All posts in Technology

Finnish Company & Audi Introduce Nationwide Tournament (with App)

by Annie Latham on June 7, 2011 in News, Contests, Technology with No comments

Anyone who has spent time playing video games knows that a huge part is knowing how you are doing against others. Thanks to Internet-enabled console, the others could be anywhere on the Web. A company from Finland has taken that head-to-head scoring concept and applied it to the world of golf — REAL golf (like on a course with grass and divots and bumpy greens).

Their flagship product, also named GameBook, is a real-time scoring system and ground breaking social technology platform for golf, intended to make golf more social, fun and enjoyable for all. The GameBook product family includes the GameBook iPhone App, available from the Apple iTunes App Store.

  • The iPhone application includes an intuitive real-time score card, built-in traditional and fun game formats and well as statistics.
  • The GameBook Clubhouse is a free online community for golfers that takes the social and sharing aspects of the iPhone application to the next level. At the Clubhouse, you can follow and comment on your friends’ games real-time from wherever you are, share photographs from the course as you play, store your scores, and compare your golf statistics with those of your friends.

    • Seems like the only thing missing is trash talking…

    To demo/promote how it works GameBook teamed up with Audi Finland to launch of Audi Super Saturdays. The inaugural event was held 4 June. According to the company’s press release, “it was the first time ever in the world of golf” that players (open to anyone) could compete against each other nationwide on any golf course. Audi is kicking down prizes too and not just for good results. For example, there is a prize for the “most number of bogies.” The intent is to make everyone’s Saturday game more enjoyable. To participate, a player must log-on and record their Saturday score on the GameBook iPhone application or register at the GameBook Clubhouse and enter the score manually in the player’s Clubhouse profile.

    The concept is innovative. It will be interesting to see how the pilot run in Finland goes. This could be coming to golf courses near you in the not so distant future.

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    Srixon Unveils FREE Golf WeatherFIT app

    by Annie Latham on April 11, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Cleveland, Drivers, Srixon, Technology with No comments

    Srixon has just unveiled an app for the iTunes Store that works on the iPhone and iPad.  Called the Srixon Golf WeatherFIT app, it provides accurate 4-day weather forecasts for golf courses around the USA. In addition, the app uses the weather forecast to help you decide how to properly fit your Srixon Z-STAR driver and Srixon golf ball for maximum performance in the weather on those specific days of play.

    Yes, you read that correctly.  The Srixon Z-STAR driver features the STAR Fitting System which enables you to independently adjust face angle and the internal weighting of the clubhead.  The face angle adjustment helps you produce more accurate shots. Fine tuning the internal weighting with the different weight options will optimize your desired ball trajectory and swing weight.

    >> The STAR fitting system allows up to 84 possible configurations per loft offering for the ultimate in custom club fitting.

    It is understandable why you’d need an app for that!

    The Z-STAR driver also features Starburst(TM) variable face design, which enlarges the driver’s high COR area by 5 percent, providing added distance and forgiveness. This new driver features a Miyazaki(TM) Dromos(TM) shaft, which is the first premium custom shaft designed specifically for adjustable clubs.

    The driver runs $399.99 (retail price).

    The app itself is FREE.

    New Allen Edmonds Honors Collection Features QR Technology

    by Annie Latham on March 31, 2011 in Style & Fashion, Technology with No comments

    Here’s a novel idea which is sure to gain traction (pun intended)…

    The new Allen Edmonds Honors Collection™ golf shoes are being shipped with QR code technology on hang tags that can access a special video showcasing the new line’s fine craftsmanship process, Ben Crenshaw’s commentary about the Honors Collection and the line’s five shoe styles. The intent is to provide a push at the point-of-purchase. Of course, shoppers will need a smartphone with a QR app to be able to scan the image of the QR Code and connect to the web via the phone’s browser. Yeah, that’s a lot of steps. But for a $300 pair of golf shoes (actually $295), some folks may be willing to make the extra effort.

    The videos are also available on the Allen Edmonds website (www.allenedmonds.com).

    For those not wanting to bother with QR, here’s one of the videos.

    Source: Allen Edmonds

    http://www.thegolfwire.com/stories/234271

    GolfNow.com iPhone App Makes Booking Tee Times Easy

    by James on March 25, 2011 in Technology with No comments

    Our friends over at GolfNow.com recently launched their first-ever iPhone app. It’s free to download, and pretty darn easy-to-use. While it isn’t getting RAVE reviews at the moment, I have to give GolfNow credit where credit is due. The app does what it is supposed to. Nothing fancy, it just works.

