Technology
ESPN VR tech shown in play breakdowns
The sports broadcasting world has seen plenty of talk about innovation over the years. Some new technologies have become widely accepted, like the first-down line in football and Hawk-Eye tracking in tennis and hockey. Others, like Fox’s NHL glow puck, fizzled out quickly. One of the latest innovations is the use of virtual reality (VR) […]

The sports broadcasting world has seen plenty of talk about innovation over the years. Some new technologies have become widely accepted, like the first-down line in football and Hawk-Eye tracking in tennis and hockey. Others, like Fox’s NHL glow puck, fizzled out quickly.
One of the latest innovations is the use of virtual reality (VR) to have studio analysts break down highlights. For example, on ESPN’s coverage of Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, analyst P.K. Subban used a VR headset to explain a key Connor McDavid goal:
P.K. Subban uses VR on ESPN to break down the Connor McDavid goal in Game 5.
#NHL https://t.co/NZ0O9eII9a pic.twitter.com/7mtQGdwk2o
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 30, 2025
ESPN previously did this on their coverage of Game 5 of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves-Oklahoma City Thunder Western Conference Final on Wednesday, putting analyst Tim Legler on the (virtual) floor for a breakdown.
This technology is similar to what ESPN has used in animated broadcasts, such as the NFL with The Simpsons or the NHL with Big City Greens, or the NBA with Dunk The Halls, where announcers are inserted into animated environments. But, rather than converting the players into animated figures, they look more like standard video-game representations here.
The main new feature is that analysts like Subban can view the play from different ice- or court-level perspectives, helping them explain the action as if they were right there on the floor or rink.
ESPN announced this VR initiative on Thursday. It combines Hawk-Eye’s limb-tracking data with Beyond Sports’ avatar technology. Analysts wear Meta Quest Pro headsets to enter these immersive environments. ESPN’s Andrea DiCristoforo said this will be used for both NHL and NBA playoff coverage.
“Once we saw what Beyond Sports could do with tracking data, we realized we could show the action from any angle and immerse our analysts directly in the environment — something we felt would create a unique and engaging experience for fans,” said Phil Orlins, VP, Production.
…“I feel like this tech was made for guys like me who really want to teach the game,” said NBA commentator Tim Legler. “It lets me show viewers what players are actually processing in real time, which gives you a deeper understanding of their decision-making. Hopefully, it helps fans notice things the next time they watch a game — stuff they might’ve missed or not fully understood before.
“It changes the perspective from being in studio to actually being on the ice, which allows me to break down the play a lot more accurately…,” added NHL analyst P.K. Subban. ”Standing on the ice, you have a better understanding of spacing where the puck is in angles, so it really gives us a big advantage.”
…“As real-time data becomes faster and more precise, and as avatar realism continues to evolve — much like the progression of video game graphics — we’re unlocking the ability to put fans and analysts directly into the game environment,” said Orlins. “Over time, these experiences will only get more immersive and lifelike, making this kind of virtual, data-driven storytelling an increasingly important and common part of how fans engage with live sports.”
It’s notable that ESPN is experimenting with this technology not just in animated broadcasts but also in standard ones, and across multiple sports. While its NHL coverage is now complete for the year (TNT has the Stanley Cup Final), it’ll return with the NBA Finals on ABC starting June 5. It’ll be interesting to see if VR technology takes a bigger role then.
Technology
An algorithm could fix that
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For many, fitness trackers have become indispensable tools for monitoring how many calories they’ve burned in a day. But for those living with obesity, who are known to exhibit differences in walking gait, speed, energy burned and more, these devices often inaccurately measure activity—until now. Scientists at Northwestern University have developed […]


For many, fitness trackers have become indispensable tools for monitoring how many calories they’ve burned in a day. But for those living with obesity, who are known to exhibit differences in walking gait, speed, energy burned and more, these devices often inaccurately measure activity—until now.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new algorithm that enables smartwatches to more accurately monitor the calories burned by people with obesity during various physical activities.
The findings were published in Scientific Reports. The study is titled, “Developing and comparing a new BMI inclusive energy burn algorithm on wrist-worn wearables.”
