May 21st was a big day in entertainment history as Microsoft revealed the new Xbox One entertainment console. On top of which, Microsoft announced a new partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to promote Windows and the Surface tablet device.
“We love the passion that players, coaches and fans bring to the NFL game; it’s what makes the NFL game-day experience so unique. We’re excited to apply our passion for technology to the NFL experience, both on the sidelines through the innovative use of Microsoft Surface devices, and for fans through an enhanced NFL viewing experience on Xbox One,” Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated.
So what exactly does this mean? Aside from coaches and players having access to the Surface tablet to enhance on-field communications, photo viewing, decision making, and play calling, the NFL will provide one hell of a marketing boost to both Windows and Surface.
Thanks to the partnership, Surface will appear on NFL sidelines. In other words, you will see Surface branding on the hoods of official on-field NFL instant replay stations. Microsoft has become the “Office Sideline Technology Sponsor of the NFL” while the Surface and Windows have both become “The Official Tablet and PC Operating System of the NFL.”
“From the use of instant replay to the yellow first-down line that has become an important element of the at-home television viewing experience, the NFL is committed to leveraging technology to improve our game for coaches, players and fans. We’re thrilled to be teaming with a true innovator like Microsoft to shape the future of the NFL game experience, both on-field and in the living room,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated.
Expect to see a lot of Surface and Windows during NFL games.
