A developer named Sharhan has ingeniously repurposed Apple's AirPods to function as a flying-disc stat tracker, dubbed Kinapod Disc. This innovative application leverages the motion sensors embedded within the AirPods to measure various aspects of Frisbee throws. By inserting an AirPod stem-first into a small hole made in the center of a flying disc, users can send motion data to an iPhone.

The Kinapod Disc app then analyzes this data to record spin rate, total revolutions, estimated release speed, and airborne time. While an expensive solution, it offers a unique way to quantify backyard throws. The app, available in early access via Apple's Test Flight as of July 23, uses the AirPod's gyroscope for spin rate and calculates revolutions. Release speed and airborne time are estimated based on the motion data, making the app more useful for comparing personal progress rather than achieving certified speeds.

Users can opt to have statistics announced after each throw, track personal records, and even export session data to Strava. The system works by accessing Apple's Core Motion framework, which developers can use for various movement-based applications. While this use case is experimental and requires modifying the disc and disabling certain AirPod settings, it highlights the potential for repurposing existing technology.