Tennis Tech Startups Serve It Up at The Tennis Show 2014

 

As all sports technology startups try to become mainstream, one of the several, underlying prevalent issues remain constant: education of a respective company’s benefits from its technology to the consumer level.

Be it derived from the tech sector over sports or vice versa notwithstanding, common ground needs to transpire in order to reach desired target markets. Communication, above all else, is paramount for the continued development and progression of these startups. Just about any single opportunity that presents itself to speak and share their information to the right public forum should be a prudent one.

While the sports tech world awaits its grand showcase at the 2015 International CES, the individual trade entity for tennis, the Tennis Industry Association, has prepared its own event to convene the technology and business minds of the sport.

Today, a day leading up to the U.S. Open, The Tennis Show 2014 held in New York City commences to celebrate the past, present, and future of the game. This marks TIA’s seventh consecutive year of hosting for the gamut of influencers, including teaching professionals, coaches, retailers, manufacturers, and players. A state of the industry address will cover tennis participation levels, equipment sales data, and grassroots programs among other aspects as well.

There will be over 50 companies and organizations in attendance to demonstrate their technological products and services. Some of them, in particular, will be holding prize drawings to be valued collectively upwards of $20,000 from their respective exhibitions for those on hand.

“The TIA has always had a strong emphasis on using the latest technologies to help grow this sport. At The Tennis Show this year, we’ll have companies that are changing how players hit the ball with devices designed to track and improve tennis strokes. We also have companies exhibiting the latest in match and player analysis systems. In addition, we’ll have companies showing off cutting-edge software that helps find playing partners, find tennis instructors, and help tennis businesses run more efficiently,” TIA’s Executive Director, Jolyn de Boer, tells SportTechie.

This trade oragnization’s mission, of course, is to promote the growth of tennis and the economic well-being of the industry as a whole. By arranging such an event, they’re in a position to support the range of tennis providers with the latest tech innovations. This relationship intends to help these businesses grow--regardless, if it’s for selling more products, services to aid players, or any other function--and, in turn, more importantly, grow the interests for tennis.

The various tech startups at this show share similar sentiments as the governing association, in terms of improving the way the game is played and sustaining engagement for it.

For one, PlaySight’s Chief Executive Officer, Chen Shachar, mentions to SporTechie that TIA and everyone in the tennis industry has been receptive to what they’re doing, bringing analytics to the forefront. These parties are recognizing that good technology at reasonable price points for the masses means all of them win in the long run. Placing any more barriers besides the learning curve involved for non-early adopters wouldn’t be viable, especially in relation to the initial monetary investment. Thus, the continual education part of their products as tools serves as a prime reason why they’re an exhibitor at The Tennis Show 2014.

Another, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PlayYourCourt, Scott Baxter, affirms the strong relationship they have formed with TIA. This partnership has manifested itself to boost their software, SaaS, business significantly, be it for education, networking, or encouragement purposes. And, similar to the aforementioned PlaySight, creating awareness of their brand presents more than worthwhile time spent here.

A third, Jon Bloodworth, TennisSource’s Chief Operating Officer, has worked with TIA for over a decade. The avenue TIA provides them the chance to reach specific tennis facilities across the country, which is critical towards their success as a silo, niche company. They hope to receive feedback on their latest features of its software solutions, notably crucial with the shift to mobile platforms.

Accordingly, TIA acknowledges the role they have to understand these incoming players in the space.

“As consumers continue to become more tech-savvy, look for instant gratification, and adopt the latest in technology products and services, it’s important that we, as a sport and industry, stay on top of these trends and be sensitive to how consumers are searching for information, booking court time, and buying products,” says de Boer.

Still, hurdles persist for tennis to completely embrace technology insofar as its visibility, daily usage, and scalability.

Schachar states: “We think the biggest issue is acceptance of change. Tennis is very averse to change and that has slowed its growth.”

Meanwhile, Baxter believes Generation Y tends to be more about convenience than ever before, which causes a greater emphasis for an online strategy. Of course, a lot of the solutions that this young demographic seeks would be through the internet first. The sport as a whole must create efficient and appealing ways to deliver tennis programming. Otherwise, there’ll be very little traction to get them to want to play as much.

