The one I am going to discuss, however, is a new kind of technology that has recently been introduced to the game. GPS systems have stormed the golf scene. Each golf store and golf shop sells GPS range finders that tell the player the precise distance from their current position to the flag, any water hazards, bunkers, trees, you name it. While this technology has been used in golf for a couple years now, it is still incredibly expensive. The range finders at golf shops usually range from $250-$500 USD. While their sales are still incredibly high, a recent, brand new technology is about to change this.
The ever-so-popular has now been turned into a range finder for golfers. There are now a few apps available, such as AirVue, seen here:
While they serve pretty much the exact same purpose as the handheld (they are actually run from very similar software and golf course databases), standalone devices one can purchase at a golf store, the unique advantage here is that these applications run from $15-$40. While the iPhone itself deserves millions of blogs just for all of its amazing capabilities, these series of apps are greatly changing the golf world, and for cheap. Another popular app is ViewTi, seen here:
Both of these apps have received great reviews from online users, and are obviously a great choice to use rather than purchasing a $400 stand-alone gps system from a golf shop. GPS systems are finding their nitch in many different ways of life, including the sports world. It will be exciting to see where all of this takes us. These devices have already been banned from competitive golf, however to the average player, technologies like this completely change their game.
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I like this. I am wondering how many people have download the software for the iPhone and others. Also how is this marketed and distributed, is this a new model of innovation, distribution, commerce?
ReplyDeleteThat is something I will look into it as an App for my Iphone. I do have google maps in it in which if i get lost i will use to get my way back to a location that i know in this city. But i don't really need it since my car already equip with a gps. But that app is something that sparks my interest. I will look forward to see you next blog
ReplyDeleteThis type of technology is incredible. I like how even sport and leisure time can be improved. I have an iPhone myself and I think that the apps have made my life a lot less stressed, but much more dependent of technology. The fact that the iPhone can also save me money by downloading an app instead of purchasing expensive pieces of technology makes it even better. I look forward to you next blog to see what else gps can do.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Iphones really are beginning to take over the world! These tiny pieces of technology are truly changing the society that we live in, especially in the silicon valley. I can't believe the sheer volume of new applications that emerge everyday. These phones are honestly beginning to replace other technologies in all facets of life. I really like this post because GPS isn't usually something that we associate with sports. It's truly a unique and interesting application for it in the golf world that completely makes sense. It's crazy how popular GPS and programs like google maps has become. I remember having to search for addresses and look at maps back in the day when I was a paperboy. These programs and applications are almost taken for granted these days.
ReplyDeleteEven though that is very cool technology, doesn't it take the actual skill out of the game? I mean I think a big part of golf is not only being able to hit the ball, but being able to make the judgment calls for yourself as to how far to hit the ball and all that jazz. This kind of technology makes for uniformity among golfers, which I would tend to dislike.
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