It was only a matter of time before gaming evolved beyond the traditional screens and controllers. Enter the Huupe Mini—a groundbreaking innovation that is reshaping the future of interactive gaming. Launched in the fall of 2024, the Huupe Mini is the world’s first smart mini basketball hoop that doubles as a full-fledged entertainment hub.
Blending cutting-edge radar and LiDAR technology, real-time multiplayer gaming, and immersive streaming capabilities, the Huupe Mini is a game-changer in the way we experience sports and gaming. It merges physical activity with interactive digital play to create a dynamic, all-in-one system that’s as entertaining as it is innovative.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Paul Anton, Co-Founder of Huupe, to explore how this revolutionary product is redefining the gaming industry.
Innovation & Tech Today: How does the peer-to-peer gaming work? Can you describe how users can compete with friends remotely?
Paul Anton: While systems like Nintendo Wii introduced motion-based sports gaming using handheld controllers, the Huupe Mini takes it a step further by allowing players to engage directly with the physical equipment of the sport. Instead of holding a remote to simulate actions, players are shooting real basketballs on a real hoop, bridging the gap between virtual gaming and real-world athletics.
The Huupe Mini tracks all of your shots in your bedroom, office, and dorm. The Huupe Mini can determine how many shots you’ve made and attempted, and from where you shot them. We have distances set and we have 1 pointers, 2 pointers, and 3 pointers. From there, the peer-to-peer games are limitless. The Huupe Mini uses advanced radar and LiDAR technology to track shots in real time, enabling players to compete with friends anywhere in the world.
I&T Today: What games come built into the Huupe Mini?
Anton: The Huupe Mini comes with several built-in games, including Huupe City Royale, the Daily Prize Challenge, which transform casual shooting into dynamic competitions, and just huupe. These games track makes, misses, and shot distances with pinpoint accuracy, creating an engaging blend of arcade-style fun and skill-based gameplay. Unlike traditional mini hoops that limit play to simple free throws or dunk contests, the Huupe Mini leverages advanced AI shot tracking technology to provide features like global leaderboards, avatar customization, and daily challenges.
This groundbreaking approach creates an experience that’s not only interactive and competitive but also constantly evolving, offering endless entertainment. The Huupe Mini isn’t just a gaming device or a basketball hoop—it’s a first-of-its-kind fusion of real sports and gaming, redefining how we play and compete.
I&T Today: What’s the most exciting part of the gaming experience with the Huupe Mini? Is it the real-time competition? Is there another aspect that stands out?
Anton: The real-time competitions are a highlight, but what truly sets the Huupe Mini apart is how it combines fitness, skill-building, and entertainment. Unlike traditional gaming, which keeps kids sedentary, the Huupe Mini gets them active, turning exercise into a fun and productive experience. Parents love the focus on fitness, while kids enjoy a gaming setup that keeps them engaged and moving.
I&T Today: How do you see the evolution of gaming technology impacting products like the Huupe Mini in the next few years?
Anton: The evolution of gaming technology is rapidly reshaping how we engage with both fitness and entertainment. As the lines between gaming and physical activity continue to blur, products like the Huupe Mini will only become more integrated into the future of active gaming.
In the next few years, we expect to see features like augmented reality (AR) overlays, advanced haptic feedback, and deeper avatar customization, further enhancing user immersion. Huupe is already exploring the potential for expanding into other sports, with a soccer product in the works, signaling the company’s commitment to broadening the scope of active gaming.
Beyond home use, huupe also envisions its products finding a place in public venues such as restaurants and bars, similar to the success of TopGolf. These locations would offer a social atmosphere where people can enjoy food, drinks, and basketball (or potentially other sports) gaming experiences. As technology continues to evolve, huupe is positioned to lead the way in turning fitness and gaming into an increasingly social and accessible experience for all.
I&T Today: You’ve used radar and LiDAR for tracking shots instead of cameras. How does that impact the gaming experience, and why is that an important feature?
Anton: Using radar and LiDAR instead of cameras enhances the gaming experience with the Huupe Mini by ensuring precise shot tracking while maintaining complete user privacy. With the Huupe Mini designed for personal spaces like bedrooms or office areas, privacy was always a top priority, especially given concerns about traditional cameras. This is why huupe opted for cutting-edge radar and LiDAR technology that accurately tracks player movement and ball distance, measuring distances, makes, and attempts without compromising privacy.
Developing this advanced sensor-based tracking system from scratch was a complex and time-consuming process, adding an extra year to the Huupe Mini’s launch. It required millions of dollars in research and development and was five times more challenging than using a simple camera-based system. This decision underscores huupe’s commitment to user safety and privacy, creating an innovative gaming experience that gives users confidence while they enjoy the game and their privacy.
I&T Today: How does the ability to stream while playing enhance the overall experience with the Huupe Mini? Does it integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like YouTube or NBA League Pass?
Anton: The Huupe Mini’s streaming capabilities redefine what an entertainment hub can be, making it a true multifunctional device. You can stream your favorite games, shows, and highlights on the mini, all while being able to track your shots. You can toggle on and off between the shot tracking overlay on the Huupe Mini.
Beyond just gaming, the Huupe Mini allows you to seamlessly switch between playing and watching, making it perfect for any situation. During March Madness, for example, you can catch the games live and jump into a shooting challenge during commercial breaks. Hosting a Super Bowl party? Keep the energy going by playing mini hoops between the action. At the office, it can stream relevant industry news or shows during downtime, letting you stay connected while taking a break.
It’s also great for unwinding—just throw on a movie on platforms like YouTube or Disney+ after a game. The Huupe Mini combines the utility of multiple devices into one sleek product, replacing the need for extra TVs or tablets while maintaining a high-tech, stylish look. Whether you’re playing or streaming, it brings both function and fun into your space, making it a true all-in-one entertainment solution.
