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Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

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Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#31

Post by chaostheory »

Nightshaxx wrote: post #2

That's pretty dope! Any plans for adding VR at some point?

VR can track punches pretty well already, including player head and hands position for dodging and movement. (If developers supported more trackers, then it could track feet too) The only things missing are resistance and feedback. Technically, you can probably just wear this quell system or something like it if you want resistance. Feedback is trickier. I’m more interested in using the quell straps in VR since there are already good VR fighting games.

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#32

Post by douglaspaul »

rpdillon wrote: post #18
jbob2000 wrote: post #7

Yes yes yes! Super excited for this, but... Make sure you get the balance between game and fitness program right. I tried the zombie run audio program a few years ago and didn't like it, it was just a regular fitness class but they would make zombie noises and yell at you to run harder bEcAuSe ThE zOmBiEs ArE cOmInG . I want to play a game that has a side-effect of a fitness program. I'm not looking for a cut beach b…

I use Beat Saber and Pistol Whip on the Quest as my go-to lockdown workout. I break a sweat within 5 minutes most days, and before I know it it's been a 30 minute session. I'm not sure any fitness trainer would approve, but it gives me an excuse to get my arms and legs moving and get my heart rate up without me ever dreading the morning workout.

Beat Saber is amazing, I can't wait to try the new Linkin Park tracklist! We've actually had some fun playing it with wristweights (and even the Gauntlet prototypes) to see how much more of a workout we can make it. First time you add wrist weights is a weird sensation - you go to move your hand in the game, and it's just so much slower!

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#33

Post by sankalp221 »

I know this currently isn't your focus, but please consider adding the option to just purchase the resistance strap setup. There are a lot of VR Fitness boxing games where people are trying to add more resistance to their VR Boxing workouts in order to get a better workout. They are buying weighted vests, but this would be a great thing to make the existing workout experience in VR even better.

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#35

Post by douglaspaul »

Nightshaxx wrote: post #2

That's pretty dope! Any plans for adding VR at some point?

Thanks! We decided against VR at launch because test users found VR fitness too sweaty and uncomfortable. However, we are working on building VR experiences for when the headsets get lighter and more breathable. There’s also no reason you can’t buy the system and wear the Gauntlet while playing VR today!

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#36

Post by lspreafico »

moritonal wrote: post #17

Looks fun, I have a Vive VR and enjoy workouts on it. Few questions: I know next to nothing about being fit and working out, but would this workout target pretty much a single muscle group with resistance? If it's all running on the phone, hows battery life? Between running the game and processing motion data what's the specs required? I'm guessing a motion tracker in both hands and in the body to detect motion, but…

Hey! Lorenzo from Quell here :) We're working super hard to make sure that Quell trains effectively different muscles group. We've been talking to professional athletes to find creative ways to do so, and are developing hardware and software features to make sure that Quell supports a varied workout that trains both upper and lower body. We don't know specific device specs yet, but we're really focussed on keeping the game light, so that users can run it on their mobile phones with no issue - this will also reduce the impact on battery life! :) Regarding the camera, it's something that we're considering for the future, but we're super proud to say that our accuracy is already particularly good, and not having to set up a camera is one less hassle for user experience! There's very little chance of you hitting yourself in the face: the elastic mechanism is made in such way that the resistance only kicks in midway through the punch! This increases safety and improves how satisfying the punches are, as many of our users told us!

Hope that answers your questions :)

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#37

Post by lspreafico »

sankalp221 wrote: post #33

I know this currently isn't your focus, but please consider adding the option to just purchase the resistance strap setup. There are a lot of VR Fitness boxing games where people are trying to add more resistance to their VR Boxing workouts in order to get a better workout. They are buying weighted vests, but this would be a great thing to make the existing workout experience in VR even better.

Hey! :) Love this idea, and we will definitely consider it. Thank you for your input!

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#38

Post by m_tweedie »

itake wrote: post #25

> High Impact Exercise I think you're using the wrong words there. "High Impact" workouts in the fitness world mean they are harder on your joints and tendons (think crossfit/hiit vs low impact like spin cycles). Since you aren't punching anything and you're not jerking your body around, I'd imagine this is more mid-impact? https://www.humana.com/prevention-and-care/healthy-living-an...

Hi, Martin from Quell here. Thanks for the insight! In truth we hadn't considered the full connotations of "High Impact" so will adjust the positioning accordingly. Would definitely be a shame to put off people for this reason. One of the benefits of our wearable is that it acts to prevent the hyper-extension of the arms that can cause injury or soreness when throwing straight shots while shadow boxing, so definitely keen to make sure we explain this properly!

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#39

Post by lspreafico »

arendtio wrote: post #24

I just hope the variety of movements goes beyond those seen in the video. So far it really looks like a boxing simulator and the repetitiveness of the Kickstarter video doesn't give the impression of an exciting game (you might consider cutting it to half the duration). Don't get me wrong, I think it is a great idea. I just wonder how much better it will be than Wii Sports and if you will even achieve those levels. F…

Hey! Lorenzo from Quell here. Thank you, really appreciate the feedback. We're working really hard to add movements to the game - for us, it is absolutely key that it doesn't feel like a boxing simulator. We're also working on many other aspects to make the game fun and enjoyable long-term: we're building a fully fledged story, a super wide variety of enemies, main characters, environments, movements and spells, and one of our stretch goals is to develop a roguelike mode, which would really push our users to their limit!

If you have more feedback / input, please do let us know! Thank you!

Re: Launch HN: Quell (YC S20) – Immersive gaming and combat workout

#40

Post by the_duke »

Love the idea, and I'd be very much interested in trying this out.

Having done a little bit of boxing, it's a pretty good full body workout. It's hard to say how the resistance bands would feel compared to a punching bag though. Also: how do they work for different punches like uppercuts?

How would you track blocking? How accurate is the position tracking? The tracking animation notably only measures one dimension (extension), not the direction in 3D. That seems quite hard just with the bands.

Another concern: I feel like for many users the punching motions would get boring really quickly.

Engaging game(s) would be key. Since it's all you do, the punching must be satisfying. Including making me "feel" the impact. That means: smooth animations with accurate position tracking, quality audio, ....

What I see in the video does not work so well for me. Having some variety would also be key. Eg have a basic boxing ring available for mindless punching, but also a more engaging RPG style game where you don't punch all the time - for longer sessions.

Building full-fledged quality games in addition to the hardware seems like a very big task.

Have you thought about searching for interesting indie games (including the various VR boxing variations) and looking for partnerships?

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