I propose that steering be offered as a budget (or free) implementation via the Companion app’s in-race view and/or Apple TV remote d-pad left/right buttons.
AppleTV
- Apple TV is limited in the number of bluetooth devices it simultaneously connects to. This is a barrier to adoption of steering for some. If anyone currently wants to use Click steering, they must:
- own a second phone/tablet/laptop/device
- pair that device with the Click
- run the companion app on the device.
- It’s not difficult, but it is all just a bit of a faff.
- Anyone using Apple TV already has all the hardware required through the Remote.
- No need for secondary devices.
- No need for the companion app.
- The d-pad left and right buttons currently have no top-level in-ride function (that I’m aware of).
- The remote is already integral to the Apple TV user experience during rides as it controls the race power ups, plus the pop-up options e.g. Emotes/Ride-On, view selection, hud visibility, ERG mode on/off and so on, so needing use of the remote during races is already a concept Zwift implements.
Companion App
- The in-ride view of the Companion App already provides multiple buttons to control the in-game experience. Addition of steering buttons would appear to be a relatively straightforward task.
Other considerations
- It is the simplest possible implementation for users. As such it can be classed as a “budget” implementation that will be adequate for fun racers.
- Serious riders wanting optimal ergonomics for steering can still use the Click as a premium offering.
- There is then no need to produce and consume what will inevitably become electronic and plastic waste in the future when the Click one day becomes obsolete legacy tech.
- The batteries for steering devices will never run flat just when you really need them not to….
- Could be a charged-for upgrade via the user’s Zwift subscription so as to preserve Zwift’s revenue stream.
Thank you for your consideration…. 
