Wireless Wednesday for 7/29/15: BB&T Atlanta Open and Tennis

With the BB&T Atlanta Open going on this week at Atlantic Station, Rick and Mitch take their annual look at The BB&T Atlanta Open and what's new in tennis technology.

Have a listen to Rick and Mitch:

1.  BB&T Atlanta Open  

www.bbtatlantaopen.com   

Going on this week at Atlantic Station. John Isner is back to got for a "three-peat", the Bryan Brothers are here playing doubles and Andy Roddick is coming out of retirement briefly to play doubles this week.

2.  Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series and ESPN TV Coverage

Tennis fans will have more opportunities to watch their favorite players compete this summer than ever before, with ESPN broadcasting more than 1,800 hours of live match coverage – including 200 hours of live TV coverage – across its platforms during the 2015 US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series.

In addition to over 200 hours of live match play on ESPN and ESPN2, more than 1,600 hours of live match coverage will be shown on ESPN3. The unprecedented coverage is part of the first year of an 11-year agreement between the USTA and ESPN, which will broadcast the US Open until 2025.

During the 2015 US Open, more than 1,100 hours of live match coverage will be shown on ESPN3, which will also be hosted on USOpen.org. ESPN and ESPN2 will also show a combined 130 hours of live match coverage, with ESPN featuring play from 11 courts during the tournament.

Fans will also be able to access coverage for the first time at www.emiratesusopenseries.com, as well as the individual tournament websites through the ESPN3 Media Player. ESPN3 is also accessible on line at WatchESPN.com and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.


3.  PlaySight Smartcourt

PlaySight is a tennis action review system. Affordable, easy to install and to use, it is designed for tennis clubs across the world.

With just four fully automated cameras PlaySight smart court gives real-time and after-action review with complete debriefing solutions, auto stats, bio-mechanical analysis and 3D tactical game management.
Your activity and motion during the entire match/training are automatically recorded, analyzed and uploaded into the PlaySight.com where you can review your performance and share it with your coach, friends and family.

PlaySight is the ultimate coaching tool to substantially improve tennis players' achievements as well as the ability of the coaches to track and analyse their progress.

 
 
4.  Tecnifibre Strings

String technology in tennis has actually changed more than racquet technology.

Tecnifibre's new Black Code 4S  -  Rick's Examiner article -
http://www.examiner.com/article/tecnifibre-s-new-black-code-4s-again-proves-string-is-the-thing

The Black Code 4S is a four-sided string. The first Black Code was a five-sided offering. This means more spin than any other Tecnifibre string and I didn't notice or have any issue with losing control.

Speed - I was able to generate more speed to go along with the extra spin. I felt comfortable off both wings on the ground and felt better about most defensive shots I had to hit. My playing partner said he felt more power off the ground and on the serve.


5. QLIPP Tennis Sensor

A revolutionary smart sensor and accompanying mobile app (iOS and Android) that provides deep insights into key aspects of a tennis player’s game by providing measurement and video capture of a player’s strokes, spin, shot speed and sweet spot accuracy. QLIPP is the perfect training tool for tennis players, whether casual enthusiasts or tour professionals, to improve their game.  
Via the free QLIPP app, players can instantly view their data, save each session for future reference or compare their performance to others using QLIPP.  In addition, the app has voice feedback so players can hear the app relay their stroke information while they are still on the court playing.

Retail price slated to be $129.99.
 


App of the Week:

Hooks

Price: free for Android

- Set alarms for all the things you have to remember...
Hooks lets you set an alarm for anything and everything. New TV show episodes, bands coming to your town, weather alerts, Reddit posts, video games coming out, et cetera. You can look through pre-made alerts or create your own, using keywords and conditions.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 7/23/14: With Mitch Evans - BB&T Atlanta Open and Tennis Tech

Rick and Mitch are back with "Wireless Wednesday" and some tennis talk

**Topics**  
It's BB&T Atlanta Open tennis week and that means Rick is living down at Atlantic Station all week.  We will also talk some of the latest in tennis technology.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 7/24/14 on 92.9 The Game’ on Audioboo

BB&T Atanta Open

Running all week at Atlantic Station. A men's ATP World Tour 250 event that kicks off the lead up to the U.S. Open. It's the first even in the Emirates Airline US Open Series. With players like defending champ, John Isner, it's one of the strongest draws, ever for this event.

