Technology and the 10 Most Influential World Cup Players
Every four years the world plays host to the World Cup and that means any large number of things, including an opportunity for FIFA and the world to flex their ever-growing technological muscles. This year things are no different, with all kinds of technological innovation informing the event, from Twitter to 3D to HD to infinity, that will ultimately change the rules of consumption and the experience of the event altogether.
Various sources have noted that the biggest advancement this time around will be the broadcasting of games in 3D. Twenty-five games are scheduled in 3D, between Sony and ESPN, who hold the world broadcasting rights. For those with 3D compatible screens at home, Comcast has exclusive American rights and the triad of Rogers, Bell and Telus have a joint deal with the CBC to broadcast three games in 3D, one of which will be the Cup final.
As well, Rogers has succeeded in structuring a deal with CBC that will allow them to stream games to mobile formats such as the Blackberry or iPhone. This is being depicted a coup or successful monopolization of the product, since the deal blocks Bell or Telus customers from enjoying the games from a similar mobile platform.
Traditional television watchers will have to settle with 720p High Definition. CBC sports executive producer stated that there will be 106 games shown live on CBC and rebroadcast on BOLD. Rogers is also offering them on Rogers on Demand. As well, CBC will be broadcasting games live online, along with live blogs and statistical analysis.
There has also been large demand for the matches to be shown in theatres, although little has come from it. Many would like to enjoy the games in a 3D, technologically superior environment. Particularly, a fight between FIFA and Aruna AG, a Swiss firm that previously expressed interest in selling the streamed-games digitally to theatres in 80 countries, has remained merely a proposition. But Louis Rousseau, VP of Marketing and Communication at Sensio, a Montreal-based provider of 3D cinema content and technology, is still working directly with FIFA to sign up theatres. “We’ve not given up yet and we are still in talks. We may not be able to offer all the games at each place but we hope to have something to announce soon.”
Historically, technology has come a long way—in the thirties, for instance, teams provided their own playing balls, and soccer shoes frequently had metal toe tips. 1954 marked the first occasion that the World Cup was televised, inaugurating a tradition that now boosts some 26 million viewers over the course of the 31 day event. In many ways, the evolution of technology in the World Cup has also been the story of the evolution of world renowned brands, such as Adidas, or Jabulani balls.
However, the most prolific users of new technologies are not the fans but the players themselves. Most use internet technologies to provide access to games and participate in ways previously unimaginable. In preparation for the 2010 Cup, a website popped up noting the “10 Most Influential World Cup 2010 Players on Twitter,” including pictures and links to the twitter accounts of stars such as Maurice Edu, Landon Donovan, and Carles Puyol. On the night of his match against England, American Captain Landon Donovan posted: “What an incredible night! The atmosphere was fantastic and the only way it could have turned out better is if the...,” sparked a lot of curiosity from his fans.
In many ways, technology and sports go hand in hand. The popularity of soccer increased tremendously with the advent of tv, however, with technology comes controversy. In many cases debate was the only guaranteed. However, the advantages such as fairness, game improvements and better refereeing outweigh the debate.
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