Hera Software

For those of you not familiar with Greek mythology, Hera is the queen of Gods and Zeus' wife. Gamdias hence decided to name its application "Hera". The app controls the RGB lighting of the company's peripherals and is currently available for Windows, iOS, and Android devices. For the Achilles, the only way to use the Hera software is through Windows since it doesn't have a wireless module to connect to a smartphone. Once a user connects the USB cable, located at the rear of the backrest, the Hera app provides the ability to control ten different lighting effects. After having set the desired effect, you can just use a power bank to provide energy to the LED lighting strips.


The Hera software can be downloaded from the Gamdias website. Once the Hera package is downloaded, you have to unzip it, find the file "hera.exe", and execute it. Once you plug the chair's USB cable into the PC's port, the Achilles chair appears, and the app moves to the next screen, where you can set your lighting preferences.

User Experience

We were initially wondering about the USB cable since gamers may end up moving their chair around suddenly, which makes a USB connection with a PC dangerous. Besides that, a cable connecting the chair with a PC can create other problems as well, since someone could easily stumble over it and fall (taking out the USB port or connection). We were concerned about how the Achilles would stay connected to a PC USB port without losing the ability to swivel and properly function around a desk.



The use of a power bank is a more straightforward solution, but you still have to find a way to mount the power bank to the chair! For those of you thinking about using a longer USB cable, we would suggest you do not because the cable can wrap around the gas lift and unplug. So, the USB cable connection looks to be a downside of the Achilles. Gamdias should incorporate a battery or a power bank, and also utilize a wireless communication standard (e.g. Bluetooth) for connectivity with a smart device or a PC to control the lighting. While such an update would increase the cost, it would also make the RGB feature much more usable.


The backrest is tall enough, and the height as it ranges from the floor shows that Gamdias designed this chair with tall players in mind. In order for the Achilles to accommodate a user of 200 kg (440 lb), it has been reinforced with a metal frame and a high-density foam mold for a comfortable and painless sitting experience after even long hours of use. However, the chair's dimensions should be broader overall, especially for the seat's base, since it was originally designed to accommodate large users. We have come across gaming chairs with a lower weight capacity, but wider dimensions than the Achilles.


The rocking mechanism allows the chair to move back and forth effortlessly, which has the backrest support the pelvis and lower back. In addition, there is the footrest I had never before seen in a gaming/office chair, and it left a positive impression on me. Not only can it be stored under the seat's base, which puts it out of the way if someone does not wish to use it, but it uses plenty of foam for a comfortable and relaxing foot-resting experience. Consequently, the 150 degree recline along with the chair's footrest can definitely let you sleep and rest for a while.


The armrests are broad and soft, and have a nice design that adds to the chair's appearance positively. They feel smooth to the touch and do not let the elbow slip away. In addition to their wide dimensions, they can be adjusted in several ways. However, these adjustments are done with buttons that feel a bit stiff.


The five caster wheels look sturdy enough to support the increased weight. Making these roll across our lab's wooden floor was a bit harder than with other caster wheels, however.