Tag Archives: basketball

The NBA will air a Christmas Day game with Disney characters

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If you can’t get your kids to sit through one of the five NBA games airing on Christmas Day, tune into Disney+, ESPN+ or ESPN2 for a special Disney-fied version. ESPN announced that it will air a “Dunk the Halls” broadcast of the San Antonio Spurs versus the New York Knicks featuring animated Disney characters.

The broadcast starts at 12PM eastern. If you just want to watch the game played by regular, boring humans, that will also air on Disney+ and ESPN+ as well as ABC and ESPN.

“Dunk the Halls” will use Sony’s Beyond Sports technology to turn Madison Square Garden into Main Street USA from the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The game will also feature appearances from classic Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald and Daisy Duck as well as Santa and his elves from the animated Disney short Prep & Landing.

This is the first time the NBA has arranged to air a game with animated characters and graphic overlays. It’s also the latest game in a new trend of mixing live sports events with a network’s signature cartoon characters. ESPN+, Disney+ and the NFL+ app will air an alternative version of the Bengals-Cowboys game on December 9 featuring virtual characters and scenes from The Simpsons. ESPN3’s Full Court Press broadcasts use technology designed by Second Spectrum to create augmented graphics that track players movements and provide real time updates.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/the-nba-will-air-a-christmas-day-game-with-disney-characters-224921665.html?src=rss

NBA League Pass gets multiview just in time for the season to start

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NBA League Pass is getting some cool new features for the 2024-25 season. This includes multiview, which is an oft-requested tool. Multiview allows basketball fans to watch up to four games at once on the same screen.

The feature works on TVs, smartphones and tablets, and will likely be a mainstay of bookies everywhere. It’s actually available right now to subscribers, for those keeping track of preseason developments. The season officially starts on October 22, so that’ll be when multiview really starts to prove its worth.

Four basketball games.
NBA

There’s a new smart rewind tool that’ll automatically pick out key highlights and plays to check out. Subscribers will also be able to download full games for offline viewing, which could be a boon for flights and the like. Just stay away from spoilers.

NBA League Pass is an app that exists in the year 2024. That means it’s getting stuffed with a whole lot of AI. There’s something called NBA Insights, which features an algorithm trained on “deep basketball understanding.” The algo will use its knowledge to “identify key narratives, player performances and notable milestones, providing fans with a continuous feed of text-based updates that go beyond the box score.” Here’s hoping it keeps hallucinations to a minimum.

The league is also using generative AI to localize content, offering translations and automated recaps in French, Portuguese and Spanish. Finally, there’s something called the “Dunk Score.” As the name suggests, this is an AI-calculated grade for dunks. The calculations happen in real time based on a “player’s jumping distance, style and force at the rim and defensive efforts from the opposing team.”

For the uninitiated, NBA League Pass provides access to hundreds of out-of-market games throughout the season. The premium ad-free version costs $25 per month, or $160 per season. The standard ad-filled subscription costs $17 per month or $110 per season. NBA TV, which is a more limited service to watch out-of-market games, is still available via cable providers. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/nba-league-pass-gets-multiview-just-in-time-for-the-season-to-start-191016755.html?src=rss

Warner Bros. Discovery sues the NBA in a last-ditch effort to block Amazon’s new streaming package

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Warner Bros. Discovery followed through on its threat to “take appropriate action” against the NBA for rejecting its broadcasting rights offer. Variety reported on Friday that the media company sued the league in the New York State Supreme Court after the NBA turned down its bid to match Amazon’s streaming package that kicks in starting in the 2025-26 season.

The conflict stems from Warner’s belief that its current contract gives it the right to match any offer that would replace Warner’s TNT as a home for NBA games (and the iconic Inside the NBA) in the upcoming deal. As for the league’s stance, The Athletic reported that since the current agreements were signed when streaming was “on the horizon, but not part of the deals,” the NBA disagrees with Warner’s matching claim.

