Zwift, a leading global online fitness platform, introduces its custom gaming controllers aimed to be used with the widely used Zwift home workout app. These controllers, known as "Zwift Play," are simple to attach to bike handlebars using silicone bands. Once fixed in place, they offer riders a streamlined in-game experience by eliminating the need of traditional peripherals like keyboards and mice for activities such as braking, steering, and navigating.
At the heart of Zwift Play is Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52832 SoC equipped with a 64 MHz, 32-bit Arm Cortex M4 processor with a floating-point unit (FPU). This ensures the controllers have sufficient computational prowess. The nRF52832 SoC's 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio harnesses Bluetooth LE and ANT+ connectivity, guaranteeing immediate feedback and navigation cues are delivered to Zwift-compatible devices, ranging from PCs and Macs to mobile devices and AppleTV. Additionally, Zwift Play pairs effortlessly with its dedicated app using the Nordic SoC's Bluetooth LE link. For navigation within the game, the left controller features a directional pad, aiding in game menu traversal and in-game turn selections. The right controller houses intuitive shortcut keys, facilitating tasks like making menu selections, offering in-game commendations known as ‘Ride Ons’, using ‘PowerUps’, skipping workout segments, and more. Both controllers are also equipped with paddles for in-game steering and braking.
The Li-Po 1400 mAh battery of the Zwift Play is rated to last 20 hours under typical usage. Alongside, the Zwift ecosystem includes the 'Zwift Companion' app, enabling users to monitor their progress, affiliate with clubs, and discover events. This auxiliary app will also facilitate firmware updates for Zwift Play, a feature made achievable through the over-the-air device firmware update (OTA-DFU) supported by the Nordic SoC
