I had introduced a new section called Opportunities Through MountainSpeak (OTM) towards the end of the newsletter. See if you would like to explore some of these interesting opportunities. Please look at previous issues and contact me if you find something useful.
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DTW
During the Week, we had a #PeakBengaluru moment when twitter spotted a user with Apple Vision Pro on Bengaluru Streets.
As opinions swirl around Apple's Vision Pro, now wearable in unconventional settings, the discourse on headset categories intensifies. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, emerges onto the scene with an unparalleled vested interest, recognizing the potential seismic impact of Apple's foray into headsets akin to the transformative effect of the iPhone on smartphones. As the battle for supremacy in platform businesses unfolds, the stakes couldn't be higher, with Zuckerberg poised to navigate Meta through a landscape fraught with competitive dynamics and technological evolution.
Zuckerberg gives his official verdict on the Vision Pro versus his company’s latest Quest 3 headset: “I don’t just think that Quest is the better value, I think Quest is the better product, period.”
In his closing remarks, Zuckerberg expresses gratitude to his team for their long-standing efforts in developing VR headsets, conveying a sense of reassurance. However, a deeper analysis reveals that Meta's dominance in headset sales may offer temporary comfort. A recent conversation with Zuckerberg highlights Meta's significant lead, emphasizing the superiority of the Quest 3 over the Vision Pro. Yet, conspicuously absent from Zuckerberg's discourse is acknowledgment of Apple's inherent advantages in hardware and developer ecosystem, pivotal factors that could shift the competitive landscape. While Meta may currently enjoy a sense of security, the reality is that the race is far from over. The emerging headset wars portend a protracted battle where endurance will be paramount, and Meta's position could face formidable challenges as Apple's influence in the space grows.
In another related development, Disney announced its major play into games by acquiring a stake in EPIC games for 1.5 billion dollars. That’s an important development as it marks content players making a serious bid to retain their control over sports ecosystem where the BigTech players seems to be gaining a sure advantage.
We could leverage Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies for Sports over digital Platforms through three interactions- making sports accessible, creating immersive sports journey and of course helping the sports ecosystem partners.
In the near future , we could be gearing up for an immersive sports experience, where Greater Accessibility, Immersive Experiences, Maximizing Ecosystem Partnerships, Elevating Fan Engagement, Optimizing Performance, and Navigating New Opportunities converge. Let's dive into the world of sports AR VR revolution over platforms through the acronym GAME ON!"
G - Greater Accessibility: BigTech companies like Google have developed AR-enhanced navigation features for sports venues, allowing fans to easily find their seats and access amenities. Traditional media companies like ESPN have launched VR-powered live streaming platforms, enabling fans to watch games from multiple camera angles. In the ongoing cricket test series as well as the earlier cricket tournaments, JIO platforms through Sports18 have tried multiple camera angles broadcast.
A - Immersive Experiences: BigTech companies such as Facebook (now Meta Platforms) have introduced AR filters and effects for sports fans to virtually paint their faces in team colors during live broadcasts. Traditional media companies like NBC Sports have implemented VR-enhanced coverage of major sporting events, providing viewers with immersive 360-degree views of the action.
M - Maximizing Ecosystem Partnerships: BigTech companies like Apple have partnered with sports teams and leagues to develop AR-powered mobile apps that offer interactive experiences for fans, such as virtual player meet-and-greets and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Traditional media companies like Sky Sports have collaborated with VR technology firms to create immersive sports documentaries and highlights packages.
E - Elevating Fan Engagement: BigTech companies such as Amazon have integrated AR features into their sports streaming platforms, allowing viewers to overlay real-time statistics and analysis on top of live broadcasts. Traditional media companies like BBC Sport have utilized VR technology to create interactive sports quizzes and games, enhancing fan engagement during halftime breaks.
