Game controls like never before

The first game to use AirPods as a controller. Photo: Ali Tanis/AppStore .

Developer Ali Tanis has just introduced RidePods - Race with Head , the first game for iPhone and iPad that uses AirPods headphones as a game controller.

RidePods is a game with very simple gameplay. Players will "take on the role" of a motorbike, with the task of avoiding oncoming vehicles and getting high scores.

But the unique thing is the control mechanism: players do not swipe the screen or tilt the phone, but control the direction of the bike by tilting their head from side to side while wearing AirPods. Players can even customize to control the motorcycle's braking and acceleration just by tilting their head forward and backward.

Notably, the game only works with Apple's wireless headphone models that support Spatial Audio, including AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and third- and fourth-generation AirPods.

Players control the car to weave through traffic by moving their head from side to side. Photo: Ali Tanis/AppStore.

This mechanism works based on the accelerometer and gyroscope built into the headset to accurately track head movements.

Developer Ali Tanis said he had to work extensively on the Spatial Audio feature to create the game, but Apple has actually given developers access to the headset's motion data, paving the way for features like fitness tracking to be integrated into the app.

Though billed as more of a “tech demo” than a full-fledged game, RidePods’ controls are surprisingly responsive and natural. In testing with the second-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, steering with your head felt more intuitive and responsive than expected.

The bike responds to even small movements, even when using only one AirPod. You can turn off Automatic Head or Ear Detection to use the AirPod as a literal handle, though this requires more dexterity.

Players can also switch between first-person or third-person views of the motorcycle. For those who want to share their high scores with the world , the app also integrates a unique record function that captures both the gameplay and the player’s selfie video into the same clip.

RidePods - Race with Head is free to play and while it's not an addictive title yet, it shows the great potential of using headset motion controls in the mobile gaming industry.

Source: https://znews.vn/tua-game-dau-tien-dieu-khien-bang-airpods-post1589886.html