    To get started, you’ll need to sign up for a new account. If you already have a GolfNow.com account, use your login credentials and you’re on your way. Once inside, you have 24/7 access to over 2,500 courses in over 100 cities in the US (Yes, this is a US-only app. If you reside elsewhere, and want to give this a try… punch in a US address and it’ll work for you).

    After login, you’re presented with two options: ‘Find Tee Times’, or ‘View Reservations’. The ‘View Reservations’ area is quite straightforward. You can open that section to view upcoming (and past) tee times you’ve made.

    The ‘Find Tee Times’ options is the heart of the app. Pop into that section and you can search using GPS (your current location), Zip Code, and heck, you can even enter a search radius. Want to hit up a course no more than 10 miles away from your current location? No problem! You can also select the date, time, number of players in your group, and pricing preferences. GolfNow.com will do it’s best to meet your criteria, and return some fantastic tee times, at a savings of up to 70%.

    I have high hopes for this app. Speaking on behalf of all golf-hungry Canadians, I know it’d be a welcome addition to have Canadian courses tapped into this one… and I could see that being a key update down the road. Same goes for other international locales as well. Let’s face it, the sport of golf is growing by leaps and bounds, and folks all around the world are always looking for discounts on tee-times. Hopefully in updates to come, GolfNow.com expands their offering to a more international clientele!

    Until then, US users can use the GolfNow.com app to their hearts delight!

    Fore more on this app, visit Golf Now Mobile in the Apple App Store (and yes, this is a free download!).

    Getting into the Swing of Things… With Tiger’s Help?

    by Annie Latham on March 25, 2011 in Golf Tips, Technology with No comments

    This doesn’t make a lot of sense. Conceptually, releasing a golf swing helper app just before The Masters, as seasonal golfers start heading to the links to get their game on, is the right idea. But a “Tiger Woods: My Swing” iPhone app? He hasn’t actually been consistent over the last year. Most consider his swing a work in process.

    In a New York Times story, Woods was quoted saying,” “I have always enjoyed helping people learn how to play golf. Everything about this app is based on how I practice. To be able to do something like this, which wasn’t possible 10 or 15 years ago, is a win-win for everyone.”

    I’ll admit that I learned course management from Tiger Woods on my Playstation.

    The Swing’s the Thing: Among the application’s features is the ability to capture one’s swing online and evaluate it over time in a side-by-side comparison to Woods’s swing. In the role of virtual coach, Woods also offers analysis, updates, how-to demonstrations and personal tips.

    Here are some highlights of the app, which was created by Shotzoom Software:

    • Enhanced video capture
    • Side-by-side swing comparison with Tiger Woods
    • Advanced swing analysis and how-to demonstrated by Woods
    • Swing comparisons, sharing and feedback tools tied to friends and community members
    • Exclusive updates from Tiger and his life on Tour**

    **Might be TMI (as in too much information)

    • High quality video of each club from both Face On and Down the Line angles
    • “How-to” video directly from Tiger covering swing analysis
    • Time delay to allow for self-recording**

    ** This is an interesting concept. Just curious how you prop the iPhone to grab the swing. There must be tips for that.

    Analyze:

    • ·Overlay “Tiger Lines” that demonstrate proper technique
    • Compare your swing side-by-side with Tiger, a friend or one of your own

    Plus, there’s an for saving your videos online in a free personal profile at Golfshot.com

    The “Tiger Woods: My Swing” app is a “mere” $9.99. Considering the price of other golf aid products, that’s actually not bad. But relevant to other iPhone apps, it is pricey. The proceeds of this app benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

    “From the funds raised we can continue to give many more young people a shot at college,” said Tiger.

    Might be worth a shot.

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    Golfweek Mag Releases Multi-Platform Mobile App

    by Annie Latham on April 7, 2010 in News, Technology with No comments

    Golfweek magazine just announced the release of its first mobile application, which delivers breaking golf news, up-to-the-minute rankings, complete tour coverage and exclusive Golfweek content directly to users’ smartphone devices. The FREE, user-friendly Golfweek application will also boast an optimized reading experience as well as cross-device compatibility across all mobile browsers and device types, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Android smartphones.