The lawsuit was expected as soon as the league announced its new broadcasting and streaming package, which also includes Disney (ABC and ESPN) and Comcast (NBC). The NBA reportedly told Warner it rejected its matching offer because it wanted to put all its games on its streaming service, Max, in addition to TNT. Amazon also allegedly offered to pay its first three years in full, whereas Warner offered a three-year line of credit. Finally, the NBA reportedly believed Amazon’s reach was simply greater.

“Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon,” the NBA’s statement on Wednesday read.

Charles Barkley sitting in a studio chair, a look of disbelief on his face.
Charles Barkley
TNT / Warner Bros. Discovery

Unless Warner can force the NBA’s hand, the new agreement will almost certainly mean the end of Inside the NBA. The decades-old sports show, starring Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, has harnessed a rare blend of comedy, chemistry and (sometimes taking a backseat to the first two) sports analysis. The beloved program, which has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards, began in 1989 as a Johnson solo effort before fleshing out its tight-knit cast through the following years and (in the case of Shaq) decades.

Turner has partnered with the NBA since the 1984-85 season, which coincided with Barkley’s (and Michael Jordan’s) entrance into the league out of college.

Barkley lashed out at the NBA after hearing about the new rights package, accusing it of wanting to “break up with us from the beginning” in a statement on X. Adding, “I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance,” the Hall of Famer described it as “a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans.”

“It just sucks,” Barkley wrote before thanking Turner’s fans for the last 24 years he’s been on the show. Inside the NBA will return next season, perhaps its last, along with the network’s standard lineup of NBA games, before the new deal begins in the 2025-26 season.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/warner-bros-discovery-sues-the-nba-in-a-last-ditch-effort-to-block-amazons-new-streaming-package-183352404.html?src=rss

NBA TV rights go to ESPN, NBC and Amazon as TNT is rejected

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The NBA and WNBA have inked deals for where games will be aired and streamed for the next eleven years. The NBA deals run from the 2025-2026 season through the 2035-2036 season. For the WNBA, the agreement covers the 2026 through 2036 seasons.

Pro basketball has been an ESPN mainstay for years and that will continue, with the Disney-owned network remaining the primary media rights owner for both leagues. ESPN will be the exclusive home for the NBA finals for all eleven years of the new deal, as well as five out of the eleven years of the WNBA finals. The games covered by ESPN's deal will be part of the sports network's direct-to-consumer platform and a package of NBA and WNBA games will also be made available to stream on Disney+ in select international markets.

While the bulk of the games will go to ESPN, basketball is going to have more of a streaming presence thanks to two new partnerships. NBC and Peacock will have access to 100 NBA national games during each regular season. About 50 games will be exclusive to the Peacock streaming platform, including national Monday night games and doubleheaders. The rest of the games go to Amazon. Prime Video will be the home for 66 regular-season NBA games and 30 regular-season WNBA games each year of the deal.

Regular basketball viewers may notice that TNT Sports is not part of this lineup. The NBA's deal with that network does not appear to be getting an extension after next year, with those games mostly going to Amazon. But the situation may yet go into overtime. TNT Sports claims that it matched Amazon's offer for the games and seems to be challenging whether the NBA can switch partners. NBA's statement counters that the offer from parent company Warner Bros. Discovery did not match Amazon's, leaving them free to shop elsewhere.

The long-awaited agreements for both basketball leagues aren't a complete slam dunk for fans. On the positive side, the next decade marks a notable shift toward streaming. After so long with the sport closely tied to broadcast shows, having access as part of your existing streaming plans is great. But on the negative side, multiple media partners mean that you'll have to double- and triple-check where to watch each game. Major League Baseball, for instance, has games scattered across ESPN, Fox, Apple TV+, TNT Sports, and MLB Network on any given night.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nba-tv-rights-go-to-espn-nbc-and-amazon-as-tnt-is-rejected-230811550.html?src=rss

Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers?

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Caption: Basketball players sitting on a bench, wearing both high-top and low-cut basketball shoes.

As basketball evolves, so does the design of footwear aimed at maximizing performance and safety. This article explores the intricacies of low-top basketball shoes, examining their safety, technological advancements, stylish colorways, and current models. It also considers the social dynamics and personal expression crucial for teenagers when choosing their basketball shoes.

The Shift in Basketball Footwear

Basketball shoes have shifted from traditional high-tops to the increasingly popular low-top designs. Extensive research suggests that with proper design and technology, low-top shoes can offer adequate support and safety, challenging the belief that high-tops are inherently better for ankle protection. Leading brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are at the forefront, innovating to suit all playing styles and needs.

Low-top shoes appeal not just for their performance capabilities. For teenagers, these shoes also represent a style statement and a connection to their favorite basketball players. This blend of form and function makes low-tops particularly appealing to young people, merging on-court benefits with off-court style.

Are Low-Top Shoes Good for Basketball?

Mobility and Speed: Low-top shoes are typically lighter than high-tops, allowing players to move quickly and freely on the court. This can be particularly advantageous for guards or players whose game depends on speed and agility.

Ankle Flexibility: Low-top shoes do not restrict the ankle, providing a greater range of motion. This benefits players who need to change direction quickly and rely on their ability to maneuver swiftly.

Ankle Support: The primary concern with low-top shoes has been the perceived lack of ankle support, potentially increasing the risk of injuries. However, modern low-top basketball shoes often use advanced technologies to stabilize the foot and provide protection in other ways, including enhanced midsole cushioning, secure lacing systems, and innovative designs that offer stability without the bulkiness of high-tops.

Personal Preference and Comfort: Choosing between low-top and high-top basketball shoes is often a matter of personal preference. Some players find low-top shoes more comfortable and perform better in them due to their lighter weight and greater freedom of movement.

Parents often worry about the safety of low-top basketball shoes, particularly regarding ankle support. However, current research and product testing have shown that these concerns can be mitigated with the right features. Platforms highlight the exceptional stability and traction of these models, crucial for preventing slips and enhancing performance during gameplay. Research indicates there’s no significant difference in the rate of ankle injuries between low-tops and high-tops, suggesting that low-tops can be just as safe for basketball. Consequently, a player’s choice of shoes should be guided by personal comfort, playing style, and advice from coaches or medical professionals.

Technological Innovations Across Brands

For teen athletes, the performance of their basketball shoes is often equated with their on-court confidence. Shoes that are part of the latest trend or endorsed by popular athletes can significantly boost this feeling. Thus, when these shoes are also backed by positive safety reviews, it reassures both parents and young athletes that style does not compromise safety.

Image: Fastpass.cn – Air Force 1 deconstructed

Best Low-Top Nike Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial, whether you’re playing in a local league or the NBA Finals. Low-tops need the right mix of support, comfort, cushioning, and traction to keep up with the dynamic nature of the game.

LeBron XXI Basketball Shoes

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: These players need excellent support and stability, even in low-top designs. Nike’s Air Zoom technology provides lasting performance and comfort. The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Run, for instance, stacks a React footbed on top of a React midsole and Zoom Air in the forefoot, offering shock absorption and a responsive feel. The Jordan “Why Not?” line, featuring low-top designs, includes two stacked Zoom Air units in the forefoot for responsive cushioning, enhancing speed and stability.

Nike Air Zoom Gt Cut 2 Tb Shoes Men’s

Guards: Guards require shoes with high levels of grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Nike Cosmic line, featuring Air Zoom Strobel units partially made from recycled materials, provides efficient acceleration. The Nike Air Zoom low-tops are designed for players who excel at creating and closing space, offering stability and control with minimal ground contact.

All-Around Players: Modern basketball blurs the lines between positions, requiring shoes that offer balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. Nike LeBron low-top shoes combine speed and power with a full-length Zoom Air unit and Max Air in the heel. The Zoom Freak line, designed for versatile play, includes a TPU plate for lateral mobility and Zoom Air units for explosive moves. Nike KD low-top shoes feature durable uppers with minimal material for a broken-in feel and full-length Zoom Air cushioning for dynamic movement. Nike PG low-tops provide agility and support, with a full-length Air Zoom unit connected to the upper for prolonged freshness.

