Fathead and Detroit Labs Team Up to Develop 'Big Shot' App

DETROIT, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathead, the "Real.Big." brand of officially licensed sports and entertainment graphic products, today announced the launch of the Fathead Big Shot app, enabling shoppers to "try" before they buy. The augmented reality app lets consumers see on their iPhone how a Fathead -- a life-sized, adhesive wall graphic -- will appear on their wall. The Big Shot app was created by Detroit Labs, a Detroit-based tech company that creates iOS, Android, and web applications for businesses ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 companies.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120411/DE85712 )

Using a printable target, users can virtually display the Fathead on their phone, illustrating how the graphic would look on their wall before purchasing. The image is viewed by holding the phone up to the target, and users can then share that photo via email, text and social media, or be taken to the Fathead website to purchase the graphic. Fans can even stand next to the target to give the appearance that they are posing with their favorite Fathead and share photos directly from the app on Facebook and Twitter.

"The app is great for Fathead fans because it's multifunctional -- letting consumers see, share and purchase their favorite images right from the app," said Joanna Cline, Chief Marketing Officer at Fathead.

When searching for a company to develop the app, Fathead did not have to look far to find Detroit Labs. Both businesses are located in downtown Detroit's burgeoning tech hub and are part of the Quicken Loans "Family of Companies" -- a collection of tech, financial services, sports media & entertainment, consumer direct marketing and education businesses invested in by Dan Gilbert, Founder & Chairman of Quicken Loans and Majority Owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

"The idea of an augmented reality app isn't new, but this is a real, practical use of the technology because it allows fans to visualize the product in their home," said Dan Ward, Detroit Labs co-founder. "We jumped at the opportunity to try something new for Fathead and develop a really innovative, useful app."

The Big Shot app currently features more than 70 top selling Fathead from categories including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA College, Disney, Super Heroes and more. The app is available now in the App Store for iPhone and iPad users, with an Android app next.  For more information about Fathead, please visit www.fathead.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Brian Stevenson, Fathead -- [email protected] or 313.373.6055 and Dan Ward, Detroit Labs, [email protected] or 313.437.2322.

About Fathead LLC

Fathead LLC is the Real.Big. brand of officially licensed sports and entertainment graphics products. Fathead gives fans the opportunity to bring their favorite passion or inspiration to life. Fathead wall graphics include "Real.Big." the life-size, high definition wall graphics of professional athletes, animated heroes, entertainment characters, team helmets, stadiums and logos. Fathead products also feature Big Heads, Fathead Street Grips and Fathead Customs, available in Mounted Canvas and patented Vinyl with a choice of classic Fathead die-cut or mural style.  Fathead carries Art and Decor graphics comprised of contemporary, photographic and fine art by SM/ART.  Fathead Corporate Solutions provides unique signage and decor alternatives for companies seeking flexible and creative marketing solutions by utilizing Fathead innovation to create any shape, size or design for visually stimulating, high impact results.  Fathead is manufactured in the USA, based in Detroit, Michigan and available for purchase worldwide.  Fathead carries thousands of images and maintains over 500 license agreements with leading consumer brands across many industries and professional sports leagues.  For more information, visit www.fathead.com.  Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Detroit Labs:

Detroit Labs is a Detroit-based technology launch pad, specializing in the creation of iPhone, iPad, Android and Web applications. Born out of entrepreneurial spirit, and forged in the heart of Detroit, they are part of the technology boom driving the city's rebirth. Since its launch in the Spring of 2011, the company has completed projects for several large companies, including General Motors' Chevrolet, Quicken Loans, and Caesars Entertainment. The company is currently working on various augmented reality technologies, providing a new level of virtual realism to mobile devices. Detroit Labs also recently released its first iPad game - titled Finger Treadmill - which is currently available in the App Store. To learn more about Detroit Labs, visit http://detroitlabs.com/.

SOURCE Fathead LLC