While the jury is still out, the Apple Watch is the newest piece of technology that could transform our society. It, and other forms of “wearable technology,” look to provide the world wide connectivity and accessibility we’ve come to expect, with an added flare of style and convenience. James McQuivey, an analyst for research firm Forrester, describes the Apple Watch as a “’collection of benefits’, which will appeal to those who already spend an awful amount of time checking their phones each day.” Sports coverage certainly compromises a large portion of this “collection of benefits,” as technology and sports have leaned upon one another for years.
The NBA doesn’t appear hesitant at all to test the waters, as already 20 NBA have developed team apps for the Apple Watch. The device will be heavily reliant upon its app features to live up to expectations, and businesses would be wise to join the party and offer app services for the fast-selling device.
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The Orlando Magic carried the torch as the inaugural NBA franchise to provide a team app for the Apple Watch. The trend setting franchise has proved more than eager to supply its fans with technological services both, within their facilities, and at the consumer’s’ leisure. Orlando CEO Alex Martins maintains that, “The Magic are committed to our fans and their experience and are continually looking for ways to innovate in order to make that experience legendary”. Their app’s capabilities, and those of other team apps, include quick access to scores, stats, roster updates, standings, schedule, alerts, and information of the like.
From the Orlando Magic’s CEO’s remarks, and from the actions of 19 other teams, remaining in sync with technology and pop culture is of high importance to many sports franchises. Something as simple as team and player updates strengthens the bond and loyalty between fans and their favorite teams, and also expands marketing opportunities.
Very soon most of the sports world, let alone the 10 NBA teams lagging behind, will possess an app on the Apple Watch. From there, it would make sense to expect many franchises to expand upon their apps and really test the limits of the fledgling device.
Considering the popularity and strength of Apple, it’s a complete no-brainer for sports teams to supply official apps for the Apple Watch. Apple will find a way to stay relevant, whether people actually need their devices or not.
The Apple Watch is unique in that it can deliver many features of the iPhone, through a more accommodating approach. The ease of receiving important sports info and updates while hardly lifting a finger, however lazy that may sound, is somehow very cool and simple. Online sales for the Apple Watch are already through the roof and sports teams will continue to adapt their fan engagement strategies to the new hardware.