Google Glass app, Blue harmonizes baseball and technology

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Author: Allan Race

It’s rare to see fans keep score at the ballpark these days. There are so many ways to track every last detail of the game using smartphones that the old pencil and paper method is nearly extinct. It’s exciting to see how technology enhances the experience for spectators, but a shame to take our attention away from the game and onto our phones.

But a team of developers are using Google Glass to give fans the best of both worlds. It’s called Blue.

Google Glass is making headlines as its being tested by developers around the world. The wearable technology from Google resembles a pair of eyeglasses with a small screen in the corner that serves as an interface. Users can conduct conventional smartphone functions without looking away from the view in front of them.

Developers are running wild with third-party apps for these innovative new glasses, ranging from games to augmented reality. It was only a matter of time before sports entered the mix. Blue is the first app to truly enhance the ballpark experience without all the distractions of a smartphone or tablet.

Blue gives fans play-by-play information as the game happens in front of them. Everything from pitch speeds to who’s batting is neatly displayed on the screen next to the action on the field. The feed doesn’t stop at scoreboard stats, either. Information missed by not watching a game on TV is included in Blue as well. If a runner is sent back to first and you can’t tell why, but Blue will let you know. It even keeps updating as you walk away from your seat to buy a beer or use the bathroom.

The creators of Blue say the app was tested live at AT&T Park on Google Glass, but the update speeds from the video above look too good to be true. Stat tracking sites like ESPN and Yahoo Sports usually have a short delay on pitch counts and over live action. But if Blue is anything close to what this sample shows, it could be the next big thing in baseball.

Blue requires an Internet service to receive updates. Google Glass has built-in Wi-Fi, but not all ballparks have it available. For older parks like Wrigley or Fenway, you can pair Google Glass with a smartphone to get service. Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Glass, but it should be available to the public in 2014.

Allen Race

Allen grew up going to Cubs games with his dad and writes about sports today.