That said, TIA’s de Boer identifies four potential areas to spur tennis expansion through technology--in spite of the impediments just mentioned.

There’s over 50 kind of companies trying to tap into the SaaS segment. At its essence, these software applications as a cloud-based service intend to drop costs at some tennis facilities and other providers; and continue to offer the latest technology of its kind available. Growing and managing related businesses would prosper, provided it’s serviced the right way.

Secondly, line-calling systems should pervade courts as they become more affordable. The goal here would be to make the game more accurate and enjoyable for players and fans alike. A conceivable byproduct of it would be to stimulate people to play more--the overarching objective to permeate this desire.

Thirdly, “smart racquets”, like Babolat’s Play Pure Drive, are out there in the market already. The fact that it’s the key device that players utilize allows them to stand out, specifically as the user experience funnel for their respective tennis strokes. Multinational tech companies have expressed a lot of interest to see the latest iterations.

Fourthly, TIA, themselves, manages one of the industry’s prominent mediums called PlayTennis. This unbranded website is dedicated to helping players and any users looking to get involved in the game with the information they need to play it, more frequently, at that. This free platform functions as a search engine to find partners, courts, tutors, retailers, and just about anything else.

“We want to continue to offer players every chance to play this game,” added de Boer.

These tennis tech startups, in turn, will be serving it up as it’s their turn to shine among the game’s most important minds at The Tennis Show 2014.

 

Lumafit Is a Beautiful Blend of Technological Innovation and Personal Fitness

 

 

In recent years, the most worrisome health problem in the United States has been obesity. A small problem two decades ago, it has quickly risen to the top of the list. This is in a large part due to the way many Americans lives are structured. Busy days filled with stress and little relaxation lead into poor eating habits and unhealthy living. Many people also have a difficult time fitting in the gym every day. On top of that, the gym is not the most inviting place. Gym memberships are expensive, they aren’t always close to home or work and they sometimes are not even a mentally comfortable place to work out.

Over and over again companies have come out with the best and newest and most advanced workout tool or personal trainer that will motivate people to lose weight and stay in shape. The creators of Lumafit, however, believe that exercise in not the only piece to a healthy body.

Having little to no financial backing, the makers of Lumafit turned to popular funding website Kickstarter. In order to begin production and shipping, the Dublin, Ireland-based company wanted $60,000 in monetary backing. As of June 6th of this year the project was successfully funded on the site with 1,039 backers and just over $100,000 in financing.

Lumafit is an interactive fitness coach worn on the ear with the ability to sync with multiple smartphone apps. The idea behind this fitness tracker is keeping a bulky band off the wrist and putting the equipment in a spot that won’t get in the way of exercise. The plastic piece actually rests on top of the ear while a clip attaches to the earlobe. This clip is actually where the technology is.

The makers knew that identifying exact motion at the wrist was difficult because the wrist goes through large motions that are unrelated to core body movement. The earpiece is built with comfort in mind with soft material on the inside to make it feel like it isn’t even there. With the clip and snug fit, the piece is ensured to stay on during all levels of exercise. While the earpiece only weighs 38 grams, the best part is it only needs to be worn during exercise and meditation sessions to get the information it needs. Tracking at the head allows the Lumafit to precisely identify and rate cardio workouts. The Lumafit can track the user wherever they choose to work out. At home the device can track boot camp sessions including exercises like lunges, sit-ups or squats. Gym workouts can also be tracked for the purpose of knowing stats and being able to visualize personal progress over time.

According to Lumafit, it is not only important to be body fit, but mind fit as well. The product provides medical grade heart data allowing the company to develop apps that guide and analyze yoga breathing sessions.

To go with this information gathering, there are three apps that work with the Lumafit. They are the Gym Tracker, Home Fitness and Yoga Breathing. The gym tracker obviously tracks gym workouts, while the home fitness app runs interactive Bootcamp sessions which are designed to burn over 200 calories in twenty minutes. The Yoga breathing app gives a ten minute interactive and mindful deep breathing session.

Lumafit is aiming to add more tools to their product as additional funding pours in. One is the ability to analyze and improve running style. The Lumafit currently has a high resolution motion sensor that can gather information on running style. These include: impact force, air time, cadence, symmetry and stride variance. With the goal of $100,000 reached, this should be added on to the system.

