In a historic shift, Alibaba Group Holding’s cloud computing division is set to revolutionize how the 2024 Summer Olympics are broadcast worldwide. The tech giant has partnered with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to deliver the Paris Games using a state-of-the-art AI-powered cloud platform, replacing a six-decade-old satellite system that has long been the standard for event distribution. This move represents a major leap forward in how Olympic content is distributed and consumed worldwide.
Alibaba Cloud All Set to Launch OBS Cloud 3.0
On Thursday, Alibaba Cloud, the technology arm of Alibaba Group, announced the launch of OBS Cloud 3.0. This advanced platform will be used by media outlets globally to access and distribute images and videos from the Paris Olympics. The OBS, a subsidiary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), manages the Game’s broadcast coverage. This new approach marks a historic first, as it is the first time the Olympics will be distributed primarily through a cloud-based platform, replacing the satellite technology first employed during the Tokyo 1964 Games.
AI and Enhanced Viewer Experience
This year’s Olympics will see the integration of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the viewer experience. Alibaba has committed to using its proprietary Tongyi Qianwen large language models (LLMs) to support official commentators throughout the Games. This technology is akin to chatbots like ChatGPT and will assist in delivering enriched commentary and interaction.
Chinese AI startup SenseTime is also playing a significant role, providing AI-driven data analysis and strategic advice to the China men’s national basketball team. This innovation aligns with a broader trend, as AI has become a key player in the global sports industry following the recent launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
US Tech Giants Join the AI Revolution
US technology firms are also making their mark at the Paris Games. Intel, in collaboration with the IOC, has introduced AthleteGPT, a chatbot designed to assist athletes with inquiries and provide information during their stay at the Olympic Village. Additionally, Google’s partnership with NBCUniversal will feature AI-powered innovations such as 3D venue maps and detailed sports information, further enhancing the broadcast experience.
Ultra-High Definition Viewing
For the first time, viewers will experience the games in ultra-high definition, thanks to Alibaba’s cloud technology. This move promises to significantly enhance the quality of broadcast and viewer engagement, setting a new standard for global sports events.
Alibaba’s Vision for the Future
Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, emphasized that this partnership represents more than just a technological upgrade. It is a step towards transforming technological innovation into practical applications, revolutionizing how audiences worldwide experience the Olympic Games.
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