NBC’s AI voice Al Michaels to bring daily updates and recaps on the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer: Technology: Tech Times

Instead of hiring Al Michaels or other replacements for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, NBC is going the generative AI route by cloning the legendary sportscaster’s voice for upcoming events. Al Michaels’ AI counterpart would provide the daily recaps and updates for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics, which NBC would broadcast for the United States.

In addition to Michaels’ AI voice narrator, NBC offers subscribers live game broadcasts on its Peacock streaming platform.

NBC’s Al Michaels gets AI-generated voice for Paris 2024

NBC Universal will offer a “Your Daily Olympic Recap” experience for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, using the AI-cloned voice of legendary sportscaster Al Michaels to commentate on the games. NBC says this will be available through Peacock, its streaming platform, which under NBC will also be the official streaming partner of the Olympics for the United States.

Al Michaels is best known as an Emmy Award-winning commentator who has been in the industry for more than 50 years and is considered one of the voices of the NFL. Michaels’ career is also highlighted by his legendary live coverage of football games and, more recently, Thursday Night Football.

Michaels, 79, recently admitted that he was amazed and shocked when he was introduced to his AI voice clone.

Also read: Price increase at Peacock: How to watch the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris at the old subscription price

AI Michaels comments on daily Olympic Games recaps and updates

NBC’s AI-generated Michaels is now up to the task of providing a personalized experience of the major Olympics. At its peak, it would aggregate up to 5,000 hours of coverage. It would also provide extensive recaps and updates on up to 40 Olympics per day, with users only needing to sign up for the experience on Peacock starting July 27.

Generative AI cloning and deepfake: Is it accepted?

Generative AI is a powerful technology because it can deliver tremendous results to users in different ways and experiences. However, not all users have good or honest intentions behind their creations. There was once a scam at Arup where fraudsters were able to rake in £20 million by creating deepfakes of their executives defrauding an employee.

However, not everyone is at risk of AI deepfakes and voice clones, as well-known Canadian technopop star Grimes has previously allowed the world to clone her voice. The musician has previously agreed to the use of her AI voice on tracks and is only asking for royalties to be split 50:50, similar to the deal she has with artists who have collaborated with her.

Cloning of life, whether through artificial intelligence or physical, is not yet widely accepted worldwide. The claim of artificial life still faces massive criticism and opposition. In NBC’s case, however, Michaels will be a generative AI voice, providing her audience with daily summaries and updates on the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, which are also known for their use of AI technology.

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