Remembering the Nike+ Fuelband: 2012-2014

Nike Fuelband Metaluxe Rose

Nike Fuelband Metaluxe Rose

In a surprising move, Nike announced that it would stop developments for its Nike+ Fuelband. The Fuelband, which we think is one of the most wearable items of wearable tech out on the market (especially last year’s rose gold release), won’t be taken off the shelves, but with the shuttering of Nike’s Digital Sports department, the brand will push focus to developing fitness software, prompting rumors that Nike shifted its focus so that it could incorporate its technology into another manufacturer’s (ahem, Apple?) products.

“As a fast-paced, global business we continually align resources with business priorities,” Nike spokesman Brian Strong told CNET. “As our Digital Sport priorities evolve, we expect to make changes.”

For now, Nike will continue to sell its Fuelband SE models and continue to release new colors in the Metaluxe line so that it remains in the good graces of the fashion industry and continues to push for wearable tech. It was the most chic way to count calories, after all. The company just won’t be making any changes to the hardware inside, so don’t expect any major leaps forward in terms of tech, because the fitness bracelet won’t be getting any updates. So don’t be shy about wearing your FuelBand or having it as a regular guest at your arm party, because it’ll still work just fine.

“The Nike+ FuelBand SE remains an important part of our business,” said Strong. “We will continue to improve the Nike+ FuelBand App, launch new METALUXE colors, and we will sell and support the Nike+ FuelBand SE for the foreseeable future.”

Last fall, Nike announced that it would be releasing a new, slimmer version of the Fuelband, but that project has also been cancelled. In more positive news, Nike announced that it would be moving forward with its San Francisco Fuel Lab, which will be an incubator for companies working on wearable tech that utilize Nike’s NikeFuel fitness metrics. Who knows, maybe that Fuel Lab will be the place where wearable tech finally makes it out of research and development and integrates into everyday life.

Images courtesy Nike

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Author:Christopher Luu for Fashion Trends Daily

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.