‘Social Screen’ Combines 289 Phones into Giant Display for UEFA Fans

Heineken introduced its groundbreaking “Social Screen” at a high-profile UEFA Champions League event held at Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg.

The innovative technology provided football fans with a unique way to experience the intense match between Barcelona and Benfica last week.

The “Social Screen” is an expansive, dynamic display created by seamlessly linking 289 mobile devices into a single, synchronised viewing platform. By physically connecting their devices, fans were able to form a large-scale screen, transforming a typically solitary viewing experience into a shared, communal celebration of the game.

The beer giant described the event as a celebration of “innovation, community, and passion for football,” with the aim of using cutting-edge technology to elevate the way fans experience live matches.

Vittorio Cafiero, Head of Digital Production at LePub Milan, shared that the team initially experimented with Wi-Fi 6E for its better frequency range but opted for standard 5GHz networks due to logistical reasons. By strategically adding extra access points, they were able to connect 289 devices in a 17×17 grid, ensuring a synchronised, full HD viewing experience.

“If we had worked in an environment with less noise and devices supporting Wi-Fi 6E, we could have expanded the Social Screen by at least double, up to 700 mobile phones,” Cafiero added.

How It Works

To participate, attendees turned off their mobile data and scanned a large QR code displayed near the social screen. Connecting via Wi-Fi, the Social Screen’s Captive Portal opened, where users selected an available slot, rotated their phones horizontally, and watched the match stream seamlessly.

The technology powering the social screen also included a custom-built system that split the DSTV Stream signal in real-time, adjusting automatically to the number of connected devices for a smooth viewing experience.

Warrick Wyngaard, Marketing Communication Manager at Heineken South Africa, expressed his enthusiasm about providing South African football fans with this innovative experience.

“Our Heineken Social Screen represents our dedication to creating unforgettable moments for our consumers,” Wyngaard said. “Football is all about community, and we are planning even more events where fans can come together and celebrate their love for the game.”