Free Augmented Reality Fitness App for Windows 8: BallStrike

BallStrike is a free augmented reality fitness app for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 devices. When you install and launch the app, you will be presented with the main screen of the app where you will be shown the instructions on using the app on your device. The app works smoothly, and if you have used the Kinect on your Xbox, you will be familiar with the app’s concept. What the app does is that it projects a virtual image of you on the screen, and the balls that appear on the screen have to be blasted by touching them by you. You have to avoid hitting the bombs, and you will be able to see your score and the calories that you have burnt during the session at the top right corner of the screen. Overall, it’s a pretty neat and interactive fitness app.

BallStrike is available as a free download from the Windows App Store.

BallStrike instructions

Main features of BallStrike for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

When you install and launch BallStrike on your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 device, you will be presented with the main screen of the app which resembles the below interface.

BallStrike Main Screen

Here, you will be asked to grant access to your webcam and microphone. When you do that, you will be taken to the instructions page. Do note that it’s absolutely essential for you to grant the app access to your webcam and microphone, as without that, the app won’t work. The instructions screen look like the below screenshot.

BallStrike instructions

As you can see, the instructions are the standard stuff. When you have read through the instructions, you will be taken to the main interactive screen of the app where you will be able to start a level by clicking on it. More levels get unlocked as you complete a fitness phase, or a level. Once a level is started, it’s almost like a game. You will be taken to the screen where you have to stand away from the screen, and start hitting the balls that pop on your screen. As I had to screenshot the action, so you can see me pretty close to the screen in the below screenshot, but you get the idea!

BallStrike on the screen

You can stop the level at any time if you are feeling tired by pressing the stop button at the bottom right. Each level has a timer on the screen at the top left, and you will be able to see the calories burnt, your score and the missed balls at the top right of the screen. Once the level is complete, you will be shown the snaps on your screen when you were hitting the balls. This screen can be seen in the below screenshot.

BallStrike post workout screenshots

You can save these photos by clicking on the Save button at the bottom left of the screen. You can also choose to restart the level via the Restart button at the bottom right. This basically sums up the major features of the app in a nutshell!

You can also check out other fitness apps like Health Mantra and Fitness Timer for Windows 8!

Conclusion:

BallStrike is a nice fitness app for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 devices which allows you to be fit and stay in shape while having a lot of fun at the same time. The app is fun and lightweight, and makes sure that you have a great calorie burn workout while using it!

I rate it a 4 out of 5 for the concept and the implementation!

Get BallStrike.