 

The new Wilson Roger Federer 97 Autograph racquet

Wilson and Roger Federer team up for a new racquet

For months Roger Federer's stealthy, matte black racket has been the source of conjecture and debate amongst tennis fans.  Wins in Dubai and Halle, along with several finals appearances amplified the buzz surrounding his new secret weapon.   After three years of development and dozens of prototypes, Roger Federer and Wilson officially announced the new Wilson Pro Staff line of rackets, which they collaborated in developing.

The new Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph* delivers the precise feel Federer demands with a larger sweet spot and more power in comparison to the Wilson rackets he has used throughout his storied career.  The Wilson Pro Staff line will feature rackets suited for a variety of attack-style players: from avid players to youth striving to improve their game. The Wilson Pro Staff rackets provide more power without compromising the classic feel long associated with the Pro Staff line. The final graphics package will be unveiled closer to the projected October 1, 2014 in-store date.
 

Chase Review AKA "Hawk-Eye"

Hawk-eye is the name of a line-calling system which traces a ball's trajectory and sends it to a virtual-reality machine.  It's used at all top level professional tournaments.

Hawk-Eye uses six or more computer-linked television cameras situated around the court. The computer reads in the video in real time, and tracks the path of the tennis ball on each camera. These six separate views are then combined together to produce an accurate 3D representation of the path of the ball.
If the player is correct with a challenge, then the player retains the same number of challenges. Effectively they have an unlimited number of correct challenges to make.
If the player is incorrect with a challenge, then one of the challenges is lost.

During a tie-break, each player will receive an additional challenge.

Challenges may not be carried over from one set to another.
 

Tennis Tournament Websites and SlamTracker

Last year nearly 20 million unique users visited wimbledon.com during the Wimbledon championships. Fans are able to access the site from their smartphones, tablets and other devices. This will allow them to create personalised feeds with the latest live scores and videos, stats, and match analysis, giving that extra layer of analysis to enhance the fan experience and engagement.

BM SlamTracker tool provides a "second screen" experience for fans on wimbledon.com. At its simplest SlamTracker provides a real-time dashboard for all the matches around the 19 courts. It also uses predictive analytics to identify performance indicators for any particular head-to-head match – the three key things each player needs to focus on to be more likely to win. These update in real time during the match to give fans a sense of being part of the action. SlamTracker works by examining 41 million data points from eight grand slam tournaments.

Smart Racquets and sensors

Babolat, Head and others are coming out with smart racquets. Actual racquets that have a chip embedded in them and then the information from an entire match or practice session can be downloaded to be analyzed.
 


 App of the Week

ATP/ WTA Tour App

 
Free for both iOS and Android

TP/WTA Live is the official Live Scoring App from the ATP World Tour and WTA.

Follow your favourite professional tennis players and tournaments in real-time throughout the season, including ATP Challenger Tour events.

Key Features:
• Live Scores
• Live Match Statistics
• Completed Matches
• Order of Play
• Draws
• Rankings
• Tournament Calendar
• Player Bios & Head to Head Records
• 15+ Languages
• Share with Friends

Wireless Wednesday for 1/15/14: With Mitch Evans - Palm Springs, Clinton, CES and More

Rick does two segments with Mitch tonight as he is in Palm Springs for the Humana Challenge and a chance to hand with Bill Clinton at his health summit.

 Have a listen:

* TOPICS -

Rick is in Palm Springs for the Humana Challenge PGA event had the Clinton Foundation Health and Wellness summit... and he had the opportunity to hand with President Bill Clinton at the conference.

But also CES wrapped up.

The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is finished in Las Vegas - We take a look at what is popular so far...  

That means thousands of weird and wacky gadgets were announced and shown to the press.
Here is some of the craziness.

1.   Clio

A so-called "invisible speaker," is from Clear View Audio. The Clio uses a clear membrane that causes vibrations to create sound. It also has a small base that is available in a variety of colors. The small speaker is built for living rooms and bookshelves and retails for $349.
http://www.clearviewaudio.com/
 


2.  Sleep Number x12

A new Sleep Number bed
We are all looking for better sleep.
Monitoring your sleep patterns with an activity tracker is now fairly common. Sleep Number take that to another level with the x12 bed with built in sensors on each side of the bed to monitor each person's sleep. If your partner snores, you can tell the bed to raise the noisy person's head to hopefully shut them up.
SleepIQ is a touch free, non-intrusive technology developed in partnership with BAM Labs. It monitors the user while in bed including their average breathing rate, movement, and average heart rate. The tech then has an algorithm that takes that information and provides a SleepIQ score for each person in the bed, each night. The x12 bed will ship in February starting at $7999.99.
 


