Google, NBCUniversal partner for Paris 2024 Olympics AI-powered coverage
Google, Team USA and NBCUniversal announced a partnership to provide AI-powered coverage for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. According to the NBCUniversal press release, this collaboration aims to merge cutting-edge technology with the world of sports, enhancing the storytelling of Team USA athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are thrilled to announce Team USA’s partnership with Google,” Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said. “This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a powerful alliance that brings together the best of technology and sports.”
Enhancing coverage with AI-powered features
Google, alongside NBCUniversal, will utilize AI to enrich the viewing experience of the Paris Games. This integration includes various Google products such as Search, Maps, and the Gemini AI, which will be embedded within NBCUniversal’s comprehensive coverage.
NBCUniversal’s “Explain the Games” feature will showcase Google Search’s AI Overviews, aiding commentators in providing in-depth explanations of various Olympic and Paralympic events. This initiative aims to answer viewers’ questions with a single search, enhancing understanding and engagement during both daytime and primetime broadcasts.
Interactive experiences with Google Gemini
During the Games, viewers will follow comedian Leslie Jones, serving as Chief Superfan Commentator, as she uses Google’s Gemini AI. Jones will leverage Gemini to create custom moves and learn new sports, sharing her experiences across NBCU’s networks and Peacock, thereby making the coverage more interactive and entertaining.
Exploring Paris with AI and 3D broadcasts
The partnership also includes social videos and late-night promos featuring five Olympians and Paralympians exploring Paris. These athletes will use Google Lens, Circle to Search, and Immersive View in Google Maps to discover the city, highlighting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Stade Roland Garros.
Viewers will also experience enhanced 3D broadcasts of iconic Olympic venues, courtesy of Google Maps Platform’s Photorealistic 3D Tiles. This technology will provide immersive views of locations such as Versailles and the Aquatics Centre, making audiences feel as though they are on the ground in Paris.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Google to deliver innovative, highly engaging elements that will enhance the coverage of the Paris Games for our audiences,” Dan Lovinger, President of Olympic & Paralympic Partnerships at NBCUniversal said. “This one-of-a-kind partnership demonstrates the endless possibilities when you combine innovative technology with premium content.”
Live coverage and future games
NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on July 26, with comprehensive broadcasts continuing through August 11. NBCUniversal holds the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, promising to bring future events from Milan Cortina, Los Angeles, and Brisbane to audiences with enhanced AI features.
Marvin Chow, Vice President of Marketing at Google, added, “Our partnership with Team USA and NBCUniversal during the Olympic & Paralympic Games provides an incredible stage to showcase how Google’s everyday products and newer innovations like Gemini are using AI to help fans explore, learn, and connect with the Games.”
