Virgin Media O2 has unveiled a new connected playground experience, complete with lights, sound and interactive apparatus powered entirely by its gigabit broadband and 5G mobile networks.
The site, in Islington, London has been designed to create an enhanced outdoor play experience that promotes creativity and smart play through technology.
“The scientific evidence is overwhelming now that spending time outdoors has both immediate and long-term benefits for children’s concentration and mood,” explains child psychologist Dr Sam Wass. “But encouraging this as a parent can be hard, because children’s expectations and what they get from digital play are constantly evolving.”
The playground apparatus including swings, slides and climbing frames has been modified with sensors, pressure pads and infrared beams to create an interactive environment which reacts in real time to a child’s movement, enabling them to create their very own musical masterpiece as they make their way around the playground.
Each interaction with the playground equipment influences the pitch and tempo, adding another layer of sound to build a piece of music which can be heard through speakers throughout the play area. Once the child has completed the course, their unique music track can be downloaded to take home and listen back to.
Virgin Media O2’s Connected Playground at King Square Gardens is open to the public from Thursday 9th to Friday 10th March.