Patriots Coach Bill Belichick on Microsoft Surface: 'I Just Can't Take It Anymore' (techcrunch.com)

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is not happy with the Surface tablet provided to him via a deal between Microsoft and the NFL. Not only has he physically thrown the tablets at things, but he has verbally expressed his negative opinions of them. TechCrunch reports: When asked about the Patriots' headsets malfunctioning during last weeks game, Belichick instead took the time to let everyone know he's "done with the tablets." While he didn't go into too much detail on the tablets, Belichick essentially said that Microsoft's surface tablets are too "undependable," and there "isn't enough consistency in their performance." In terms of the rest of the sideline technology like headsets, Belichick is essentially fed up with the fact that everything always malfunctions and is impossible to fix during games. So why is the sideline technology so hard to get right? The tablets (as well as the headphones and all other sideline technology) are owned and maintained by the NFL. That means it gets delivered to teams literally hours before the game and taken away when it ends. This makes it hard for teams to test for issues before a game and to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. Belichick's full rant can be read here, which reads in part: "As you probably noticed, I'm done with the tablets. They're just too undependable for me. I'm going to stick with (paper) pictures, which several of our other coaches do, as well, because there just isn't enough consistency in the performance of the tablets. I just can't take it anymore..."

Comments

Hilarious

[Anonymous Coward]

How much did Microsoft pay the NFL to force them to use Surface tablets? And how many times have they malfunctioned and been insulted by players and coaches? A LOT.

To top it off, the first year of the deal before all the negative press, the announcers (and players/coaches) kept calling them iPads.

This is one of the worst deals ever, for both parties.

Re:Hilarious

[bhcompy]

The problems that have been announced almost invariably revolve around the connectivity provided in the stadium, rather than the tablets themselves. This is an NFL problem.. iPad, Surface, Galaxy Tab, whatever.. not going to be different until the NFL forces teams and stadiums to provide adequate connectivity.

Re: Hilarious

[chispito]

But why? Why use something other than a grease pen on a white board? These aren't software developers, and I don't think there is a pressing need for technology on the sidelines besides the sponsorship deals. And maybe 3M can sponsor them or something.

Re: Hilarious

[PsychoSlashDot]

Agreed. I get it that there are such a thing as "plays", which should really be called "gambits", but the game breaks down to: throw the ball, catch the ball, run. Less technology* getting in the way of throwing the ball, catching the ball, and running is a good thing.

Yes, yes, with the obvious exception of replay footage to double-check what refs can't necessarily see.

Re: Hilarious

[93 Escort Wagon]

But why? Why use something other than a grease pen on a white board?

At a minimum, a football team at least also needs a Xerox machine.

Re: Hilarious

[xevioso]

When you have a tablet, you can do things like punch in what defense the other team just used to provide statistical analysis of what the next best play is, or what kind of defense to run if your opponent is doing X often. These are things a coach can know, or have on paper, but the ability to quickly look things up for an effective response or plan is probably very beneficial.

What I don't know, however, is why they would need "connectivity." Why do you need wi-fi operating your iPad or Surface if you have all of the relevant info on the device? If they don't have all the relevant info on the device, what do they need it for?

Re:Hilarious

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm glad someone said it. This is the problem with these luddite jocks when it comes to technology - they blame the thing closest to them instead of trying to figure out what the actual problem is. They spent so much time smashing beer cans on their foreheads that they didn't bother to learn much else.

Re: Hilarious

[Woldscum]

Google "Belichick cheating". Team communications are monitored by the NFL during games.

Re: Hilarious

[PsychoSlashDot]

When you have a tablet, you can do things like punch in what defense the other team just used to provide statistical analysis of what the next best play is, or what kind of defense to run if your opponent is doing X often. These are things a coach can know, or have on paper, but the ability to quickly look things up for an effective response or plan is probably very beneficial.

What I just heard is "coaches shouldn't be allowed tablets". Or binders.

Seriously, it's game/sport. Chess grandmasters aren't allowed to consult Watson in between moves. The players play the games. The role of coach mid-game should be more or less limited to deciding when to swap players, and arguing with referees over decisions. Coaching should be happening in between games. During the games it's time for playing.

But that's just my opinion.

Re:Hilarious

[im_thatoneguy]

My aunt went on a long rant about how much slower her ipad ran after Windows 10 updated. To be clear... she is actually talking about her Apple iPad. But everything wrong in the world, including her slow iPad is because of the windows 10 update.

