The Billion-Dollar Business Of The World Cup

The World Cup kicks off in Brazil June 12. How big of a business is soccer’s quadrennial tournament for FIFA (International Association of Federation Football), the sport’s international governing body?

World Cup Brazil will generate $4 billion in total revenue for FIFA, or 66% more than the previous tournament in South Africa in 2010. The vast majority of the money will come from the sale of television and marketing rights. The World Cup generates more revenue for its association than any other sports tournament, save the Olympics (based on revenue per-event-day, the NFL’s Super Bowl reigns supreme). FIFA’s profit for the Brazil World Cup: $2 billion.

Almost all of the revenue FIFA generates comes from television rights ($1.7 billion) and marketing rights ($1.35 billion) from corporate partners like Adidas , Emirates, Sony , Visa V +0.37%, Hyundai and Coca-Cola . Blue chip companies love to throw money at the World Cup because it is followed passionately throughout most of the world.

FIFA research, which took a year to produce after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, said 909 million television viewers tuned in to at least one minute of the 2010 final at home. Some 619.7 million people also watched at least 20 consecutive minutes of Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands in Johannesburg. More than 3.2 billion people watched live coverage of the 2010 tournament for a minimum of one minute. The average official rating was 188.4 million for each match.

The 2010 Men’s World Cup drew the most US viewers ever for the tournament. ESPN announced that broadcasts averaged a 2.1 rating (2.29 million households and 3.26 million viewers), a 31% increase over 2006. The final between the Netherlands and Spain was the most-watched men’s World Cup game with 15.6 million viewers.

World Cup as sports content is getting richer. Last month Fox Sports won the US English-language rights for 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar), beating out bids from ESPN and NBC. ESPN bought the rights for the 2010 and 2014 rights for $100 million. While official figures for the new television deal have not been officially released, John Ourand of Sports Business  Journal was told Fox may have paid between $400 million to $500 million. That is quite  plausible since Univision bought the U.S. Spanish rights for $425 million for the last two World Cups.

Still, the business of the World Cup is not cheap to operate. For Brazil, FIFA will make total payments of $576 million to the participating member associations, the clubs of participating players and for the club protection program, 37% more than the World Cup in South Africa for years ago. The biggest lion’s share of the payments will go towards a record $70 million ofprize money, 75% more than the 2010 competition. The 2014 World Cup winners will receive $35 million, while the 16 teams that are eliminated in the group stage will each collect $8 million. Taking into account the total number of teams, players and the duration of the World Cup, the per-player, per-day amount will be $2,800 in Brazil.

There growth in the business of the World Cup is expected be robust since the late 1990s due to the big jump in broadcasting rights. Television rights outside of the U.S. for the 2002 and 2006 World Cup were sold for $2 billion, a six-fold increase versus the $310 million paid by the European Broadcasting Union, a consortium representing the interests and financial power of Europe’s public broadcasters, for the three tournaments held in the 1990s. Since 1998 (check out slide show), overall World Cup revenue for FIFA has increased 11-fold.

The financial success of the World Cup is great for the sport’s growth. FIFA’s budget for the years 2015-18 is $4.9 billion, of which $2.15 billion is slotted for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.  In aggregate, 78% ($3.8 billion) of the $4.9 billion will be directly invested in soccer (development projects, competitions, governance).

More at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2014/06/05/the-billion-dollar-business-of-the-world-cup/

Android 4.4.3 Appears Before Google I/O

Motorola and Nexus smartphones are receiving a minor system update from Google.

Google and Google-owned Motorola are making good on their promise to keep Nexus and Moto-branded devices up to date with the latest version of Android. The two companies are pushing Android 4.4.3 out to a handful of handsets. Here's what's new and different.

Google released Android 4.4.3 KitKat this week. It has posted the factory images for a number of phones and tablets, including the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (both WiFi and LTE), Nexus 10, Galaxy Nexus, and Nexus S. The factory images are raw code. Handy device owners can download and install these system updates if they so wish, but a little know-how is required to push the code from a PC to the phone or tablet.

The official change log is rather skimpy. According to Google, Android 4.4.3 makes a visual update to the Phone dialer application by adding a card-based view to the speed dial contacts. It also adds a new color. Other changes resolve bugs pertaining to CPU usage and a bug in the Nexus 5 camera. Not all that exciting.

