IBM has updated its ‘IBM Seer’ mobile application to combine augmented reality with live location-based video streams of some showcourt matches and 'busy areas’ such as the Aorangi Terrace (aka Henman Hill), and the taxi queues.
Following the success of IBM Seer in 2009, which was the world’s first augmented reality app using live data feeds, the 2010 Seer app streams live video from on and off the court based on the user’s exact location. This will enhance the Wimbledon experience and transform how visitors to the tournament keep up with the action.
Available for both iPhone and Android, the free to download app offers live geo-tagged information on queue lengths, food and drink stands and other Wimbledon facilities enabling fans to use the quickest routes to strawberries and cream and catch more of the court action, even if they are on the other side of the grounds.
"IBM Seer has been designed to enhance the way people can experience and engage with major events of the future. Wimbledon 2010 will set a new landmark for sports technology and will be one to watch ahead of major forthcoming events such as London 2012. It allows smarter use of the data and information that is all around us,” said Alan Flack, IBM’s Wimbledon client and programme executive. “This year’s development uses cutting edge technology to allow visitors to see Wimbledon in a way that has never been experienced before and make their visit even more engaging, accessible and enjoyable.”
Both the Android and iPhone versions feature location-aware visualisation technology with the augmented reality application acting as a real-time guide and interactive map of the tournament as well as providing up to the second scores, venue and transport information. The app features more than 90 points of interest ranging from the new shop through to the ATM next to centre court.
The Seer applications for Android and iPhone handsets are available by downloading directly from either the iTunes App Store or Android Market.
Since 1990 IBM has worked with the All England Club to send the captured score and statistical data around the world in an instant, keeping broadcasters, media and tennis fans up to date with all the latest results and statistics.
IBM is the Official Supplier of Information Technology and IT Consultancy to The All England Lawn Tennis Club which stages The Championships. Since 1990, IBM has worked with the Club to introduce new technologies that help bring the wealth of real-data captured during The Championships to life.