beIN has introduced a fully-functioning (and loud) vuvuzela that can also be used as a remote control.
When the aptly-named GameChanger is blown, a mini microphone recognizes the vuvuzela sound signature, instructing the platform’s 8-bit, Atmel-based microcontroller (MCU) to respond. The MCU then sends IR LED signals to a cable box – commanding it to change the channel to beIN sports.
The GameChanger was designed by BeIN’s agency, TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and prototyped on an Atmel-based Arduino board.
“Soccer fans are diehard fans, they will get up at any hour of the morning to watch a game, but in the U.S. soccer is kind of like the ugly stepchild of sports compared to football or basketball,” Ed Rogers, account executive at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York told DigiDay.
“We wanted to create something that shows soccer fans that we really understand their passion.”
Interested in learning more? You can check out the GameChanger’s official page here and DigiDay’s full write up here.
Atmel | Bits & Pieces 