Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio - Tech for Improving the Fan Experience

Fan Experience...  it's a term we've been hearing a lot of recently.

As fans and patrons pay more for tickets to concerts, sporting events and other activities, they want to get the best value possible.

So teams, venues and organizations are looking to optimize the Fan Experience in different ways.

Rick and Sully discuss..

1.   Improving Wi-Fi in Stadiums and Arenas
https://www.extremenetworks.com/

Rick had the opportunity to talk with Glenn Johnson, the Carolina Hurricanes’ vice president of information technology, and Kevin Wittnebert, Extreme Networks associate director of sports and entertainment, about what fans want in arenas and stadiums- fast Wi-fi.

Today’s consumers expect to be able to text, post to Instagram, send a Snapchat, stream a video, check their sports apps and browse the internet without any delay or lag.

So what happens when an arena that can hold up to 20,000 people lacks a speedy network for attendees to connect to? The IT team at PNC Arena – home to the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State’s men’s basketball team – asked themselves this exact question when they started receiving poor feedback on the arena’s Wi-Fi experience. As the go-to venue for more than 150 annual events, and challenged with an IT team of only four people with 770,000 square feet to cover, they looked to Extreme Networks to partner and deploy its end-to-end Wi-Fi solution.

Together, the Carolina Hurricanes and Extreme Networks overhauled the Wi-Fi network ahead of the 2017 season. As a result of the deployment, the venue has seen a significant uptick in fan usage of the Wi-Fi network – posting to social, streaming videos and interacting with team centric content – in the 2017 season.

Here are a few highlights:
    Average unique Wi-Fi users grew from 18% in 2016 to 29% in 2017 to 35% so far in 2018.
    Concurrent Wi-Fi users on the network grew from 22% in 2016 to 28% in 2017 to 30% so far in 2018.
    Peak data transferred in 2016 averaged 587 GBs. That number grew to over 2 TB of data in 2017.
 

2. USGA Launches Immersive Digital Experience to Bring 117 Years of U.S. Open Championship Golf History to Life

For golf fans...

Building on a track record of innovative “firsts” in the digital presentation of its most renowned championship golf property, the USGA, in association with Rolex, has launched the U.S. Open History Experience, a fully immersive timeline that brings 117 years of U.S. Open Championships to life on usopen.com.
The timeline allows fans to engage digitally with one of the sports world’s most storied championships while celebrating the U.S. Open’s legendary champions, signature moments and iconic venues. Unlike any other digital property in sports, the experience features a user-driven journey through time by immersing fans in carefully curated videos, photos, articles, championship scoring and player statistics.

To create the U.S. Open History Experience, USGA researchers tapped the archives of the USGA Golf Museum, including publications, periodicals, magazines, daily newspapers and personal correspondence from as far back as the first championship in 1895. The result is a one-of-a-kind digital timeline that will be of interest to golf fans, sports fans and researchers alike.

 
3. NHL Smart Puck

With the Stanley Cup Finals being so exciting...

The NHL has already announced that the Smart Puck era is quickly approaching, which is exciting news for hockey fans all over the globe.

The league is planning on having this added technology at their disposal for the start of the 2019-20 season, but there’s a chance that we could get a preview of it at the start of next year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The technology will allow the league to track the puck’s movement on the ice at a rate of 200 times per second. That means that coaches will be able to get more information when it comes to possession, shot placement, shot distance and probably speed. If the coaches are getting their hands on that information, it means that they’ll be able to provide their players with even more specific data.
 

4. Wait Time
www.thewaittimes.com

WaitTime’s innovative artificial intelligence delivers real-time data to you and your fans to help you make smart decisions.

This is all about Crowd Intelligence
WaitTime’s technology is all encompassing, sensors are installed inside venue concourses, data is then released and interpreted using artificial intelligence to determine the length of lines. The results are shown on real-time dashboards, both on digital signs inside the venue and on a smartphone app.
The goal is to reduce lines, remove bottlenecks and get people served quicker so they can get back to watching the action.

 
5. Sports Business Awards has a "Best in Mobile Fan" Experience catagory

The Sports Business Awards were just held a week ago and the app, 15 Seconds of Fame won the "Best in Mobile Fan" catagory

The 15SOF team will process more than 5,000 MLB telecast feeds each season and will use a groundbreaking proprietary technology to deliver personalized video directly to fans after the game. In addition, the agreement provides 15SOF the ability to capture and deliver fan footage from special jewel events such as the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard and postseason games.
"This is what fans want and now they can get it," said Joshpe, CEO of 15SOF. "Moments like that foul ball are what we're tapping into. MLBAM has really been a pioneer in the digital space and really appreciates the value of these kinds of moments for fans. We're very excited about it."
The partnership also gives 15SOF access to scoreboard video moments from participating MLB ballparks, where teams will be able to integrate 15SOF through the free MLB.com Ballpark app. This is especially a big deal in the national pastime, where fans are more part of the action than in any other sport.
 