[Is Google's Android facing a new challenge? Read Samsung Z Runs Tizen, Not Android.]

Keep in mind, Google has not begun to distribute these system updates over the air. It likely will in the days ahead. If you're not skilled enough to root your phone to manually flash the new ROM, just wait. It won't be long before the official rollout begins.

Android 4.4.3 is a bit more interesting for owners of the Motorola Moto X, Moto G, and recently announced Moto E. The system update is available to all US variants of the Moto G and E, but only the T-Mobile variant of the Moto X (for now). Motorola says all three devices will gain the new Phone app and a number of general improvements to consistency, usability, stability, and security.

More specifically, the Moto X will take better pictures thanks to tweaks to how it measures exposure values and how it uses the flash. The Moto X should also see better low-light performance from the user-facing camera -- after all, who doesn't want the best selfies possible? The Moto X and Moto G both gain the ability to pause/resume video recording, which lets people add a cut to a video without creating two separate files. The update installs a dedicated pause button in the viewfinder itself, making the new feature easy to find and use. Last, the Moto X and Moto G gain access to the Moto Alert application. Moto Alert was initially an exclusive for the Moto E. It is meant to help give people peace of mind by firing off periodic messages (automatically) to select contacts. Motorola says more details are available on the individual support pages for the Moto X, Moto G, and Moto E.

Though Android 4.4.3 is a minor system update, its appearance just weeks ahead of I/O -- Google's annual developer conference -- is notable. It is probably the last tweak to Android 4.4 KitKat before Android jumps to an entirely new version. Google's plans for Android at I/O might include a refresh to Android 4.5 or maybe a jump to Android 5.0, a new Gmail application, Android Wear and associated devices, and more. I/O kicks off the last week of June.

What do Uber, Bank of America, and Walgreens have to do with your mobile app strategy? Find out in the new Maximizing Mobility issue of InformationWeek Tech Digest.

Eric is a freelance writer for InformationWeek specializing in mobile technologies. View Full Bio

Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Now Rolling Out to Nexus Devices in India

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Nexus devices has landed on Indian shores and is now rolling out the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 7.

The latest Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Nexus devices is now available OTA (over-the-air) and comes with build numbers KTU84L for Nexus 7 and Nexus 4, and KTU84M for the Nexus 5.

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Nexus 5 is about 92MB in size and brings performance improvements, stability and bug fixes. With the update, the Nexus 5 has also received an improved dialler with updated interface that now shows images of the contacts in the dialler app and also shows images of the speed dial contacts.

Notably, the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update is an incremental update from Android 4.4.2 KitKat and brings security enhancements and various bug fixes. Further, Google is said to bring few more fixes with its new update which include fixes for data connection loss, random reboots, missed calls and various camera bugs. Other than existing bug fixing, the Android 4.4.3 is said to not bring anything significantly new in terms of features and UI interface. Further, Google Play Edition devices can also be expected to receive the Android 4.4.3 update soon.

The Nexus 7 (2013) Wi-Fi only tablet variant wasreportedly the first deviceto receive the Android 4.4.3 update over-the-air. Google also released the Android 4.4.3 KitKat factory images for Nexus devices.

T-Mobile announced the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update rollout to its Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices on Monday.

Motorola, soon after Google released the Android 4.4.3 KitKat factory images for Nexus devices, on Tuesday announced the same update for itsMoto E, Moto G and Moto X.

The company announced that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Moto E, Moto G and Moto X could be expected to be rolled-out globally in the coming weeks.

According to Motorola, the new Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Moto E, Moto G and Moto X brings an improved dialler with updated interface; stability, framework and security fixes, as well as enhancements to the power profile capabilities.

Tags: Android, Android 4.4.3, Google, Mobiles, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Tablets

Oh, Great: Google Glass To Help People Aim Guns Around Corners

Google Glass can send an email on the fly or take a hands-free photo. But did you know it could also help you shoot a target without even having to look?

Tracking Point, an applied technology firm focusing on precision guided firearms, on Wednesday released a prototype video (above) ShotView, a Google Glass app that, when paired with the right weapon, allows shooters to aim around corners. The app is currently in its testing phase.

