BT Sport is adding a new Hype Mode to its app, as well as a ‘timeline’ feature on consoles, smart TVs and other large screen platforms to mark the return of the Premier League season.
Hype Mode is geared at both children and adults, and includes on-screen descriptions for key plays, shot tracers lined with graphics such as blazes of fire, player runs augmented with smoke trails, and larger-than-life on-pitch graphics to denote shot speeds.
BT Sport’s app also includes an updated Manager Mode, first launched as part of the Matchday Experience last year. It includes an updated mini map showing both teams’ real-time formations plus key data such as the location of key touches in the opponent’s half and teams’ time spent in the opposing team’s half.
The broadcaster is also adding the new timeline feature for viewers watching on TV via its app. The interactive feature, already available on mobile phones, allows them to re-watch key moments and is available in up to 4K HDR quality.
Hype Mode, Manager Mode, and the timeline will be available on BT Sport’s Saturday lunchtime Premier League games as well as select matches from the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “Hype Mode is a first of its kind innovation in the UK around live football broadcast that will provide a new viewing experience for children and families, while maintaining the integrity of the competitions we cover. Meanwhile, customers who have enjoyed our award-winning enhanced player on small screens can now enjoy a completely new viewing experience on large screens too, giving them a new way of viewing sport on TV. Today’s launches are the latest to come from BT Sport Innovates, our new home of industry-leading innovation.”