The technology bridges a critical gap in fitness technology, said Nabil Alshurafa, whose Northwestern lab, HABits Lab, created and tested the open-source, dominant-wrist algorithm specifically tuned for people with obesity. It is transparent, rigorously testable and ready for other researchers to build upon. Their next step is to deploy an activity-monitoring app later this year that will be available for both iOS and Android use.
“People with obesity could gain major health insights from activity trackers, but most current devices miss the mark,” said Alshurafa, associate professor of behavioral medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Current activity-monitoring algorithms that fitness trackers use were built for people without obesity. Hip-worn trackers often misread energy burn because of gait changes and device tilt in people with higher body weight, Alshurafa said. And lastly, wrist-worn models promise better comfort, adherence and accuracy across body types, but no one has rigorously tested or calibrated them for this group, he said.
“Without a validated algorithm for wrist devices, we’re still in the dark about exactly how much activity and energy people with obesity really get each day—slowing our ability to tailor interventions and improve health outcomes,” said Alshurafa, whose team tested his lab’s algorithm against 11 state-of-the-art algorithms designed by researchers using research-grade devices and used wearable cameras to catch every moment when wrist sensors missed the mark on calorie burn.
The exercise class that motivated the research
Alshurafa was motivated to create the algorithm after attending an exercise class with his mother-in-law who has obesity.
“She worked harder than anyone else, yet when we glanced at the leaderboard, her numbers barely registered,” Alshurafa said. “That moment hit me: fitness shouldn’t feel like a trap for the people who need it most.”
By using data from commercial fitness trackers, the new model rivals gold-standard methods of measuring energy burn and can estimate how much energy someone with obesity is using every minute, achieving over 95% accuracy in real-world situations. This advancement makes it easier for more people with obesity to track their daily activities and energy use, Alshurafa said.
How the study measured energy burn
In one group, 27 study participants wore a fitness tracker and metabolic cart—a mask that measures the volume of oxygen the wearer inhales and the volume of carbon dioxide the wearer exhales to calculate their energy burn (in kilocalories/kCals) and resting metabolic rate. The study participants went through a set of physical activities to measure their energy burn during each task. The scientists then looked at the fitness tracker results to see how they compared to the metabolic cart results.
In another group, 25 study participants wore a fitness tracker and body camera while just living their lives. The body camera allowed the scientists to visually confirm when the algorithm over- or under-estimated kCals.
At times, Alshurafa said he would challenge study participants to do as many pushups as they could in five minutes.
“Many couldn’t drop to the floor, but each one crushed wall-pushups, their arms shaking with effort,” he said. “We celebrate ‘standard’ workouts as the ultimate test, but those standards leave out so many people. These experiences showed me we must rethink how gyms, trackers and exercise programs measure success—so no one’s hard work goes unseen.”
Other Northwestern authors include lead author Boyang Wei, and Christopher Romano and Bonnie Nolan. This work was also done in collaboration with Mahdi Pedram and Whitney A. Morelli, formerly of Northwestern.
More information:
Developing and comparing a new BMI inclusive energy burn algorithm on wrist-worn wearables, Scientific Reports (2025).
Northwestern University
Citation:
Fitness trackers for people with obesity miss the mark: An algorithm could fix that (2025, June 19)
retrieved 19 June 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-trackers-people-obesity-algorithm.html
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Technology
Blood-based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market Trends
Blood-Based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the “Global Blood-based Biomarker For Sports Medicine Market – By Type (CK, Myoglobin, Lactate, WBC, Urea, CRP, Lipid and Protein Hydroperoxides, IL-6), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue And Forecast To 2034.” The global blood-based biomarker for […]


Blood-Based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market
InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the “Global Blood-based Biomarker For Sports Medicine Market – By Type (CK, Myoglobin, Lactate, WBC, Urea, CRP, Lipid and Protein Hydroperoxides, IL-6), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue And Forecast To 2034.”
The global blood-based biomarker for sports medicine market is estimated to reach over USD 1,423.8 Mn by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period.
Global Blood-based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market 2025-2034 full Research Repot latest version is now available.