    The application will allow viewers to instantly access Golfweek’s broad spectrum of interactive resources and features, such as:

    • Automatic real-time updates
    • Up-to-the-minute headlines, reports and staff blogs
    • Advanced distribution options and archival capabilities
    • Image, text and click-to-call ad functionality

    For more information or to download, hit up GolfWeek.com/Mobile.

    [Via: TheGolfWire]

    Watching the Masters on the Go? There are Apps for That…

    by Annie Latham on April 7, 2010 in News, Technology with 1 Comment

    AT&T announced expansive three-screen coverage of the Masters, promising more than 110 hours of content across mobile handsets, AT&T U-verse TV and the AT&T Fan Zone and AT&T Entertainment websites.

    According to AT&T, it is the sole mobile operator delivering live and on-demand coverage from Augusta National Golf Club, with content spreading across the AT&T Mobile TV, MobiTV and AT&T Mobile Video services–the latter will feature Masters Moments (a series of 24 vignettes highlighting action from past Masters tournaments), multiple golfer interviews and Masters TV, including daily recaps.

    Live 2010 Masters content available on AT&T Mobile TV, MobiTV, AT&T Fan Zone and AT&T U-verse TV will include:

    • Masters Extra, which gives viewers live play-by-play action before network broadcast coverage begins.
    • Par 3 Contest, which features a live feed from this popular contest on Wednesday, April 7.
    • Amen Corner Live, which features live coverage of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes.
    • 15th/16th Live, which features live coverage of the 15th and 16th holes.
    • Featured Group, a new enhancement for the 2010 Tournament featuring coverage of selected groups beginning on the second nine Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 11.

    CBS and ESPN will be delivering complete live coverage on U-verse TV.

    And new for 2010, CBS will deliver live Masters coverage on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 to mobile phones with AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV.

    Another option is the FREE PGA TOUR iPhone app presented by Nike Golf.  It delivers real-time scores, tee times, play-by-play coverage, standings, player info, tournament video highlights, and more. In addition, the PGA TOUR iPhone app will offer live streaming coverage of select tournaments throughout the season with the award winning LIVE@ franchise.

    And for you folks in Canada, TSN has released a new iPhone app, TSN MOBILE: MASTERS LIVE, which offers live streaming for all four rounds including Amen Corner (holes 11, 12 and 13) and holes 15 and 16 as well as the option to follow featured groups live as they play through the back nine (holes 10-18).  The app also gives a live leaderboard and breaking news.  This one is also FREE, thanks to Nike.

    Note: Looks like the TigerTrax app was last updated in July 2009. Attempts to get information weren’t successful.   You end up at a GoDaddy site: www.gettiger.com

    GolfLogix Expands GPS App line to Include Support for the Motorola DROID

    by Annie Latham on March 11, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Golf GPS, Technology with 1 Comment

    Got a Motorola DROID smartphone? There’s a new app in town. GolfLogix of Scottsdale, Arizona has just unveiled a version of its popular GPS distance and stat-tracking app that works on Motorola DROID.   GolfLogix claims to have the #1 Golf GPS app worldwide.  It provides golfers with useful information like distances to the front, center and back of the green, as well as points out major hazards.

    The DROID version joins the ones running on other popular smartphone platforms:  iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Bold and Bold2, BlackBerry Tour and BlackBerry Storm, Storm 2,  HTC Touch Pro and Touch Pro 2.

    DROID’s large screen and high-resolution makes it an ideal host for the GolfLogix app.  In a prepared statement, Pete Charleston, president of GolfLogix said,  “Our development team is keeping pace with the cell phone industry. We are the only golf app provider who is focused on making our application available on as many phones as possible and allowing golfers to transfer their membership and keep all of their statistics when they change to a new phone.”

    GolfLogix uses a subscription model that runs $39.95 a year.  If you want to try it out before committing, the company provides a non-industry standard 24-hour free trial period to accommodate one round.

    Payment of the yearly fee makes you a member of the GolfLogix community where you’ll have access to  more than 25,000+ professionally mapped golf courses worldwide, a personalized statistic tracking website, distance information on every round, score tracking, club data, accessory discounts, free data upgrades and more. Plus, members receive all application upgrades and can transfer memberships to new compatible phones at no extra charge. GolfLogix’ golf application can be downloaded directly from the Company’s website (www.golflogix.com).

    If you have tried it out on your DROID or other smartphone, please let us know how you like it.  Specifically, how well it worked under the various lighting conditions.