The NBA’s 3D tabletop mode for Apple Vision Pro offers a sneak peek into how mixed reality could revolutionize sports, concerts, museums, and education. The update introduces a 3D diorama-style court to the NBA app, providing viewers with a miniature, real-time view of the action alongside the standard 2D livestream. Powered by motion capture technology from NBA arenas, the feature has a slight half-second delay compared to the live feed. Currently available for select games each night, the tabletop view will be expanded to all League Pass games next season. To access this premium feature, a subscription to NBA League Pass, starting at $15 per month, is required.
The introduction of tabletop mode by the NBA paves the way for other sports to explore similar technologies. Hockey could showcase a 3D rink with real-time player positioning and shot trajectories, while baseball could display pitch trajectories and exit velocities to enhance engagement. The realm of mixed reality extends beyond sports to events like the Olympics, where spatial computing could offer unique perspectives across various disciplines.
Opportunities for mixed-reality experiences extend to concerts, museums, historical sites, and films. Bands could stream performances with AR elements, allowing fans to create a virtual stage in their space. Museums can use similar technology to recreate ancient cities, and films like Apple TV+’s “Submerged” bring viewers into submarine warfare through mixed reality.
In the field of healthcare, Apple Vision Pro has proven beneficial for surgeons. Looking ahead, the integration of mixed reality into daily life may hinge on making the technology more affordable and compact. As advancements continue, the prospect of integrating a digital layer of reality into everyday experiences becomes increasingly feasible.