Verizon, the NFL and AWS Leverage 5G and MEC to bring enhanced mobile gaming to Super Bowl LV

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon, in collaboration with AWS and the NFL, launched the first 5G and MEC-enabled mobile game called NFL Ultra Toss for fans at Super Bowl LV. Utilizing Verizon's 5G Edge and AWS Wavelength, the game offered a low-latency, high-bandwidth multiplayer experience. Fans could toss a virtual football using augmented reality, competing in real-time with others in-stadium. Nicki Palmer, Chief Product Officer at Verizon, highlighted the potential of 5G in transforming gaming experiences. Verizon reported revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020, showcasing its strong market position.

Positive

• Successful launch of NFL Ultra Toss at Super Bowl LV showcasing Verizon's innovative gaming capabilities.
• Enhanced player experience due to low latency and high bandwidth from 5G Ultra Wideband and MEC.
• Utilization of AWS Wavelength demonstrates a strong partnership enhancing service delivery.

Negative

• None.

What you need to know:

• Verizon, AWS and the NFL debuted the first 5G and MEC-enabled mobile game for fans in-stadium at Super Bowl LV.

• With Verizon 5G Edge and AWS Wavelength, the gameplay was offloaded to the edge of Verizon’s 5G network reducing latency (or lag) and allowing for a massive multi-player experience in stadium.

• Verizon customers playing the game in-stadium had an enhanced gaming experience thanks to the super low latency and massive bandwidth provided by 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge compute.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, the NFL and AWS debuted the first 5G and mobile edge compute (MEC)-enabled mobile game for fans in-stadium at Super Bowl LV, called NFL Ultra Toss.  Fans with the NFL Ticketholder app received a push notification during the second quarter and were able to compete by using their smartphone to virtually toss a football into the back of a virtual pickup truck positioned in the middle of the field. Fans connected to 5G Ultra Wideband in the stands could point their phone’s camera to the middle of the field to see the virtual pickup truck materialize on the field using augmented reality (AR). The interactive AR experience also allowed fans to simultaneously see the live virtual football tosses happening in real-time from other fans, amping up the head-to-head competition.   

Verizon customers playing the game in-stadium had an enhanced gaming experience thanks to the super low latency and massive bandwidth provided by 5G Ultra Wideband and MEC. By using Verizon 5G Edge and AWS Wavelength, the gameplay was offloaded to the edge of Verizon’s network reducing latency (or lag) for those enjoying the multi-player experience in the stadium. 5G Edge moves the data and processing done by applications and services closer to the end user at the edge of the network. This shortens the roundtrip that data needs to travel, reducing lag time, or latency, and helps applications respond more quickly and efficiently. AWS Wavelength brings AWS compute and storage services to the edge of Verizon’s network, allowing innovators to develop applications with increased speeds, massive bandwidth and ultra-low latency.

“Gaming is all about community and so is the Super Bowl and together with AWS we were able to bring these two communities together to offer a first of its kind 5G and MEC-enabled gaming experience to fans at scale,” said Nicki Palmer, Chief Product Officer at Verizon. “The super-fast speeds, massive bandwidth and low latency provided by 5G and MEC lets players have a console-quality multi-player gaming experience on the go and allows developers to rewrite the rules for creating eye-popping, graphics-rich multiplayer action. The future of gaming is happening right now.”

Learn more information about Verizon 5G Edge, Verizon’s 5G technology and AWS Wavelength.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at www.verizon.com/about/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:

Chris Ashraf

christina.moon.ashraf@verizon.com 

201.320.4259

Twitter: @ChrisMoonPR

FAQ

What is NFL Ultra Toss developed by Verizon?

NFL Ultra Toss is the first 5G and MEC-enabled mobile game launched by Verizon at Super Bowl LV, allowing fans to engage in augmented reality gameplay.

How does Verizon's 5G technology enhance gaming experiences?

Verizon's 5G technology reduces latency and increases bandwidth, enabling a fast and responsive multiplayer gaming experience.

When was NFL Ultra Toss launched?

NFL Ultra Toss was debuted during Super Bowl LV on March 1, 2021.

What are the benefits of AWS Wavelength for Verizon's services?

AWS Wavelength allows applications to run closer to users, enhancing speed and reducing latency for better service delivery.

What was Verizon's revenue in 2020?

Verizon reported revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020.