6. Golden State Warriors shoot to augment fan experience with digital tech

Not only are the Golden State Warriors leading the way in reaching the NBA Finals, but also in Fan Experience.
The NBA's defending champions are using chatbots, augmented and virtual reality to bolster fan engagement. Now they're sifting through fan data to better target them with merchandise, tickets and other offers.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 - Mother's Day Gadget and Tech Gifts

Looking for something for Mom for Mother's Day?

Look no further than some of the latest and most useful tech we've seen in some time.
Mother's Day, May 13 is all about Mom!


Rick and Sully talk Mom's Day tech! Have a listen:

1. Bambino Gift Card
www.bambinoapp.com

Have a day away with Bambino. Bambino is a free membership babysitting app that uses a private social network to connect you to a community of recommended sitters that are trusted by friends and families right in your own neighborhood. They are offering gift cards for last minute gifts for parents! Gift cards are available in all denominations.  What says, "I love you" to a mom more than free babysitting? Whether she uses it for date night, girls night out or even a trip to the spa, mom will appreciate getting some "me time" while knowing her children are safe at home with a trusted sitter.
 

2. YogaPaws
www.yogapaws.com

If Mom is into yoga, she'll love YogaPaws gloves and socks created by Jamie Getzwiller. YogaPaws are made from an ergonomic design that keeps the webbing of the hands and feet happy and comfy while you exercise. The pads encourage correct posture and technique while providing all the comfort and support that Yogi needs. You get that feeling of being barefoot with the comfort and protection of YogaPaws. Get Mom a full set for $29.


3. For the Golfing Mom...  New Balance Minimus Sport
www.newbalance.com

New to the women's collection by New Balance is the NBGW1006 Minimus Sport. The spikeless shoe features a breathable mesh upper with ultralight FantomFit support, and REVlite 4mm midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The Ortholite insole is designed for long lasting cushioning and wicks away moisture for cool, dry comfort and the NDurance rubber outsole provides maximum durability in high wear areas.
NBGW1006
Colors: White, Coral and Pink/Grey
Size: 6-11 in B and D widths
Weight: 6.4 oz.
Suggested Retail: $69.95
 
4. Secret Message Candles by 54 Celsius
www.54celsius.com

54 Clesius' candles make great Mother's Day gifts and housewarming presents! Simply light the wick, and as the wax melts away, a secret message is revealed at the bottom of the container that says “Thank You”, etc.  Only $9.99 for a quality candle. Available at: https://us.54celsius.com
 

5. Tea Forté
Great tea products at
www.teaforte.com

Mind, Body & Spirit Gift Set
GIFT SET FOR ONE OR TWO
Give her the gift of relaxation and peace of mind with tea and
coordinating accessories from our popular Lotus Collection.
All items come in our foil-stamped gift box. $157
About: Extraordinary teas meet unparalleled presentation for an exceptional experience that could only be Tea Forté.
They work directly with growers that share our dedication and determination to producing the definitive expression of every type of tea we feature. Our ingredients represent less than 1% of all the teas available worldwide. Our diverse, subtle flavors are a result of creating without compromise.
 

6. The Smarter Coffee Machine
www.smarter.am

Smarter Coffee is a machine that has a built-in bean grinder and water reservoir so mom can wake up, select how many cups she wants to make and what brew strength she prefers from the Smarter app on her phone while still lying in bed. She can also tell Google or Alexa to make the coffee with a voice command. And, if she needs an afternoon pick me up, she can start a pot brewing from the school pick up line or the grocery store so it’s hot and ready when she gets home. Smarter Coffee is available in the US at Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com.
 

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 - South Carolina Tech

Rick recently spent a week touring around the state of South Carolina checking out some under the radar places and some tech angles..

South Carolina is widely known as the Palmetto State in honor of our state tree, the Palmetto. However, they were once known as the Iodine State. The state has many other colorful nicknames as well, including many for SC cities and towns.

What did Rick see and do? Rick and Sully discuss:

 

1.  South Carolina's Distilleries and Cideries
http://carolinamoondistillery.com/

Carolina Moon is one example
Modernizing old moonshine equipment and turning out the classic taste of 'shine!

 
Windy Hill Orchard in York SC is an example of an area rallying around a cider
http://windyhillorchard.com/

Open every fall from Mid August until Christmas we offer visitors, Award Winning Hard Ciders, Pick Your Own Apples, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider, Fresh Made Apple Products, and much much more.


