Major League Baseball’s Ballmark app has added support for Apple’s Business Chat feature. The update means that users can ask location-specific questions about their favorite stadiums.
The feature launched to coincide with this week’s Home Run Derby and All-Star game. However, it is set to start launching in other parks after the All-Star break.
As TechCrunch noted:
“Developed alongside New York-based AI startup Satisfi Labs, the feature is designed to answer simple questions … [It] will either answer straight away or open the appropriate app, like Maps and Calendar. In the case of this week’s events, that could mean something as simple as the start time for the derby or something more specific like where to pick up a shuttle to a specific hotel.”
Business Chat lets iPhone and iPad communicate with retailers and service providers. It can provide automated responses to common questions. In some cases, it can also connect users to customer support representatives.
MLB the early adopter
MLB has been quite the early adopter when it comes to new Apple technology. In 2013, MLB installed iBeacons at 20 U.S. ballparks. This offered iOS users point-of-interest mapping and other contextual information.
The following year, a deal was struck which added Apple Pay to several MLB stadiums for the World Series. In addition, it’s been experimented with technology such as an AR stats feature viewable on smartphones.
You can download the Ballmark app, described as “your mobile companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks,” here. The app is intended to personalize your trip to MLB games with digital ticketing functionality, mobile check-in, offers, rewards and exclusive content.
