Connexa Sports Technologies Inc. has recently shared remarkable feedback from the initial beta testing phase of its AI-powered Slinger App for tennis enthusiasts. This cutting-edge application, which leverages artificial intelligence to provide both technical and tactical insights, has been trialed by over 500 users worldwide. The company plans to extend this testing to an additional 500 participants before the holiday season.
Among the early reviewers was Darren Cahill, the renowned ATP Coach of the Year and mentor to Jannik Sinner. Cahill commended the app for its versatility, catering to players across all skill levels. He particularly appreciated the app’s unique capability to deliver tactical analysis through AI, noting its availability on both iOS and Android platforms as a significant benefit.
The Slinger App, developed in collaboration with Gameface, employs a sport-specific AI platform to analyze and extract data from videos of player practices or matches. This technology provides scalable solutions for the tennis industry, eliminating the necessity for specialized hardware.
Feedback from testers of various skill levels has been overwhelmingly positive. An enthusiastic tester praised the AI’s precision, even when using suboptimal video angles. Meanwhile, a club-level tester lauded the app’s design and user-friendly interface.
Mike Ballardie, CEO of Connexa Sports Technologies, expressed satisfaction with the feedback received, which ranges from professional coaches to everyday club players. He acknowledged the suggestions for minor adjustments and future enhancements, emphasizing the app’s role in delivering data and analytics for both training and match play.
Launch and Future Plans
The Slinger App is scheduled for an official launch in February 2024, initially offering a ‘freemium’ version. As new analytical features are introduced, a subscription model will be implemented, with pricing set at approximately $10 per month or $100 annually.
One of the primary challenges in developing the app was creating recognition learning for various playing styles and techniques. Through extensive testing and input from tennis experts, Slinger identified four universal pillars: Hitting Foundation, Shoulder Rotation, Weight Drift, and Hitting Contact. The app uses AI to analyze and provide feedback on these pillars, offering insights and self-coaching tips.
The Slinger App aims to deliver meaningful and actionable insights to help players enhance their game and enjoy their time on the court. Similar to fitness apps, it encourages regular use to track self-improvement.
Ballardie concluded by highlighting the app’s availability on both iOS and Android, allowing users to access groundbreaking tennis AI technology. New Slinger Bag users will also download the app to access user guides and practice videos, further supporting Connexa’s expansion into the sports AI market, which was valued at $2.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow significantly.
About Connexa Sports Technologies
Connexa Sports is a leading company in connected sports, offering products, technologies, and Sport-as-a-Service across various sports verticals. Their mission is to revolutionize sports through technological innovation, focusing on the modern sports consumer.