The world can now rid themselves of bulky chest strap heart rate monitors and heavy wrist bracelets. The Lumafit does more, weighs less and is less troublesome during workouts.

 

How Technology Has Moved In On Fitness and Is Not Leaving Anytime Soon

 

Technology is changing the way individuals are working out. (Healthy Travel)

In such an increasingly mobile and connected world, many of our daily activities have been streamlined and made easier by the Internet and technology.

In fact, for some of us, it’s hard to imagine life without a smartphone. Our devices ensure that we are always connected, even when we’re away from home. Having access to the internet on the go is a convenience we’ve grown accustomed to, but how has it shaped the fitness industry?

Tracking Fitness in Cyberspace

Fitness tracking websites, apps, and devices have skyrocketed over the past few years, trending along with our need to be connected. MyFitnessPal is a calorie counting app and website that has grown in popularity in recent years. With their prodigious database of nutrition details, you can accurately count your calories and then use their exercise features to stay on pace with your fitness and weight loss goals. All of this can be done simply and easily on a mobile app. MyFitnessPal has over 65 million users – and is still growing.

As you can imagine, MyFitnessPal, with its widespread use and tracking nature, has created one of the largest databases of its kind. This data is at their disposal to analyze for demographic segmentation, personalization, and further innovation of their products and services, among many other uses. MyFitnessPal is not done yet, either, as they recently announced a partnership with Garmin, a leader in GPS technology. With Garmin’s GPS technology in tow, yet another avenue of fitness tracking is available to users of MyFitnessPal services. Compatible devices link up to your MyFitnessPal account and using the massive database, will compare calories consumed against calories burned on a daily basis to give you an overall view, in turn keeping you on track with your health, fitness, and weight loss goals. This technology will allow both companies to use analytics for all of the new data collected in order to enhance the future of technology as it relates to health and fitness.

Another major player at the intersection of technology and fitness is Fitbit. These wearable bands use sensors and wireless technology to track your movements throughout the day, automatically syncing with your smartphone and computer, in turn helping you seamlessly integrate fitness into your busy daily schedule. They can help you keep track of calories, map routes for walking, jogging or running, and much more. Much like the aforementioned Garmin partnership, you can connect your Fitbit band to your MyFitnessPal account and take advantage of their huge collection of accurate data to better plan your meals and exercise routines.

The technology behind Fitbit is based on its accelerometer system, which allows the devices to accurately track motion and even the degree of intensity behind the motion. This data is collected throughout the day by your device and then converted by Fitbit’s proprietary software algorithms, which have been perfected over time. Once the motion is converted by the algorithms, it is able to tell you how many calories you burned with your activity throughout the day. You can then view this information on a mobile app and helpful online tools to see your progress on an intuitive user interface.

A Growing Market of Wearable Tech

The Nike FuelBand (Nike)

 

Wearable devices seem to be the latest trend in consumer technology, from smart watches to fitness bands. While Fitbit has been at the forefront of the wearable movement in fitness, many other companies are eager to have a hand in the growing pot:

• Nike has the Fuelband, which, although noticeably pricier than most versions of Fitbit, is very stylish and gets the job done. It counts your actions during the day – whether you’re actively exercising or not – and converts them to Fuel points to let you know how you’re doing

• Strava Run and Cycling are bands aimed towards runners and bicycle enthusiasts; much like Garmin technology, they tap into GPS for enhanced accuracy but can be a bit cumbersome with the necessary attachment to your mobile phone

• The Griffin Adidas Armband is similar to the Strava in terms of functionality – but the design is more forgiving as your smartphone resides in a patch that’s attached to your arm

Fitness in Video Games

No longer can video games be associated with laziness and low activity levels. With the onset of interactive video games, you can now engage in fitness in the comfort of your own living room on your favorite console. Some examples of fitness technology in video games are the Wii Fit and Xbox Kinect. Practices like Zumba, popularized in gyms and clubs across the country, are now being utilized on video game consoles.

