Betfair begins to use Google Glass technology

The Google Glass

The online gambling firm Betfair has become the first brand to use Google Glass live on air.

The company are planning to develop bespoke products for the technology later this year.

Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display. It displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format. The person wearing the glasses can communicate with the Internet via voice commands.

Betfair spokesperson, Barry Orr, wore the Glass headset live on screen during a report from Leicester Racecourse.

Mr Orr used the glasses to update viewers with real-time notifications of race results, non-runners, jockey changes and price changes.

Alex Deacon, Betfair’s director of product innovation, said: “Glass has only recently arrived in the UK, so using it during our TV betting slots is just the very first step.

“Even more exciting is the potential that we see in understanding the usage and growth of wearable technology when it comes to improving our customers betting experience in ways beyond simply looking at prices on their phones, tablets or computers.

“Betting has moved on from simply placing a bet and waiting for it to win or lose. With products such as Cash Out we know customers want to stay connected to their bets throughout the day and wherever they are.

“Google Glass and the other new technologies help play a part in us creating that seamless connection.”