Apple’s AirPods Now Serve as Motion Controllers for Mobile Gaming
In a groundbreaking development, developer Ali Tanis has launched the first game that uses Apple’s AirPods as motion controllers, allowing players to steer a motorcycle through oncoming traffic by tilting their heads. The game, titled RidePods – Race with Head, incorporates motion control technology similar to that of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, reports 24brussels.
This innovative gameplay relies on the AirPods’ support for Spatial Audio, which includes models like the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and third and fourth generation AirPods. Utilizing built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes, the headphones track head movements, allowing for an immersive gaming experience. Tanis revealed the game’s details on Y Combinator, mentioning that while they had to reverse-engineer certain features, Apple provides developers access to motion data for potential fitness applications.
Despite its novel concept, RidePods has received criticism for lacking polish. Players have reported random graphical glitches, such as disappearing roads, and a distinctly linear racetrack that feels more like a demo than a complete game. However, the controls offer surprising nuance; players can steer effectively using just their heads, even with one AirPod.
The game includes additional features, such as controlling the motorcycle’s speed with head tilts, although some users have noted these controls’ ineffectiveness. Players can also switch between first-person and third-person views and record gameplay alongside a selfie video, enhancing the sharing aspect.
While RidePods might not be a frequent choice for gamers, it demonstrates the potential of utilizing headphone motion controls in the mobile gaming landscape. The game is free to download, prompting speculation about future titles that might offer a hands-free gaming experience akin to Solitaire, using only head gestures.