This is not a curved bullet scenario: The weapon's scope is equipped with a camera, which streams video via WiFi to a connected device. The ShotView system already works with smartphones and tablets (and regular consumers can download that version of the app), but the Google Glass app makes it a hands-free experience. A rep for Tracking Point told The Huffington Post that there are no plans to make the hands-free app available to consumers.

ShotView lets shooters take cover around corners, behind walls or from any other position that could provide cover while still getting the perfect shot.

Tracking Point isn't the only military-style app being developed for Google Glass. Researchers at an Ohio Air Force base are working on a project called Batman, which tests potential uses for Glass, including communications between ground teams and overhead aircraft, both in military situations and for first-responder pararescue teams. Even the New York City Police Department has been testing Glass to see if it could be useful for surveillance and patrol purposes.

Google Glass may not be the smartphone of the future that Google hopes it will be, but that clearly won't stop it from serving other purposes.

This post has been updated with a statement from Tracking Point.

MORE:

Google's Project GlassGoogle Glass MilitaryWearables MilitaryGoogle Glass Military UsesTracking PointShoot Around Corners With Google Glass

Apple Unveils iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite at Developer Conference

Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, described updates to the new desktop operating system, dubbed Yosemite. CreditJim Wilson/The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple on Monday introduced new operating systems for its Mac computers and mobile devices, including a series of changes intended to help Macs work more seamlessly with iPhones and iPads.

The new Mac system, called Yosemite, includes a new design that streamlines the toolbar for using the computer’s calendar, clock and calculator. It also includes new icons. The new mobile system,iOS 8, adds functions like a smarter keyboard and new features for emails and text messages.

The announcements were made at the company’s annual software developer conference here. Apple also introduced a system called Continuity, which makes it easier to juggle content across different devices. For example, a user can connect a Mac and an iPad, making it possible to compose an email on a Mac, and then swipe up on the iPad screen to resume writing the same email. A phone conversation on an iPhone can be transferred to a Mac, too.

The company’s iCloud online storage service received some attention, too. The company said it was adding a new feature called iCloud Drive, which allows users to store files online and access them across different devices, similar to the service offered by Dropbox, a start-up based in San Francisco.

“Apple engineers platforms, devices and services together,” Timothy D. Cook, Apple’s chief executive, said in front of thousands of software developers at Moscone Center. “We do this so we can create a seamless experience for our users that is unparalleled in the industry.”

In iOS 8, the mobile device keyboard has been expanded to improve what is called predictive-typing suggestions. When a user is typing, the keyboard tries to predict the next word the user will type to help save time. It can also predict responses to incoming messages — for example, if a spouse asked, “Do you want to go to dinner or a movie?” the messaging app will provide potential responses to pick from: Dinner, a movie, or “I don’t know.”

Apple also updated the messaging system to make it quicker to respond to text messages. When a text arrives, the message will pop up on the top of the screen; the user can simply swipe down to type a response rather than open the texting app.

The company also announced a new health-monitoring app for iOS 8, HealthKit. The app logs statistics like a user’s footsteps, heart rate and sleep activity. The app will be able to pull data from third-party fitness and health-monitoring hardware.

Apple said it would allow makers of health-monitoring apps to integrate tightly with HealthKit. For example, the Mayo Clinic has retooled its app so that if a patient’s vital signs, like blood pressure, seem concerning, HealthKit can notify the hospital proactively so that a doctor can reply to the patient.

The introduction of HealthKit was low key compared with Apple’s other announcements. But the software is likely a precursor to Apple’s coming smart watch, which has a strong focus on health monitoring, according to multiple people briefed on the project, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because the plans were private.

The new Mac system and iOS 8 will release as free updates in the fall.

Fans and customers anticipating new iPhones or a smart watch will have to wait — Apple did not introduce any new hardware on Monday. The company has traditionally reserved fall and winter for its biggest product announcements to target the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

Still, Apple has not been shy about building hype around its coming products. Eddy Cue, the company’s senior vice president for Internet software and services, said at the Code conference last week that the products that Apple is poised to release this year were part of “the best product pipeline” he has seen in his 25 years at the company. New iPhones with larger screens, iPads and a smart watch are expected for release later this year.

On Monday, though, the focus was more on developers, and Mr. Cook and his team outlined a host of new features for them. Mr. Cook said the new tools would help developers “make things they haven’t dreamed of and to push to a whole new level.”

