Tag Archives: Sports

This Drone Referee hovers above the football and players, serving as an airborne VAR

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The most beautiful game, football, is a team sport. But in realism – at the world stage – the game is not limited to the field and teams. Passionate fans and their diehard enthusiasm for clubs and players take the game far and beyond, into the people’s home and their hearts. Despite the love and admiration for football, one wrong on-field decision can leave players behaving irrationally and discerning fans indulging in brawls, intense enough to set stadiums on fire.

Over the years goal-line technology has made a significant difference in the decision-making often faltered by the human eye. Yet, all the other significant on-field decisions are left for humans to make, which even the most qualified and experienced referees can get wrong from time to time. While replacing human intervention from decision-making is visually impossible in the near future; there is a designer who thinks an aerial observer can pull off the task at the amateur level to start with.

Designer: Seungmin Ha

The idea behind “Referee,” a portable drone football referee is as simple as its design: Take to the air, hover above and track the players and the ball, and sound a whistle when a foul occurs. Designed with a Samsung-backed Design Membership program, the two-part system – a drone with rotors and HD camera – moves fluidly around the ball so that there are no blind spots and decisions are spot on. There is no mention of whether the modern Referee will also issue red card for a cardinal foul, or a human ref would still be needed.

The functioning of the Referee is simple to pull off, and the design – modeled after a training cone – makes it even more interesting. It comes packed in a dedicated trolley bag one can tag along to the field and set it to run the game without having to find a human referee to help you with a night game with friends. Since most hobby footballers have time to play in the night hours, after a day’s work, Seungmin has envisioned a Referee with LED lighting that shines along with the whistle when a foul is detected.

To keep the control simple and the design more intriguing, the Referee is controllable via an app. Through the app, you can customize the device’s color to the team that you are playing and also replay the foul scene to make sure close decisions can be fairly dealt with. Potentially a gimmick at the moment, the Referee through its evolution can maybe reach the Premier League stage someday.

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Nike is pushing the ‘Air’ to make a difference in the athletes’ stride at the Paris Olympics and beyond

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While athletes around the globe are preparing to compete at the Paris Olympics this year, there is one company that is pushing “Air” to make a difference in the competitor’s stride. We are talking about Nike which is going futuristic with the new Blueprint Pack, its upcoming set of sneakers that will thrive on the boundless properties of its Air cushioning for the athlete’s foot.

When it comes to long-distance runners’ preference for shoes, Nike is the name to reckon with. This is not only because of the brand name and robust marketing but also because the Swoosh brand has, over the years, perfected the comfort for enhancing the runner’s performance. With the new list of 13 products that will be released in time for the Summer Olympics in Paris, Nike is also targeting a new range of sports, including track, basketball, football, and even lifestyle footwear.

Designer: Nike

Besides, Nike is also showcasing A.I.R (Adaptive Intelligence Responsive) concept footwear in Paris, planned in collaboration with champions of their repute including Eliud Kipchoge, Kylian Mbappé, and Sha’carri Richardson and more. These never-seen and idealized designs are a glimpse of the future of sports shoes meant to revolutionize how athletes train and compete. The interesting aspect of these prototypes, beyond their futuristic design, is that they will include sensors to analyze data that would allow the athletes to optimize their performance while providing support and comfort.

In the ambitious move to rework the Air midsole, which is already versatile and comforting, Nike is working more precisely with athletes’ requirements to bring it to every category of footwear possible. The dynamic Nike Air unit is the focus of the company’s designs for the summer, which is a nod to the brand cofounder Bill Bowerman and his obsession to make the best shoes for athletic performance.

Based on the designs envisioned by Bowerman, Nike is using cutting-edge technologies to imagine those sketches to create the Blueprint Pack that closes the gap between sports science, design, and manufacturing. To that accord, the Nike Blueprint Pack will, when it is released on July 3, feature the best of Air innovations in multiple ranges of shoes including the Pegasus Premium, which was the first running footwear with a visible Air Zoom unit.

Besides, the inventive designs have been envisioned for the Nike Victory 2, Nike Maxfly 2 for the runners; the G.T. Hustle 3 for the basketball fans, and the 2024 Nike Mercurial football boot. These shoes, with the new Air cushioning approach, will make their presence felt at the Olympics, while Nike informs, alongside the Blueprint Pack, it could release an energy-driving colorway pack before the games. However, there is no word from Nike on when or if the A.I.R prototypes will be released to the public.