3.  TREWGrip and Typo  (2 diff keyboards)
TREW Grip - An in-the-works keyboard that is held upright like a steering wheel.

The keyboard was designed specifically for small tablets such as the Nexus 7 and the iPad mini. Made by a small, private Cincinnati company, TREWGrip's keys are on the back side of the device, where users' fingers are positioned as they hold the keyboard upright.

Users place their tablet in a suction mount in the middle of the keyboard. Once the tablet and keyboard connect through Bluetooth, users can start typing. Moving the mouse is just as weird -- users rotate the TREWGrip around to navigate using the device's accelerometer. Although the TREWGrip is unique and interesting, it's hard to believe it will catch on.
No price as of yet.

 
Typo

American Ido l host Ryan Seacrest is one of the backers behind the Typo iPhone case that puts a BlackBerry-type Qwerty keyboard on top of your iPhone. It's just the thing for someone who has used a BlackBerry for so long they just can't change. The only spanner in the works is Typo admit BlackBerry has launched legal action.
 

4.  Yellow Jacket's iPhone stun gun

Yes, it's a tough and rugged case that will protect your iPhone and, with an in-built battery, keep your phone charged longer. And if you happen to see someone you have an issue with, flick a switch and your iPhone case is a stun gun. It's legal in most places in the US except New York.
It's non lethal. But gives you a medium-sized shock
 



App of the Week  - the course Rick played earlier today Sliver Rock

The Silver Rock Resort app  (Free)

What a beautiful course
The SilverRock Resort App includes a GPS enabled yardage guide, tee time booking, course information and more.

Owned by the City of La Quinta and Managed by Landmark Golf Management, SilverRock Resort’s Arnold Palmer Classic Course, a home course of the Bob Hope Classic 2008-2011, is a challenging 7,578 yards, sprawling over 200 acres with massive native bunkers and stunning water features set against the backdrop and natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Rick played horribly
 

Wireless Wednesday for 9/4/13: With Mitch Evans - Avoiding Internet Scams

Mitch and I talk a little U.S. Open tennis and look at some common internet scams

Have a listen to all three parts:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 9/4/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 9/4/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 9/4/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

* TOPICS -   U.S. Open tennis continues and we take a look at Internet Scams - and the App of the Week

*Internet Scams*
Some of those old internet scams are still being used along with some new ones. Don't fall for these internet scams!
Tips:
*Never give out your passwords, SS#, Bank Acct Numbers or personal info.
Only use your credit cards on secure sites- Amazon, Target.com, etc

1.   The Nigerian Prince

Yes, some people must still fall for this
Nigeria, oh, Nigeria. You probably know the scam, already. A Nigerian prince/widow/businessman/ orphan/king writes to you saying he must deposit a vast amount of money in the U.S. while he deals with political issues, and he would like to use your account to do so. He’ll even pay you a nice sum to make it happen!
Except he needs a deposit from you to make sure he knows you are legit. And something bad is going to eventually happen, requiring more money from you than just the original deposit. Oh, and you’ll never see this money again. Basically, if it’s from Nigeria, don’t even open the email. There are plenty of variations of the old scam to go around.

 

2.   1-900 Numbers

It’s time for the phone interview — your new employer just wants you to call in, though. A 1-900 number? You’ve probably never heard of one. There’s a good reason for that. 1-900 numbers aren’t toll-free. Much like any pay-to-talk phone line (think of something along the lines of those “singles chat lines” you see on late night TV), 1-900 numbers charge you for however long you stay on them.
Scammers use these numbers to have unwitting victims call in while they cash in. Of course, some of the fees go to your phone company, but a big chunk of it ends up in the scammer’s pockets, too.
 


3.   The "can we use your bank account" scam

Much like receiving an advance on your first paycheck, some scammers will hire you as a “financial manager” to cash checks and then wire the money abroad (or wherever they may be). Unfortunately, the checks are completely worthless, but your bank won’t know that until it’s too late. To make matters worse, your name will be the one tied to things, and unfortunately, you’ll be responsible for everything.

With that said, just ignore anything that requires you to use your personal bank account for anything. Don’t do it. Just don’t.

