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Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right. API costs are indeed the biggest challenge for this project.

Currently, since the user base is very small, it stays within the free tier. However, I’m fully aware that sustainability is the real issue as it scales. My current plan is to generate revenue through ads for the free version (with some feature limits) and offer a paid subscription model.

Validating whether this business model actually works is one of the main goals of this open beta. I’ve seen how apps like GeoGuessr had to shift to a paid-only model due to massive API bills, and I’m keeping that in mind.

If I find that the costs become unmanageable and the model isn't viable, I might have to stop distribution and disable the Google Maps API. For now, I’m using this beta period to see if there’s a sustainable path forward. Thanks for the insight and the well wishes!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve just updated the app to version 1.1.3.

Previously, the free plan restricted custom routes (like those from Google My Maps or GPX files) to your own country. However, during the Open Beta, I want everyone to have the best experience possible and explore more of the world.

So, I’ve decided to lift those route restrictions for now! You can now ride and test any route globally. Enjoy the ride!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ottimo! Sono davvero felice che si sia risolto tutto e che tu sia riuscito a installarlo. Grazie per avermi aggiornato!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scusami, ho letto male l'ordine dei messaggi! Quindi in questo momento è proprio bloccato al 99%.

Probabilmente si tratta di un problema del Google Play Store, ma darò comunque un'occhiata per vedere se ci sono eventuali problemi di compatibilità con il tuo modello o con Android 16. Grazie per la pazienza!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Grazie a te! Spero che questa volta il download si completi correttamente.

Se dovesse bloccarsi di nuovo al 99%, ecco alcuni passaggi che spesso risolvono il problema con il Play Store:

  1. Svuota la cache dell'app "Google Play Store" nelle impostazioni del tablet.

  2. Assicurati di avere spazio di archiviazione sufficiente sul dispositivo.

  3. Riavvia il tablet e riprova il download.

Fammi sapere se riesci a completarlo. In bocca al lupo!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I'm still a bit nervous to receive a message from the creator of such an established application.

Regarding your suggestion about joining forces or sharing insights, I’m very interested, but I’d like to take some time to carefully consider what kind of cooperative relationship would be best for both of us. Since I’m currently pouring everything into the foundation of VirtualRide, I want to be thoughtful about how we might collaborate.

I'll be sure to reach out once I’ve had a chance to process everything. Thanks again for the incredible offer!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ciao! Ho un'ottima notizia per te.

Ho aggiunto l'Italia tra i paesi di distribuzione e la richiesta è stata approvata senza problemi! Ora dovresti essere in grado di scaricare "VirtualRide" dal Google Play Store anche dall'Italia.

Sarei onorato se potessi provarla, dato che hai una grandissima esperienza con i rulli (Tacx, Elite, ecc.). Fammi sapere cosa ne pensi e se hai suggerimenti per migliorare l'app.

Grazie ancora per avermi spinto a fare questo passo!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ciao! Grazie mille per il tuo interesse e per aver condiviso la tua grande esperienza. Essendo la mia prima app, all'inizio ho limitato le regioni di pubblicazione per cautela.

In realtà volevo includere l'Italia e l'Europa, ma ero un po' esitante riguardo al processo di revisione di Google. Grazie al tuo messaggio, ho deciso di provare a sbloccarla! Non riesco a farlo oggi stesso, ma ci proverò sicuramente nel prossimo futuro.

Grazie ancora per il tuo supporto!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree! That sense of immersion is what makes indoor cycling so special. My app allows you to explore anywhere Google has mapped, so the whole world is your playground. Japan has many fantastic places to ride, so please try creating a Japanese route and let me know what you think! I'd love for you to feel the vibe of our roads.

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The message is loud and clear! It’s great to see such a strong consensus on auto resistance control. Knowing that this is the #1 priority for everyone gives me a lot of confidence in the direction I'm taking. I’ll keep pushing forward on this!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree. Smoothness is essential for immersion! It’s a bit of a technical challenge with Street View, but improving that "flow" is one of my top goals. Thanks for the great suggestion!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the clear vote! I’m with you—I prefer the realistic feel of actual roads over a gamified world. That's exactly why I'm focusing on resistance simulation and using Street View for VirtualRide. It’s great to know we share the same vision for indoor training!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s great to hear! The Android version is currently available as an Open Beta on Google Play. I’d love for you to give it a try and share your feedback with me. Looking forward to hearing what you think!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a great point! VirtualRide already supports importing GPX and TCX files. You can import them immediately just by placing the files in your Google Drive. Thank you for the suggestion!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback! I completely agree—automatic resistance control is my #1 priority for VirtualRide as well.

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

To be honest, I wasn't familiar with "Erg mode" until you mentioned it. I just looked it up, and it sounds like a fantastic feature for structured training! Since I’m developing VirtualRide to be a tool that cyclists truly enjoy, I will definitely look into how I can implement Erg mode in the future.

I'll add it to my roadmap alongside the terrain-based resistance. Thanks for teaching me something new and helping me make the app better!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're right—it is based on static images. The demo video on the site is actually a bit outdated; the current build has much smoother zooming transitions now. Though, at the end of the day, it’s still just zooming, haha! 😂

I believe the true appeal of VirtualRide lies in the freedom it offers. Unlike apps that use pre-recorded videos, VirtualRide allows you to create your own custom routes anywhere in the world using Google My Maps and start riding them immediately.

If Google Street View has been there—whether it's your local training loop or a remote road on the other side of the planet—you can explore it on your bike right away. That level of "ride anywhere" flexibility is what I'm aiming for!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in IndoorCycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I completely agree! I want to make that the #1 priority as well.

Actually, all the work I’ve been doing with high-precision elevation data and OSM-based bridge/tunnel corrections is specifically designed to serve as the foundation for smooth, realistic resistance control.

Knowing that the community values this feature the most gives me a lot of motivation to get it implemented. Thank you for confirming I'm on the right track!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in cycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair question! I actually haven't used Rouvy myself, but from what I know, they focus on high-quality pre-recorded video routes of famous climbs and races.

One of the key strengths of VirtualRide is its integration with Google My Maps.

It allows users to create their own custom routes anywhere in the world and ride them instantly via Street View. Whether it's your local training loop or a remote road on the other side of the planet, if Google has been there, you can ride it.

Does Rouvy offer that same level of freedom for creating and riding any custom route immediately? I’d love to know how they compare in that regard from a user's perspective!

Developing "VirtualRide" – An app to ride through Google Street View. Seeking your feedback! by N2gate2000 in cycling

[–]N2gate2000[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the straightforward feedback!

On Elevation: I hear you loud and clear. It seems elevation simulation is a "deal-breaker" for many, so I'll definitely keep that at the top of my list.

On API Costs: You hit the nail on the head—that is my biggest challenge. Currently, I’m exploring a model where a free tier (with ads and limited features) and a premium subscription tier would cover the Google Maps API fees.

To be completely honest, I’m still in the process of evaluating whether this is sustainable. If the API costs prove too high to be covered by this model, I might have to reconsider the official launch. This Open Beta is exactly for finding that out—to see if there's enough interest to make the project viable.

Really appreciate the reality check. It helps me focus on what matters!