For those wanting to play VR games and needs to have a stationary bike with controllers, VirZOOM is the product to fill that specific requirement. This is an exercise bike build specifically to work with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and soon, for the upcoming PlayStation VR.
The official website describes their product as "The solution to locomotion in VR has arrived. All of the VirZOOM experiences are powered by you. Integrated wireless sensors track all of your movements and sensors measure your pedaling speed – the faster you pedal in the real world, the faster you go in the virtual world. Steer by leaning your body to the left and right. Action buttons, triggers and d-pad on the handlebars create advanced game-play. Enjoy VirZOOM exercise games included with your VZ controller. Say goodbye to your boring workout."
The VirZOOM will come with its company-developed set of games. There are five games that will be come along with the stationary bike. They are:
- "Stampede" a horseback riding game were players will be the sheriff with a laso, that needs to capture Wild Pete and his merry gang of marauders. Pedal and steer against bandits and stagecoaches.
- "Go Fast Car" is an F1 racing game, either in single mode or multiplayer mode via an online server. The faster the player will pedal, the faster the car will go. Backpedal to reverse the car.
- "Pegaso" will let its players be the winged-stallion, Pegasus and explore the majestic canyon in an adventure game.
- "Lord of the Tanks" will put one inside a Russian-made T-90 tank deployed on a wintery rugged terrain and pitted againt AI bots.
- "Apache" will put players in control of an attack helicopter and needs to shoot down and survive the onslaught of attacks while collecting fuel cells and rescuing VIPs.
The VirZOOM will only be requiring 24" x 26" floor space, weighs just 37 lbs. and measures 13" x 24" when folded, for easy storage. It can also support a person weighing up to 260 lbs., and can be adjusted to accommodate persons between 4'4" up to 6'2" in height. It also contains eight levels of manual resistance settings, and can measure one's heart rate through the grips. The stationary bike requires two pieces of AA batteries to function, which can last up to six months, with 30 minutes of daily use.
Tom's Guide had a chance to talk to Spencer Honeyman, director of business development of the company, and said that their product will be entirely different from stationary bikes found in the gym, which will be more fun and enjoyable. He also added that VirZOOM will start to ship by June.
VirZoom is ready for pre-orders and is available for US$400, shipping already included within U.S. and Canada.