App developers will now be able to take advantage of the fingerprint sensor on the latest iPhones for things like letting people log into their apps. Craig Federighi, the company’s senior vice president of software engineering, who delivered most of the keynote presentation, said that developers would not gain access to the fingerprints themselves — a user’s fingerprints will remain securely stored inside the iPhone’s processor, he said.

Apple also introduced HomeKit, a set of tools for developers to make iPhones more integrated with the so-called smart home, or wirelessly controlled home appliances like light bulbs, thermostats or door locks. One tool will allow Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, to communicate with these devices — saying “Get ready for bed” could dim the lights, close the garage door and lower the thermostat, for example.

Amid the many features announced at the keynote, Apple also introducedSwift, a new programming language for Macs and mobile devices. The company said Swift would help developers write more reliable code by eliminating common programming errors.

Developers at the event on Monday expressed excitement about Swift. Miguel Rodriguez, a developer for Noma Systems, which makes apps for fashion brands like Zara, said he found the Apple event impressive, and was especially interested in the programming language.

Mr. Rodriguez said Swift contained some features that the current programming language used by Apple, Objective-C, had lacked. But, he said, the new language is “still familiar and it still looks the same.”

Matt Craig, head of technology for the Foundry, a 3-D effects software company, said he thought Swift would be extremely important for his line of work. “For me, the new language is huge,” he said.

More at: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/technology/apple-wwdc-update-mac-ios.html?_r=0

onitoring app for iOS 8, HealthKit. The app logs statistics like a user’s footsteps, heart rate and sleep activity. The app will be able to pull data from third-party fitness and health-monitoring hardware.

Stay with us! Marriott targets LGBT travelers

Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY

(Photo: None Marriott Internationa)

Marriott International is going after the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community with a new social media and marketing campaign that launches today, joining a number of major hotel chains aggressively trying to lure the lucrative clientele.

#LoveTravels will feature images wrapped around five hotels in Washington, D.C., print ads in LGBT media, an online portrait gallery and other ads in various U.S. cities. The ads will feature openly gay NBA player Jason Collins, among other spokespeople. Images and videos plus personal stories will be available at LoveTravels.Marriott.com and atMarriott.com/gaytravel.

Marriott's campaign is the latest example of the hotel industry stepping up its efforts to lure LGBT travelers. While the company says it is targeting the community to make LGBT travelers feel more welcome, there's also a business incentive. According to Out Now Global, an LGBT marketing specialist group, the potential value of the LGBT travel market was set to reach $181 billion last year.

The Supreme Court's striking down of the Defense of Marriage Act and the expansion of marriage equality has sparked more businesses to publicly reach out to the community.

"It's almost expected at this point in the LGBT community," says David Paisley, senior research director at Community Marketing and Insights, an LGBT marketing research firm.

Since its start in San Francisco in the 1980s, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has been at the forefront with its support of community organizations advocating for the LGBT community.

But many other hotels have followed suit.

Preferred Hotel Group launched the Preferred Pride program in 2011 with more than 120 gay-welcoming independent hotels and resorts in 20 countries. OUT NYC has called itself the first gay hotel in New York City. Hilton Worldwide has a gay travel package and a website dedicated to helping LGBT guests plan their vacations.

Marriott's campaign will run through November. Braden Summers, a celebrity photographer, shot the photos of Collins, fashion model Geena Rocero, and Marriott employee Talisha Padgett-Matthews.

"Our goal is really to educate and engage and shift perception of our portfolio brand," says Kristine Friend, senior director of segment marketing for Marriott International. "We've decided to kick off a holistic campaign that really helps celebrate inclusiveness and beautifully illustrates our desire to make people feel at home at our hotels."

Rick Stiffler, Preferred Hotel Group's vice president of Leisure Sales, says hotels have no other choice but to pay attention to the LGBT traveler given how much they spend on travel.

"It's in the billions and that really has a lot of people paying attention to the LGBT market," he says. "I think if you're not paying attention, you're definitely missing the boat. For us, it's not only the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do."

Collins, who spent part of last season with the Brooklyn Nets, calls Marriott's outreach program "important not only to the LGBT community but to society in general."

He adds, "When I travel with a boyfriend, we really want to feel that sense of inclusiveness regardless of our sexual orientation or religion. We want that feeling of being welcome."