One of the selling points for the new Platoon Bike + was the integration of the GymKit with the Apple Watch for an easier and more accurate recording of the workout. Now, it looks like Peloton has recently removed GymKit support for its bike bootcamps, limiting Apple Watch integration to just cycling lessons.
The news was first seen by ConnectTheWatts. The report contains a screenshot of an Instagram comment, in which a user complains that Peloton suddenly disables GymKit for Bike Bootcamp courses, which combines strength training with cycling in a single workout. (And it’s a clever use of the Bike + ‘s swivel display.) Peloton then officially responded to the comment, saying, “Apple GymKit will only be accepted in our cycling classes. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope to support Apple GymKit for additional class types in the future. ”
A Peloton spokesman also confirmed to Gizmodo that “GymKit functionality will only be available in cycling classes for the time being.”
GymKit is an Apple platform that allows the Apple Watch to automatically sync with fitness equipment. Introduced with watchOS 4 in 2017, you might find it if the gym has newer NFC-equipped cardio machines. The way it works is to touch the Apple Watch on your device and it will automatically share your heart rate data. Another plus is that the cardio (eg treadmills, bicycles, etc.) will synchronize the clock data more accurately with the clock. The problem is that GymKit only works with one unique cardio machine for a single workout at a time. To use the Apple Watch capability to follow the mixed training, you will have to give up the GymKit.
Peloton’s silent reduction support for a brand feature is … at least interesting. You could interpret this as beef, given that Apple has emerged as a serious competitor since launching its own on-demand training service, Fitness +. Then there is the fact that Peloton has made some interesting acquisitions lately. At the end of 2020, Peloton acquired three start-ups of AI and connected fitness equipment, including Atlas Wearables. Atlas Wearables is remarkable because it is in the process of launching its own fitness tracker and has built a gigantic database of exercise algorithms. When the news broke, it sparked speculation that Peloton was probably meditating developing his own smartwatch or fitness tracker. There is no hard evidence, but these acquisitions, plus reduced support for the Apple Watch just before the annual Peloton Homecoming event, are a suspiciously convenient time – especially since the Peloton event. page teasing the “big news.”
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As delicious as the idea of Peloton and Apple taking it, it may not be what is at stake here. Peloton users have installed themselves subreddits and other social networks about GymKit’s poor connectivity in recent months. You should also consider that the Apple Watch is not good for tracking mixed workouts – exactly what Peloton’s Bike Bootcamp classes are. (There is also a subredit of users meditating on the Apple Watch workout to use even for these classes.) Removing GymKit support for anything other than walking could be a matter of technical practice. After all, Peloton received some warmth massive delays in shipment during the pandemic. The last thing he wants is to offer an inferior experience after customers have waited a long time to get Bike +.
Even so, the fact that Peloton did this quietly is disappointing. A lot of people have cited GymKit and Apple Watch compatibility as such reason Why They bought or updated the Bike +. This kind of surprise update is annoying, especially since buying an Apple Watch and Peloton is not a small purchase. While removing support for Bootcamp workouts is an effort to improve the overall experience, it is stillCompanies are committed to disclosing this to consumers before they decide to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for expensive equipment.
Update, 14.04.2021, 13:05: More context has been added about GymKit being limited to simple cardio machines and workouts.