The Super Bowl Will Test a New Device for Blind Fans Who Want to Enjoy the Big Game


For years, blind and low-vision sports fans were limited to audio play-by-play commentary to follow their favorite teams. But that’s not always ideal. Audio feeds can lag the action, missing key moments, leaving fans having to repeatedly ask friends or family for an explanation of what’s happening on the field or court.

Now, the NFL is partnering with a Seattle-based startup called OneCourt to give some of this year’s Super Bowl attendees a new way to follow the game, the Associated Press reports.

OneCourt has developed a device that provides real-time tactile feedback for major sporting events. It’s about the size of an iPad, although it’s thicker, with raised lines on it that map the field. The device allows users to track the position of the ball, while different vibrations signal specific plays. It also comes with headphones, so users can also follow along with their team’s radio broadcast without delay.

Processed With Vsco With A6 Preset
© OneCourt

OneCourt used to be built in 2021 by a group of students at the University of Washington. Its CEO, Jerred Mace, got the idea during his junior year after stumbling upon a video of a blind man attending a soccer game. In the clip, the man sits next to a woman who moves her hands on a tactile game board.

The NFL, OneCourt, and Ticketmaster partnered during the most recent regular season to pilot the device at 15 games, including matchups hosted by Seattle SeahawksJacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers.

For the upcoming Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, about 10 blind and visually impaired fans will get a chance to test the device

One of the fans is Scott Thornhill, the executive director of the American Council of the Blind.

“It allows me to participate and enjoy the game as close as people can see,” he told the AP. “As someone who grew up playing sports before I lost my sight, I regained a big part of my life that I lost. To be able to attend a game and not have to wait for someone to tell me what happened, it’s hard to describe how much it means to me.”

OneCourt gear is now available for fans who need it eight NBA arenasincluding the Brooklyn Nets’ Barclays Center, the Denver Nuggets’ Ball Arena, and the Orlando Magic’s Kia Center.

The company also opened a waitlist for people who are interested in buying a device to use at home.





Source link

  • Related Posts

    Apple’s New Lip-Reading Tech Is a Surprising Signal of Where We’re Heading

    Imagine silently saying something to yourself, and your AI assistant knows what you’re trying to say. This can be done through your glasses or your earbuds or your phone’s camera.…

    Hollywood Mourns Catherine O’Hara’s Surprising Death

    Friday, January 30, everyone was shocked by the death of Catherine O’Hara. At the age of 71, the actress is known for BeetlejuiceHome Alone, and several other shows and movies…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *