Google AI to transform Olympics

Google is the “official AI sponsor for Team USA” after announcing a partnership with Team USA and NBCUniversal (NBCU), which will see it integrate its AI-powered features into NBCU’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which start on July 26th.

What AI features will Google be integrating into the Olympic coverage?

The partnership marks the first time a tech company has sponsored Team USA, and Google plans to use this sponsorship as an opportunity to showcase the power of its AI capabilities and demonstrate how everyday Google products can be used, while also engaging viewers and enhancing their viewing experience, at the same time.

During their broadcast of the Games, NBCU will use Google Maps’ 3D views to show viewers immersive visions of Olympic venues like the Versailles, Stade Roland Garros, and the Aquatics Centre and provide viewers with details about which events are taking place at which locations, helping them plan what they want to watch.

Commentators will use Google’s AI Overviews to “Explain the Games” to clarify specific event rules and answer Olympic and Paralympic-related questions. Comedian Leslie Jones will be using Gemini to help her learn a new sport, and five chosen athletes will use Gemini, Google Lens, Circle to Search, and Google Maps Immersive View to explore Paris and create ‘One Day in Paris’ promo videos for social media.

NBCU has already demonstrated their interest in using AI to enhance their broadcasting, as they’re planning to use an AI-generated voice of infamous US sports commentator, Al Michaels, to produce personalized Olympic recaps.