The Wii Fit is one of the longest standing and most popular fitness video games. It uses the Wii Balance Board along with the Wii sensor to track user's movements during interactive games. The Wii Balance board has load sensors in each of its four corners to track movements as you shift your center of gravity and weight over the board. This technology has tapped into the need to be entertained while exercising, and has been a success for Nintendo. Xbox has followed suit with their Kinect sensor and there are now quite a few fitness games you can enjoy on your console.

These are just a few examples of how technology is revolutionizing fitness as we know it. With fitness tracking apps connecting to the devices we use every day – along with the adoption of new devices – it’s never been easier to stay active and on track with your fitness goals. Look for technology to continue to morph the way we stay healthy and active.

 

Sports Activities on iOS and Android with interesting applications

Life grows increasingly people are also taking care of their health than to enjoy a long life. Sports is one of the best ways to protect human health and prevent the potential risk of disease. From very early on, the application supports the practice of sports has been released on two operating systems are Android and iOS mobile smartphone to help you become an effective tool for serving the sport practice every days.

 

Bike Doctor 2  

For those who prefer biking, the Bike Doctor 2 is one of the indispensable applications. Docter Bike provides 29 useful guidance for users when encountering emergency situations during cycling. For example, when fixing leaky wheel, the instructions are carried out step by step in a simple easy to understand and most anyone can do it. Besides, Bike Doctor also provides operations for safety checks as well as the failure of the bike before departure.

 

Calorie Tracker - Livestrong

With the sport practice, the results of the training process may only become evident over a long period of health and that his toughness achieved. However, people also like to know the amount of energy they consume during exercise to train measures more appropriate, as well as the ability to evaluate themselves. Calorie Tracker - Livestrong is an app to do the calories consumed during exercise precise and professional, and the app also provides the best daily diet to improve their health as well as for energy episode. This is a very useful application for those who want long-term training and science.

 

 

Sports Tracker

Sports Tracker is a very useful application for those who jog or exercise on a long distance, this app turns your smartphone into a GPS device GPS, store and analyze data that way the user moves through. Sports Tracker also supports shared on the social networking site are in the process of training materials as well as images, diagrams evaluated with friends around. Especially, Sports Tracker is a free application and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android.

 

RunKeeper

RunKeeper is seen as supporting applications exercise the most compelling sports on Android and iOS. With user-friendly interface and easy to use, RunKeeper provides users many different types of exercise such as swimming, biking, jogging and walking. In each form of exercise, RunKeeper will set up a graph to measure the distance and pace of user training, calorie consumption over time.Besides, RunKeeper has a sound system signaling results in each workout so attractive about time that users only need to use ear phones to listen to during practice. Because of the convenience that RunKeeper Free and always have the most number of downloads of the app sports.

 

Rendezvous  

What could be more exciting when there are many companions done with your biking trip, the effectiveness of exercise will increase significantly. Rendezvous is an application that helps connect people with common interests to professional cycling, it helps users to set up a group scheduled move and invite everyone to participate. In particular, this application also provides the location of the team members during the migration process, supporting transfer messages between team members quickly and easily. The free version of the Rendezvous was having some small errors but also pretty perfect to use effectively.

 

Top 10 Sports app for iPhone and iPad

1. Tour De France All Access

Application of NBC Tour de France helps users constantly update the latest information about bike racing's biggest planet. This is a free application that allows users to watch video, check rankings, track racers particular, watch out the race on the map ... With 5 USD for the upgrade option, they can track live events taking place on an interactive map.

2. ScoreCenter XL

ESPN SoreCenter XL is a free application for the iPad and iPhone. The application allows users to update information on many different sports, even information about their favorite team. That data such as time, venue sports, making the match in each time and results.

3. Yahoo! Sportacular HD

Yahoo! Sportacular HD is a free app for both iPhone and iPad have good quality. This app constantly updates information of many major tournaments of various sports such as baseball league national award for song golf, football leagues, basketball, volleyball, auto racing, golf tournament ...

4. MLB At Bat 11

For those who love sports baseball, the MLB At Bat app is useful for them. This app costs $ 10 and can be applied for both iPhone and iPad, providing all the detailed information related to the expanded league baseball - professional baseball league level and largest scale in the United States. If MLB TV registered users can track their tournament directly on the iPad or iPhone.

