What's Happening?
Supernatural, a VR fitness app originally developed by Within and later acquired by Meta, is set to return under a new independent company called Supernatural Health. The app's original founders, Chris Milk and Aaron Koblin, along with the original coaches,
are reuniting to relaunch the service. This move comes after Meta halted development on the app earlier this year, leaving its future uncertain. The new version of Supernatural will launch on Quest this fall, retaining the same coaches and mission as the original service. However, the transition will not be seamless, as existing accounts and subscriptions will not automatically transfer to the new platform.
Why It's Important?
The revival of Supernatural under an independent company marks a significant shift in the VR fitness landscape. The app's return highlights the potential for niche VR services to thrive outside of major corporate ownership. This move could inspire other VR developers to pursue independent paths, fostering innovation and diversity in the industry. The decision to increase subscription prices reflects the challenges of maintaining a sustainable business model in the VR fitness space, particularly regarding music licensing and content creation. The success of Supernatural's relaunch could influence the future of VR fitness apps and their role in the broader fitness industry.
What's Next?
Supernatural Health plans to launch the new version of the app this fall, with additional details on account migration and the launch timeline to be shared in the coming months. The company is exploring ways to preserve user history, such as workout streaks and badges, but has not guaranteed that all data will transfer. The new service will include as much of the original music catalog as possible, with plans to expand the library over time. The company aims to support employee salaries, music licensing, and new features through increased subscription pricing, offering a discounted rate for Founding Members.
