AD AGE's Emma Hall wrote brands like Stella Artois, Jaguar and Evian are "taking hi-tech" to Wimbledon. Jaguar is "handing out biometric wearable devices" for spectators "to measure energy and excitement levels." An infographic created from the data will "be beamed live across digital billboards at key London locations" and featured on "social media feeds and a dedicated website." Mindshare U.K. is "leading the campaign." Meanwhile, Stella Artois and creative agency Mother have "built on the 'Perfect Flight' TV commercial -- which features Rufus the hawk." The new creative uses Oculus Rift to "give tennis fans a chance to experience the sensation of flying like a hawk over the grounds of Wimbledon" (ADAGE.com, 7/1).
THE SOCIAL NETWORK: The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Marshall & Vranica noted Facebook is "testing a new 'suggested videos' feature and a new video opportunity for marketers." After a user views a video on Facebook, the social network "plans to show them a feed of additional, auto-playing videos it thinks they might be interested in, with video ads interspersed." The initial media partners "include NBA, Hearst, Fox Sports, Funny or Die and Tastemade" (WSJ.com, 7/1).
VIRTUAL INSANITY: N.Y.-based marketing agency Narrative recently used virtual reality "to help Under Armour launch its new Stephen Curry basketball shoe." The company "invited journalists and bloggers to a Bay Area event where they experienced key parts of Curry's hoops life through Google Cardboard, the inexpensive paper holder that turns any smartphone into VR goggles" (USA TODAY, 7/1).
ME AND MY RC: In Chicago, Lewis Lazare reported RC Cola is the "new presenting sponsor" for the upcoming Bears training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill. The brand replaces Chase, which "was presenting sponsor of last year's Bears training camp" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/1).