 

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Lamborghini and Babolat design limited edition racquet for unmatchable on court experience

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When the automotive finesse of Lamborghini and the sporting innovation of Babolat come together, the result is something magical. Yes, the two proven giants of their niches have designed a limited edition padel racquet that’s second to none. The sporting equipment hones the Italian automotive marques’ carbon fiber manufacturing prowess and the expertise of Babolat’s racquet technology. It took a joint research of six months to develop the racquet.

The stylish BL001 racquet inspired by the sportscar chassis is made for enthusiasts with deep pockets who believe they’ll get an edge over their friendly opponents on the court. The model will be limited to just 50 units worldwide, making it a prized possession for tennis lovers and collectors alike. This will be the first model in the collection set to have two future models – the BL002 and BL003.

Designer: Lamborghini and Babolat

Rarely do you see a padel racquet with such a streamlined shape, of course, the unparalleled peripheral monocoque frame flowing down the handle is the reason. The racquet is lightweight, yet it packs a punch and exceptional ball speed is guaranteed. So, will this racquet turn your shady tennis-playing skills into tournament-winning sprees? Definitely not, as it will only brush up your skills and make it easy for you to impart backhands and forehands with maximum power and spin.

One thing is for sure, though, once you get this racquet in your hand, the game will be more enjoyable and comfort is also guaranteed even after long stints of rallies. Since we are talking of Babolat here, the thing is completely handcrafted and rigorously tested by the in-house experts. Even if you don’t fair well with this baby in your hand, the onlookers will be mesmerized by the Lamborghini colors – Giallo Auge, Verde Viper, Arancio Livrea, Viola Pasifae, and Verde Gea. Boy they look so cool!

We should soon have a word about the pricing and availability of the Babolat BL001 racquet.

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BMW uses 3D printing for German bobsleigh team’s footwear

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Most sports are dictated by the skill and prowess of the athletes competing but there are also some sports where the sportswear and footwear that they wear can contribute to how they perform. But not all of these sports have customizable or flexible footwear to help the athletes out. Bobsleigh is one such sport and with the Winter Olympics a year away, Germany is partnering with BMW to give their team better footwear to help them compete at the top level.

Designer: BMW

The BMW Group is the technology partner of the German Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton Federatin (BSD) and they have come up with customizable spiked shoes for the bobsleigh team using the power of 3D printing. Regular bobsleigh footwear have defined rows of nails attached to the toe area but these are not replaceable or moveable. Based on track and field shoes, which are more flexible, they came up with threads for screw spikes which are used to attach spike plates on which spike nails can be distributed.

This means that the spikes can be adjusted to a large selection of shoe styles, sizes, and other aspects to make them more comfortable and suitable for the athletes’ needs. You can also adjust the material and geometry of the plates and the placement of the spike nails, giving better acceleration according to the power transmission on the ice. And since 3D printing is used, they get to be more flexible and test out the spikes and make adjustments, without having to spend a fortune and spend so much time manufacturing.

They were able to test out the spike plates during the Bobsleigh World Cup (which ends later this month) and so far, they were able to get positive feedback from the athletes that they made them for. Of course there are still changes that need to be made but they do have 11 months to go for it before the Winter Olympics in February 2025. We’ll also see by then what effect these spikes have on the German team’s performance.

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The GoPro GoKart’s built-in Action Cameras capture your race like never before

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It makes absolute sense. The company that has a brand built around action and adrenaline should be in the racing business… no? After all, isn’t that exactly what Red Bull is doing? Designed by Sean Gao, the GoKart imagines a world in which GoPro goes automotive. The racing cart isn’t like anything we’ve ever seen before. It sports a gorgeously modern design with sleek surfaces that blend into each other… but the kart’s secret sauce is the fact that it has multiple action cameras integrated into its design, capturing your race from multiple PoVs. Designed for thrill but also for entertainment, the kart captures multiple streams from different angles, allowing viewers (or even the driver) to enjoy the race like never before. Easily the coolest thing to happen to karting since Mario Kart.

