What happens when the term surfing online is taken literally? Well Intel launched the worlds first ever surfboard computer (Intel 2004). Luckily since its 2004 launch the sales and reproduction of these surfboards have not been so successful and were obviously produced more for promotional value over practicality. But this does pose an interesting question about the future of technology and its effect on sports and a 'convergence' of old and new technologies. This example shows it relation more so to a useless and perhaps unnecessary combination or computers and sporting goods.
References
Intel 2004, Intel creates world’s first Wireless Technology Surfboard - allowing surfers at the Intel Goldcoast Oceanfest to surf the Net while waiting to catch a wave, accessed 16/09/2010, http://www.intel.com/cd/corporate/pressroom/emea/eng/150308.htm


So when I read this, I wondered how convergence might actually affect surfing... GPS would be the main thing, right? I was just thinking it might be handy for search and rescue, but then I found this: http://www.wavetracksgps.com/
ReplyDelete