FC Bayern have launched an Augmented Reality feature that enables fans to create a mixed reality experience with its star players. The experience, which is one of the very first in football, enables users to view players anywhere in the world whether it’s at home or in Times Square, New York.
Fans will be able to use their mobile device camera on any flat surface to make team captain Manuel Neuer or forward Arjen Robben appear, giving them the option to jump in and take a screenshot photo with the Bayern stars.
This feature, available with FC Bayern’s iOS app, gives fans the option to choose which of the three 2017-18 strips (home, away and third) Arjen Robben appears in. The “real life jersey configurator” assists fans in personalising the back of the player’s shirt for a screenshot photo along with the option to purchase shirts directly from the club’s store, creating a seamless user experience.
“This augmented reality feature offers fans a playful, unique and immersive opportunity to get closer to the team they love whether they are based in Munich, New York or Mexico,” said FC Bayern Munich’s Director of Media, Digital and Communications, Stefan Mennerich.
“It is important to us that we continue to offer these innovative experiences, not only to ensure that we are connecting with our family of fans on all levels but also to continue advancing digital technology used in the sport sector,” he added.
To celebrate the launch of this AR feature the club is asking fans to post their screenshots with Neuer and Robben using #fcbayARn via social media. The team will then select the most creative photos and curate them in the app and on the website.
This experience is accessible exclusively in the “AR Arena” on FC Bayern’s official app available for free download in the Apple App Store on devices with iOS 11, A9 and A10 processors.
FC Bayern is constantly innovating in the digital space in a bid to drive new and engaging experiences for fans across the world. Activity including the 2017 Audi Cup virtual reality press conference, the Instagram story on the Allianz Arena video wall and Global Life Stories on Snapchat are all examples of the club being at the forefront of digital innovation.
Click here to download the app in the Apple App Store.
The feature is currently not available for Android tablets or smartphones, but we are working on offering a similar experience for these devies as soon as is possible for Android.
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