RidePods: First AirPods-Controlled Game Uses Secret Apple Sensor
▼ Summary
– RidePods is the first game using AirPods as motion controllers, available on iOS/iPadOS and controlled by head movements.
– Developer Ali Tanis reverse-engineered AirPods’ spatial audio feature to enable motion control for the game.
– The game requires compatible earbuds like AirPods Pro or 3rd generation models for full functionality.
– Players control the motorcycle by tilting their head to steer and moving it forward/backward to accelerate/brake.
– This follows a trend of developers accessing hidden Apple APIs to create unique experiences, such as recent MacBook sensor projects.
A new game called RidePods – Race with Head has launched on the App Store, becoming the first title to use Apple AirPods as a motion controller for gameplay. This motorcycle racing game allows players to steer by tilting their heads, transforming the popular earbuds into a hands-free gaming device. Developer Ali Tanis achieved this by reverse-engineering the spatial audio sensors in AirPods, unlocking motion control capabilities that Apple had not officially documented.
Tanis conceived the idea while working on another application, realizing the sensors used for spatial audio could be repurposed for motion input. His experimentation proved successful, and within weeks, Apple approved RidePods for its App Store. Players control their motorcycle’s direction simply by tilting their head left or right, with additional options to accelerate or brake by leaning forward or backward.
The game requires compatible earbuds to function properly. Specifically, AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd Generation) are confirmed to work, as these models include the necessary motion sensors for spatial audio. Without them, gameplay may not operate as intended. RidePods delivers fast-paced, intuitive racing where players dodge vehicles and obstacles while competing for high scores in short, adrenaline-filled sessions.
This innovation highlights how developers continue to discover and utilize hidden sensors within Apple’s ecosystem. Recently, another engineer accessed a concealed ‘LidAngleSensor’ API in MacBooks to create unusual applications like a creaky door simulator and a virtual theremin. Such discoveries suggest more creative uses for built-in hardware may emerge as developers experiment with undocumented features.
RidePods is available as a free download for iPhone and iPad users, though compatible AirPods are essential for the full motion-controlled experience.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)