Nike KD17 Basketball Shoes

Basketball Shoe Structure

Understanding the key components of a low-top basketball shoe can help in choosing the right pair. There are three main parts to consider: the upper, midsole, and outsole.

Upper: The upper part of the shoe provides some ankle support, especially during quick cuts and multidirectional moves. Low-tops allow for greater agility and speed, suitable for guards and small forwards. Models like the Nike Cosmic line include additional closure systems for extra security.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. Some low-top models feature external TPU pieces for added stability during lateral moves.

Outsole: The outsole offers traction and grip, crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding slips. Flat, wide outsoles with grooves and ridges provide optimal multidirectional traction.

Best Low-Top Adidas Basketball Shoes for Your Playing Style

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The Dame 8 EXTPLY, for instance, features a dynamic Bounce Pro midsole for elevated stability and lightweight cushioning. Its internal sock construction and TPU propulsion plate ensure that your feet are locked down, providing confidence and agility during practice and games.

DAME 8 EXTPLY BASKETBALL SHOES

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Trae 3, designed with peak performance in mind, features composite foam in the midsole for explosive power. The asymmetrical Torsion Bar enhances stability, and the high-abrasion outsole, developed using biometric data, ensures excellent grip and support for quick direction changes.

adidas Harden Vol. 6

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Adidas Harden Vol. 6 offers a blend of speed and stability, featuring a full-length Boost midsole for impact absorption and energy return. The Exhibit Select CP Mid provides a springy Bounce midsole and gore straps for a snug, locked-in feel, catering to players who perform across multiple positions.

Key Features of Adidas Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Exhibit Select CP Mid, for example, includes 3-Stripes gore straps that wrap around the foot, offering a secure fit from the first lace-up to the final whistle. The internal sock construction of the Dame 8 EXTPLY also ensures a comfortable and locked-down feel.

Midsole: The midsole provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. The Trae 3’s composite foam midsole and TPU propulsion plate offer explosive power and stability, perfect for high-impact moves.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The ripple-style outsole of the Exhibit Select provides excellent traction, enabling quick bursts of speed and sharp cuts. The Trae 3’s high-abrasion outsole, developed with biometric data, ensures reliable grip and support.

Best Low-Top Under Armour Basketball Shoes

Grade School UA Jet ’23 Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial for maximizing your performance on the court. Under Armour offers a range of low-top basketball shoes designed to enhance support, comfort, cushioning, and traction.

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The UA Spawn 3, for example, features a unique anatomical design with layers of flexible, lightweight material to enhance movement and provide support. The Micro G foam midsole offers responsive cushioning for powerful moves and jumps.

Under Armour Men’s Spawn 3 Basketball Shoe

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Curry Flow 9, designed with Stephen Curry’s input, features a UA Flow outsole that provides grippy traction and a lightweight feel. The Warp upper material delivers a locked-in fit for agile movements.

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Under Armour HOVR Havoc 4 offers a full-length HOVR midsole for energy return and cushioning. The TPU shank provides lateral stability, and the durable outsole ensures excellent grip for all types of movements.

Key Features of Under Armour Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Curry Flow 9’s Warp upper material offers a secure, comfortable fit.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. The HOVR Havoc 4’s full-length HOVR midsole offers energy return and impact protection.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The UA Flow outsole in the Curry Flow 9 provides excellent traction and lightweight performance.

When High-Tops Are Better

Hight-top basketball shoes

Ankle Support for Young Players: High-tops may offer better ankle support for young players who are still developing their coordination and strength. This additional support can help prevent ankle sprains and provide extra stability during quick direction changes and jumps.

Protective Cushioning: High-tops often come with more extensive cushioning, which can protect against stress fractures and other injuries. This is particularly beneficial for kids who might play on hard surfaces or engage in high-impact activities.

Peace of Mind for Parents: For parents concerned about ankle injuries, high-tops can offer reassurance due to their traditional design that encases and supports the ankle more comprehensively.

