SlitherSync is a modern take on the classic Snake game, transforming your real-world movements into in-game action. By using your mobile device's sensors, every step you take in real life makes your snake move in the game. It's a fun and interactive way to get active and stay fit.
- Step-Controlled Gameplay: Your physical steps directly control the snake's movement.
- Integrated with Google Fit: Tracks and displays your daily step count in real time (see limitations below).
- Real-Time Weather: Shows live weather updates using the OpenWeatherMap API.
- Location Awareness: Uses device location to fetch localized weather and optionally display the city name.
- Sensor Fusion Technology: Utilizes accelerometer + gyroscope data for step-based controls.
- Classic Gameplay: Nostalgic Snake fun with a modern, health-driven twist.
- Download APK: SlitherSync App
- Demo video: Watch on Google Drive
SlitherSync uses your mobile phone's built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to detect steps. These inputs are fused for accuracy and then translated into in-game commands for snake movement.
The app connects to two main APIs:
- Google Fit API → Fetches and displays daily step counts.
- OpenWeatherMap API → Provides real-time weather data based on device coordinates.
Device GPS location is used to fetch coordinates, which can be reverse-geocoded into a city name for contextual weather info.
- Mobile Sensors (Accelerometer, Gyroscope)
- Sensor Fusion
- Google Fit API (Fitness data integration)
- OpenWeatherMap API (Weather updates)
- Fused Location Provider (Google Play Services)
- Android + Kotlin + Ktor
Prerequisites: An Android device (with Google Play services), USB / file access to copy the APK (or open via GitHub mobile), and an internet connection.
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Download & install APK
- Download
SlitherSync.apkfrom the repository root or transfer it to your device. - If installing outside Play Store, enable Install unknown apps (Settings → Apps → choose installer → Allow from this source), then open the APK and install.
- Download
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First launch — grant runtime permissions
On first run the app will request the permissions it needs. Grant these when prompted:- Location (
ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION/ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION) — used to fetch local weather. - Activity recognition (
ACTIVITY_RECOGNITION) — required on Android 10+ to allow step detection / activity data. - Internet is required but is not a runtime permission (ensure network access is available).
If you accidentally deny a permission, enable it manually: Settings → Apps → SlitherSync → Permissions → Allow.
- Location (
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Google Sign-in / Google Fit (important — test phase note)
- The app uses Google Sign-In to request fitness scopes (Google Fit). Google Fit integration may not work for arbitrary accounts while the project is in testing. To use Google Fit with this APK:
- Contact the app author to have your Google account added as a test user in the project’s OAuth consent screen.
- Once added, sign into the app using that same Google account.
- Grant the requested fitness permissions when prompted.
- If you don’t see data or the sign-in fails, it’s likely your account has not been added as a test user yet.
- The app uses Google Sign-In to request fitness scopes (Google Fit). Google Fit integration may not work for arbitrary accounts while the project is in testing. To use Google Fit with this APK:
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Weather data
- The app uses OpenWeatherMap. If weather shows
"API Key Missing", check your internet connection or restart the app.
- The app uses OpenWeatherMap. If weather shows
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Troubleshooting
- If step count reads
0or very low: check that you grantedACTIVITY_RECOGNITION, and that Google Fit has data for that day. - If location or weather fails: ensure Location permission is allowed and device location services are enabled.
- If APK won’t install: verify you enabled install from unknown sources and the APK is intact.
- If step count reads
- Google Fit API (testing)
- The app is currently in test mode for OAuth; only accounts added as test users in the Google Cloud Console can grant Fit scopes and return fitness data. See “Installation & Run” step 3 above for how to add test users.
- While testing, OAuth tokens and behavior have additional restrictions (e.g., refresh token rules). Expect small differences compared to production verification.
- Google Fit verification & public release (remove test-user requirement).
- Customizable controls (switch between step-based / on-screen).
- Rewards / achievements to gamify fitness.
- Improved reverse-geocoding (Mapbox / Google Maps) for more accurate place names.
- Background-safe step aggregation with optimized battery usage.
SlitherSync turns daily activity into gameplay — motivating users to walk more while enjoying the nostalgia of Snake. It combines simple, fun gameplay with live context (steps + weather + location).