5. NCAA

Most sports are only applied when providing free information and will charge if the user is watching TV directly to other NCAA.This application allows users to watch live TV tournament championship basketball but did not provide information daily. NCAA Application can only be used on the iPad.

6. WatchESPN

Cable channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESNU is famous for events, sports programs of the U.S. and the world will be viewed directly on the iPhone or iPad via the WatchESPN app for free. However, users can only view channels if the network uses Bright House Networks, Time Warner Cable or Verizon FIOS TV. Private channels are best viewed on ESPN3 Verizon High Speed ​​network.

7. RotoWire Fantasy News Center

New Fantasy Roto Wire Center is a free application for the iPhone, providing information, analysis and commentary on the events, issues and sports.

8. Fox Sports Mobile

Fox Sports Mobile is a free app for iPhone. The application provides users with the latest news about sports and their favorite teams play. In addition, users can watch the highlights on Fox news, the news from Fox Sports Radio.

9.Bleacher Report Team Stream

Bleacher Report Team Stream app is completely free and exclusive to iPhone. Just install the app, select your favorite team, after that, users have a customized list of the latest sports news.

10. Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated is a free app just for iPad. This application form bearing the same electronic journals by bringing information to users about the sport together with the pictures, sideshow, video of the match. In addition, this application has been updated to add information about the sport on both Facebook and Twitter.

TOP 5 free Android apps for local football

Here are the applications (apps) for smartphones running Android or on the football field. It will help NHM get the fastest information about the upcoming game, updated results match exactly is happening and the relevant statistics ... of the top European leagues such as the Premier League (Premier League), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), Bundesliga (Germany) and Ligue 1 (France), as well as worldwide.

 

1. Live Score Addicts

Not only the direct outcome of the game, but also information and interviews before and after games, as well as video highlights situations (highlight).

 

 

2. Sporee

Simple interface, fast report results, set up a list of favorite team.

 

 

3. The Football App

One application provides detailed statistics on matches, players and events, situations on the field. Furthermore, The Football App also includes more detailed narrative sections battle.

 

 

4. Football Plus

Lets not just a free download from Google Play, the app also available on all popular mobile platforms today as iOS, Java or Windows Mobile Phone. In addition to directly update the results as well as relevant statistics, the application also provides additional commentary, TIP experts as well as the video game or on the radio, or news on the sidelines of the pitch ...

 

 

5. Live Premier League 2013/2014

Specifically for the tournament of the season this year (2013/2014) include: Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, application updates faster results in the form of push notification, along with OPTA statistics from Sports and related news.

 

 

[Android] Top of the best sports app

Nowadays sports training needs of people growing up, along with the development of technology for people in this field. With the achievements of applied technology in sport can not not mention the invaluable support of the smart phone. Today I would list some good sports apps on the Android operating system.

 

RunKeeper

 

Developed and built by FitnessKeeper Inc. , RunKeeper application created for users who are tracking best practice. By combining the GPS of the mobile computing capabilities of the software will give you results about distance, speed, time ... instantly. Here are some key features of this software.

• Follow the exercise plans with your own training through sound.

• Synchronize with the wrist device to bring to the notice to you easily.

• RunKeeper automatically integrated with the application of music phones.

• Subscribe right from your home screen with widgets RunKeeper

 

Endomondo

This software is pretty well known by flexibility and supports a range of sports such as jogging, biking, hiking, kayaking .... Endomondo is divided into 2 consists of free and the charge for people wishing to use the more advanced features. However, those who need the basic necessities they can absolutely Free Endomondo meet. Here are some special features of Endomondo.

• Performance Analysis as split times for each exercise.

• Subscribe almost any sport based on viewing distance and time, speed, distance, calories and more

• Share results and workouts on Facebook and Google+ ..

• Set a goal for software training and support you through the sound to reach the goal

• See volume daily exercise

You can refer to the Free version before deciding to leave for the cost of $ 4.99 Pro

 

Fitbit

Surely you've heard of wrist tracking device called Fibit on balanced, the manufacturer also recommends the application will work better if you use the device simultaneously with its wrist.But for those who have basic requirements for training as mileage, timers, check the energy consumption Fibit Free applications can fully meet your needs. With a simplified design will be plus point of the training software for the simple design makes it easy to display more messages.You can download and refer to.