Designer: Sean Gao

The GoPro GoKart is a modern-day racing vehicle that brings karting into the future. Sure, you could do the rounds of a track on a gasoline-guzzling hunk of metal and fiberglass… but nothing quite beats racing around in these bad-boys. The GoPro GoKart is gorgeous to look at, sporting an uber-slick design that’s just about as gorgeous as a high-end racecar. You’ve got flowing surfaces that create the kart’s beautiful silhouette, with metal and carbon-fiber paneling that reflects light with a soft matte glow that’s subtly classy. Meanwhile, the kart comes outfitted with razor-thin headlights and taillights too, so night-time won’t stop your races.

Where the GoKart functionally differs from other karts, however, is in the inclusion of multiple wide-angle action cameras a la GoPro. These cameras can be found on the front, sides, and rear of the car, capturing multiple angles during the race. The result, breathtaking moments for both riders as well as the audience to enjoy during or even after the race. Gao proposes building an entire racing track around the kart too, with a multi-level course that are studded with cameras that add to the race feed.

The car’s cameras help capture the action right from the driving seat. A front-facing camera documents the track ahead, while a rear camera lets you see your opponents biting the dust. Cameras on the side document a much more high-stakes experience, letting you see two cars going head-to-head side by side.

The kart seats one, but aside from just a simple cockpit with a wheel and pedals, you’ve also got a dashboard with information, controls, and settings. A space underneath the steering wheel (or yoke, rather) lets you dock your smartphone, which starts the car and lets it authenticate its driver. The yoke’s central dashboard lets you see racing stats, as well as quickly toggle camera views to see what’s happening behind you. Meanwhile, video footage also gets sent to your phone, allowing you to replay your highlights after the race and share the footage with friends and fans.

Ultimately for Gao, the GoKart is a massive branding exercise for GoPro, letting it reinforce its position as the apex action-camera company. It also creates a separate channel that exists independent of the action camera business, building a sport that can be followed by dedicated fans. This helps solidify the brand, which has seen some weakening following a few corporate scandals and the rise of other companies like Insta360 and Kandao. Moreover, the karts are pretty much billboards on wheels for GoPro’s cameras, letting people experience their brilliance in the form of high-octane kart racing. If anyone at GoPro is reading this, give Sean a call…

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Home Court arcade basketball game is closest way to satiate your desire of playing on the hardwood

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Your game room could already have billiards, pool, or table tennis equipment. The more enthusiastic may even slot in an artificial climbing wall or mount a frisky basketball arcade gaming machine to shoot an odd ball during your trip to the room. But the latter is not anywhere close to the experience of a basketball game on an indoor hardwood court.

If you’re a fan, the home court basketball pictured above could be the closest way to satiate your desire to play on the hardwood. The sleek glass enclosure with a wooden backboard and rebound board slanting just below is designed for the home champs to compete with the sounds and feel of being on the court.

Designer: Reigning Champ

A collaborative product created by Reigning Champ and Canadian industrial designer Calen Knauf, the Home Court, as it is called, is a fully functional game arcade for an in-home basketball experience. A highly crafted work of art, it is made with the use of wood, glass, and metal, which play in harmony to replicate the authentic feel of playing on a hardwood court.

To minimize the visual footprint, and make the game portable, the contraption rests on four rubberized wheels. The frame is made of metal, which durably holds tempered glass walls – three full on the sides, back and half on the front – of the rig. The backboard holding two rings and the ball rebound surface located below are specifically made from engineered composite wood panels that replicate the auditory quality of the ball hitting the wooden court.

On the front of the arcade, the half-glass wall is where the balls are collected during the game. And when you’re done playing, the spacious lower tier – with a wooden floor – serves as storage for balls. Home Court is made-to-order and comes flat-packed to your doorstep. Presently, Reigning Champ is only shipping it to the US and Canada for $50,000, leaving us in the east wondering when we can sell off our home to own a Home Court and play and live in it happily thereafter.

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The world’s first ‘wearable’ pain-killer uses dual-light therapy to boost healing, and is on 40% discount

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Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro isn’t your average health wearable. While most wearables track your health, the MOVE+ Pro improves it. Also known as a portable light therapy device, the MOVE+ Pro relieves pain without relying on sprays, pills, or injections. It works non-invasively, using two forms of red light that help circulate oxygen-rich blood within a targeted area to reduce inflammation, heal tissues, relieve chronic pain, and accelerate recovery. “While exercise is good for our health, it can be hard on our bodies,” say the folks at Kineon, who developed the MOVE+ Pro as a safe way to deal with injury, fatigue, and chronic pain. Unlike sprays and ice packs that work on just a surface level, the MOVE+ Pro’s lights travel deep into the skin to boost blood flow, and unlike pills, they can be used without any risks of side effects.

