Re-thinking Microsoft Surface for the NFL

Football fans may have noticed something different on the sidelines this year.The pen and paper setup that has been in used for decades as a way to draw schematics and markup for play review have been replaced by Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, embedded in eye-catching blue plastic cases.

Microsoft has worked on a redesigned Surface Pro tablet PC, for the National Football League, according to plans revealed earlier this year.

The partnership between Microsoft and the NFL is valued at a yet unconfirmed $400 Million. Money aside, the deal is indeed a true PR bonus for the tech giant.

Enhancements brought on the sidelines by the device have been noticeable. Coaches and player have been able to immediately review plays and stills. Markups would also be done and displayed in real-time to team members in the booths and on the sidelines, speeding up the review process, without skimping on accuracy.

The challenge for the Surface Pro 2 used in the re-design process, has been on durability and resilience against extreme temperatures, while enabling players to keep a firm and steady grip while holding the device. Weather from one state to another can go from scorching heat to sub-freezing temperatures.

Microsoft Surface senior director Ralf Groene has been primarily responsible in bringing the new concept to production, within the 100,000 Sq.ft. new laboratory at Microsoft HQ in Redmond.

Before coming up with the right design, Groene went through hundreds of iterations, with modifications to the external casing, down to structural modifications on the device itself.

The Surface Pro ultimately used right now by the NFL is completely waterproof, shock-resistant and fitted with an internal ventilation system that allows the device to maintain acceptable operating temperatures.

Aside from the tablet itself, Microsoft was also tasked with designing the carts used on the field to hold as many as 25 Surface Pro 2 per team.