Google adds AI to the US Olympics broadcast from Paris

It will be the first time a tech company has partnered with a sports charity. Google will be named Team USA's official search AI partner.

Together with NBC Universal and the United States, Alphabet's Google announced on Thursday that it will incorporate artificial intelligence into the American broadcast of the Paris Olympics.

This will enable sports commentators to use AI to explain competitions. Committee of the Olympics and Paralympics Google will be named the authority search computer based intelligence accomplice of Group USA, denoting whenever a tech first organization has banded together with the games not-for-profit, the three associations said in a proclamation.

The announcement comes at a time when NBC Universal, which broadcasts the Games in the United States, is modernizing its coverage to attract viewers who don't watch live TV and young viewers who have grown up watching clips online.

The media company that is owned by Comcast previously stated that it would launch personalized daily recaps of the competition that will be generated by AI and will be narrated by AI versions of real people like sports commentator Al Michaels. NBCUniversal's anchors will use Google Search's AI overviews during Olympic daytime and primetime coverage to answer questions about certain sports, such as the significance of pool-lane assignments in swimming competitions.

Without having to click a website link, Google's AI overviews respond to search queries in writing. According to the companies, comedian Leslie Jones, who will be commentating in Paris, will use Google's Gemini AI model to learn new sports and entertain viewers.

AI-Powered Highlights and Replays

One of the most anticipated features is AI-generated highlights and replays. Using advanced machine learning algorithms, Google's AI will analyze live footage in real-time, identifying key moments, athlete performances, and emotional reactions from the crowd. This technology will enable the automatic creation of highlight reels that can be tailored to individual viewer preferences. Whether you are interested in gymnastics, swimming, or track and field, the AI will curate content that aligns with your interests, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.

Personalized Viewing Experience

Google's AI will also provide a more personalized viewing experience through its integration with NBCUniversal's digital platforms. Viewers will have access to AI-driven recommendations based on their watching habits, favorite sports, and preferred athletes. This feature will extend to the NBC Sports app and website, where users can receive notifications for specific events, watch custom highlight reels, and explore detailed statistics and analyses powered by Google's AI.

Enhanced Commentaries and Insights

Commentary during live broadcasts will also see a significant upgrade. Google's natural language processing (NLP) capabilities will be utilized to deliver real-time data and insights to commentators, enriching their narratives with relevant statistics, historical context, and predictive analytics. This will not only enhance the storytelling aspect of the broadcasts but also provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the sports they love.

Interactive Features and Fan Engagement

Interactivity will be a cornerstone of the AI-enhanced broadcast. Google plans to introduce features such as live polls, Q&A sessions with athletes, and interactive trivia during breaks. These elements aim to keep viewers engaged and make the broadcast a more immersive experience. Additionally, AI-driven chatbots will be available to answer fan questions, provide event schedules, and offer updates on medal standings.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Google's AI integration will also focus on making the Olympics more accessible to a broader audience. Automated closed captions and real-time translations in multiple languages will ensure that non-English speaking viewers and those with hearing impairments can fully enjoy the broadcasts. This commitment to inclusivity reflects Google's broader mission to use technology to bridge gaps and bring people together.

Future Implications

The partnership between Google and NBCUniversal marks a significant step forward in the use of AI in live sports broadcasting. The 2024 Paris Olympics will serve as a proving ground for these innovations, setting a precedent for future sporting events. As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications in sports media are expected to expand, offering fans around the world unprecedented levels of engagement and enjoyment.

Google's integration of AI into the US broadcast of the Paris Olympics promises to transform how audiences experience the games. From personalized highlights to interactive features, this collaboration is poised to make the 2024 Summer Olympics a landmark event in the history of sports broadcasting.