Intel continues expansion in sports with Voke deal

US-based tech giant Intel has acquired virtual reality live streaming company Voke as it continues to strengthen its presence in the sports technology market.

California-based Voke, which specialises in live streams of sports events, uses a stereoscopic, panoramic camera system to broadcast live 3D events which can be broadcast to any VR device.

Voke’s technology offers multiple viewpoints, so viewers can choose where they want to “sit in the crowd”.

The acquisition is part of Intel’s plans to broaden its interactive and immersive services in the sports broadcasting market.

James Carwana, general manager of the newly created Intel Sports Group, said: “Sport is being revolutionised by data and the ability to capture, connect, analyse and interact with it. Voke’s technology lets fans be where the action is without leaving their living rooms.

“At Intel, we’re building a broad portfolio of best-in-class solutions that will deliver new, immersive experiences for athletes, fans and content producers.”

Intel created the Intel Sports Group in the early part of 2016, following the US tech company’s acquisition of immersive sports video specialist, Replay Technologies.

Sport-kit keyword Voke

Voke’s device offers multiple viewpoints, allowing viewers to choose how they watch

Orbi to start production of first ever 360-degree video eyewear

Wearable tech startup company Orbi is ready to begin production on the new Orbi Prime — the world’s first 4K, 360-degree video recording eyewear.
In November, the company successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo platform – securing pledges worth US$103,000, surpassing its initial funding goal of US$75,000 – paving the way for a manufacturing push.

Acting as a “regular” pair of sunglasses, the Orbi Prime offers hands-free recording technology as well as a polarised, eye-level point of view – meaning that “what you see is what you record”.

Featuring 1080p resolution, 90-minute recording time and water resistance, the product will be launched to target the adrenaline sports and outdoor adventure market.

The company was founded by a team of veteran hardware and software engineers – who in their freetime double up as photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tired of missing shots during activity, they created Orbi Prime as a solution.

Sport-kit keyword: Orbi

The recording glasses will appeal to the adrenaline sports market

Runner robot to act as matchmaker

Racefully, the social running app connecting runners through virtual racing, has announced the launch of its first in-app running robot, Runbot 1.

Running at a pace of 6min/km, Runbot 1 mimics human running experiences – centred around competition and motivation – and has been designed specifically to connect beginner-level runners with each other.

The robo-runner hosts 5km group runs for up to seven (human) participants at a time, and launches a new race every 15 minutes. The app tracks the race and lets users know how they are doing against their robotic running mate – and anyone else participating. To join a run, a user taps the robot’s next run on the list.

Racefully co-founder, David Naylor, said: “Starting out running can be pretty daunting – and beyond those first steps, just sticking to a schedule can make or break a fitness goal.

“We designed Runbot 1 to inspire new runners to run for the first time and meet other runners in the process.”

Sport-kit keyword Racefully

The robo-runner hosts 5km group runs for up to seven participants

FitBit links up with video game to offer in-game activity rewards

US-based video game publisher 2K Gaming is encouraging gamers to become more physically active by offering in-game rewards for real exercise.

The company has teamed up with wearable tech firm Fitbit to set up a rewards system for players of its new NBA 2K17 game – the top-selling basketball game simulation.

Gamers who achieve 10,000 steps in a day – tracked with their Fitbit device – will receive a temporary attribute boost to their MyPlayer in the NBA 2K17 game, enhancing their performance on the simulated court.

Once users connect their Fitbit tracker with NBA 2K17 on Xbox One or PlayStation4, their real-world step activity can start working toward the 10,000 steps per day goal for receiving in-game boosts.

As users reach the steps milestone, their MyPlayer will improve its ability across categories such as agility, layups and dunks – significantly improving performance for the next five games played that day.

Sport-kit keyword 2K Gaming

Users can earns boosts when playing NBA 2K17

12 ‘disruptors’ chosen for ActiveLab startup scheme

Twelve sport and physical activity innovators have been chosen for the UK’s first ever ActiveLab startup accelerator programme.

Set up by not-for-profit health body ukactive, ActiveLab aims to help develop and support innovative health solutions designed to tackle the “inactivity epidemic” which is estimated to cost the UK’s National Health Service around £20bn each year.

ActivLab’s 12-week programme will look to accelerate startups and help them develop their inactivity-busting products and services further.

Among those chosen for the programme are VRGO Chair, a virtual reality chair to get computer gamers active; Stepjockey, a wireless circuit that inspires movement in the workplace; and Shapelog, a ‘Fitbit for strength training’.

Over the course of the ActiveLab programme, the 12 chosen companies will receive a series of networking opportunities with investors and leading physical activity firms, as well as tailored mentorship and expert workshops on the challenges of scaling a business.

The programme will conclude on 15 March 2017, when the 12 finalists will showcase their innovations.

The winner will win a “premium accelerator toolkit” worth £25,000 – comprising a suite of products and expertise to fast-track their concept.

Sport-kit keyword ukactive

The suit works with an athlete’s skin to adjust to their body temperature

Golden 1 Center becomes first arena to get LEED Platinum certificate

Golden 1 Center, the new home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, has been awarded a LEED Platinum certificate – the highest level of global recognition for environmentally conscious buildings and organisations.

The venue is the first indoor sports arena to be given the prestigious accolade.

Designed by AECOM, the solar-powered venue was commended by the United States Green Building Council for boasting a “number of resource conservation solutions, a high level of transportation planning and a dedication to green design”.

Owner of the Sacramento Kings franchise, Vivek Ranadivé, said: “Businesses, including large sports franchises, have a responsibility to help facilitate the world’s clean energy transition so we can protect the health and environment of future generations.

“Our hope in creating Golden 1 Center was to help drive meaningful change in our community – which includes working to curb climate change and promote renewable energy.”

To achieve the highest LEED certification, projects are evaluated on energy management, water efficiency, environmental quality, transportation, materials utilised and more.

Sport-kit keyword AECOM

The Golden 1 Center in California is powered entirely by solar energy

ASICS to invest US$27m in startups, including those in sports industry

Japanese shoe and athletic equipment giant Asics has launched a new venture capital arm which will look to invest in startups across several industry sectors.

Asics Ventures Corporation has been given an investment budget of US$27m (€25.5m, £21.6m) and will look to accelerate and assist fledgling companies in sports and health, innovative technologies and sustainability.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We believe Asics can further accelerate our quest for innovations, leveraging business development with startup companies that have innovative products, services and people.”

“We wish to further ensure the sustainable growth of Asics through capital and business tie-ups with startup companies that would create customer values if combined with ASICS group resources.”

Operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hiroaki Kageyama will be head.

In recent years, the Japanese government has looked to make it easier for startup businesses to find funding by encouraging larger businesses to invest in new industries. The move is part of a strategy to grow the country’s economy, which has traditionally been driven by a handful of multi-national corporations – such as car manufacturers Toyota and Honda, as well as tech companies Sony, Nintendo and Fujitsu.

Sport-kit keyword Asics

Asics will focus on startups that have innovative offerings