Designer: Kineon Labs

Click Here to Buy Now: $429 $699 (40% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Portable Design – Find fast relief whenever and wherever you feel pain and inflammation.

Light as a form of medicine may sound odd on the face of it, but phototherapy has existed for over a century, with the use of infrared lamps to help the body effectively circulate blood flow. While the technology has largely been expensive and bulky, the MOVE+ Pro condenses it down into a tiny, portable format that is affordable, and can be carried and used wherever you go, whether it’s in bed after a tough day at work, after a grueling session at the gym, post sports, or even during the day to relieve chronic body/joint pain.

Dual Light Technology – Deeper penetration and faster results to joints, muscles, and other tissue through our exclusive dual-light technology.

The way the MOVE+ Pro works is by employing two specific types of light: 650nanometer red LEDs, and 808nanometer infrared lasers. The LED light, visible to the naked eye, works on the surface level, enhancing collagen production, blood circulation, and reducing inflammation. The infrared laser light, although invisible, penetrates deeper, promoting tissue recovery and cell regeneration to treat deep-rooted chronic pain such as osteoarthritis or cartilage damage. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive treatment, addressing both superficial and deep-seated issues. Each of MOVE+ Pro’s modules comes with 8 LEDs and 10 laser diodes to provide the right dosage over a targeted area.

Sniper-like Accuracy – Design allows you to accurately pin-point problem areas for fast and effective relief.

Using the MOVE+ Pro is surprisingly straightforward, with three such modules that can be used independently, or strapped together. It’s all about positioning the devices over the affected area whether it’s around your knees, or on your shoulder, elbows, neck, thigh, stomach, or any other part of your body experiencing pain. A quick 15-minute cycle with the MOVE+ Pro can make a significant difference in alleviating pain and treating injuries, accelerating body recovery – something that diminishes with age.

Safety is, understandably, a primary concern when it comes to any new health device. The MOVE+ Pro, in this regard, is designed to be risk-free, can be used without consulting a medical professional, and is even backed by athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. It’s based on decades of research, is designed to be non-invasive, and doesn’t involve ingesting or applying chemicals on your body (which can have their own side effects)… but more importantly, it’s portable, letting you carry it around wherever you go, and with Kineon’s sizeable 40% discount, it’s highly affordable!

Click Here to Buy Now: $429 $699 (40% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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The Eames Lounge Chair gets reinvented as a dual-tone skateboard with a similar iconic aesthetic

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Even outside the design world, the Eames Lounge Chair remains an absolute furniture icon. Designed in 1956 by Ray and Charles Eames, the chair’s aesthetic was defined by its use of bent plywood paneling and plush leather cushioning, resulting in a multi-part seat that looked as interesting as it was comfortable. In an audacious blend of design heritage and contemporary street culture, Globe Skateboards has unveiled a stunning homage to Charles and Ray Eames, revered icons of mid-century modern furniture design. This unique collaboration marries the adventurous spirit of skateboarding with the timeless elegance of Eames’ design principles, resulting in a collection that’s both a nod to the past and a ride into the future.

Designers: Globe Brand & Eames Office

Globe’s skateboards intricately mirror the materials and aesthetics of the iconic lounge chair and ottoman. The series includes a 30-inch cruiser in white ash wood, a 32-inch cruiser hewn from walnut, and a 38-inch longboard carved out of black oak. Each skateboard is a tribute to the Eames’ pioneering spirit, capturing the essence of their design legacy. The attention to detail is meticulous, with elements like the paint dip and laser-etched finish on the wood veneer of the skateboards precisely emulating the Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottoman.

Eames Lounge 30-inch Cruiser in Ash Wood and White

Eames Lounge 38-inch Longboard

The core of this venture is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a staple of 20th-century design. Renowned for its innovative use of molded plywood and premium veneers, the Lounge Chair reimagined the classic 19th-century English club chair into a modern marvel. Its distinct form and replaceable components have allowed it to transcend generations, standing as a symbol of enduring design.

Close-up of the 32-inch Walnut Cruiser against the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The homage doesn’t stop at mere visual replication. Globe’s collaboration with the Eames Office can be seen in the smaller details too, such as custom-embedded metal Eames Office + Globe badges and Eames logo deck bolts, enriching the skateboards. Even the underside of the boards feature a laser-carved Eames Office logo, a subtle yet significant mark of this unique partnership.

