Face and 'effort' controlled iPad game helps you outrun the competition (video)
If you're looking for some exergaming action, but don't have the rhythm -- or lack of self awareness -- for some existing sport game accessories, how about a game controlled by effort? Using your iDevice's camera and accelerometer, BitGym has created a control system for playing iOS games while on your exercise equipment of choice (possibly not the trampoline though). The first release is a racer that converts rate of exercise to acceleration and head movement to steering. We're told there's an SDK too, so developers looking to trim-up can make their own gym-distractions. Fit Freeway is available now, but if you want to see it in action, without breaking a sweat jog on over the break for a demo video.
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BitGym launches innovative exercise-motion based game for iOS
(San Francisco CA, January 9th) Today, BitGym launched Fit Freeway, the first entry in BitGym's exergaming portfolio. Fit Freeway re-invents the boring cardiovascular workout by turning it into an arcade racing game. This is made possible by BitGym's ground breaking technology which turns any user's iPad or iPhone, when placed on a cardio machine, into an exercise gaming console.
Fit Freeway is easy to play. The exerciser simply places an iPad or iPhone on the fitness equipment, (e.g. an exercise bike or elliptical trainer) and begins their workout. No special hardware or cables required - just the iOS device and the exercise equipment. Using BitGym's patent-pending algorithms and motion sensing technology, Fit Freeway senses the rate of the exercise on the equipment, as well as the head position of the user. Exercise faster the accelerate your car and simply tilt your head left or right to steer.
"We think that FitFreeway is just the start for BitGym. We have ambitious plans to change the way people think about cardio. For too long people have been told to worry about minutes, miles or calories - but really what is important is that people are engaged, have tangible goals, and keep coming back. Cardio machines are awful at all these things, but with videogames we can change that. Research out of the Behavioral Medicine Laboratory at the University of Virginia sees cardio machine exergames increasing workout adherence by 83%," says Alex Gourley, BitGym's CEO.
To kickstart this trend BitGym has made a beta SDK available which gives developers access to their motion tracking and exercise tracking technology. Fit Freeway is the first release utilizing this SDK - the game was originally a traditional racing game called Final Freeway developed by Oyatsukai for iOS and Android.
Fit Freeway Facts:
Fit Freeway has eight stages, three different difficulty levels, three different play modes and iPod music support. The objective of the game is complete each timed stage before time runs out. But with other cars, buses and trucks in the road, it won't be easy! Fit Freeway is available now for $4.99, and Fit Freeway Lite is available for free.
