Gadgets Give Sports Fans Stats and Instant Replays

Posted on February 20, 2006

USA Today has an article about new gadgets and technologies that help fans keep up with the game while they are at the stadium. The gadgets discussed include FanView (pictured on right) and SkyBox. The SkyBox helps out fans attending baseball games.

That's beginning to change, with an assist from wireless technology. Vivid Sky, a St. Louis start-up, on Wednesday unveiled SkyBox, a 17-ounce Wi-Fi device and service. The Windows Mobile gizmo, worn around the neck, would give fans at baseball parks, basketball courts and other venues a perspective previously unavailable.
Unsure which player has a higher lifetime batting average? You can check numbers in real time. If you think the umpire erroneously called a strike, you can check the 4-inch display and see where it crossed the plate. Plus, you can tap replays from any stadium camera.
"You no longer have to miss the action because you ran to the restroom," says Chris Shipley, producer of the Demo tech conference here where SkyBox was demonstrated.

The FanView is a handheld device that provides stats and in-car views for NASCAR fans.

FanView gives spectators a view from inside up to seven cars while a NASCAR race is underway. Fans can also access lap times, speeds, positions and point standings in real time.

The article also discusses the San Francisco Giants' Digital Dugout service which distributes stats about the game and even video from games being played in other stadiums. Things are getting pretty good for sports fans these days.

GADGETS