Nike made a big splash in 2019 with their Adapt BB self-tying sneakers, which were controlled via a mobile app. However, the company has recently announced that they will be discontinuing the app on August 6. This means that users will no longer be able to download the app or receive any updates for it.
While current owners of the Adapt BB sneakers will still be able to use the app after August 6, there is a possibility that future iOS or Android updates may render the app unusable. This news has disappointed many sneaker enthusiasts who were drawn to the unique features of the $350 kicks, such as the ability to change the color of the LED lights and control the shoes via their mobile phones.
Some users have expressed hope that Nike will open-source the app so that customers can maintain the full functionality of their shoes. However, Nike has not shared any plans to do so at this time. This move by Nike to discontinue the app highlights the risks associated with tying expensive products to technology that may not be supported in the long run.
This is not the first time that a company has disappointed customers by discontinuing support for a tech-tied product. From Amazon to Spotify, many companies have faced backlash for abandoning ambitious tech projects that early adopters had invested in. This trend has led some customers to lose faith in products that rely on apps for functionality.
In conclusion, Nike’s decision to discontinue the Adapt BB app serves as a cautionary tale about the potential drawbacks of incorporating technology into products that may not be sustainable in the long term. Customers are reminded to consider the risks associated with tech-tied products and to be wary of investing in products that rely heavily on apps for functionality.
