GAME, SET AND WATCH
SPORTS fans with sight loss could soon be watching live action like never before, with headsets tailored to their particular needs.
The headsets, which stream live footage from TV cameras at the event, were trialled at this year’s Wimbledon Championships and received an enthusiastic stamp of approval from tennis fans.
Powered by Vodafone’s 5G and developed by GiveVision, they allow the wearer to be fully immersed in the action from anywhere in the stands.
Previously a limited number of people could use the devices and had to be within 20 metres of a transmitter box.
But Vodafone 5G covers an entire court or stadium, in unlimited numbers, so visually impaired fans were able to enjoy the action from anywhere in the crowd, alongside friends and family.
As each individual’s sight loss varies, the headsets can be adjusted to fit the specific requirements, allowing people to tailor the experience to their personal needs. This includes features like amending the zoom, brightness and contrast of the footage.
After trialling them at Wimbledon, tennis fan Sinead Grealy, 51, said: “These 5G headsets are amazing and will be lifechanging for so many people. It’s incredible that I’ll be able to enjoy live sporting experiences like this in the future and I’m beyond overwhelmed at the moment.”
And Ivan Rodriguez Deb, 17, said: “As a visually impaired tennis player and a huge tennis fan, I can’t put into words how I feel. Being able to track the ball, see the spin and focus on all the finer details is a real game-changer.”
Vodafone is now exploring the possibility of making the 5G headsets more widely available at future sporting events.
The technology enhances the TV footage to suit the person’s specific sight profile by bringing it closer to their eye, stimulating the cells that respond to light, which means a degree of sight can be regained.
As well as accessing the live feeds, people using the technology can switch between modes and use the camera phone in the headset to focus on whatever action they like.
Vodafone’s chief commercial officer Max
Taylor said: “We are committed to using our technology to bring fans closer to the action.”
GiveVision CEO Elodie Draperi said: “Our mission is to redefine accessibility standards for visually impaired spectators at all UK sports and entertainment venues.”