Our previous post highlighted some of the new patents that Apple was awarded as they develop technologies and devices targeted to sports - sports technologies, a subject very near and dear to our hearts and what could be more exciting that to see the leader in innovation and design enter this market. Here are a couple of additional areas where you can expect to see their impact:
NASCAR Auto Racing
In 2006 NASCAR signed a video deal with Apple and with one of these recently awarded patents we see that Apple could use this technology on both Apple TV and the iPhone. Apple has developed an application that includes a large number of data capture devices coupled to racecars to provide vehicle movement metrics.
The monitoring devices could also provide information to fans about any car’s speedometer, accelerometer, tachometer and/or gas gauges and could add spin sensors, temperature gauge, and driver heart rate sensors. The system could also transmit data on events as they occur such as car crashes, rollover or total rotations. The system would be available to customers as part of certain event ticket packages or for a fee. Once you opt in, the race track information would then be transmitted to your cell phone.
Advanced Ski Lift Tickets
Apple’s technology will finally provide ski resort owners with a way to keep their ski trails safer in the future by being able to implement next generation Ski Lift Passes that will come with a built-in receiver and a multitude of advanced sensors including GPS. The monitors will allow resort owners to actually set ski hill speed zones that could be monitored for violators.
The advanced ski lift passes will also be able to provide skiers with a Nike+iPod-like program for monitoring multiple skill levels that you wish to challenge yourself with be it speed to a given time or an airtime value in jumps.
I'm just happy to make it down in one piece. I can't wait to see what else Apple will come up with.
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