I agree with your sentiment, it's almost certainly a wifi issue. Because Wifi sucks... a lot. I developed a wireless device that delivered wifi video to devices and it was a huge pain in the ass. You just had to accept that reliability and range would be shit, especially in a busy environment. How many times has Steve Jobs chastised the audience that they wouldn't get to see a demo if they didn't turn off their wifi?

Re: Hilarious

[Anonymous Coward]

Seriously, it's game/sport.

Don't be so naive. It's a business.

Re:Hilarious

[Trogre]

If your application relies on solid Internet connectivity while on a field, you're doing it wrong.

Re: Hilarious

[smooth wombat]

Why use something other than a grease pen on a white board?

Because it's technology! It's the cool thing to do because everything is better with technology.

Stop trying to hold us back. Technology is the answer to everything. Didn't you see the trouble the guy in England had to go through to get his wi-fi tea kettle to work? Think of how much easier putting a pot of water on the stove would have been rather than the 11 hours he spent fiddling with technology. The horror!

Don't forget the polished turd which is Ford's infotainment system is known by engineers. Think of how much better it is to look away from the road to figure which part of a screen needs to be pressed to change the song rather than reaching out and touching a physical button. Technology for the win!

And don't get me started on the Internet of Things. It's the greatest. Why, devices hooked to the net, such as refrigerators or toasters, can be used as part of massive botnets. Isn't that great? Who wants, or needs, a refrigerator which isn't connected to everything? Think of how much easier it is to take down a web site you don't like when everything's connected to the internet.

Woo hoo! Three cheers for technology.

Re: Hilarious

[sjames]

If you have good connectivity and the right software. Also if you're used to using a computer with a touchscreen. The latter is probably a bit of an issue for many coaches. Given a concerted effort, I'm sure they'd get it but they are supposed to be paying attention to the game, not the technology.

For the most part, they're a solution looking for a problem as far as the coaches are concerned. What they were using before was working for them.

Re: Hilarious

[pierreboulez]

When you have a tablet, you can do things like punch in what defense the other team just used to provide statistical analysis of what the next best play is, or what kind of defense to run if your opponent is doing X often...

You could, but not in the NFL. These tablets are locked down to a single app provided by the NFL to show still photos of earlier plays in the game. The photos are sent to the tablets during the game, thus the need for connectivity.

The tablets, the app, the connectivity, and the photo feeds are all provided by the NFL. Probably hard to fault the tablet hardware itself for any complaints Belichick may have.

Re: Hilarious

[Duhfus]

The connectivity is needed so the images of the previous play(s) can be streamed to the device. (Currently they print this on copier papers and clip them together.) This way the coaches can teach the players what just happened and make adjustments to their game plan. You can usually see the Offensive Coordinator sit down with the QB in the sidelines going over these papers with a sketch pen.

Re: Hilarious

[thinkwaitfast]

When technology became for its own end is when I dropped out. I was lucky enough to have seen it through the development of all the useful stuff.

No regrets

Re:Hilarious

[hairyfeet]

As much as I think Win 10 is a spyware ridden joke OS I really don't see how anybody can blame MSFT for this.

I mean can you even imagine being handed a bunch of tech just a couple of hours before the game, trying to make it all play nice with a flaky Internet connection you have NO control over and then if that wasn't bad enough to have it taken away at the end of the game so you have to start all over the next time? That is a fricking IT nightmare from hell and whomever at the NFL thought that was the way to go? Needs a really good firing.

Re: Hilarious

[freeze128]

If they don't have all the relevant info on the device, what do they need it for?

Candy Crush Saga!

Re:Hilarious

[Anonymous Coward]

I agree with your sentiment, it's almost certainly a wifi issue. Because Wifi sucks... a lot.

WiFi works ok for me, whether it's low latency gaming or high volume HD streaming, maybe you are doing something wrong?

'Low' latency is still higher compared to cable and might be ok for you, but that really depends on your definition of low latency gaming, too. But this is not why WiFi sucks big time.

I developed a wireless device that delivered wifi video to devices and it was a huge pain in the ass. You just had to accept that reliability and range would be shit, especially in a busy environment. How many times has Steve Jobs chastised the audience that they wouldn't get to see a demo if they didn't turn off their wifi?

Congestion problems can be solved if you design your solution to fit the application, rather than what most people get wrong, they run a consumer grade AP for their industrial app then wonder why it's drops out all the time.

