The Ballpark Gets an Upgrade

Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionizing the Major League Baseball (MLB) fan experience, transforming traditional ballpark visits into interactive, data-rich events. From immersive apps to shared AR games, MLB is leveraging cutting-edge technology to deepen fan engagement and modernize the way audiences connect with the sport.

A standout example of this innovation is the MLB Next app, introduced during the 2023 All-Star Game at Seattle's T-Mobile Park. Developed in collaboration with T-Mobile and Nexus Studios, the app streams real-time ball and player positions from MLB’s StatCast directly to users' devices, offering 3D models of the stadium and AR overlays through smartphone cameras. Fans can view live stats such as ball distance and launch angle, interactive strike zones, and enhanced three-dimensional field views, enriching their in-stadium experience.

Beyond special events, the MLB Ballpark app has integrated AR features to enhance regular season games. Teams like the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have adopted this technology, allowing fans to access AR experiences using just their smartphones. These features include interactive stadium maps, player stats, and other engaging content that brings fans closer to the action.

The Minnesota Twins have taken AR a step further with the introduction of ARound, the first shared AR experience in live sports. This app enables fans at Target Field to participate in multiplayer AR games and interactive experiences synchronized with the live game. By pointing their phones at the field, fans can engage with dynamic content that responds in real-time to the on-field action, creating a communal and immersive environment.

Looking ahead, MLB is exploring the potential of spatial computing through devices like the Apple Vision Pro. The league has developed a dedicated app for the headset, offering fans customizable viewing experiences with immersive 3D stadium graphics and real-time data overlays. This technology allows users to feel as though they are part of the game from the comfort of their homes, signaling a new era of sports consumption.

These advancements in AR technology are not only enhancing the fan experience but also opening new avenues for sponsorship and revenue generation. By integrating branded content and interactive features, MLB teams can offer unique advertising opportunities that resonate with tech-savvy audiences. As AR becomes more prevalent in stadiums and at-home viewing, it is poised to become an integral part of the baseball experience, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

MLB's adoption of augmented reality is transforming the way fans engage with baseball. Through innovative apps and immersive technologies, the league is creating interactive experiences that enhance enjoyment, deepen understanding, and foster a stronger connection between fans and the game.

Spotlight: EdgeUp

EdgeUp is shaking up India’s massive exam coaching market with a highly personalized AI-driven approach to learning. Developed by Zaryah Angels, EdgeUp uses artificial intelligence to assess a student’s cognitive profile, learning style, and subject understanding to build tailored study plans and schedules. Instead of one-size-fits-all prep, the platform delivers dynamic lessons and targeted feedback, making it possible for students to prepare smarter, not harder. With an ambitious rollout strategy in place, EdgeUp is targeting 100,000 users in its first six months and aims to reach 10 million users over five years. In a country where high-stakes exams determine future opportunity, EdgeUp is betting that individualized AI coaching is the edge students need to succeed.

Read more

What to read

• Nvidia’s huge deal with AI startup Humain puts Saudi Arabia at ‘the front of the line’ of global chip customers, Dan Ives says

• News Weekly: Google leaks Material 3 design, Galaxy S25 Edge gets a launch date, One UI 8 leaks, and more

• The Best New Gadgets and Hi-Fi Releases of 2025

Wild Card

The Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Warriors, they officially arrived. Minnesota’s youth isn’t a liability, it’s a weapon. While the national media fixates on Steph’s legacy and the Warriors’ decline, they’re missing the real story: Anthony Edwards is turning into a two-way superstar in real time, and this team has the length, depth, and swagger to take out anyone left in the West. Don’t call them a Cinderella team, call them a problem.