 

4. You’ll Need To Pay A Registration Fee First scam

The classic “pay to start” scam comes in yet another form. This time around, you have to pay a non-refundable registration fee. It’s quite simple, really. Pay a small amount (say, $50?) to apply, turn in your application, and wait to hear back from the head honcho.
However, you may hear from the head honcho, and you may not hear from the head honcho. Either way, though, you’re not getting the job. You’ll either just not receive a response or you will get one saying you didn’t get the job. Bummer, man.

5.  The "Lottery" scam

This scam will usually come in the form of a conventional email message. It will inform you that you won millions of dollars and congratulate you repeatedly. The catch: before you can collect your “winnings”, you must pay the “processing” fee of several thousands of dollars.

Stop! You won't be a winner in this lotter, go to Quik Trip and buy a scartch off, it's a better invenstment.  Once you realize you have been suckered into paying $3000 to a con man, they are long gone with your money. Do not fall for this lottery scam.

 

6.   Travel or Cruise Scams

These scams are most active during the summer and fall months. You receive an email with the offer to get amazingly low fares to some exotic destination but you must book it today or the offer expires that evening. If you call, you’ll find out the travel is free but the hotel rates are highly overpriced.

Some can offer you rock-bottom prices but hide certain high fees until you “sign on the dotted line”. Others, in order to give you the “free” something, will make you sit through a timeshare pitch at the destination. Still others can just take your money and deliver nothing.

Also, getting your refund, should you decide to cancel, is usually a lost cause, often called a nightmare or mission-impossible.
 

App of the Week   -  College Football Scoreboard  - Free

Some say it's the most complete college football app ever developed
Get the updated score quickly,
previews and recaps of all the games
social media component
Scores, Schedules and News are displayed by conference. Keep track of your favorite college teams and your rivals all at a glance. Real time scores are officially licensed from Sports Direct.
Tap any game to share scores via Email, Facebook, Twitter or other social media apps installed on your device.

 

Wireless Wednesday (Monday) for 7/25/13: With Mitch Evans - Tennis and BB&T Atlanta Open

Rick and Mitch talk about the BB&T Atlanta Open that is going on this week at Atlantic Station and they also talk about technology in tennis.

Have a listen to all three parts:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 7/24/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 7/24/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 7/24/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

Show Notes:

Tennis action is served up this week in Atlanta as the BB&T Atlanta Open is underway.  And the App of the Week!

Come out and see the stars of tennis - John Isner, Mardy Fish, Lleyton Hewitt
www.bbtatlantaopen.com

*Tennis Technology*

1. Hawk-Eye - Technology

Tennis' instant replay challenges.  Very accurate.
Players get 3 challenges per set -  Additional challenges if they are right
Replays are shown on big video screens on the court  and fans get into it

2.  Racquets

Not sure how much more racquets can change, but they have.
They continue to get lighter.  
Wilson is making an effort use fewer cross strings - that equals more spin.
So far the results have been positive.


3.  Strings

Big changes have occured in strings over the last 5-7 years.  String technology has evolved more than anything.

It has changed in the past decade because strings made of polyester blends can create more topspin, allowing players to swing harder, keep the ball in the court and extend rallies.

“For every 100 r.p.m.’s of topspin you can put on the ball, you can reduce the flight distance by 6 to 12 inches,”
The game has changes and the pro have all gone to the new strings.

4.  Wilson's High Tech Innovation Center in Chicago

The Innovation Center, a nondescript one-story brick building located a few blocks from O’Hare Airport, houses the gadgets and gizmos, and the brainpower that develops Wilson’s rackets. This year, the Innovation Center added a Doppler radar device called the TrackMan, which was connected to a small practice court to measure the speed, flight pattern and revolutions per minute of a ball when struck by a player. The tests confirmed that the string pattern was the key variable affecting spin, with other tweaks to the racket frame necessary to fully enhance the effect.

5.  For those Going to BB&T Atlanta Open

Check out the website at  www.bbtatlantaopen.com
Follow BB&T Atlanta Open on Facebook and Twitter

BB&T Atlanta Open Text Club - TEXT: ATLANTA to 25973
Joining the Atlanta Text Club not only allows you to stay updated on the tournament, but provides interactive activities while at the tournament. These include trivia, polls, voting and song requests. Joining the Text Club also give you the opportunity to receive a free seat upgrade.

App of the week:  ATP/WTA App  -  Free for iOS or Android

 
Keep up to the minute with all the professioanl tennis scores with this app.  Draws, stats and scores for all the big tournaments and smaller Challenger events