2.  The Wild Turkey and and Wild Turkey Winchester Museum
http://www.nwtf.org/about/hunting-heritage-center/wild-turkey-center

The Wild Turkey is one of only two birds native to North America to have been domesticated. Wild Turkeys are very good fliers. Even though they fly relatively close to the ground and only for short distances, they canreach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour!

In Edgefield, SC, you will find The Wild Turkey Center, and what is really a celebration of the Wild Turkey.
Admission: Adults: $5
Youth (ages 3 to 17): $2
Children under 2: free

See such tech-infused exhibits like:
The world’s largest turkey call: Visitors can step into this oversized box call and learn how to make different types of wild turkey sounds.
A helicopter simulator: Sit in a retired USDA Forest Service helicopter and go along on a controlled burn expedition.
Shooting simulator: This arcade-style shooting game is fun for the young and young at heart!
3D wild turkey dioramas: This isn’t the shoebox stories of elementary school. See artist renderings and taxidermy of the five wild turkey subspecies and the ocellated species in their natural habitats.

 

3.  Dairy Industry
Dairy farms found in all but seven counties in South Carolina, making it a multi-million dollar industry for our state.

4. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site
www.mayshousemuseum.org

Atlantans will love this...
This attraction is dedicated to the life of Benjamin Mays, a respected Civil Rights leader. Many historians believe that if it weren’t for Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the world might never have known about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death on the horizon, this is a must stop to learn more about the man Dr. King called, “his greatest mentor”.  

There are images, some interactive exhibits and a great number of books and artifacts.
237 N Hospital St, Greenwood, SC

5. The Topiaries of Greenwood and SC Festival of Flowers

http://scfestivalofflowers.org/calendar/2017/6/1/signature-topiary-display

Lots of care and some technology in creating beautiful topiaries for the SC Festival of Flowers starting June 1.
You’ll see 46 topiaries displayed around the Square, at the County Library, and at the Farmers Market. The whimsical horticultural creations showcase the Uptown Greenwood area during the SC Festival of Flowers.
Each topiary has been adopted by an organization and is sponsored by a separate organization.  Come see for yourself and stroll our Uptown Square day or night.
 

6. Rock Hill SC - Velodrome
http://www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks-facilities/giordana-velodrome

One of only about 30 velodromes left in the US.

The 250m world-class Giordana Velodrome is part of the Rock Hill Outdoor Center at Riverwalk. The facility, owned and operated by the City of Rock Hill, has hosted national and regional caliber races along with several special events and outreach programs.

At the Giordana Velodrome, cyclists can find their home base for training and development. This year-round facility offers programs for cyclists of all stages and ages, providing equipment and instruction. A certification process is required of all cyclists, regardless of cycling ability, before riding on the track.

The Giordana Velodrome also serves as a gathering place for a variety of non cycling activities and special events. Giordana is the sponsor of the Giordana Velodrome. Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates and Carolinas HealthCare System are Founding Partners of the Giordana Velodrome.
Onsite, there is also a BMX area and criterium track
 

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on Radio 105.7 - Tech from 2018 Surf Expo

It's been a cold and Icy winter in Atlanta, but Rick is here to warm things up.

He saw everything "sun and fun" at the Surf Expo in Orlando , which wrapped up last weekend.

What were some of Rick's Picks from the Surf Expo?

Have a listen:

1. 4 Ocean Bracelets
www.4Ocean.com

4Ocean has made it their mission to preserve our oceans by removing ocean trash through the purchase of their recycled bracelets. This is the promise to their customers: Remove one pound of trash from the ocean for every bracelet sold.  Just $20.
4Ocean has three different clean up methods that drive their growing trash removal:
•         The daily offshore/intracoastal cleanups led by their 7 full time captains with 4 boats out on the water every single day
•         Beach cleanups hosted worldwide
•         Working with other cleanup organizations across the world

4Ocean 2017 Milestones:
•         Removed over 250,000 pounds of trash from the ocean
•         Expanded from 2 employees to over 40
•         Hosted cleanups in 16 countries
 

2.  Body Glove Crusader
www.bodyglove.com
 
A huge stand up paddleboard.
There is no end to the SUP craze and that is a good thing. At the show, Body Glove debuted their Body Glove Crusader, a 15-foot long, 66-inch wide paddleboard, 6 inches thick, weighing 76lbs, with a max capacity of 1000lbs, good for 4-6 people. This looks like a lot of fun and will be available hopefully for summer.
 

