NBC is taking its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics to the next level by using artificial intelligence to personalize the experience for Peacock subscribers. They have enlisted the help of generative A.I. software to recreate the voice of legendary sportscaster Al Michaels. The result is a highly-customized highlight playlist called “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock,” narrated by what sounds like Michaels himself.
Users will be greeted by name and presented with a curated playlist of Olympic highlights tailored to their interests. They can choose to focus on specific sports, viral moments, athlete backstories, or other categories. Each package runs about 10 minutes and can be customized in over seven million different ways, ensuring a unique experience for each viewer.
Al Michaels, who has been a part of NBC’s Olympics coverage since 2010, has given his approval for the use of his voice. After seeing a demonstration of the A.I.-generated content, he eagerly agreed to participate. “When I was approached about this, I was skeptical but obviously curious,” Michaels said. “Then I saw a demonstration detailing what they had in mind. I said, ‘I’m in.'”
To address concerns about accuracy and context, a team of NBC Sports editors will review all the content before it is added to the recaps. This includes checking the pronunciation and intonation of names and events, ensuring the highest quality and validation.
This move by NBC is significant, as it represents a major step into generative artificial intelligence for a major media company. It sets a template for future offerings where talent can be looped in and compensated for their work. Kelly Campbell, president of Peacock and direct-to-consumer at NBCUniversal, highlights the customer-first approach of these personalized recaps, saying, “Peacock continues to introduce unique customer-first features that strengthen our unmatched leadership in live streaming.”
With features like interactive elements and personalized recaps, NBC is bringing fans a never-before-seen Olympics experience. The combination of the best of sports and technology is sure to captivate viewers and enhance their enjoyment of the games. So get ready to immerse yourself in the Paris Olympics like never before, as NBC and A.I. create a personalized journey just for you.
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