How to play Poddle

What you need

• A Mac with macOS 14 or later
• AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max, connected to that Mac
• Google Chrome
• The Poddle helper, a small program that reads the AirPod. Set up below builds it. It takes about ten minutes, once.
• A webcam, if you want to move by stepping side to side. Without one, you turn your wrist.

Set up

1. Open Terminal. Press Command and Space, type Terminal, press Return.
2. Install Apple's command line tools. Paste this and press Return. If it says they are already installed, carry on.

   xcode-select --install

3. Install Node from nodejs.org. Version 18 or later.
4. Get the helper from Poddle on GitHub. Press Code, then Download ZIP, and open the ZIP. In Terminal type cd and a space, drag the new folder into the window, press Return.
5. Build it. It ends with a line that starts built.

   npm install && bash motion/build.sh

6. Connect your AirPods to the Mac as the sound output.
7. In System Settings, Bluetooth, click the i next to your AirPods and turn off Automatic Ear Detection. The AirPod then keeps sending motion out of your ear.
8. Start the helper. It says motion bridge on. If your Mac asks to let Terminal use Motion and Fitness, choose Allow. Keep this window open while you play.

   node bridge/bridge.js

9. Open poddleball.com in Chrome. If Chrome asks to connect to devices on your local network, choose Allow. That is how the page reaches the helper.
10. Hold one AirPod in your hand. Leave the other in its case.
11. Hold it like a paddle handle, pointing at the screen, and keep still for 5 seconds. Then tip it up. Any grip works. Press C to start over.

Play with friends

Press Play, type your name, then Create court. You get a 4 character code and a link. Send either to a friend. Each player needs their own Mac, AirPod and helper.

Quick play puts you on a court with someone waiting, or starts a new one. First to 11, win by 2.

Play Matt

Choose Play a bot and pick Rookie, Club or Pro. Esc pauses the match.

Move

Settings has three ways to move. Body uses your webcam to follow where you stand. Auto runs you to the ball. Aim moves you as you turn your wrist.

Check behind you before you swing, and hold the AirPod tight. It has no strap.

Watch a match

Press Play and pick Watch next to a court in the list. If a friend sends a link to a full court, the game asks if you want to watch. No AirPod and no helper needed. Keys 1 to 4 switch between broadcast, split screen, player view and free camera.

Questions

What do I need to play Poddle?

A Mac with macOS 14 or later, Google Chrome, and AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max. You also run a small helper on your Mac so the game can read the AirPod.

Which AirPods work?

AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max. AirPods 1 and 2 have no motion sensor the Mac can read.

Do I need two AirPods?

No. You hold one. The other stays in its case.

How do I play with a friend?

Press Play, then Create court. Send your friend the link or the 4 character code. Each player needs their own Mac, AirPod and helper.

Can I play alone?

Yes. Choose Play a bot and pick Rookie, Club or Pro. Matt takes the other side.

Can I play Poddle on Windows, iPhone or Android?

Not yet. The helper that reads the AirPod only runs on a Mac. You can watch a match on any device. No AirPod and no helper needed.

Why does Poddle say Connect your AirPod?

The helper is not running, or the AirPod is not the Mac's sound output. Start the helper, pick the AirPods in the sound menu, and turn off Automatic Ear Detection.

Does it work in Safari?

Not for playing. Safari blocks the page from reaching the helper. Use Chrome.

Is Poddle free?

Yes. No account either. Type a name and play.