Immersive Technology in the Olympics
By Ashlyn Lacovara
Philippe Guillotel with Interdigital authored an insightful article discussing the significance of immersive content within the Olympic Games. He highlighted the extensive reach of the Olympics, which attracts over three billion viewers worldwide. Philippe noted that the past two Olympic Games have incorporated immersive technology; for instance, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics offered the opportunity to experience events in virtual reality, while the Tokyo 2020 Games utilized immersive experiences to enrich the in-person attendance, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The author says that this year's immersive experience reveals that the majority of individuals continue to engage with sports primarily through television broadcasts or online streaming. The relationship between sports and technology remains strong, evidenced by innovations such as goal-line technology in soccer, the decision review system in cricket, and pylon cameras in the NFL that enhance fans' viewing of replays in the end zone. This year's events are no different, as organizers are embracing AI-powered advancements and unique extended reality experiences.
In recent months, there has been a notable increase in discussions linking immersive technology and the Olympics. Examples include the Australian relay swimming team's training with VR goggles, as well as the announcement of a virtual table tennis tournament following Olympic Esports Week in Singapore last year. However, it seems that audiences still perceive extended reality primarily as a novelty rather than a legitimate entertainment option.
As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032, it is imperative that XR developers prioritize quality of experience above all else. For immersive experiences to be considered a viable alternative to traditional TV broadcasts and online streaming, they must be seamlessly integrated and provide an enhanced level of engagement. If not, audiences are likely to overlook them. The advent of 6G technology is anticipated to enable significant advancements in XR, but it will be crucial for the Brisbane organizing team to leverage this potential effectively in order to fully embrace immersive experiences in 2032.
Please take some time to read through Philippe's article at this link.
