The Playpulse ONE Bike Combines Fitness and Gaming

Capitalizing on the popular trends of indoor cycling and gamification, Playpulse has launched a new exercise bike called the Playpulse One, which combines fitness and gaming in one stationary bike. 

“Our Playpulse One seamlessly integrates virtual entertainment with exercise, it’s a fitness device for individuals who wants a workout routine that they will actually look forward to – both gamers and non-gamers alike,” says the Norwegian brand.

Seventy-five percent of American households own a video game console. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, eighty-one percent of adolescents are unhealthy and inactive, while seventy-three percent of Americans want to be more active, but struggle with motivation and lack of time. 

As a result, Playpulse says its mission is “to use the magic of virtual entertainment to make anyone look forward to their next workout. We believe this will have a massive societal impact by unlocking more active communities – fostering joy and enthusiasm around healthier lifestyles.” 

The Playpulse ONE features a high precision sensor that integrates pedaling with gameplay, while the handlebar is equipped with both game controllers and heart-rate sensors to create a truly immersive experience, allowing users to play games, view movies, or participate in a virtual cycling workout thanks to its 24-inch multitouch display with graphics card that’s capable of running 3D platforms.

Additionally, Playpulse offers a rich library of video games, entertainment and fitness content, allowing users to stream their favorite show – as long as they keep the pace up – or the screen goes dark (optional). For fitness enthusiasts, there’s Playpulse Studio, which is also filled with gamification elements to make the user’s workout program more exciting. 

The bike itself looks different from other spin bikes, featuring a more vertical design and a seating position that’s more upright, along with split handlebars that have a thumb stick on the left side with four action buttons on the right, as well as hand grip-mounted heart-rate sensors.

Playpulse ONE is available for pre-order for $1,199, which comes with four Unity 3D powered games, while several new games and features are currently in development. Also, Playpulse has plans to create an open API, allowing third party developers to create new and exciting additions.

Lastly, new owners get Playpulse’s subscription service for free for the first six months, after the trial period ends, it’s optional for $19.99/month. 

Launch Games & Apps:

• Pedaltanks – Capture the flag and win the war in this epic multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Pick your own tank, each with different stats and abilities. Then start to pedal and use the strength of your tank to cooperate with your teammates and beat the opposing team!
• Bumpercars – What do you get when you put Bumper Cars in space? An epic arcade game. Bump your way to victory by knocking opponents off the tracks. Watch out though, your opponents get smarter every minute and are constantly finding new ways to attack. How long can you outsmart them?
• Heat Street – Navigate colorful worlds, wisely use power ups to gain tactical advantage, and find the best shortcuts to beat the opponents. Keep your cool though, if you push your vehicle too hard it might just overheat and you’re out of the race.  Each vehicle has unique statistics and power ups suited for its personality.
• Playpulse Studio – Our exercise app for people who just want to get the workout done. Choose between different workouts and let Playpulse guide your workout – automatically adjusting the resistance and showing you what speed to aim for. Create goals and monitor your progression and fitness.
• Streaming Gamification – integrated with the streaming service of your choice using your personal subscription. Have the screen go blurry or dark if you’re not maintaining the exercise intensity you’ve set for the episode!
• Platform Exercise Goals – In the Playpulse client you can create customized personal milestones for any workout goal you want to achieve. Exercise 4 days a week for a month? Bike the equivalent of Route 66, or London to Paris? Hit level 20 in Pedaltanks? Unlock all characters in Heat Street? Create your own goals and monitor your progress in our client!

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