The migration to SYSTM and its cross-platform web-based dev framework was supposed to make the porting of the app to multiple platforms easier. So far, it got us Android (great for Android users), and an app that doesn’t feel native on any platform. And it seems like it takes a very long time to implement small features, which runs counter to the promise of code once, deploy everywhere (remember Java applets?).
And now that RGT and SYSTM are under the Wahoo X banner, it seems wrong to have one app available on all platforms, including AppleTV, while the other isn’t.
5 Likes
I’m sure this was the original plan, but given there’s been significant headcount loss I’m sure it’s tough to keep new video launches on track right now, let alone new app development. As always, roadmap is subject to change!
1 Like
Really disappointed to hear that since you previously stated “we hope to develop one soon”. Screen mirroring has always been a poor solution and basically doubles your energy usage/environmental impact.
I would have thought that there would be huge operational cost savings to be had by merging the RGT and Wahoo platforms but doesn’t sound like that is in the pipeline either.
Back to Zwift it is if your not going to progress the platform or it’s usability.
1 Like
If you really believe Zwift offers you better value for your money then that’s your call. But to be fair, I think they’ve made some significant improvements in usability already in both platforms and I don’t see them resting on their laurels.
Recent additions to SYSTM include outdoor versions of nearly all of their workouts (that can also be brought in to RGT) as well as some truly awesome new content. As for RGT radio/chat comes to mind and I think there’s been some other enhancements since wahoo acquired it.
Remember when this thread first started, they hadn’t publicly released their Android app yet. Priorities change and the company’s recent layoffs make putting AppleTV app development on the back burner seem like a reasonable decision given the circumstances.
7 Likes
plus ça change
2 Likes
I know its been mentioned its not in the pipeline, but +1 here saying it would be really appreciated… Since buying Apple TV last winter it makes life so much easier by having a dedicated setup rather than relocating my work laptop each time … for Zwift or Fulgaz, but to run Wahoo I need to cast from my Iphone, and every time it seems to be a minimum of 5-10 mins restarting my phone or the Apple TV until the phone can finally find the Apple TV to be able to cast… Works fine when it works but today I gave up and did a workout on Zwift instead because I ran out of patience (no Into the Rift…)
2 Likes
As I have stated before, development for Apple TV isn’t a simple process. Given that Wahoo/The Sufferfest just spent a great deal of effort developing for Android using a specific tool to do so, I wouldn’t expect the same for Apple TV given there is a solution that works. Also, the fact that a large amount of the application development team was released, the development cycle may be much longer than we desire. BTW, my information is based on software development and not internal information from Wahoo. They may surprise us with an Apple TV version next week…
2 Likes
Interesting. I spoke to the guys at at another platform that is currently in Beta testing asking about Apple TV. Its comment was that it is pretty easy for it to port its app to AppleTV from Mac IOS. It said that the issue is one of cost of distribution and cost of updates. So it was suggesting that once its app is complete / stable that it would then choose to put it onto Apple TV App Store. I have no idea about the difference in code between its platform and Wahoo’s, however, it was interesting that for it the issue was cost, not complexity.
1 Like
Depends on the app. An app using a 3D graphics library is entirely different than one using a video content player.
And an app that is using some sort of proprietary video splitting or encryption to avoid piracy would be even harder to port.
My take on this is that if it were easy for SYSTM to be ported to Apple TV, they would have done so years ago. That said, I’m happy streaming via AirPlay.
4 Likes
The Sufferfest and SYSTM both use encrypted video data (not DIX) and contain a sizeable video player. Again, porting this application to any other platform isn’t plug and compile. I don’t know if Apple TV supports Java, but that might be the only way to do this
What everyone is missing is that A SYSTM app for Apple TV app can’t happen without a companion app because the AppleTV only has 2 concurrent bluetooth connections, one of which is needed for the remote.
With only 1 BT channel you’d be unable to do Half Monty or Full Frontal, because both need 2 BT connections 1for an HRM and 1 for a power source.
If we see Wahoo update firmware for the Kickr to enable HR re-broadcast the same way the Jetblack Volt and Zwift Hub can, that could be a sign an AppleTV is app is imminent?
Perhaps the new Wahoo app could work as a companion app? But again this begs the question of what is the point of having an AppleTV app when you need to run an app on your phone at the same time anyway.
Edit: Thanks @titanicus for spotting my typo. “HM of FF” changed to “Half Monty or Full Frontal” and the second " HRM" for “Power source”
1 Like
I really don’t mind that. While I’m only on Zwift for another month or so till the sub runs out, I’ve spent plenty of time there and the Zwift CA is just a nice and easy to use controller. Even on SYSTM and SUF before that, I’d run it on my laptop, stream to my TV via AppleTV and I’d use a remote app on my phone to control the laptop so I could errrr, ummm, increase intensity of each ride while still on my bike. Keeps holy water off the laptop.
1 Like
I feel this needs editing to make sense.
HM or FF?
one for an HRM and 1 for an HRM ?
1 Like
Now you need to edit it again 
1 Like
It actually has three with one dedicated to the remote. So you can connect two external sensors. So you can connect a HRM and say either a smart trainer or power meter.
4 Likes
Plus if you have a direct connect trainer you can essentially pair three devices as the trainer uses a network connection:
To clarify, this isn’t using the Zwift CA
2 Likes
A number of trainers can also pass ANT+ or BT HRMs through their BT connection as a Bluetooth Heart Rate Profile device (so you don’t use another BT channel)
4 Likes
Apple TV can handle two bluetooth connections in addition to the remote. I can personally verify the Stages SB20 only requires one of those connections to send power, cadence, and allow controllability, allowing me to use the second connection with the Polar H10 HRM.
The apps Fulgaz and Kinomap both work fine with this setup and neither has a companion app. Zwift and Rouvy both also work fine this way and while they have a companion app it is not needed.
1 Like
Until you add BT headphones and then you’re back to only 1 connection for Power/Cadence/HR. Judging by the number of people moaning about problems with BT connection stability that mention they are using BT headphones, I suspect the number of people riding with BT headphones is greater than the number of people riding trainers that can combine all 3 into 1 channel.
1 Like
I have an excellent sound system hooked up to my television — one reason why I want to run things there and not on my small iPhone 12 mini (with the main reason of course, having a much larger screen for content) — so bluetooth headphones are not a requirement for me.
I’d think many people running on Apple TV likewise want a more “cinematic” experience with large screen and good sound; otherwise, get an iPad and use that.
2 Likes