When Low-Tops Are Better

Low-top basketball shoes

Enhanced Mobility: For positions requiring speed and agility, low-tops provide enhanced mobility and quicker response times. This makes them ideal for guards and players who rely heavily on fast movements and sharp cuts.

Lightweight Comfort: Low-tops are generally lighter, reducing fatigue over long periods. This is particularly advantageous for young players who may play for extended periods during practice or games.

Personal Style and Expression: Low-tops often come in a wider variety of styles and colors, allowing young athletes to express their personal style on and off the court. This can boost confidence and encourage a greater sense of individuality.

Selecting the Right Basketball Shoes: Balancing Personal Expression and Functionality

Choosing the right basketball shoes is a nuanced decision that balances personal expression through colorways and practical functionality for optimal performance. Colorways in basketball shoes allow athletes to express personal style, team identity, and even personal branding. Recognizing this, brands offer vibrant and eye-catching options to cater to young athletes’ desire to stand out or align with their role models.

However, the decision extends beyond color and style. Ensuring a proper fit is crucial to maximizing the functionality of the shoe’s safety and performance features while ensuring comfort during play. Athletes and their parents should consult coaches, utilize fitting guides, and review current models to find shoes that meet both performance standards and aesthetic preferences. This comprehensive approach helps in selecting footwear that supports the physical demands of basketball while satisfying personal style, enabling young players to perform at their best and express individuality on the court.

Expanding Our Coverage on Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Yanko Design is committed to covering the dynamic world of low-top basketball shoes in greater detail in future articles. We aim to delve deeper into each brand’s specific technologies and individual shoe offerings. Our future content will provide focused reviews and comparative analyses of specific brands and standout models, highlighting both the functional benefits and aesthetic appeal of each shoe.

We will spotlight industry giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, covering both classic designs and the latest releases. Additionally, we’ll introduce emerging brands making significant strides with innovative technologies and designs, potentially offering unique benefits not found in more established brands.

Stay tuned for insightful content that merges detailed product information with style trends, helping young athletes and their supporters navigate the extensive options available, ensuring informed decisions that enhance both performance and personal expression on the basketball court.

The post Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers? first appeared on Yanko Design.

X’s AI bot is so dumb it can’t tell the difference between a bad game and vandalism

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Last night, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson had a rough outing shooting 0 for 10 in a loss against the Sacramento Kings, ending the team’s chances of making the NBA playoffs. But then, almost as if to add insult to injury, X’s AI bot Grok generated a trending story claiming Thompson was vandalizing homes in the area with bricks.

Now at this point, even casual basketball fans may be able to see what went wrong. But Grok isn’t very smart, because it seems that after seeing user posts about a player simply missing a bunch of shots (aka shooting bricks), the bot took things literally resulting in a completely fictitious AI-generated report.

After misinterpreting user posts about Klay Thompson's poor shooting during an NBA game, X's AI bot Grok created a fictitious story on the social media platform's trending section.
After misinterpreting user posts about Klay Thompson's poor shooting during an NBA game, X's AI bot Grok created a fictitious story on the social media platform's trending section. 
Screenshot by Sam Rutherford (via X)

In the event this fabrication — which was the #5 trending story at the time of writing — gets corrected or deleted by Elon Musk, Grok originally wrote “In a bizarre turn of events, NBA star Klay Thompson has been accused of vandalizing multiple houses with bricks in Sacramento. Authorities are investigating the claims after several individuals reported their houses being damaged, with windows shattered by bricks. Klay Thompson has not yet issued a statement regarding the accusations. The incidents have left the community shaken, but no injuries were reported. The motive behind the alleged vandalism remains unclear.” Amusingly, despite pointing out the unusual nature of the story Grok went ahead of put out some nonsense anyway.

Granted, in fine print beneath the story, X says “Grok is an early feature and can make mistakes. Verify its outputs.” But even that warning seems to have backfired, as basketball fans began memeing on the AI with posts sarcastically verifying the AI’s erroneous statement.

