What's Happening?
The virtual reality fitness app Supernatural, previously owned by Meta, has relaunched as an independent company after its earlier shutdown. The app is returning in early access this week on Meta Quest headsets, aiming to restore its classic experience
with original trainers and music. Supernatural Health, the new independent entity, is working to bring back the full music catalog, including tracks previously removed due to licensing issues. The original workouts have been remastered for improved beat mapping across Quest headsets. The price for the service has increased to $200 annually or $20 monthly, though original 'founding member' users will receive a $20 discount on the annual plan. Key features like fitness history and achievements will be transferred, and a companion phone app for heart rate tracking is expected later this year.
Why It's Important?
The return of Supernatural signifies a notable development in the VR fitness market, demonstrating user demand and the potential for independent developers to revive popular applications. Its increased pricing reflects the challenges and costs associated with licensing music and maintaining a premium VR fitness experience outside of a large corporate umbrella. For users, the relaunch means the return of a highly-regarded fitness tool, but at a higher cost. The app's focus on existing Quest headsets while anticipating future VR hardware like Meta VR Glasses highlights the evolving landscape of virtual reality, where lighter, more breathable devices could significantly enhance the appeal and practicality of VR fitness. This move could also influence other VR app developers to consider independent operations or adapt to new hardware paradigms.
What's Next?
The early-access version of the Supernatural app will gradually reintroduce trainers and music tracks, with new workouts and 3D environments to follow. Hand tracking support is planned for a later update, aligning with the future direction of VR hardware, as Meta VR Glasses are expected to launch without controllers. Supernatural Health is also exploring compatibility with other VR platforms beyond Meta, such as SteamVR and Android XR, and potentially non-VR platforms, though for now, it remains a Meta-exclusive app. The team is optimistic that Meta VR Glasses, with their lighter design and advanced features, will be ideal for fitness applications, potentially integrating higher-resolution displays and eye-tracking into the Supernatural experience.
Beyond the Headlines
The relaunch of Supernatural as an independent entity underscores a broader trend in the tech industry where niche, beloved products can find new life outside of large corporations, often driven by strong community support. The app's emphasis on human coaches over AI companions highlights a preference among some users for authentic, empathetic guidance in fitness, contrasting with the growing trend of AI integration in many digital services. Furthermore, Supernatural's strategic alignment with upcoming, more portable VR hardware like Meta VR Glasses suggests a potential paradigm shift in how VR is consumed for fitness. This could lead to a more integrated and less cumbersome virtual workout experience, potentially expanding the VR fitness market beyond early adopters and into a more mainstream audience, provided the hardware becomes more accessible and affordable.
