Slashdot Mirror


A Super Bowl Koan: Does The NFL Wish It Were A Tech Company? (siliconvalley.com)

Are tech companies cashing in on the popularity of Super Bowl -- or is the Super Bowl trying to get into the world of tech? An anonymous reader writes: The NFL hosted a startup pitch competition before the game. And they also ran tech-themed "future of football" ads during the game which showcased the robot tackling dummies that provide moving targets for training players. Lady Gaga's halftime show is even expected to feature hundreds of drones.

But Microsoft was also hovering around outside the stadium, pushing the concept of "social autographs" (digital signatures drawn onto images) with their Surface tablets. Intel ran ads during the game touting their 360-degree replay technology. Besides the usual game-day ads for beer, there were also several for videogames -- Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed Mobile Strike, and a reality TV show parody suddenly turned into an ad for World of Tanks. So is technology subtly changing the culture of the Super Bowl -- or is the Super Bowl turning into a massive pageant of technology?

Are any Slashdot readers even watching the Super Bowl? All I know is the Bay Area Newsgroup reported that a Silicon Valley engineer ultimately earns more over their lifetime than the average NFL football player.

2 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. Re: Hobby Lobby by PopeRatzo · · Score: -1, Troll

    It it's cool to beat up, refuse service to, and dump on Trump supporters, right?

    No, it's totally uncool. But it is kind of fun to watch the Trump supporter snowflakes cry about it.

    On the other hand, punching nazis is definitely cool. And 100% patriotic.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  2. Re: Hobby Lobby by PopeRatzo · · Score: -1, Troll

    Are there really any nazis in the US?

    Enough to punch.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.