O - Optimizing Performance: BigTech companies like Microsoft have developed AR-assisted coaching tools for sports teams, enabling coaches to provide real-time feedback and analysis to players during training sessions. Traditional media companies like Fox Sports have deployed VR simulators for athletes to practice game scenarios and improve their skills in a virtual environment. As a fitness enthusiast , growing importance of fitness wearables from Apple, Google and Amazon make them part of the evolving sports platform ecosystem. These platform based wearables like smartwatches or even heartbeat monitors have ensured that the enthusiasts have a more immersive experience while exercising. Most of the times they are coupled with dashboard including performance indicators/leaderboards and social connect available across all the platforms.
N - Navigating New Opportunities: BigTech companies such as Tencent have invested in AR/VR startups focused on sports technology, exploring new opportunities for innovation and growth in the industry. Traditional media companies like Sky Sports have launched AR-powered advertising campaigns, creating interactive experiences for viewers and sponsors alike.
Overall, both BigTech and traditional media companies are leveraging AR/VR technologies to enhance the sports viewing experience, foster fan engagement, and optimize performance for athletes. Through strategic partnerships and innovative applications, these companies are driving the evolution of sports entertainment on digital platforms.
OTW
Over the Weekend, runners across the world paid their tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, one of the greatest marathoners ever who died in a tragic road accident. All of us were shocked to hear about his death, just days after his world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon of 2:00:35 was ratified officially.
The Kelvin Kiptum 2:00.35 Memory Run challenge isn’t about asking runners to go out and try to break the world record, but they can use the challenge as a long run for their upcoming race or see how far they can run in the elapsed time.
We at Peerancheruvu Runner are extremely proud of our new runners who successfully completed their Kouch 2 5K program and finished 5K Run at the Hyderabad Runners Club Run 2024. Thanks to mentors for leading the program and ensuring adequate support and motivation to enable the runners to reach their goals.
As we reflected on our journey together during the Kouch 2 5K and planned for the next phase, I was teleported to start of our own running journey in late 2014 when we moved from 10K to longer distances. This experience further cements my belief that sports and community training programs foster joy and health by promoting physical activity, camaraderie, and skill development, enhancing overall well-being and creating lasting memories and friendships.
Run. Spread the Spirit.
I Love You
Shailendra
PS-
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Do share your feedback on the newsletter if you have not done it yet. I would be sharing the NPS updates in the newsletter. In case, you are wondering about Net Promotor Score (NPS), please refer to the guides from SurveyMonkey and Qualtrics.
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To summarise, respondents give a rating between 0 (not at all likely) and 10 (extremely likely) and, depending on their response, customers fall into one of 3 categories to establish an NPS score:
Promoters respond with a score of 9 or 10 and are typically loyal and enthusiastic customers.
Passives respond with a score of 7 or 8. They are satisfied with your service but not happy enough to be considered promoters.
Detractors respond with a score of 0 to 6. These are unhappy customers who are unlikely to buy from you again, and may even discourage others from buying from you.
OTM
Opportunities through MountainSpeak are available at TRICE for marketing and communications roles. Trice has seen some significant growth over the last couple of months in S-Commerce and team is excited on the potential of this idea and it’s growth. And to do this, Co-founders are looking to work with like minded individuals who believe in the idea and are interested to learn and grow along with them. They are a passionate team and extremely motivated to build Trice as India’s largest platform for Neighbourhood Commerce. Should this be of interest to you and if you have any questions, please reach out to Naveen.
This newsletter offers insightful analysis into the competitive dynamics between Meta and Apple in the headset market, Disney's strategic move into gaming, and the promising potential of AR/VR technologies in sports. It sheds light on opportunities for content creation, partnerships, and immersive experiences within these sectors. Moreover, it underscores the significant impact of community training programs on promoting physical activity and well-being. Overall, I've gained valuable insights into these evolving industries and the opportunities they present.
In the dynamic world of sports, AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing the fan experience. BigTech giants and traditional media companies alike are harnessing these immersive tools to enhance sports viewing, engage fans, and optimize athlete performance. Whether it’s AR overlays during games, VR-enhanced documentaries, or wearable fitness tech, these advancements enhance engagement and redefine the sports landscape.