*An Android version of the Virtual Power Meter app is currently in development.
**The iPhone 6, 6+, 6s and 6s+ feature a barometer. While the Virtual Power Meter app will work on all other iPhones, the readings won’t be as accurate – although are still within 20% of an actual power meter’s results.
Enter detailed cycling data including bike weight, bike type, type of tyre plus rider weight and height. Air and road resistance can then be calculated.
The iPhone’s barometer (on the iPhone 6, 6+, 6s and 6s+) and GPS are used to calculate altitude and gradient. The accelerometer is used to estimate the road surface.
Live wind, air temperature and air pressure data is accessed from a selection of the 40,000 weather stations around the world – those that are closest to the app user.
All of this data is analysed live every second and processed through over 50 complex algorithms to calculate the power that you are generating.
The Virtual Power Meter app is the world’s first accurate virtual power meter app. While there are a few apps in the iTunes store that attempt to calculate power, they don’t take acceleration, wind speed and road surface into consideration – all of which make a big difference to power output.
The Virtual Power Meter app also factors in algorithms for handle-bar position, drafting, bike specification – including tyre pressure and types of tyre, apparent wind and air density. As a result of its thorough testing, the Virtual Power Meter app went through several stages of updates and optimisation.
The app links seamlessly with Strava. Once a user has logged into Strava through the Virtual Power Meter app, all further cycling data will be recorded within both apps. Strava Premium members can access detailed power analysis (that they would expect to see while using a physical power meter) through the use of both apps – including power curves and zone distribution.
The Virtual Power Meter app also enables uploads to other power-based cycling training platforms using GPX – such as Training Peaks. A rider’s power data can be viewed while cycling by attaching the iPhone to a handle bar mount. On first opening the app, the user can add their FTP (Functional Threshold Power) in the settings screen and will then be able to see their power zone live as they ride – colour coded for easy viewing while riding.
Alternatively, some Virtual Power Meter app users prefer to ride with their phone in their pocket. The open app will record the ride data, which can then simply be uploaded to the user’s training platform of choice for detailed power analysis.
