't IsGoud

I first heard the word mashup at the MIX06 conference. Mashup (web application hybrid) as trend was mentioned at several sessions. These mashups use and combine webservices to create new applications. The programmableweb has a nice overview of some of these combinations in a matrix.
According to Wikipedia a mashup is also a musical genre. This genre uses parts of other songs to create new songs.

So basically combining stuff is not really new and if you look around you see it happening over and over again. Another good sample -and a very succesfull one- is the Senseo created by Philips and Douwe Egberts. But Nike and Apple take it to the next level.

Apple and Nike introduced the Nike+iPod Sportkit. The kit contains a sensor that fits in the special running shoe and a receiver for the iPod.

The receiver collects the data from the sensor in the shoe. While running the data is processed and the info can be heard on the iPod headphones. At home the information stored on the iPod can be synchronized with iTunes to the Nike+ website. On this website it is possible to see your progression but you can also compare your results with other runners worldwide.

Now I didn't post this so that the Nike+iPod gets extra attention. No it's merely because it's a great sample of a MashUp. Nike also worked together with Philips on the MP3Run. The MP3Run is a combination of a MP3 player and a shoe sensor. I think the MP3Run is to much proprietary and to little mashup.

What strikes me on the Nike+iPod Sportkit is the added value it brings to the "independent" objects. It's just bigger then the sum of its parts.
A running shoe with a sensor becomes an information source. An mp3 player with a receiver becomes a data collection device. The default software takes care of data-synchronisation to the server. The result is a complete running experience.

As I see it mashups are not exclusive for webservices. It's a modern mindset. A mashup is innovation through combination. It requires thinking outside the box to create that unique combination.

Once the combination is made it's just a starting point for your imagination. As I was watching the intro on the Nike+ website I was wondering how long it would take before other vendors would use the iPod interface to store data. These are the things that popped up in my mind ...

• Heartbeat monitor for runners
• Heartbeat monitor for people with hart problems
• Store information from bloodtests (diabetes patients)
• Bycicle-trip information
• GeoTracking information 
• ...

Fore the vendors that might read this post feel free to use the ideas but don't forget me 

Now put your mind to work and make that killer combination ...