data jungle adventures

Similar to biological evolution, technological evolution never stops. But the drivers are different, very different. Since the metaverse became part of the mainstream media and technology discussion we have all heard about play to earn. Spending time in gaming apps is not only fun but can earn virtual money or redeemable NFTs. This has created significant opportunities in regions where access to the knowledge industry is challenging and most revenues are generated by an informal economy.

Now fitness apps are breaking into the meta and crypto verse and propose new revenue models based on users exercising for a reward other than euphoric feelings and fatigue. Those web3 lifestyle and fitness apps use blockchain technology to manage sports gear NFT’s (sneakers, bikes, etc) and compensate workout time, distance or other with crypto.

StepN is fairly straightforward to set up but claims exclusivity due to an invite-only model to access the platform. While the onboarding process (on the Solana chain) and linking a wallet is easy, the game itself is ‘run to earn’ only ignoring other activity types and has some convoluted rules that are nonintuitive, ever-changing rules for non-metaverse games, like me. The well-design app gets me out of the house although it has received a decent amount of critics for the changing cost and reward model.

Defit allows muti-activities but relies on activity-tracking devices and an external web3 wallet. With only >2,500 active users this may be posing a significant onboarding challenge for some users.

Many well-design fitness apps exist, with loads of data and large communities. But why are we not seeing Strava, Apple Fitness, Fitbit integrating Web3 tech just yet? Regulatory barriers? A reward system can also just be non-monetary as frequent flyer points with on-platform redemption only, right Strava?

While outdoor and sport-bridging technology is old news there are still multiple opportunities to onboard communities. Here is a little example of an unmapped MTB park with a large community that rarely used even web2 means to map, track or communicated about their passion sports.

Nissah Riding Area mountain biking trails