Together with our partner NOKIA, we just started phase two of our mobile platform. While during the first phase we could offer news, results and videos through our mobile website (to see it simply direct you mobile phone to www.fiba.com/mobile), phase two focuses on mobile applications (software which you can install on your mobile telephone) and result services for the 2010 World Championships.
The following article provides you with details about this exciting development and opportunities.
Why FIBA goes Mobile
The following numbers demonstrate the immense size of the current mobile market in:
3.3 billion mobile phones
- 226 Million mobile subscribers in the US
- 224 Million in the EU
25% or 825 million mobile phone users access the internet with their phones
Compare with
- 220 Million iPods
- 600 Million Cars
- 1,7 Billion Internet users
With over 3 billion mobile phone users worldwide – compared to the only one billion who own PCs – the world is moving toward smart phones.
The mobile web is more than just accessing the internet on a phone – it is actively engaging in a world where technology is omnipresent and timing and ease of access to information is everything.
Another significant difference to internet on a PC in the fact that you always have your mobile telephone with you and furthermore that in many situations and locations it is the only internet device.
Innovation and Opportunities
Inbuilt technology allows additional “Mobile Value” to the above mentioned services:
- GPS functionality offers services based on your location (example: “I am in city x, please find me a basketball game around the corner”)
- Intelligent technology offers services based on your context (example: ”I am a basketball fan, please provide me with results from the ongoing championship”)
What is the FIBA Mobile Platform?
NOKIA’s platform, called OVI, offers services such as email, file and photo sharing and maps but also provides a huge number of “Apps” (software for mobile telephones). These apps, which offer all kind of content are either free of charge or can be downloaded after credit card payment. The type pf content and services of these apps varies massively and goes from pure fun (games) to practical uses (gelocation train schedules, stock exchange...).
In April 2010 we have launched our first app “BBall” which can be downloaded on www.ovi.com for free. We will offer live statistics, up-to-date news, results, photos and videos during the championships so you can follow the action on the go, wherever you are.
What will the future bring?
“An easy way to connect with other basketball players around the corner and all over the world on the go by offering local, social and grassroots basketball activity on mobile.”
Phase 3 will start towards the end 2010 and you will see more interactive functionalities that will enable basketball players and fans to connect to each other. For example, FIBA Organizer results will be accessible on mobile phones so your family and friends can follow your game if they cannot come to see you play. For any questions please contact FIBA Technology (mobile@fiba.com).