Wouldn’t it be great if you could control things like your GoPro, Smart Light, and music right from your computer, instead of fumbling around with the devices themselves? And what about getting your training plan workouts or even a dark mode for the screen? With the latest update from Wahoo, all of this will be at your fingertips with software updates to the latest Roam and Bolt computers.
The customer-driven update will be a big step forward in bringing further integration to the Wahoo lineup. New screens will let you control devices right through your computer, allowing you to stay focused on your ride.
Let’s start with what is available to you today
Smart Light Control will allow you to manage your ANT+ smart lights from brands like Bontrager and Garmin, right through your Wahoo computer. It will allow you to turn lights on and off, change modes, and even turn on and off your lights as you start and end your ride.
Music Control can be a bit of a touchy subject. In some places, using headphones while riding is illegal, but in many places you can use them. So whether you are using your computer indoors for a trainer workout, or maybe have a single bud in on the shoulder side of the road to be able to hear traffic (safety first), you can now control things like play/pause, skip, and volume. No word on if it is limited to specific apps, but it’s probably safe to say any apps on your phone that play music or podcasts. I’m looking forward to this one and not having to use my headphones or watch to skip songs on long rides.
Training Plans integration adds the ability to download your workouts directly to your device for your next session. This was already available through Wahoo SYSTEM and TrainingPeaks, but the new API adds Humango, FinalSurge, Nolio, and Join. This opens the doors for more to be added in the future as Wahooligans and app designers show interest.
Dark Mode is probably minor to most, but it’s something I’m excited about. If you look at my computer, I’m all about dark mode. Outlook, teams, they are all set for dark mode. This new mode will help improve visibility in various lighting conditions. Instead of a light screen with dark letters and numbers, it will be the opposite, dark with light text. If that’s not your jam though, keep things how they are, but I always suggest giving it a try to see what you like best.
Dark mode gives the Wahoo Roam and Bolt a new perspective. 
Here is the light version for comparison. 
Dark maps 
Light maps for comparison. 
Your Wahoo device is ready for your next training session. 
Soon, you’ll be able to control your GoPro from your computer. 
Here’s an example of smart lights. 
Before you ride, get your training plan synced through your phone in the ELEMNT app. 
Select to send it to your computer, and get started.
Now, the GoPro Control is coming later in the year. We don’t have a date yet, but it is in the works. No word on which models will be compatible, but I’m willing to bet if you could use it with their remote, maybe it will work. The new functionality will allow you to start and stop recording, capture photos, and adjust camera modes right from your Roam or Bolt.
“At Wahoo we are committed to continually improving rider’s experience with their Wahoo devices,” said Chip Hawkins, Founder of Wahoo Fitness. Through regular software updates – we are able to listen to our community, then implement many of the upgrades that they request to improve their rides and performance.”
If you haven’t already, fire up your latest Roam or Bolt computers to get the latest software onto your computer. From there, it is a matter of updating your screens, and pairing devices, and you are off and running.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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