The skateboards come packaged in heavyweight canvas board bags that double as carry-all totes, signaling Globe’s commitment to practicality and style. Although the walnut cruiser has already sold out, indicating the collection’s popularity, other models, including the Eames La Chaise Box Set, remain available for enthusiasts and collectors.

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Nike Alphafly 3 Proto lets you run a marathon comfortably and fashionably

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I know a lot of people whose holiday gift wish list would be a pair of sneakers, specifically a pair of Nike sneakers. Those who are too old for Santa would probably post their dream sneaks on their social media in the hopes that one of their loved ones would grant their wish. If you’re planning to do a bit of long-distance running, this new pair from Nike is something you can dream about.

Designer: Nike

The Alphafly 3 Proto is created specifically for those who are looking for sneakers that can withstand two-hour marathons and beyond. It has actually been tested by actual marathoners like world record holder Kelvin Kiptum famed middle and long distance runner Sifan Hassan. Nike says these shoes are “fine-tuned for marathon speed” so you can challenge yourself to beat your personal records and if you’re into competitive running, to leave others in the dust.

These sneakers are special because of three kinds of innovative technologies that can power your run (or walk). You get two forefoot Air Zoom units together with the ZoomX foam so you get energized no matter how long you’ve been running. There is also a full-length carbon fiber plate which helps propel your stride. Lastly, you get the heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole so you’re still comfortably walking or running whether it’s mile 1 or mile 26.2.

The Alphafly 3 Proto is also the lightest in this line and has an Atomknit upper that will give your feet room to breathe and at the same time have better multidirectional containment. It also has notched laces and an integrated knit tongue with lofted padding. You will have to wait for the new year to get your hands on this pair though as it will only be available by January.

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Adidas Unveils Euro 2024 Official Football with Real-Time Kick Detection

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For most football purists, the advent of technology has ruined the nature of the game rather than improved it. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that football was MUCH more enjoyable before the accuracy of the VAR, but the point of such technologies isn’t to cater to audience entertainment, it’s to make the game as fair and unbiased as possible. Today, Adidas announced yet another tech-driven product to improve the game of Football. The FUSSBALLLIEBE (German isn’t the most elegant language) is a connected ball that detects kicks in real-time, and has also been adopted as the Official Football for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024. Beyond its mouthful of a name, which translates to “love of soccer,” this ball is a groundbreaking fusion of sport and tech, designed to change how we experience and analyze football.

Designer: Adidas

At the core of FUSSBALLLIEBE’s innovation is Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, developed in collaboration with Kinexon. This tech marvel includes a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor, ensconced in a suspension system at the ball’s center. It’s capable of providing detailed insights into every aspect of the ball’s movement, a feature unprecedented in football history. Not only does this technology offer real-time data to video match officials, enhancing the accuracy and speed of in-match decisions, but it also dovetails with UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology, marking a significant leap in the sport’s adjudication.

The ball isn’t just smart; it’s also a study in precision engineering. Its PRECISIONSHELL 20-piece panel shape, augmented by strategically placed deboss grooves, helps control airflow over the ball for maximum precision. The CTR-CORE within the ball further supports this precision, ensuring accuracy, consistent play, and maximum shape and air retention.

In terms of aesthetics, FUSSBALLLIEBE is a vibrant homage to the spirit of the game and the diversity of its global audience. The design, featuring black wing shapes with colorful edges, curves, and dots, encapsulates the movement of the ball and the energy of football. The use of bright colors like red, blue, green, and orange not only celebrates the competing nations but also the sheer joy and universality of football. The inclusion of tournament stadiums and host city names adds a personal touch to this edition of the ball, making it a collector’s item as much as a piece of advanced sporting equipment.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the FUSSBALLLIEBE’s design. Made from bio-based materials like corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber, combined with recycled polyester and water-based ink, Adidas touts the FUSSBALLLIEBE as featuring more bio-based materials than any previous Adidas Official Match Ball, without impacting its performance.

As we ‘kick-off’ EURO 2024 with Adidas’ FUSSBALLLIEBE, it’s clear that the future of football is as much about innovation and technology as it is about the game itself. From Adidas’ high-tech, real-time data-gathering ball to even Nendo’s airless football, these designs are not just about playing a game; they’re about changing it.

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