AI Sportscaster Al Michaels to Deliver Personalized Recaps for Peacock Users
In preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, NBC has unveiled an innovative feature for its streaming service, Peacock. The network has developed an AI version of renowned sportscaster Al Michaels, who will provide personalized recaps to Peacock users. This breakthrough technology allows users to receive 10-minute daily updates in Michaels’ voice, tailored to their preferences.
To customize the recaps, Peacock users simply need to submit their names and select up to three types of sports they are interested in. This seamless process ensures that each user receives a unique and engaging experience. The voice of the AI Al Michaels was trained using his extensive repertoire of work while at NBC, ensuring an authentic and familiar delivery.
The creation of this AI experience was a collaborative effort by Peacock’s team of engineers, product managers, and data scientists. They developed a sophisticated process that integrates state-of-the-art large language model and voice synthesis technology. This ensures the highest level of quality and accuracy in the recaps.
Peacock’s new feature will be available on the website as well as iOS and iPad apps. To maintain the integrity of the content, a team of editors will review all audio and clips for quality assurance before making them available to users. With nearly 7 million clips expected to be created during the Olympics, NBC is committed to delivering a seamless and reliable experience.
Media outlets were given an early demo of the AI Al Michaels. Reviews were mixed, with some praising its accuracy while others found it slightly lacking. According to Vulture, the performance of the synthezoid voice left much to be desired. However, Defector noted that while it may not be a perfect replication, it still sounds strikingly like Al Michaels.
Interestingly, Michaels himself was initially skeptical of the AI proposal. However, after witnessing the technology in action, he was blown away. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Michaels described the AI Al Michaels as “astonishing” and “amazing.” He admitted that it was slightly frightening how close the AI voice was to his own, with only a 2 percent margin of difference.
The introduction of an AI sportscaster marks a significant step forward in the field of artificial intelligence. It showcases the remarkable advancements made in voice synthesis technology and demonstrates the potential for personalized content delivery. As NBC continues to innovate and push boundaries, it is clear that AI will play a significant role in shaping the future of broadcasting and entertainment.