After Grok created an erroneous story about Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, users began memeing on the situation.
After Grok created an erroneous story about Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, users began memeing on the situation. 
Screenshot by Sam Rutherford (via X)

For most people, Grok’s latest gaff may merely be another example in an ongoing series of early AI tools messing up. But for others like Musk who believes that AI will be smarter than humans as soon as the end of next year, this should serve as a reminder that AI is still in desperate need of regular fact-checking.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xs-ai-bot-is-so-dumb-it-cant-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-game-and-vandalism-172707401.html?src=rss

X’s AI bot is so dumb it can’t tell the difference between a bad game and vandalism

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Last night, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson had a rough outing shooting 0 for 10 in a loss against the Sacramento Kings, ending the team’s chances of making the NBA playoffs. But then, almost as if to add insult to injury, X’s AI bot Grok generated a trending story claiming Thompson was vandalizing homes in the area with bricks.

Now at this point, even casual basketball fans may be able to see what went wrong. But Grok isn’t very smart, because it seems that after seeing user posts about a player simply missing a bunch of shots (aka shooting bricks), the bot took things literally resulting in a completely fictitious AI-generated report.

After misinterpreting user posts about Klay Thompson's poor shooting during an NBA game, X's AI bot Grok created a fictitious story on the social media platform's trending section.
After misinterpreting user posts about Klay Thompson's poor shooting during an NBA game, X's AI bot Grok created a fictitious story on the social media platform's trending section. 
Screenshot by Sam Rutherford (via X)

In the event this fabrication — which was the #5 trending story at the time of writing — gets corrected or deleted by Elon Musk, Grok originally wrote “In a bizarre turn of events, NBA star Klay Thompson has been accused of vandalizing multiple houses with bricks in Sacramento. Authorities are investigating the claims after several individuals reported their houses being damaged, with windows shattered by bricks. Klay Thompson has not yet issued a statement regarding the accusations. The incidents have left the community shaken, but no injuries were reported. The motive behind the alleged vandalism remains unclear.” Amusingly, despite pointing out the unusual nature of the story Grok went ahead of put out some nonsense anyway.

Granted, in fine print beneath the story, X says “Grok is an early feature and can make mistakes. Verify its outputs.” But even that warning seems to have backfired, as basketball fans began memeing on the AI with posts sarcastically verifying the AI’s erroneous statement.

After Grok created an erroneous story about Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, users began memeing on the situation.
After Grok created an erroneous story about Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, users began memeing on the situation. 
Screenshot by Sam Rutherford (via X)

For most people, Grok’s latest gaff may merely be another example in an ongoing series of early AI tools messing up. But for others like Musk who believes that AI will be smarter than humans as soon as the end of next year, this should serve as a reminder that AI is still in desperate need of regular fact-checking.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xs-ai-bot-is-so-dumb-it-cant-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-game-and-vandalism-172707401.html?src=rss

Threads is getting into live sports scores, starting with the NBA

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The social network Threads is going to start showing live sports scores, starting with NBA basketball. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the initiative and wrote that it’ll be adding more leagues in the near future. 

Here’s how it works. During a game, just search for the teams and you’ll see an up-to-date score. If the game is over, a search will bring up the final score. You can also find out when a game will start by searching for it ahead of time. This obviously resembles how X does things, as the platform began showing live sports scores back in 2017, when it was called Twitter.

Each score is accompanied by the two team logos. Tapping on these logos redirects users to a conversation about that team. Threads, along with Instagram, recently decided to stop recommending political content, so emphasizing sports is a decent way to capture the “real time” vibe of a hip and happening social network.

To that end, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has been, sigh, courting NBA diehards for months, calling the community of basketball fans on Threads a “great example of the kind of thing we hoped to see” on the app. A Threads spokesperson told Engadget that “basketball has become one of the most popular topics” and that “NBA Threads has become one of the app’s most active sports communities.”

This makes sense, as NBA discourse is also huge on X. NBA Twitter, as it's still called in sports media, regularly drives coverage and conversation about the pro basketball league. It sure seems like Meta hopes to siphon away some of that influence. Apple also recently announced its own sports-related initiative. The first-party Sports iPhone app offers real-time stats for a number of major leagues, including the NBA, and throws up live score data on the lock screen during a game.

