Category Archives: Tech of Sports

From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.

Ray J: Singer and TV Personality, Tech Entrepreneur

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Raycon, is the new celeb-led CE company co-founded by Ray J, the charismatic young entrepreneur, who “cruised” in to the tech world on the Scoot-e-bike e-bicycle he introduced in 2016 and recently sealed a $31 million deal with distributor Cowboy Electronics for a full-scale CE lifestyle brand. Raycon pulled back the curtain on its introductory line-up at CES and it was great to see and talk to Ray J.

Ray J has teamed up with the CE lifestyle leaders at Cowboy to launch the Raycon line of gear, which marries sleek style, the latest technology – and accessibly for everyone. The introductory Raycon line features attractive, on-trend designs in hot colors and matte finishes. From rose gold wireless headphones and eye-catching digital smartwatches to portable cannon-style speakers and wireless sound bars, the new collection stands apart from the pack by delivering aspirational high-quality CE without steep price tags.

Among its assortment of products in the most sought-after categories, Raycon is rolling out head-turning electronic bikes and scooters – poised to be the “it” items for 2018. The company’s debut 100% electric, “green” offerings include the Hyper Flight SB-2 Electric Bike, a brand-new model of the Scoot-E Bike that Ray J first introduced in 2016 as a precursor to today’s Raycon range. Fans of the incredible electric bike include Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg (who also happens to be Ray J’s first cousin!) and Diddy, among others. Also set to make tracks as part of the new assortment is the Hyper Flight Electric Scooter.

Whether it’s commuting to work, working-out or hanging out and listening to their favorite tracks, Raycon products seamlessly deliver style and function for users every day.

Below are some highlights of the Raycon collection, many for the active set!

Icon Smartwatch – Users need not sacrifice style for performance with the Icon! The Raycon watch is optimized for maximum readability with a 1.3” round IPS full-color screen that delivers critical information for daily adventures with its built-in pedometer and weather app. Featuring an appealing, slim profile, the Icon is the perfect way for tech lovers to complete their look for any occasion – whether it’s hitting the gym or the red carpet. Available in black, silver and gold. SRP $99.99

Wireless Sound Bar S2 – Users can bring the party with them wherever they go with this new bass-powered sound bar. Packing 6 watts of power, the debut Raycon sound bar can connect to multiple music sources via Bluetooth, memory card and AUX. Available in luxurious black, white and gold matte finishes. SRP $49.99

Wireless Earphones E30 – This take on wireless earphones gives audiophiles the freedom to listen to their favorite music, podcasts and more without wires getting in the way. The E30 supports calling, skip songs and pause features and includes a metal charging capsule case that lets users charge the earphones on the go. Available in black, white, rose gold, blue, and red. SRP $49.99

Wireless Earphones E60 – These super-compact earphones are designed to be taken everywhere and fit comfortably in ears and pockets. They store neatly in their very own diminutive charging capsule, so users will always be ready to rock out anywhere, anytime. Available in white. SRP $99.99

Wireless Turbo Cannon XL – The ultimate speaker in the Raycon Sound Cannon collection! With its handy shoulder strap, the Turbo Cannon XL is the perfectly portable way to get the party started. The new unit supports outstanding Bluetooth range and is equipped with a 5.25 subwoofer. Available in black, red and blue. SRP $75.

Hyper Flight Electric Scooter – The Hyper Flight ushers in an exciting new generation of electric scooters. Featuring two large, heavy-duty, shock-absorbing wheels and intuitive controls, the Raycon Hyper Flight scooter is ready for any adventure – including nighttime jaunts, with its front headlight. Features an ergonomic fold-up design for easy storage and transport. Available in black and white. SRP $499.99

Hyper Flight SB-2 Electric Bike – This must-have electric bike based on the famous Scoot-E-Bike that inspired the Raycon collection, has been re-engineered for an even better 100% electric-powered ride. With enhanced cruise control, a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a range of up to 30 miles per charge, the new Raycon Electric Bike is raring to hit the road! Features a durable and comfortable leather seat for a smooth ride, a front headlight, an LED dashboard that displays critical data such as battery level and speed, plus an ultra-convenient fold-up design. Available in green, white, black, and red. SRP $1,200.

