Just like other popular sports, basketball is filled with statistics,
such as how many shots, how many that goes, how many blocks, rebounds, and
others. This statistic serves to evaluate your performance in the field.
In the NBA, this statistic is derived from a combination of
camera and advanced software that will monitor every move of players on the
field. The access to this advanced technology is of course not easy, and it's
difficult to adopt it for small scale purposes.
But if you still want to evaluate your performance, then you
need a special basketball called Wilson X. At first glance, the Wilson X looks
like other regular basketballs, either from its size and material used. The
only part that looks different is the inscription of "Connected Basketball".
Yes, this basketball can be connected to a smartphone via
Bluetooth. Its function is of course to forward the statistic related to your
shots in the field to the companion application. Wilson X packs small-sized
sensor that can recognize every shot you make, help you to calculate the
percentage of your shots - how many shots can enter the basket from some
trials.
Wilson X is powered by a battery that's claimed can last up
to 100,000 shots, or about 300 shots per day for a full year. The companion
application of Wilson X has 4 modes: 1) Free Range will count every shot at any
point, 2) Free Throw, 3) Buzzer Beater, a sort of time attack where you have to
score points in the last seconds to extend the time and 4) Game Time, a
simulation of basketball match along with virtual rivals.
This last mode is interesting, because Wilson X application
will provide comments and spectators voice to give an impression as if you are
really in the basketball match. In the end, you can share the collected
evaluation data to the fellow team members and also coach for further review.
Wilson X is now sold for $ 200 in two sizes: standard size
of 29.5 inch and 28.5 inch.