If our thing is not virtual reality experiences sitting or standing, we may be interested in Widerun, a device that allows us to cycle through a few virtual scenarios to get in shape.
Widerun consists of two accessories that allows you to use any conventional bicycle (static ones are not useful) as a locomotion device, as long as the diameter of the wheels is between 26 and 29 inches. The system detects the pedaling speed and the movement of the handlebars to transfer them to virtual experiences, which we can live with an Oculus Rift or Gear VR type device, or use a conventional monitor or TV.
In addition to this, the device that controls the pedaling will be able to adjust its resistance dynamically depending on the experience, so that we will have to try harder when we have to go up a slope and we can relax when we go down a slope.
The included software will allow us to pedal solo in any of the included worlds, or find rivals to compete against to test our fitness. And as surely you are all wondering what will happen as our effort increases to the point of starting to sweat, its creators recommend us to use an external product like About Face, which replaces the foam of our Oculus Rift and that we can wash as many times as necessary.
The system includes a microcontroller that is powered by experience data and hardware devices, which connect to the PC or smartphone via Bluetooth and do not require any driver under Windows. It is capable of measuring speeds of up to 100 km / h and detecting handlebar turns of between – 30º and 30º, and can generate a resistance of up to 800W of energy, which simulates the peak energy produced by an 80 Kg cyclist climbing a slope of 15% at high speed.
The creators of Widerun also offer an SDK so that anyone can design experiences compatible with the device. The SDK contains:
- Communication scripts (from Unity to Widerun trainer)
- Terrain generator for Unity (360° and in a straight line)
- Online API (multiplayer scorecard, session statistics)
- Integration with social networks
Prices for range from £250 without the handlebar kit to £300 with the same. The campaign, which concludes on May 2, aims to raise £30,000, and so far they are a third of the target. If all goes well, the final product will be shipped between January and April next year.
