DEUS, a Russian VR developer of both software and hardware, has created a new kind of system built entirely for fitness clubs. Called DEUS FIT, the VR system uses motion tracking and high-quality graphics to push competitive multiplayer. Achievements and leaderboard tracking will turn your local gym into a virtual fitness hotspot.
DEUS develops and manufactures equipment for VR, including the Odin VR HMD and Horus tracking system. With Immersive Cycling, the first application for DEUS FIT, the Russian-based firm looks to be staking a claim on virtual gyms.
Immersive Cycling
Immersive Cycling is a group cycling app in a dynamic virtual world. With an Instructor mode, and individual training available, players are guided toward their fitness goals along stunning virtual realizations of real-world bike trails.
The DEUS indoor studio collaborated with professional athletes to develop DEUS FIT. Their advice helped to shape and optimize the fitness aspect of development.
Ride through the woods, across mountains, alongside scenic highways, and visit locations from all over the world, with a competitive leaderboard tracking time, heart rate, calories, speed and more.
The app’s arcade mode also adds some action to the ride, with the ability to chase or shoot down your other virtual opponents. Your body and your endurance will be key to multiplayer. Only the strongest can survive there. Especially when those competitions involve professional cyclists.
This master-level challenge promises to keep the most hardcore players engaged with regular updates.
Fitness Studio Considerations
Immersive Cycling has some key advantages for operators. First, no special skill is needed. If you can operate a PC, you can operate Immersive Cycling. The application is compatible with most exercise bike models, meaning gyms don’t need to refit or re-equip. The typical VR setup requires a dedicated space. Gyms can add this system to their existing exercise bikes.
Integration is also fast and easy because the system is compatible with most VR goggles, including Rift and Vive. Also, there’s plenty of choice and wiggle room on cost. Seven-day support means customers never have to wait to sort out the downtime often associated with new attractions.
Any VR platform has a learning curve. The proper space and maintenance of equipment will be enough to ensure your system runs for many years.
The Rundown
Immersive Cycling held a demonstration at Startup Village 2018 in SKOLKOVO. It looks a lot like VirZOOM, minus the fantastic worlds and mythical creatures. Where VirZOOM is geared to the home user, DEUS FIT looks like a platform built for the future virtual gym. Its leaderboard and competitive features speak to that communal aspect. DEUS FIT will be in the future what a friendly pickup basketball game is today.
The maps are also beautiful, although the arms seem like they are stuck in place when the user takes hands off the handlebars. It reminds us that working in virtual reality, where limbs are dependent on tracking devices, often creates interesting limitations.
DEUS FIT is available on most major VR platforms, therefore a consumer-based platform may be coming in the near future. There’s an opportunity for developers too. If the platform expands and adds new maps or scenarios, we get more fitness-based VR to work out to.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uezvXW3xDRo&w=560&h=315]
