NetEase Pours Investment into PlayPulse, a Gaming Fitness Bike Company

Norwegian startup PlayPulse has secured investment from NetEase, as announced yesterday. The funding will facilitate the launch of PlayPulse's inaugural product, the PlayPulse One exercise bike, scheduled for early next year. The bike, priced at $1,600 for preorders, features a built-in touchscreen display and handlebar game controls, allowing users to engage with customized games that respond to their pedaling. According to the PlayPulse website, three games are currently available, with a promise of more to come. Additionally, the bike offers traditional workout software, streaming services, and a dimming screen feature when the user stops pedaling. The investment amount remains undisclosed. PlayPulse CEO Erling Magnus Solheim expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "NetEase Games brings extensive gaming industry experience and a network of seasoned creators, enabling us to expand PlayPulse's reach to a broader audience."