Could a motion-capture application begin to replace golf teaching professionals around the world? Probably not, but a new technology has created quite a buzz in the golf and technology communities.
Sports application developer Zepp has created a motion-capture device that attaches to a glove or a user’s hand and tracks the person’s motion. The companies application, called Golfsense, tracks a golfer’s swing, analyzes it and then makes some suggestions about how to fix it. The app displays a 3-dimensional map for each swing the user takes, and overlays it with what a good swing should look it.
Golfsense users can also sync up with other Zepp users and trade swing data. There’s also a practice mode that lets users swing repeatedly as if they were at a driving range and gives a bulk rating — as well as specific suggestions on how to improve swings.
Golfsense is currently in Apple’s App Store application approval process and should soon be available. The company is looking to charge between $200 and $300 for the application and the motion sensing device that attaches to a glove. But Zepp’s motion capture technology can be applied to other sports — like tennis or football — so the price point might be worth the trouble. Zepp also plans to release an Android and Windows Phone 7 application soon.