Ray J

Ray J at CES

Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore

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If you love golf and sports, chances are you’ve set foot in a PGA TOUR Superstore. Rick is joined by Dick Sullivan, President and CEO of PGA TOUR Superstore this week on “Tech of Sports.”

Fueled by capturing market share, new market expansion and strong e-commerce comp sales growth, PGA TOUR Superstore posted a record year in 2017 with an overall sales growth of 23 percent. With Mother’s and Father’s Day on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at this retail store success story.

Inside PGA TOUR Superstore, golf enthusiasts of all levels can experience in-house custom club fittings and repair, along with lessons from certified teaching professionals. Practice hitting bays with swing analysis software, interactive simulators and expansive putting greens are available for customers use. PGA TOUR Superstore offers visitors the largest selection of clubs, accessories, footwear and a wide variety of apparel for men, women and juniors. It’s not only a golfer’s paradise, but all sports enthusiasts will love the layout and the selection of goods.

Sullivan talks about their success, where they are heading and why customers are so loyal to PGA TOUR Superstore.

Additional PGA TOUR Superstore 2017 highlights include:

-e-commerce comp sales grew by 42 percent year-over-year
-More than 100,000 custom club fittings and 750,000 clubs re-gripped
-Nearly 50,000 participated in lessons, clinics and other grow the game initiatives

PGA TOUR Superstore is a part of The Blank Family of Businesses, which includes the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. The Company’s Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, co-founded The Home Depot and has applied the same approach and business practices to PGA TOUR Superstore.

“At PGA TOUR Superstore we’re using the same philosophy that drove The Home Depot’s success and revolutionized the home improvement industry,” said Blank. “We offer a variety of products at value prices, incredible services and employ the best associates to provide a level of customer service that keeps visitors coming back because they love the experience.”

PGA TOUR Superstore is committed to inspiring people to play their best and grow the game of golf. PGA TOUR Superstore hosts free Kids Zone clinics each month, along with a Get Golf Ready Ladies Program and virtual nine-hole leagues on in-store simulators. Its work with The First Tee has impacted thousands of juniors across the US, with more than three million dollars in contributions to deliver education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

Have a listen to Rick and Dick Sullivan.

Dick Sullivan

Rooly Eliezerov, Co-Founder and President of Gigya, Author of ‘The Digital Identity Crisis’

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Rick is joined by Rooly Eliezerov this week. Rooly is the Co-Founder and President of Gigya.

Who controls the data we have stored online? We take a look at that and a new book this week.

Gigya is the industry leader in Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM), providing over 700 leading brands and businesses with tools to help them foster more trusting, engaged relationships with their customers. Last year Gigya announced its acquisition by SAP, in order to help the German software giant provide a more comprehensive, streamlined privacy solution suited for the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Eliezerov leads Gigya’s overall product strategy and development. Rooly began his career in architecture but felt limited by the constraints of physical buildings, which, once built, could be easily adapted to the needs of people. Rooly thus chose to focus on designing virtual environments in the digital world, moving into the Internet advertising and marketing industry, with a focus on product development.

In the wake of the acquisition, and of over a decade navigating the evolution of digital identity and the changing relationships between businesses and consumers, Rooly released a book this at Adobe Summit entitled, The Digital Identity Crisis.

The Digital Identity Crisis catalogs the evolving dimensions of individual identity which have emerged through the digital era, the challenges that businesses today are facing as a result, but how with those challenges also comes an unprecedented opportunity to forge truly personal, lasting relationships with customers which bridge both the digital and physical spheres.

Rooly is a delight and a wealth of information and he even talks a little sports this week. Buy his book here.

