Suppose Frank Lampard’s prohibited goal against Germany in 2010 had been awarded? Could England have gone on to win the match? Goal-line incidences like these have left infuriated fans (and officials) begging for technology to come and save the day.
Technological solutions have been used for years in various sports; however, this will be the first World Cup to feature goal-line technology (GLT). This is just one example of how this World Cup is promising to offer the most hi-tech and interactive user experience to date.
Here are a few other ways that the World Cup plans to go high-tech:
1) Goal Monitoring Cameras: Goal Control, a German based company, has installed 14 high-speed cameras to the roof of each 12 stadiums. These high-tech cameras are connected to image-processing computers that are able to track the location of the ball-to within a few millimeters. Once the ball crosses the goal line, the camera system sends an alert to the referees (via a wrist-watch) that states “GOAL” within one second.
2) High-definition (HD) Sony Cameras and Ultra High-definition (UHD) Viewing: Sony has installed over 224 HD cameras which are estimated to capture over 2,500 hours of recording time-a record for the World Cup! In addition, viewing will be in a 4K format, which is approximately four times the current resolution of HD TV.
3) Interactive Technology for Fans: It is estimated that over three billion fans will be in attendance at the games (and over four billion viewers will be watching from home). You will be able to stay connected by voting, betting, chatting, & viewing tournaments via the following technologies:
- Record Breaker-a downloadable app that allows you to view games
- Odds on Favourite-you will be able to place bets both online and by phone app
- Brazilian Backbone-Brazilian Telecom company, Oi, is teaming up with FIFA to offer high-speed connectivity and hot-spots for mobile users
It seems that the technological possibilities are endless for fans during the 2014 tournaments; and it appears that users expect an interactive experience. Ian Foddering, UK and Ireland chief technology officer for infrastructure specialist Cisco Systems, agrees: “Two years on from the 2012 London Olympics, user expectations have increased in terms of their experience at such events. They now typically have an expectation of ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity enabling them to share exciting moments with the world via social media.”
Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will play host to the first “digital World Cup”
