Google Glass in sports? I’m interested.
From what I can see, Google Glass has the ability to provide access to areas that sports fans have never seen before. And, I think it’s time fans have access to the first person, not just the third.
Currently, sports fans have the option of receiving their latest news, scores, and updates from their favorite team, whenever they desire with Google Glass. But, this is no different than mobile apps that provide the same service.
This is where amateur and professional sports organizations have the chance to be truly innovative. Google Glass can be worn by professional athletes, and their experiences can be shared with their fans. For instance, bowling fans were able to observe bowling through the eyes of professional bowler Jason Belmonte during professional competition.
So, this is where I get selfish. As mentioned before, I’m a huge college football fan. And, I think my favorite team should provide this technology to its players to record their in-game and out-of-game (practice, weights, etc.) experiences. Of course there are obvious rules and regulations that may inhibit its use during actual games, and footage should always be censored before release. But, just imagine being able to see exactly what your favorite players see on and off the field – even if it is only practice plays.
This interaction will create massive buzz in the football fan community. “The easiest way to create sharability is to give people an experience,” says Franz Aliquo, creative director at ad agency RPM. “Something that turns their mundane day-to-day into something magical.”
The wearable technology trend is just now emerging, and sports organizations have an opportunity to be an innovators if they act now. I, for one, certainly hope they adapt sooner than later.
-Josiah
WhatsNextForMedia 
I’d never have thought about this – it would provide for some interesting fan engagement/ content for sure! Although, as you mentioned, I could see it uncovering some sensitive issues as well. There is an event each weekend in Virginia called Cars & Coffee (http://katiescarsandcoffee.com/) someone was wearing Google Glass last week there. It makes me wonder what they were seeing!
Sarah,
And this is just the beginning. Just think where it’s heading next. Google Glass has known superficial issues. Some think they’re uncomfortable, and some think they just look ugly. So, imagine this technology coming in contact-lens form. It wouldn’t surprise me if that comes out in lifetime.
Right after I typed that last sentence, I went to Google and typed “google glass contact lenses.” Sure enough, the company already has two patents pending. I guess I’m a little late, haha. So, I wonder what tech companies are working on that I can’t even conceive?!?
-Josiah
I’d never considered Google Glass as a tool for athletes and what immediately popped into my head while reading your post was golfers. I golf pretty frequently, or at least try to, and I’m a terrible putter. I could see Google Glass providing the technology like you see on screen when playing a golf video game — I know my nerd is showing — where you can see the slope of the greens and project your stroke. Smart phones have already embraced the sport by providing course specific GPS so you can calculate exactly how far you are from the green. Do you see this as a possibility in the future?
I’m not super familiar with the technology so I’m eager to hear your thoughts.
-Drew
Drew,
That would be awesome in my opinion. I’m reminded of the grids on Wii’s Tiger Woods PGA Tours games. Having technology to synch/map/grid the greens with your eyes would be amazing. It could also be linked to your history of putting in those situations. For instance, it could say, “last time you went a little short and left in this putting situation.”
Very cool idea. Thanks for sharing.
-Josiah
Hi! I recently saw a presentation by Christine Anderson, the creative director at SportVision. SportVision’s claim to fame is the virtual “yellow line” on football games, but they do so much more. Here is their website: http://www.sportvision.com/
She has a lot of great ideas on bringing the sporting experience to life using augmented reality and wearable tech. But, she says the biggest hurdle is the players’ association/union when it comes to items on the player’s bodies. Anything like Google Glass or sensors on the player brings in all sorts of concerns such as tracking progress over time. While tracking a player now may be interesting, as they age or slow down, and that change is quantifiable, it could cause issues in salary negotiations.
And as far as Google Glass Contacts, the only company with FDA approval is iOptik from Innovega. But, you still have to wear glasses (to project the image on) with it, so it’s not as cool as you would think. Yet!
Kristi,
I agree. There are so many legal hurdles to overcome before it can get to where it has the potential of going. But as I mentioned in my post, I think simple release of practice footage would be a great place to start. This way all content is “managed” before release. The legal department can also scan the video to ensure no contractual obligations are breached.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Thanks for you comments!
-Josiah