Seeking more immersive exercise, consumers turn to digitally heightened sports
Implications - Seeking to heighten sporting activities, consumers are turning to augmented athletics to maximize experiences. Enhancing activities like rock climbing and soccer with simulated effects and 3D visuals, these augmented experiences offer more engaging sporting experiences without added physical exertion.
Trend Themes
1. Augmented Reality in Sports - Consumers are enhancing sporting experiences with augmented reality, using technology to add visual and simulated effects to activities like rock climbing and soccer.
2. Gamification of Extreme Sports - Brands are experimenting with gamifying extreme sports experiences through virtual reality and projection technologies, allowing consumers to simulate being a pro skater or customize their skiing or snowboarding experience.
3. Broadcast-quality 3D Video Using Video Game Footage - Researchers have developed technology that generates broadcast-quality 3D soccer video using real-time 2D footage from video games, creating potential opportunities for sports broadcasting and viewing technology.
Industry Implications
1. Sports - Opportunities for sports brands in technology that enhances or gamifies athletic experiences, or in the integration of new viewing technologies for fans.
2. VR/AR Technology - As consumers seek more immersive experiences in sports and other industries, there are opportunities for innovation and disruptive technologies in virtual and augmented reality.
3. Broadcasting - The development of broadcast-quality 3D video using video game footage creates new possibilities for sports broadcasting and viewing technologies.