3. Shark Eyes
www.sharkeyesusa.com

Shark Eyes is the world’s most affordable visual shark deterrent. Shark attacks have been a big problem around the world in recent years. This is a sticker for all water users who want to minimize their risk of a shark attack. Developed, and endorsed by watermen and professionals who routinely encounter sharks in the wild, the Shark Eyes decal aims to fools the shark into thinking it’s been spotted, removing the element of surprise and deterring an attack. There are different sizes and prices start around $12. This is a simple idea and solution, but a no-brainer.
 

4. Kadan Swimwear
www.kadanswimwear.com

The story here is this beautiful swimwear line is designed, marketed and ran by an 18 year old.
Kelsey Caputo graduated from high school early and is now designing and promoting her own swimwear line.
The pieces reflect a coastal living that is fresh, laid-back and stylish. Pieces range from $75 to $120, and are on sale at boutique stores dotting the Florida Keys and online at www.kadanswimwear.com.  
The capsule collection offers five styles in calypso and baby blue. She envisioned beautiful women wearing her suits having fun and feeling confident when she conceived the idea and started designing.
 
“Every line tells a story,” explains Caputo, who graduated high school early to persue her designing interests. “Mine says elegant costal living for modern women.”
 

5. O2cool Products
www.o2-cool.com

Like the Mist 'N Sip
O2COOL’s patented Mist 'N Sip® products provide a unique combination all in one - Misting and Drinking. Mist cools you on the outside, while Sip cools you on the inside.™

The mist feature helps to cool you down on the outside while you stay hydrated on the inside.  We offer a wide selection of different drinking and bottle options to quench your fitness and outdoor thirst.
 

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on Radio 105.7 and iHeartRadio - Black Friday and Cyber Monday

You made it through Black Friday, but Cyber Monday is on the horizon.

Rick lets you know where the deals are!

Here's Rick and Sully

1.  myCharge products  50% off at Best Buy stores
Rick's favorite portable power devices
www.mycharge.com

myCharge enhances its battery chargers with unique features like built-in charging cables, wall prongs and wall outlets on some of its devices. Their batteries also have twelve layers of safety protection. For Black Friday, myCharge products will be 50% off at Best Buy November 19 – November 26. Make sure you check out my new favorite charger, the AdventureUltra, which is basically a portable wall outlet.


2. iPhone 8/8 Plus (with Activation) – FREE + $250 Gift Card at Target and Sprint with deals on phones and accessories, right in their stores

Deals on older iPhones, android phones and accessories

3. 50% off on adidas--- so Sully can stock up on track jackets
www.adidas.com

Black Friday deals..Save up to 50% on select hoodies, tracksuits, outerwear, footwear, accessories, graphic and ultimate tees.
 

4. Nighthawk Running LLC

You may be out for those early morning or afternoon runs and you need to be safe. Headlights and taillights for your running shoes. The Night Trek 270 Tactical Shoe Lights, $59.95, attach onto your laces, shining the path ahead and behind up to 30 feet. The ultra-lightweight LED lights run on rechargeable batteries that last three to five hours and make you visible from all sides. They’re rugged and water resistant.
Nighthawk is offering a 25% discount on purchases from Nov. 24 - 27 with the discount code CYBERTREK.

5. SCOTTeVest  - 30% off on just about everything
https://www.scottevest.com

Great vest and apparel to store all your gadgets and get through TSA!

6. Epson Printers

Have had a bevy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
Rick has been testing the Epson Expression XP Photo 8500
Pro-quality photos from a fast, quiet, ultra slim all-in-one printer.
Print brilliant, professional-quality photos with the Expression Photo XP-8500 Small-in-One printer. Offering fast, quiet performance in a sleek design, the XP-8500 produces borderless photos up to 8" x 10" with 6-color Claria® Photo HD Inks. Print 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 10 seconds1. Built-in USB and memory card slots2 make PC-free printing easy. The rear feed accommodates specialty media3, and there are dedicated photo and CD/DVD trays. Plus, individual inks mean you only replace the cartridge that runs out. And, with Epson’s Creative Print App, you can wirelessly print collages, stationery and more from your tablet or smartphone4.
Features:
        4-in-1 with Wi-Fi®: Print / Copy / Scan / Ultra HD Photo
        Ink: 6-color Claria® Photo HD inks
 

7.  News from Virgin Mobile
www.virginmobileusa.com

Each person who joins the Inner Circle by Virgin Mobile between Black Friday and Cyber Monday will receive a $200 Visa® Prepaid Card and Virgin Mobile will donate 200 meals to Feeding America® for each one of those new members. Virgin Mobile has already committed to donating more than 1.6 million meals through 2018 to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.