The Digital Identity Crisis

 

 

Lokesh Ohri and Kenneth Marzin, Deloitte Digital

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Joined by Lokesh Ohri and Kenneth Marzin from Deloitte Digital this week in a piece that was taped at Adobe Summit.

They discuss how the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is leveraging Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Analytics to promote, develop, and grow the game of tennis in the United States. Experience Manager consolidates 18 subsites into one main site, allowing content authors across 17 USTA sections to access and publish their content on one common platform, leveraging personalization to serve localized content to tennis enthusiasts. The USTA has also used Experience Manager to launch Net Generation to connect youth with tennis providers to drive more kids to play tennis and engage with the game.

Like other sports, tennis faces many challenges, but it doesn’t appear it’s digital strategy is one of them.

Lokesh leads Deloitte’s Advertising, Marketing, and Commerce offering in the Retail Consulting practice.  The USTA is looking to streamline their web presence, but still being the “eco-system” of tennis that tennis players, coaches and enthusiasts expect.

There was an entire breakout session on this at Adobe Summit, but I had the opportunity to talk with Ohri and Marzin more in-depth. It’s #Matchpoint when it comes to tennis and digital and they are trying to serve up an ace!

Tom Evans, Chief Marketing Officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

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An honor to be joined by Tom Evans, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Tom has a wealth of experience with more than 20 years of experience in the field of hospitality marketing and advertising. He has been instrumental in the creation, branding and maintenance of multiple hospitality products. A key figure in the creation of two in-house marketing and advertising departments and has opened 10+ resorts and casinos in both Las Vegas and other gaming jurisdictions, and he’s here to talk about sports at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

He’s here to talk about:

• How he and his team are planning ahead with pro football coming and other big sporting events

• Partnership with the Golden Knights, and how much business and exposure that’s helped bring in

• Sports related topics and specifically how it affects business at the property and the Vegas market as a whole

It’s a time of transition in Las Vegas when it comes to sports and Tom and The Cosmopolitan are staying ahead of the curve, while making The Cosmopolitan the place to stay in Las Vegas for sports fans.

Enjoy this time with Tom and make your plans to stay at The Cosmopolitan.

Thomas Evans

Ken Grohe, Update of SignNow for Golf Tournaments and Spring Sports

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A pleasure to have Ken Grohe of SignNow, back on Tech of Sports with some updates.

Ken is in golf mode at he played TPC Sawgrass and is at the Masters.

He talks Legal, Compliance, HR, Sales, Hospitality, etc and the many uses of SignNow to:

Register the players, caddies, transportation, Pro-Ams, and volunteers
Run the Charity
VIP and Hospitality
Run the local and national PGA Fundraising
Coordinate the suppliers, event staffing, and schedules

Ken also talks about a recently announced a simplified process for sending and collecting forms for youth sports clubs, leagues, and tournaments with the SignNow e-signature platform. Powered by the SignNow REST API, SportsForms removes the hassle of managing paperwork such as medical waivers, concussion forms, codes of conduct, birth certificates, player pass photos and league player contracts, and empowers athletes and parents to electronically sign required documents securely from anywhere and any device.

SportsForms is a service company designed for sports team managers, club directors, tournament organizers and sports leagues to send, sign and save team paperwork electronically. Powered by SignNow, SportsForms takes virtually any paper document, digitizes it and makes it available for electronic completion and signature. Users receive a link to sign a document and complete it using a standard web browser, or iOS or Android device. Once completed, the documents are automatically made available online to the team manager or club administrators. SportsForms allows for the simple and efficient collection of documents without printers, scanners, fax machines or even paper, pens or ink.

“SignNow simplifies the joy of participation,” said Grohe. “The SignNow API was built with the developer in mind – easy to implement, manage and use with an intuitive interface designed for simplicity. Together with SportsForms, we’re empowering sports teams to remove the hassle of dealing with paperwork so they can focus on their players and the game.”

I’m sure more updates to come from SignNow.

Ken Grohe of SignNow