Brazil 2014: Netherlands adopts Google Glass and Oculus Rift

KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Federation) and the Dutch national team have equipped themselves with Google Glass, in collaboration with Triple IT, a Dutch company that creates digital services, they announced on 07/05/2014. These connected glasses allow coaches to analyse real-time statistics for each player during training and matches. The solution has been tested and developed for use by the selection of the Netherlands during the World Cup in Brazil (from 12/06 to 13/07/2014).

"Louis van Gaal is known for its progressive approach," said Max Reckers, video analyst at KNVB. "That mindset allows us to go further than other teams. The deployment of Google Glass and Oculus Rift gives us that desired lead."

In addition to Google Glass, the Dutch are using Oculus Rift, a virtual-reality system, to analyse and relive previously played matches. This equipment makes it possible to simulate a game situation and to let a user play virtually with very real-seeming players. Players can thus return to specific plays and dissect them from different angles, and simulate alternative play choices in…