Hey Zwifters - we hope everybody has been enjoying the Yorkshire UCI Worlds course! Now that the big event is successfully behind us we’ve got another update rolling out now to all platforms.
Arguably the most interesting addition in the release is a prototype feature that allows you to try steering your Zwift avatar in-game by using your phone mounted on your handlebars. To access the feature, simply run Zwift Companion on your phone while running the game on a different device (laptop, ipad, AppleTV, etc). Next, ride through the recently released Titans Grove on Watopia and at some point you will see a ‘secret’ intersection - take the turn and follow the instructions on screen. Zwift will attempt to use the accelerometers in your phone to detect any steering movements you make while riding the short off-road section we’ve built. Both turning and leaning should work. There may even be a special prize at the end if you are able to ride it well enough!
This is the first feature we’re shipping under the “FutureWorks” heading, which is something you may see from time to time in later releases. It designates early access or experimental features that are likely to change, disappear, or need extra validation before becoming a fully fledged part of Zwift. For steering we’re collecting measurements and feedback to see how well its working for those who choose to give it a try.
For those that are skeptical, don’t worry. Steering will most likely never be mandatory for just riding around, training, or even most event formats - but we do see an opportunity for some new modes as well as enhancing existing experiences for those who want it. For now, we’re simply testing whether the phone is a workable solution.
Ok, enough on steering. This release also has a few smaller items added, such as:
- In-game mission added, which runs Oct 5 - 13th
- Added beginner 5k run training plan
- Various wheels and tires now have different rolling resistance based on the surface they are rolling on. IE, a mountain bike or gravel tire may be the best on the Jungle circuit, while a road/TT bike is fastest on the tarmac. More to come here in a future update.
- Started building out new paddocks near the Jungle Circuit for future events
- Enabled running on new off-road section in Titans Grove (watch out for MTB’ers!)
- Added achievements for completing various routes in each world
- Low memory desktop machines (ie, 2-4gb of ram) will now use slightly reduced texture detail in order to fit into memory more reliably
- Tweaked graphics for iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 5, and iPhone 11 (which now gets full shadows!)
- Various bug fixes
We’ve still got some pretty big changes in store soon, but they’re not quite ready to show off just yet, so stay tuned during our next few updates for news on that.
As usual we’re all ears when it comes to feedback about changes or a new issue you may have discovered, just respond to this thread. Or if there is something new you’d like to see, head on over to Feature Requests to post your idea.
Ride On.
The Team at Zwift
