What's Happening?
Supernatural, a VR fitness platform originally developed by Within and later acquired by Meta, is set to relaunch under a new independent company, Supernatural Health. The platform will return with its original founders, Chris Milk and Aaron Koblin, and the
coaches who were integral to its success. This move follows Meta's decision to halt development on the platform earlier this year. The new company plans to launch a revamped version of Supernatural on Quest, maintaining the original service's core elements while introducing new features. The transition involves creating new accounts and a revised privacy policy, with efforts to retain user data like workout history.
Why It's Important?
The revival of Supernatural under independent management highlights the platform's strong community and brand loyalty, which persisted even after Meta's development pause. This transition could set a precedent for other VR services, showing that successful platforms can thrive independently of major tech companies. The move also emphasizes the growing market for VR fitness solutions, which have gained popularity for their immersive and engaging workout experiences. The return of the original coaches is particularly significant, as they were a key part of the platform's identity and user engagement.
What's Next?
Supernatural Health plans to launch the new version of the platform in the fall, with further details on account migration and new features to be announced. The company faces challenges such as music licensing and ensuring a smooth transition for existing users. The pricing model will revert to pre-Meta rates, with discounts for early adopters. The success of this transition could influence future developments in the VR fitness industry and the strategies of other tech companies in managing acquired platforms.