This is not a problem of consumer grade or industrial ap. The problem is the shared medium. And it doesn't distinguish between consumer grade and business grade. If the spectrum is overused the connectivity degrades fast as more and more collisions happen. That is not a problem if the only reachable access point is yours and has only one active client. In denser populated areas (residential, commercial or industrial) it makes all WiFi a pain and less reliable. I have already seen places with more than 100 APs in reach, all competing on the limited frequencies available. Every AP works at the legal limit to get heared by its clients and tries to drown out the others. In this situation business grade hardware gives you a few metres more reliable connects, but nothing more. Welcome to town where wired networking wins as long as it is switched.

Re: Hilarious

[hey!]

When you have a tablet, you can do things like punch in what defense the other team just used to provide statistical analysis of what the next best play is, or what kind of defense to run if your opponent is doing X often.

I'm guessing this is another case of a solution in search of a problem.

The reason this happens is that as a technologist faced with helping someone solve a problem you have no choice but to imagine what you would need to do that person's job. But if you want to have a better than random chance at success, you have to really understand the people who will use the system and what they would need.

I'm guessing Belichick of all people doesn't need a computer to give him a statistical analysis of what the best next play is or how to set up his defense -- although you or I sure as hell would. What sets Belichick apart from all the other ruthless, unprincipled, hyper-competitive control-freak coaches is that he's a smart bastard who is obsessive about research. If I had to take a wild stab at what kind of technical aids he needs during a game, the broad theme would be "communication", not "analysis".

By the way, does anyone else find it bizarre that the NFL provides stuff like computer tablets and headsets, but the teams are in charge of supplying the footballs?

Re: Hilarious

[number6x]

When you have a tablet, you can do things like punch in what defense the other team just used to provide statistical analysis of what the next best play is, or what kind of defense to run if your opponent is doing X often.

None of this should be done on the sidelines. This should be done in the team's viewing booth where weather is kept outside. A good connection can be provided for the team's cadre of wonky strategists to use up in the booth, and they can confer without the distractions on the sidelines. Much of this can also be done half a continent away at the team's headquarters. The sidelines are not the place for a data entry team and a data analysis team to do their work.

Weather is also a complication. For much of the American football season, the weather will be a major factor in trying to use touch screen based technology.

One of Belichick's complaints, in particular, was that they could not get the series of overhead photographs of the previous play down to the sidelines quick enough via the tablets. A few years ago someone would print them up in the viewing booth and a runner would take copies of the photographs and deliver them to the sidelines. Sometimes a printer would be set up near the sidelines. The older methods were faster than the tablets, probably due to poor connectivity on the field.

Besides the speed of delivery, the tablets introduced a slew of usability issues that physical photographs did not have. The photographs would be viewable in bright sun, rain and in snow. It was also easier for multiple people on the sideline to view the same set of photos at once (no darkness when looking from acute angles). It was also easier to view multiple photographs at once, as opposed to one at a time using the tablet.

The tablets are a solution to a problem that did not exist and are acting like an anchor instead of a sail.

Re: Hilarious

[hodet]

When it comes to football I disagree. Football is one of the most complex sports there are. You would never know it though because playbooks and even an entire view of the field (known as "All 22" video) has traditionally been kept from fans and viewed as Intellectual Property. They seem to be getting more open with All 22 if you are willing to pay for it, but don't think you have anywhere near the access that teams and the NFL have. That's why they focus on the line of scrimmage. You don't see the game within the game, the routes, the answers to those routes. What you see in the game is such a narrow aspect of it that I would venture to say that almost all but the nerdiest football fans even understands the subtleties of the game. Uncle Fred who hasn't washed his Steelers jersey since they won their last SuperBowl knows pretty much nothing about the game.

Coaches don't just substitute players. A guy like Belichick is a grand master. You wouldn't even be able to hold a good football conversation with him....and neither would I. When he says this shit don't work I tend to believe him, and he will just do fine with the systems he has developed over the years, which goes way beyond player substitutions and arguing with referees.

This rant left me feeling...deflated

[TomR teh Pirate]

Grow up, Bill.

Re:This rant left me feeling...deflated

[amiga3D]

Funny thing is that he's the reason why the NFL maintains control of the equipment. The Patriot's have been caught before spying on other teams using that same tech. As for the MS Surface crap that's just part of a very lucrative deal where MS basically pays the NFL to use it so they can advertise how great it is. Bill isn't the only one caught throwing the shitty things around. Several players and coaches have been seen tossing, smashing and stomping on them. Somehow I'm sure MS isn't happy about the negative image they're getting from this. I think it's funny as hell.

