Microsoft has partnered with Anil Kumble’s technology startup, Spektacom Technologies along with support from broadcast partner Star India to announce the introduction of the Power Bat. The Power Bat provides players, coaches, commentators, fans and viewers with a completely fresh and unique way to engage with the sport and help improve their game all powered by the Microsoft Azure cloud platform using AI and Internet of Things (IoT) services.
Microsoft worked closely with Spektacom and its founder Anil Kumble, former captain, Indian cricket team, to incubate and launch the product, as part of their ScaleUp program. Star India has used the technology successfully in recent series to provide real-time statistics and insights straight off the oval. 
The Power Bat is a unique concept is a lightweight, Azure Sphere-powered sticker(5gms) is stuck on the shoulder of the bat a form factor that is completely unobtrusive. In a live match, as soon as the batsman hits the ball, data on different parameters (speed on impact, a twist on impact and quality of the shot percentage proximity of the ball’s contact to the sweet spot of the willow) are captured in a new unit of measurement titled Power Speaks. The Azure Sphere ensures that the data is securely captured and processed. Using advanced analytics and AI services on Azure, real-time insights are captured through the stump box and displayed via the broadcaster. During practice or coaching, the same data can be viewed through a mobile app. The Azure Sphere-powered sticker can be used on any bat and with that the data can be seen on the mobile app instantly. Further, the sticker can be charger using any of the wireless chargers available. 
They have also said that this same technology can be used in other sports like Golf, Baseball, Hockey, and much more in the coming days. Microsoft believes in leveraging its technology and its people to help sports teams and organizations solve their toughest challenges.
According to Anil Kumble, former captain, Indian cricket team, and founder, Spektacom, “Our vision is to bring sports closer to fans through interesting ways of engagement using real-time sports analytics. At the same time, it is important that the technologies used are seamless and do not disrupt the game or obstruct the players. With Microsoft, we have been able to create a secure and effective solution, and with Star India, we have a partner that can stimulate and excite fan engagement.”
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