There are many pedometer and step counter apps on this planet, however this new app has a enjoyable twist. Walkstar, which launched Tuesday within the App Retailer, enhances your exercise by syncing your tunes along with your motion. The second you pause, the music fades away, making it an ideal motivator for these seeking to keep an energetic life-style.
Once you begin strolling or working for a minimum of 10 seconds, the music begins to play. If the app detects that you simply’ve stopped transferring, the music may even cease. It is going to resume enjoying when you begin transferring once more.
The app was created by Greg Gardner, who beforehand developed Launcher, the app-launching widget that permits iPhone customers to launch an app, carry out an motion, or entry an internet site with one faucet.
Gardner shared with TechCrunch that he bought the thought for Walkstar after observing somebody on-line who mixed an previous Sony Walkman with a pedometer. This allowed the gadget to play music solely whereas the consumer was strolling. (Sadly, we have been unable to find the unique submit.)
“I thought that was really clever and realized that the same thing could probably be accomplished with an iPhone app and that it could be a really nice motivational tool to encourage people to walk more,” Gardner mentioned.
One notably enjoyable side of Walkstar is its retro-style interface, which transforms your cellphone into a colourful transportable cassette participant, harking back to an old-school Walkman. A nostalgic contact is added with a sound tape hiss that performs when the music begins.
Different neat options embrace Sport Middle integration to view leaderboards and achievements. There’s additionally a Reside Exercise widget for monitoring step rely and distance, in addition to Shortcuts integration for beginning and stopping strolling periods, amongst different options.
The app is out there to obtain without cost, however there’s additionally a Premium subscription if you wish to customise the app with colourful app icons and cassette tape covers. Moreover, Premium members can view analytics, together with their total step rely and strolling historical past.
Sooner or later, Gardner plans to introduce extra options that may allow individuals to share their progress and compete with pals. If the app good points ample reputation, he may think about growing an Android model.
It’s vital to notice that Walkstar is at present solely suitable with Apple providers, together with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, and iTunes. Customers may also take heed to music that they manually load onto their gadgets by way of the Apple Music app.
Gardner is exploring the potential of including extra music-streaming integrations, with Spotify being the primary goal. A check model that includes Spotify is at present beneath assessment within the App Retailer.
“Hopefully, it gets approved in the next few months,” Gardner acknowledged.
