Sony's New Smart Tennis Sensor Helps To Elevate Your Racket Game

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony is launching the Smart Tennis Sensor (SSE-TN1W), engineered for all levels of tennis players that want to optimize their tennis game and share their performance results. The new sensor takes control to the next level through real-time shot visualizations instantly available on a smartphone or tablet as well as simultaneous displaying of recorded video and shot metrics. The Smart Tennis Sensor will be compatible with select tennis racket models by top manufacturers such as Wilson, Prince and Yonex.

The unique Smart Tennis Sensor features sensing technologies alongside newly developed vibration analysis mechanics that analyze a magnitude of player movements including shot count, ball impact spot, swing speed, ball speed and ball spin. Through highly sensitive wave and motion detection, the sensor can pick up multiple swing types such as topspin forehand, slice forehand, volley forehand, topspin backhand, slice backhand, volley backhand, smash, and even attack-style serves. Sony realized these cutting-edge sensor components by utilizing the knowhow from audio and sound analysis technologies achieved through the history of Sony's audio product developments.

Sony partnered with top tennis manufacturer Wilson, as well as Prince and Yonex to create a compact enough body to accompany the sleek yet performance-driven rackets known to generations of players. "Sony is a company which aims to enhance customers' daily lives by offering products, applications and services which inspire and fulfill their curiosity," said Furumi Hideyuki, SVP, the president of UX & Product Strategy Group, UX, Product Strategy and Creative Platform, Sony Corporation. "Through working with our partners in the tennis racket market, Sony will offer its Smart Tennis Sensor, to all levels of tennis players ranging from beginners to experts and is very excited about the prospect of enriching tennis with this new experience."

Sony's Smart Tennis Sensor wirelessly connects with smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth technology with performance data spontaneously visualized through a complimentary iOS and Android supported application. Alongside showcasing real-time visualizations of swings including heat mapping and stats, the app can record rallies while simultaneously displaying shot metrics. Through the app's social sharing features, the Smart Tennis Sensor turns single and double player matches or practice sessions into an instant sharable experience across social media.

"Wilson is thrilled to be the exclusive distributor and marketing partner with Sony on this important Tennis technology advancement," said Mike Dowse, President of Wilson Sporting Goods Co.  "As a leader in Tennis for more than 100 years, Wilson has always been at the forefront of sport innovation and is dedicated to providing the best technologies to athletes of all levels. In some cases we build that innovation, but we also seek out partners, like Sony, who have developed innovation that we view as best in class." 

Weighing approximately 8grams and measuring 31.3mm in diameter, the Smart Tennis Sensor is designed to minimize impact on performance while playing, yet fits securely and discretely at the bottom of the racket. The sensor's Memory Mode enables up to 12,000 shots of internal storage for quick saving or easy download to a smartphone or tablet. The sensor can be conveniently transferred any time, along with all recorded historical shots between a player's spare rackets, or to another compatible racket model or brand through a player's development in the sport.

"We are very excited about our new partnership with Sony.  At Prince we have built our brand around helping tennis players improve their game through innovative product design, so partnering with another brand who believes in a similar philosophy makes perfect sense for us," said Tyler Herring, Vice President of Product Development, Prince Global Sports.  "By allowing players to analyze their game with advanced data collection tools like the Sony's Smart Tennis Sensor, we believe that the racquet selection process becomes much easier which is the key to having success on the tennis court."

With an IP65 waterproof/dustproof rating and officially approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for use during competition*, Sony's Smart Tennis Sensor aligns to play of all levels and intensities.

"As of May, Yonex has had great success in introducing Sony's Smart Tennis Sensor exclusively within Japan. This product has brought a new enjoyment to the game and has stirred strong praise among many tennis fans in Japan," said Manji Kanemasu, Assistant General Manager of Global Marketing. "As the Smart Tennis Sensor expands globally, it will surely bring about a fun new experience to tennis fans all over the world."

The Smart Tennis Sensor will be available at Wilson.com and through select Wilson tennis dealers, by the end of January 2015, at a MSRP of $200. More specifications and a full list of compatible tennis racket models will be available at: http://www.smarttennissensor.sony.net/NA/  

* The access to the Smart Tennis Sensor is permitted during period when coaching is permitted.  Even when coaching is not permitted, its usage in memory mode is permitted. The guideline on the usage should be confirmed with the administrators of each competition before use.  For more detail: http://www.itftennis.com/technical/player-analysis/overview.aspx

About Sony:

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.

Sony is noted for a wide range of consumer audio/visual products, such as the BRAVIA® 4K Ultra HD, 3D and high-definition televisions, Cyber-shot® compact cameras, Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras, Handycam® camcorders, high-resolution audio products and portable audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of audio/video technologies for broadcast, live production and B2B applications, highlighted by the CineAlta™ 4K cameras, SXRD™ 4K digital projectors, XDCAM line of tapeless technologies and a range of A/V professional products and accessories.

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SOURCE Sony Electronics