The year 2010 was an interesting one regarding technological innovations and the way they shaped society.

Apple’s iPhone 4 was released, 4G mobile communications ushered in a new era of mobile data speeds, and Google’s Android operating system was preparing to release its third version of the software.

These devices helped spawn a second wave of innovations that are now recognized as tablets, smartwatches and virtual reality headsets.

And I would love to see these devices crossover into the sports threshold.

I’m a firm believer that technology can greatly improve the product on the field.

To an extent, it has already happened. Microsoft has supplied all 32 NFL teams with Surface tablets. Intel has revolutionized replay in the NBA to give a full 360-degree rotation of a highlight.

Imagine if virtual reality headsets were used to review game film. It would put the player back in the exact moment of a game and allow them to practice any offensive or defensive mishap realistically, as opposed to making a mental note and correcting it later.

I know most people don’t like for their sports to evolve, but how is that attitude working out for Major League Baseball and its reluctance to reach a new demographic?

Much like the analytical movement in sports, where a bunch of new stats have come into existence to solidify tendencies identifiable by simply watching the sport, I can see technology’s appearance met with backlash and disapproval until it serves a purpose of the fans.

There’s always a debate of whether attending a sporting event in person is better than watching it at home.

Right now I side with at-home viewership over in-person because of commentary and postgame wrap up shows otherwise missed while sitting in traffic. But think how much better the in-game experience would be if tablets filled football stadiums and provided a second and third camera angle.

Or, when a play is under further review, what if the replay angles referees see were streamed to those devices for transparency?

Sports and technology were always a blind date away from being soul mates and I can’t wait to attend their nuptial ceremony. Here’s to the future.

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Alex Swatson is a sports writer for The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at alex.swatson@vicksburgpost.com