Betfair to use Google Glass during live TV betting slots
Betfair is set to become the first betting brand to use Google Glass live on air this weekend as part of a wider strategic plan to develop bespoke products for Glass over the coming year.
On Saturday (5 July) Betfair’s spokesman Barry Orr will wear the Glass headset live on screen at 2:30pm as he reports from Leicester for the horse racing channel.
Orr will use Google Glass to update viewers with real-time notifications around race results, non-runners, jockey changes, and the resulting price (odds) changes.
Betfair’s director of product innovation, Alex Deacon, said: “Glass has only recently arrived in the UK, so using it during our TV betting slots is just the very first step. Even more exciting is the potential that we see in understanding the usage and growth of wearable technology when it comes to improving our customers betting experience in ways beyond simply looking at prices on their phones, tablets or computers.
“Betting has moved on from simply placing a bet and waiting for it to win or lose. With products such as Cash Out we know customers want to stay connected to their bets throughout the day and wherever they are. Google Glass and the other new technologies help play a part in us creating that seamless connection. ”
The betting company claims that it is working on optimising both their existing product set to work straight out of the box for Glass but also specific “Glassware” that will provide a unique betting experience for Glass.
Betfair will eventually use Glass headsets on all its betting slots, including Channel 4’s Morning Line, Sky Sports News and RTE in Ireland.
Last week the company rebranded as 'Bitefair' in support of Luis Suarez's football ban after after he bit Italian player Giorgio Chiellini.