Manchester City supporters can now prove their loyalty by giving their right arm for the club, thanks to Fantom, a wristband that provides details of the countdown to kick-off for matches, live match updates, interactive quizzes, breaking news and more.
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The light blue wristband with Manchester City branding and a black touchscreen display, is the world’s first football smart band aimed at die-hard football fans. According to Fantom, the watch provides “24/7 breaking news about City, from City, packaged in a premium aluminum housing with touch display and soft silicone straps.”
Technology played a bigger role than ever during the FIFA world Cup 2018 and wearable technology was an integral part of it. The referees were wearing Big Bang connected watches and the Telstar 18 official ball had an NFC chip in it to improve fan experience.
To make it work, you need to download the ‘City Fantom’ app for iOS or Android, and pair your Fantom watch with your phone via Bluetooth.
The new Fantom band comes from a Swedish-based startup called Turnpike Group, who call themselves the “global leader in fintech”.
“Fantom is an instant tribe telegraph on your wrist, making you feel connected to everything happening around the club,” said Carl Norberg, co-founder of Turnpike Group.
“For clubs it’s incredibly exciting because it enables them to understand and reach their most loyal fans in a completely personalized way, without cannibalizing existing sales, relationships or channels.”
With Fantom on their wrist, City fans can now choose the Man of the Match or vote on club topics and daily quizzes.
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According to the advertisement on the official website, Fantom is aimed at all fans, whether they’re in the stands, in the pubs, or those far away in different time zones.
“Fantom is made to keep you close to your club at all times, and we are continuously working hard on making that experience even better, reads the advertisement.
“This is only the beginning. Today, Fantom will give you the latest news, updates, live match reporting, polls and quizzes – right on your wrist. Wherever you are in the world.”
However, all these activities aren’t for free. City fans wanting to take part in these actions will need to fork over £79.99.