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Blood-based biomarkers are increasingly being recognized in sports medicine for their ability to provide objective, personalized insights into physical exertion, recovery, and overall health status. These biomarkers support the prevention of injuries and the enhancement of athletic performance by offering real-time data on an individual’s physiological condition, potential injury risks, and recuperation progress. The global market for blood-based biomarkers in sports medicine is experiencing robust growth, driven by advancements in diagnostic technologies and the rising demand for precise, individualized athlete care.
These biomarkers-which include amino acids, metabolites, and genetic indicators-offer a non-invasive and reliable method for monitoring various aspects of health and athletic performance. Innovations in nanotechnology and biomarker detection methods have significantly advanced the field, improving sensitivity and application efficiency. In addition, increased regulatory support and growing investments in sports healthcare infrastructure are further accelerating market expansion.
Governments and athletic organizations worldwide are actively promoting research initiatives focused on biomarker applications, recognizing their value in proactive health management. The growing emphasis on athlete wellness programs and the enforcement of anti-doping regulations are also contributing to the rising adoption of biomarker-based testing, thereby reinforcing the market’s upward trajectory.
List of Prominent Players in the Blood-based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market:
• Abbott Laboratories
• BIOMÉRIEUX
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• ARUP Laboratories Inc.
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• RayBiotech, Inc
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc
• Beckman Coulter, Inc.
• Randox Laboratories Ltd
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Market Dynamics
Drivers:
The rising demand for personalized treatment strategies is a key factor propelling the growth of the blood-based biomarkers market in sports medicine. Precision medicine is transforming the way athletes approach training, performance, and recovery by enabling therapies tailored to individual physiological profiles. Blood-based biomarkers play a pivotal role in this paradigm shift, offering detailed insights into an athlete’s unique metabolic activity, inflammatory responses, muscle damage, and overall health status. This data facilitates the development of customized training regimens and recovery plans, enhancing athletic performance while reducing the risk of overtraining and injury. As a result, the adoption of targeted biomarker testing is gaining traction across the sports medicine field.
Challenges:
Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of blood-based biomarkers in sports medicine is hindered by high development and implementation costs. Significant financial resources are required to support research and development, secure regulatory approvals, and integrate advanced technologies. Furthermore, limited reimbursement coverage from insurance providers for biomarker-based diagnostics creates an additional barrier to accessibility. Many insurers do not consider performance monitoring medically essential, making it difficult for athletes and organizations to justify the expense associated with these advanced diagnostic tools.
Regional Trends:
North America is expected to dominate the global market for blood-based biomarkers in sports medicine, with a substantial revenue share and projected high compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This leadership is driven by high levels of sports participation, the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, and significant investment in research and development. The prevalence of sports-related injuries and the growing emphasis on personalized medicine further contribute to the region’s market growth. Established sports medicine institutions, state-of-the-art training facilities, and strategic collaborations between healthcare professionals and athletic organizations also support this expansion.
Europe follows closely with a considerable market share, bolstered by expanded laboratory capabilities and continued technological innovation. Advancements in biomarker sensitivity and precision have elevated their role in diagnosing and managing sports injuries. Ongoing research aimed at discovering new biomarkers and refining existing ones is expected to further increase their utilization in injury prevention and recovery monitoring.
Unlock Your GTM Strategy: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2940
Recent Developments:
• In September 2024, Siemens started a new initiative called Siemens for firms to support engineering and production firms in their early stages. The initiative, which was unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, would lower the expense of using Siemens equipment and software while enabling new, creative businesses to speed up innovation, simplify development procedures, and grow more quickly by offering venture-related capabilities.
• In October 2024, Abbott, with a global presence, revealed the arrival of the XIENCE Sierra Everolimus, which also Released the cardiovascular organ system in India. One of the newest implants in the XIENCE relatives, XIENCE Sierra, is currently accessible to patients with clogged blood vessels. It provides the highest level of security for cardiac interventionists in even highly complicated circumstances.
Segmentation of Blood-based Biomarker for Sports Medicine Market-
By Type-
• CK
• Myoglobin
• Lactate
• WBC
• Urea
• CRP
• Lipid and Protein Hydroperoxides
• IL-6
• Others
By Region-
North America-
• The US
• Canada
• Mexico
Europe-
• Germany
• The UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific-
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• South East Asia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America-
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa-
• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Read Overview Report- https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/blood-based-biomarker-for-sports-medicine-market/2940
About Us:
InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Contact us:
InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.
Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com
Tel : +1 607 400-7072
Asia: +91 79 72967118
info@insightaceanalytic.com
This release was published on openPR.
Technology
Connexa Sports Technologies Updates Director Compensation Structure
Confident Investing Starts Here: Connexa Sports Technologies ( (YYAI) ) has provided an announcement. On June 12, 2025, Warren Andrew Thomson resigned from the board of directors of Connexa Sports Technologies Inc., effective immediately. His resignation was not due to any disagreements with the company. On June 18, 2025, the board approved a change in […]

Confident Investing Starts Here:
Connexa Sports Technologies ( (YYAI) ) has provided an announcement.
On June 12, 2025, Warren Andrew Thomson resigned from the board of directors of Connexa Sports Technologies Inc., effective immediately. His resignation was not due to any disagreements with the company. On June 18, 2025, the board approved a change in compensation for non-employee directors, moving from quarterly cash payments and stock grants to an annual cash compensation of $60,000, with retroactive payments owed to each director.
Spark’s Take on YYAI Stock
According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, YYAI is a Underperform.
YYAI’s overall stock score reflects significant financial and operational challenges. Declining revenues, negative profitability, and high liabilities weigh heavily. Technical indicators show a bearish trend, and valuation metrics are poor, with the recent earnings call adding further uncertainty.
To see Spark’s full report on YYAI stock, click here.
More about Connexa Sports Technologies
Average Trading Volume: 190,870
Technical Sentiment Signal: Sell
Current Market Cap: $12.52M
Find detailed analytics on YYAI stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.
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Technology
Colab Platforms Empowers Unified Sports Ecosystem Drives Sports Innovation for Athletes, Fans from India Gaming Industry
Colab Platforms Ltd NEW DELHI, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Colab Platforms is created by visionaries passionate about transforming the sports industry. By merging technology, management, and content, they redefine how sports are played, managed, and experienced at every level. Colab Cloud Platforms Limited changed its name to Colab Platforms Limited on February 10, […]

NEW DELHI, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Colab Platforms is created by visionaries passionate about transforming the sports industry. By merging technology, management, and content, they redefine how sports are played, managed, and experienced at every level.
Colab Cloud Platforms Limited changed its name to Colab Platforms Limited on February 10, 2025. This change was approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and was communicated to the stock exchange
Colab Platforms Ltd., a BSE-listed Indian company (BSE: 542866), is a leading technology solutions provider and is excited to announce its strategic expansion into the Sports Management and Sports Technology sectors.
According to Brainy Insights, a global market research firm, the global sports market was valued at $480.12 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6%, reaching $506.93 billion in 2024.
India’s sports and fitness sector is expected to reach a massive ₹50,000 crore (approximately USD 6 billion) market size, driven by rising health awareness, digital platform adoption, and increased sports participation. Colab Platform aims to capitalize on this growing opportunity by delivering tech-enabled solutions tailored to the needs of modern sports consumers and professionals.
Sports Marketplace – Learn, Play & Shop. The Sports Ecosystem Marketplace is a one-stop platform where athletes and sports lovers can Learn, Play, and Shop all in one place. Book top coaches and academies to level up your game, play by finding and booking turfs, stadiums, and other sports infrastructure nearby, and shop for high-quality gear, accessories, and nutrition from trusted brands. It’s your all-in-one hub to train, compete, and gear up with ease.
Colab Cloud will leverage its expertise across key segments of the sports industry. This expansion includes advanced solutions for managing sports Intellectual Properties (IPs), fan engagement platforms, and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies into the sports and gaming sectors, Colab aims to drive innovation and transformation. This approach will streamline operations, enhance fan engagement, and unlock new market opportunities. The company intends to deliver tailored solutions in sports management, technology, and marketing, aiming to become a key player in the evolving sports ecosystem.
Software as a superpower: As a next-gen hub for sports excellence, Colab platform drives the industry forward through dynamic sports marketing, strategic management, and a powerful ecosystem that supports every stakeholder. By consolidating all facets of the sports world into one platform, we are not only scaling opportunities but also fuelling the rise of every sport from local games to global leagues empowering every player, every dream, and every game.
