Qualcomm Incorporated and Big PlayAR are working with the Dallas Mavericks to add a twist to the NBA Playoffs by bringing game tickets to life through augmented reality (AR).
The game, Mavs AR, which allows users to create a virtual basketball court in the palm of their hand using an Android smartphone or tablet, was developed by Big PlayAR and is the first commercial AR application released based on Qualcomm’s AR tech.
Users simply download the game from the Android market, point their device at their ticket and watch it spring to life.
Qualcomm’s CEO, Dr. Paul Jacobs, said the game would “enrich the NBA Playoff experience for Mavs fans,” adding that the technology represented “an exciting new feature for mobile devices,” in that ordinary 2D surfaces, such as game tickets could be brought to life in 3D.
To make sure fans don’t miss out, Qualcomm says it has set up “AR Phone Zones” throughout the American Airlines Center in time for the Mavs’ first-round playoff series, beginning April 16th.
“Some of us still keep our tickets in scrap books, so imagine the fun of bringing your scrap book to life as well,” said John Robison, founder and president of Big PlayAR, adding, “this is only the beginning of a fun way to interact with fans, and I think they’re going to love it.”
“We are excited to bring this new, fun technology to our fans and add to the Playoff experience,” said Mavs owner Mark Cuban. “Augmented reality will allow our fans to become one of our players through the ticket,” he added.
