Accenture develops rugby wearable for in-game info
Accenture has developed an in-stadium real-time wearable device that displays game specific information about the action on the field. It hopes to provide a seamless in-game experience, as well as opening up a new way to reach consumers with information.
RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championships
The RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championships is an annual international rugby union championship involving six European teams: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Games are played in the various regions taking part in the event, and the stands are packed with excited fans and onlookers.
Recently the Official Technology Partner of the RBS 6, Accenture, showed off its latest innovative technology, currently as a Proof of Concept (PoC), which is set to open fans to a wider field of in-game experience. The PoC, designed by Accenture Mobility, is a wearable device that is non-intrusive and provides its users with curated information pertaining to the rugby game playing out before their eyes. “A major part of Accenture’s role as Official Technology Partner to the RBS 6 Nations Championship is to offer the audience a new perspective on rugby,” comments Ben Salama, UKI managing director of Accenture Mobility. “Sharing real insights about the game, the players and the teams with fans without them having to take their eyes off the field is a sign of things to come.”
The current PoC is a headset that, like listening to a sports commentator, provides real-time curated decided content about the most relevant players, teams and plays happening in-game. The aim of the offering is to give users a seamless experience between the facts and the live action. According to the consulting firm, the PoC will provide in-stadium fans with the relevant curated information in the form of ‘cards’ displayed prominently in the headset without tackling the live action on the field. The software side of the PoC has been purposefully built in the Android SDK (software development kit) so that it may be offered across a range of digital channels, from smart watches to headsets based future devices.
Commenting on the PoC, Nick Mallett, former international rugby player and coach, says: “We’re always looking for new ways to engage existing rugby fans and enhance their viewing experience, and to encourage new fans to come and enjoy the live game. This incredible use of new technology brings the power of data together with the power and atmosphere of watching live sport.”
