3D NBA Games on Apple Vision Pro: A Glimpse into the Future of Mixed Reality Experiences

NBA's 3D Tabletop Mode for Apple Vision Pro The NBA has introduced a 3D tabletop mode in the NBA app, available on the Apple Vision Pro. This feature provides a miniature, real-time look at basketball games alongside the standard 2D livestream, enhancing the immersive experience with a slight delay of about half a second compared to the live feed. The tableau view is currently limited to select games but will be expanded to all League Pass games next season, requiring a subscription starting at $15 per month.

Potential for Other Sports and Applications

This technology opens up possibilities for other sports and entertainment sectors:

• Hockey: 3D rink with real-time player positioning, shot trajectories, and puck movement heatmaps.
• Baseball: Engaging analytics like pitch trajectories and defensive shifts in 3D.
• Olympics: Unique perspectives such as slow-motion 3D replays for gymnastics and underwater views for swimming.

Beyond Sports

• Concerts: 3D stages showing real-time band movements, allowing viewers to experience performances from any angle.
• Museums: AR applications recreating ancient cities or historical events with accurate visuals and sounds.
• Film: Mixed-reality experiences like Apple TV+'s 'Submerged,' making viewers feel part of the action inside a submarine.

Future of Mixed Reality

For mixed reality to become mainstream, technology needs to become more affordable and compact. The eventual goal is to integrate these experiences into everyday life through wearable devices like eyeglasses.