Threads is all over the place this week. The platform introduced a new algorithm-tuning feature that works by swiping left and right on posts and announced a beta test that lets users share content to Mastodon and other fediverse services. The live scores feature is also in its testing phase. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-is-getting-into-live-sports-scores-starting-with-the-nba-185616086.html?src=rss

Home Court arcade basketball game is closest way to satiate your desire of playing on the hardwood

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Your game room could already have billiards, pool, or table tennis equipment. The more enthusiastic may even slot in an artificial climbing wall or mount a frisky basketball arcade gaming machine to shoot an odd ball during your trip to the room. But the latter is not anywhere close to the experience of a basketball game on an indoor hardwood court.

If you’re a fan, the home court basketball pictured above could be the closest way to satiate your desire to play on the hardwood. The sleek glass enclosure with a wooden backboard and rebound board slanting just below is designed for the home champs to compete with the sounds and feel of being on the court.

Designer: Reigning Champ

A collaborative product created by Reigning Champ and Canadian industrial designer Calen Knauf, the Home Court, as it is called, is a fully functional game arcade for an in-home basketball experience. A highly crafted work of art, it is made with the use of wood, glass, and metal, which play in harmony to replicate the authentic feel of playing on a hardwood court.

To minimize the visual footprint, and make the game portable, the contraption rests on four rubberized wheels. The frame is made of metal, which durably holds tempered glass walls – three full on the sides, back and half on the front – of the rig. The backboard holding two rings and the ball rebound surface located below are specifically made from engineered composite wood panels that replicate the auditory quality of the ball hitting the wooden court.

On the front of the arcade, the half-glass wall is where the balls are collected during the game. And when you’re done playing, the spacious lower tier – with a wooden floor – serves as storage for balls. Home Court is made-to-order and comes flat-packed to your doorstep. Presently, Reigning Champ is only shipping it to the US and Canada for $50,000, leaving us in the east wondering when we can sell off our home to own a Home Court and play and live in it happily thereafter.

The post Home Court arcade basketball game is closest way to satiate your desire of playing on the hardwood first appeared on Yanko Design.

‘NBA 2K24’ introduces a LeBron era and more updates

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Basketball season is fast approaching, and so is a new opportunity to virtually get in on the action: NBA 2K24 New Gen. 2K shared preliminary information about the game in July but has just announced new details about September 8th's NBA 2K24, including adding a LeBron Era. This new mode follows LeBron James' 2010 journey of leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the Miami Heat and leads into the already existing Modern Era. NBA 2K23 also introduced the Magic vs. Bird Era, Jordan Era and Kobe Era to the game. 

Another potentially exciting eras update (if you like being reminded about the passage of time) is an aging feature, which shows the athletes growing older as you play across a person's career. Other new era additions include curated reactions from spectators and journalists, depending on the time period you're in. After a game, you'll also see an article sharing a summary of your match — initially as a newspaper and, as time passes, a social media webpage. 

NBA 2K24 should also reflect aspects of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) reached by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association and currently in place through the 2029 to 2030 season. These include each NBA team being positionless and shifting the Restricted Free Agent Right of Refusal Period to 24 hours. 

MyNBA online has some updates as well, including a range of roles for you to take on: commissioner, admin, gameplay tuner, time manager, designer, appearance editor or attribute editor. Each position has specific tasks, such as the designer, who can make and change logos, arenas and jerseys. Plus, there's now MyNBA Lite which removes some of the steps typically required for gameplay, such as CBA restrictions and scouting. 

WNBA gameplay also has new features coming on NBA 2K24, such as the ability to start as either a college basketball star or an up-and-comer. There's also "In Pursuit of Greatness," which has you play against rival players to be the best. These games, and those against a veteran of your team or a historic all-star player, allow you to earn badge perks. You can use these rewards to get updated 2K Breakthrough Skins and MyTEAM Jersey Cards. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nba-2k24-introduces-a-lebron-era-and-more-updates-140015258.html?src=rss