The latest indieVelo update, v0.3.1, released July 8th, 2024, suppports the server authoritative architecture through offline mode and more.
One of indieVelo’s great strengths is that it is “server authoritative.” In summary, unlike the legacy first-generation online cycling platforms, this means that for indieVelo, there is precisely one definition of where every bike is located100% of the time.
Every single person using indieVelo sees exactly that same view of the world with sub-millimeter accuracy.
It is essential for credible racing, accurate physics, and many other features that make indieVelo unique and set the standard for the next generation of online cycling technology. However, that high-quality “server authoritative” experience came with one large drawback—that you had to be online and connected to the server at all times to see that one consistent common view of the virtual world.
This week’s release (see below for full details) resolves this previous always-online limitation by seamlessly switching to a new “offline mode” if you lose connection with the server. In particular, this now allows you to continue riding – for example, to finish a workout – without interrupting your training.
indieVelo, therefore, now gives you the best possible experience: high accuracy and precision when connected to the server, together with high reliability and dependability for your training, even if not.
Here’s how to get indieVelo on your AppleTV!
1) Anyone with access to indieVelo on iOS (iPhone/iPad) should now automatically be able to access the AppleTV version too. Simply download TestFlight from the AppStore on your AppleTV, and indieVelo should be there waiting for you to run.
2) Anyone who is a member of the indieVelo Founders Club but doesn’t have access to the Apple versions of indieVelo can email: help@indievelo.com with the email address they use in the AppStore and will receive instructions.
3) Anyone not yet an indieVelo Founders Club member should click here to join, then email me as above.
As usual, there is also a wide range of other additions, improvements, and fixes. These include adding local FIT File recording on Android / iOS (iPhone / iPad), a lap-timer (with extra options on the fully configurable UI to use it where and how you want), more information shared with event organizers, and various bug fixes to keep everything running smoothly and as expected.
Note for Mac Bluetooth users: If you find that the Bluetooth icon on the pairing screen has turned red, please follow the instructions linked from
https://wiki.indievelo.com/docs/apple-mac-ble-permissions/
to first completely remove, and then re-add, permission for indieVelo to use the Mac Bluetooth connection.
Do you want to steepen your indieVelo learning curve? Check out our How-to-Guides page for details!
If all has gone well, then you shouldn’t have to do anything to get the new version, as indieVelo will just self-update the next time you start it up. If you find any problems however, instructions on how to manually update are on the website: https://wiki.indievelo.com/docs/updates
The full patch notes are below!
“Thank you, everyone, for continuing to make such great suggestions for how to keep indieVelo improving. Please dokeep your ideas coming, and together, we will keep getting better with every release!“
George Gilbert
Patch Notes – v0.3.1 – Key changes from the last version:
- Added an offline mode to allow continued riding even after being disconnected.
- Added local FIT file recording to Android / iOS devices with >3GB memory.
- Added pop-up message showing lap time on completion of each lap.
- Added ability to display current & previous lap times as custom UI options.
- Added All-Rounder Ranking to results CSV sent to event organisers.
- Added lots more custom team kits & event brandings.
- Improved All-Rounder Ranking display for when there’s insufficient data.
- Improved handling of invalid characters in text strings.
- Improved various translations.
- Improved AppleTV infrastructure.
- Improved architecture of screenshot manager.
- Fixed bug with riders who fall too far behind leaders in elimination events.
- Fixed bug with TTTs on courses with arches on the lead-in.
- Fixed bug with screenshots sometimes becoming corrupted.
- Fixed bug with pressing ESC key to exit profile menu on Mac.
- Fixed bug with display of fixed distance event lengths.
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