Re:This rant left me feeling...deflated

[David_Hart]

Funny thing is that he's the reason why the NFL maintains control of the equipment. The Patriot's have been caught before spying on other teams using that same tech. As for the MS Surface crap that's just part of a very lucrative deal where MS basically pays the NFL to use it so they can advertise how great it is. Bill isn't the only one caught throwing the shitty things around. Several players and coaches have been seen tossing, smashing and stomping on them. Somehow I'm sure MS isn't happy about the negative image they're getting from this. I think it's funny as hell.

There has been no "spying" using headsets or WiFi technology. The NFL controlled the wireless technology from the beginning prevent teams from intercepting the radio transmissions from the other team. There have been instances where teams have been able to hear the other team, but this has always been due to configuration or headset issues caused by the NFL tech team. Some like to blame other teams, but the whole thing is controlled by the NFL.

The biggest problem, as I see it, is that the NFL spends as much money on wireless technology as they do on Referees...

Re:This rant left me feeling...deflated

[amiga3D]

Talking about headsets. For many years teams have had many suspicious incidents in Foxboro. A bunch of coaches talking about headsets that worked fine in every stadium in the NFL.....except the one the Patriots inhabit.

Your own fault

[Anonymous Coward]

Maybe, just maybe, if cheaters like Mr. Belichick didn't exist in this league, the NFL wouldn't need to lock down their equipment.

Steve McGarrett disagrees:

[fsagx]

They always work great on Hawaii-Five-0. The Lumia phones too!

Re:can't cheat with a Surface

[BronsCon]

I hear it runs Ultimate Frisbee pretty well. No battery life issues, either.

Clippy

[Tablizer]

"It looks like you are trying to tamper with the ball. Would you like help?"

Old ways work

[p51d007]

Modern aircraft carriers, the handling room, where they have an outline of the aircraft carrier, and use colored nuts and bolts to represent where the aircraft and other details on the flight deck, works better and quicker than the electronic version they tried years ago. They said the computerized version was too slow, which impacts performance on the deck, so they scrapped it and went back to the old way. Sometimes, old stuff works better than the new stuff.

Re:Old ways work

[Zak3056]

They should definitely keep using the old stuff until they figure out how to build something that is actually a useful replacement. I've never managed an aircraft carrier flight deck, but I imagine it would be pretty useful (and probably have some good knock on effects) if you could see more than just the deck RIGHT NOW. What if you could see it ten minutes ago, yesterday, trend out what moves where and when, have pre-loaded configurations (including least cost pathfinding) to respot equipment...

Yeah, I don't have any trouble believing that whatever LockMart delivered was a piece of shit, but "nuts and bolts on a board" is not the end all be all.

Re:can't cheat with a Surface

[Mr D from 63]

It has to be deflating. Particularly when he's under such pressure.

The league owns the equipment

[FrozenGeek]

From the summary, the league owns the equipment and provides it to the team only during the game! So the users don't really get to learn to use the freaking things before the games!!! Make no wonder the users hate the things. They have to try and figure out how to use the tools at the very time that they are at their busiest. That's a planning fail on the part of both MS and the NFL.

Re:Man, I hate to defend MS . . . BUT . . .

[Goragoth]

Not sure I'd blame the coach here (though that's probably part of the issue). But as the summary says and several other posters have pointed out: the equipment is owned by the NFL and handed to the coaches at the games. That means little time for the coach to practice using the equipment and no control over it. I also suspect that the software is probably implemented as some abortion of a webapp that runs somewhere in the cloud so that the NFL can keep 100% control over it (and any data that it uses). So some corporate weenie somewhere probably made a decision to guard the precious IP that then hamstrings the final product (would certainly explain inconsistent performance, if network connectivity issues caused operations to take far longer than they should).

That's just speculation on my part of course, but the Surface (Pro) tablets are certainly fast enough that any non-complete-turd software should run plenty fast on them.

Bottom line

[Archfeld]

Whiney Bill Bellicheat is having trouble receiving a WIFI signal from both the legal league feed and the illegal installed cameras and mics in the visiting teams locker room. Get over it.
First it was a sport, then it was a business, now it is a joke.

Actual Audio about 12:38

[bongey]

http://www.patriots.com/news/2...

Re:Actual Audio about 12:38

[bongey]

Not much of rant either. Logical complaints that he wants the crap to work.

I hate football

[Lord Kano]

but I have to say that coaches like Belichick are the reason why the NFL feels the need to take such precautions. If they didn't, some coach would get the idea to use spotters and/or directional mics to eavesdrop on opposing teams and send the information to the coach, who would then relay it to the men on the field.

LK

Bill's smart

[Thud457]

He knows unlike electronic tablets, paper playbooks can't be large-scale hacked by the opposing team with no indication that you've been P0WN3D.