Technology
Judy Rankin Raises Bar in KPMG Womens PGA with $12M Record Purse
In a groundbreaking move, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is shaking up the golf world with a jaw-dropping $12 million purse for its upcoming tournament. This purse increase now puts the championship on par with the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open, setting the stage for an epic showdown amongst the top players in the game. Scheduled […]

In a groundbreaking move, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is shaking up the golf world with a jaw-dropping $12 million purse for its upcoming tournament. This purse increase now puts the championship on par with the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open, setting the stage for an epic showdown amongst the top players in the game.
Scheduled to take place at the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco from June 19-22, this year’s championship promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With the top 100 players in the Race to CME Globe rankings in the 156-player field, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling competition and fierce battles on the green.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The tournament will also feature a star-studded broadcast coverage, offering nearly 100 hours of live action across NBC, Golf Channel, and Peacock. For the first time ever, fans can tune in to Featured Groups presented by KPMG and T-Mobile for Business on Peacock, adding an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience.
Moreover, players and fans alike can look forward to groundbreaking technological advancements at this year’s championship. From AI-powered analysis to innovative scoring targets, KPMG is revolutionizing the way players approach the game. With the introduction of KPMG Performance Insights Daily Recap, players will receive unparalleled insights and data to elevate their performance to new heights.
Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. Chair and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “KPMG’s commitment to excellence extends to women’s golf, and through our collaboration with the PGA of America and LPGA Tour, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the best event on the LPGA Tour.” Knopp emphasized the championship’s high purse, top-notch courses, comprehensive broadcast coverage, and cutting-edge technology as setting a new standard in the world of golf.
As the countdown to the championship begins, all eyes are on the KPMG Women’s PGA as it gears up to deliver an unforgettable and game-changing event that will leave a lasting mark on the sport.
Technology
Garmin’s new Index sleep tracker lasts a full week between charges
Garmin has announced a new sleep-tracking band that can be strapped to your upper arm, which could make it more comfortable to wear overnight. The Index Sleep Monitor tracks sleep stages, heart rate, and even your breathing to create a “comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery,” with a personalized sleep score delivered every morning […]

Garmin has announced a new sleep-tracking band that can be strapped to your upper arm, which could make it more comfortable to wear overnight. The Index Sleep Monitor tracks sleep stages, heart rate, and even your breathing to create a “comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery,” with a personalized sleep score delivered every morning so you know how well you slept, according to Garmin.
The Index Sleep Monitor is now available through Garmin’s online store in S-M and L-XL sizes for $169.99. The tracking is handled by a small, removable electronic module that features motion sensors and an optical heart rate sensor that Garmin says will run for up to seven days between charges.
In addition to tracking your light, deep, and REM sleep stages throughout the night, the Index can also measure your respiration rates, and, when paired with blood oxygen saturation measurements (a feature not available in all countries) it can help you “better understand shifts in breathing patterns while sleeping.”
A thermometer monitors skin temperature, which can provide insights into how your environment is affecting your sleep while also flagging possible illnesses. Those temperature measurements also provide more insight into women’s health monitoring, including menstrual cycles, “improved period predictions,” and past ovulation estimates. However, Garmin says the Index is “not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition.” The company also says it should not be used as a conception or birth control tool.
Other health-related metrics that are monitored and made available through the Garmin Connect mobile app include estimates on stress levels based on sleep patterns, a Body Battery measurement letting you know if you’re low on energy and need more rest. Heart rate variability (HRV), which is a measure of the varying times between heartbeats, can also be used to assess if your body is dealing with increased stress or fatigue helping you know if you need to address issues with your sleep.
These are all metrics that can be measured using Garmin’s other smart wearables and many smartwatches, but only if you’re wearing them every single night. For those who prefer to charge their watches at night so their battery is full every morning, the Index Sleep Monitor provides an alternative way to track sleep metrics that’s also free of distracting notifications. The Index Sleep Monitor does have vibration capabilities, but they’re instead used as part of a smart alarm feature that only tries to wake you during lighter sleep stages.
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