I don't. I have only changed shoes once in more than two years of running. All of my shoes have been asiics, which I can not stop recommending.

Now, what I have changed (like 6 times/shoe) are the insoles. Runners know that they are the secret to less injuries and comfortability. Right now, I have a pair of insoles that cost the same amount that the shoes did (and they weren't cheap). And worth every penny.

Do I need a product like this? No. Do I want it? I don't seem to see the real value in it. I guess you need to sell me better on it.

Now, if you could invent a passive sensor for my insoles then that would be great. Sort of like something that changes colors when the insole stops cushioning the impact as well as it should I would pay $50 for a reusable one.

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#16

Post by mmachlin »

kmfrk wrote: post #14
mmachlin wrote: post #2

Hi guys. This is my new startup. I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have about it.

How waterproof is it? Will it survive an absent-minded trip in my washing machine after a muddy run?

it is waterproof for rain/snow/storm, but it is not built for swimming :-)

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#17

Post by mmachlin »

wengzilla wrote: post #12

Cool project! Aside from price, is there a big difference between this and say, Nike+?

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.

Thanks for the feedback.

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#18

Post by neya »

Am I misunderstanding the product, or does it look like it solves not that much of a big problem? So, this device let's you track how long you've been running on a particular pair of shoes and when they would wear out, so you can have them replaced on time.

How different is this from installing an app on your smartphone and tracking the miles walked (on that particular pair of shoes)?

Could someone please clarify? Given the fact that this is a product coming from a big-shot (or an ex-bigshot?) at Microsoft, I am somewhat disappointed (I was expecting something radically different)

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#19

Post by kmfrk »

mmachlin wrote: post #16
kmfrk wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How waterproof is it? Will it survive an absent-minded trip in my washing machine after a muddy run?

it is waterproof for rain/snow/storm, but it is not built for swimming :-)

Would it be possible to have a future iteration that can survive the Scylla and Charybdis of washing machines?

I literally just remembered that I forgot to move my Nike+ sensor the last time I washed my shoes.

Re: Show HN: Former R&D manager for Xbox Kinect sensors, this is my new project

#20

Post by mmachlin »

orangethirty wrote: post #15

I'm an amateur runner. On average, run about 20 miles per week at a fairly good pace of 6-8 minutes/mile. Anyone would think that I go through a lot of shoes, but I don't. I have only changed shoes once in more than two years of running. All of my shoes have been asiics, which I can not stop recommending. Now, what I have changed (like 6 times/shoe) are the insoles. Runners know that they are the secret to less injur…

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.

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