 

Withings

 

 

Withings app is simple to take care of yourself and stay healthy for you. The software provides the basic features of other software such as pedometers, distance ... At the same time with the same design fresh colors will create a feeling of comfortable use and very eye-catching. Like the Fitbit Withings completely free, but when coupled with the company's equipment, you can get more detailed statistics on health. If you are interested in equipment and software by Withings, you can refer below.

 

Runtastic

Runtastic use GPS for mapping and monitoring of sports and fitness activities, such as: running, cycling and walking. The application is pretty manufacturers beautifully designed and intuitive.This software has over 30 million users worldwide rely on, indeed it is a not a small figure. And you wonder why it has attracted many people to use this? Please refer to a number of special features of the software below.

• Enjoy music with Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud ....

• Map workouts in real time with GPS and monitor progress in the gym

• Like a diary to record the data and chart workout.

• Custom control panel: Display preferred statistics

Runtastic has two versions: a free version and paid version costs $ 4.99.

 

Nike +

Nike is a manufacturer of sports equipment in the world, so that they understand what users need in practice. Nike + app is designed primarily orange-toned color which is also characteristic of Nike. Not only does this beautifully designed app can also be used very good performance with the basic features that those who practice sport to watch. And you can totally easy to connect with friends and compete in practice, you can also share your achievements via social networks with ease.

 

Zombies

With special names you can guess this is an interesting software. With the design complete very professional so you will see more excitement during exercise. The software requires you to use Android device version 4.0 or higher, so there will be some devices can not run the Zombies, Run.But if you like the professional training they can refer to this software because it is not the free version for users that only have a single version for $ 3.99.

10 exciting sports app for Iphone and Ipad

1. Tour De France All Access

Application of NBC Tour de France helps users constantly update the latest information about bike racing's biggest planet. This is a free application that allows users to watch video, check rankings, track racers particular, watch out the race on the map ... With 5 USD for the upgrade option, they can track live events taking place on an interactive map.

2. ScoreCenter XL

ESPN SoreCenter XL is a free application for the iPad and iPhone. The application allows users to update information on many different sports, even information about their favorite team. That data such as time, venue sports, making the match in each time and results.

3. Yahoo! Sportacular HD

Yahoo! Sportacular HD is a free app for both iPhone and iPad have good quality. This app constantly updates information of many major tournaments of various sports such as baseball league national award for song golf, football leagues, basketball, volleyball, auto racing, golf tournament ...

4. MLB At Bat 11

For those who love sports baseball, the MLB At Bat app is useful for them. This app costs $ 10 and can be applied for both iPhone and iPad, providing all the detailed information related to the expanded league baseball - professional baseball league level and largest scale in the United States. If MLB TV registered users can track their tournament directly on the iPad or iPhone.

5. NCAA

Most sports are only applied when providing free information and will charge if the user is watching TV directly to other NCAA. This application allows users to watch live TV tournament championship basketball but did not provide information daily. NCAA Application can only be used on the iPad.

6. WatchESPN

Cable channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESNU is famous for events, sports programs of the U.S. and the world will be viewed directly on the iPhone or iPad via the WatchESPN app for free.However, users can only view channels if the network uses Bright House Networks, Time Warner Cable or Verizon FIOS TV. Private channels are best viewed on ESPN3 Verizon High Speed ​​network.

7. RotoWire Fantasy News Center

New Fantasy Roto Wire Center is a free application for the iPhone, providing information, analysis and commentary on the events, issues and sports.

8. Fox Sports Mobile

Fox Sports Mobile is a free app for iPhone. The application provides users with the latest news about sports and their favorite teams play. In addition, users can watch the highlights on Fox news, the news from Fox Sports Radio.

9. Bleacher Report Team Stream

Bleacher Report Team Stream app is completely free and exclusive to iPhone. Just install the app, select your favorite team, after that, users have a customized list of the latest sports news.

10. Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated is a free app just for iPad. This application form bearing the same electronic journals by bringing information to users about the sport together with the pictures, sideshow, video of the match. In addition, this application has been updated to add information about the sport on both Facebook and Twitter.