The NBA will rely on Microsoft Teams to create a virtual crowd, as the league continues games on July 30th. The virtual crowds are made possible through a partnership between Microsoft and the NBA, and the crowd will be comprised of people using the video conference platform to digitally attend games.
Microsoft will make this possible with the Together Mode feature, which uses AI to put a people's face and shoulders into the stands. The NBA arenas will be able to accommodate digital crowds by creating an LED screen that is 17-feet tall around the stadium. Those screens will display fans and can even broadcast audio from fans.
Overall the collaboration between the NBA and Microsoft allows fans to actively participate in games and makes the experience more familiar.
Image Credit: Microsoft
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Virtual Crowds
- The use of Microsoft Teams to create a virtual crowd could open up new possibilities for fan interaction and engagement in live events.
- AI-powered Fan Experiences
- AI-powered features like Together Mode can create more personalized and immersive fan experiences.
- Digitally Enhanced Live Sports
- The NBA's partnership with Microsoft demonstrates the potential for technology to transform the way fans watch and connect with live sports events.
Where This Applies
- Sports Entertainment
- The NBA's use of digital technology to enhance fan experiences could be adopted by other sports leagues and live events companies.
- Video Conferencing
- The integration of video conferencing technology into live sports events could lead to new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in this industry.
- Artificial Intelligence
- AI-powered technologies like Microsoft's Together Mode could be applied to other industries beyond live sports events, such as virtual concerts or online education.
