News/Sports

Feb 8, 2025

Google updates its Gemini Super Bowl ad after making false cheese claims

Google's Gemini Super Bowl advertisement required editing after displaying incorrect information about Gouda cheese consumption in a Wisconsin-targeted commercial. The incident in brief: A Google Super Bowl advertisement featuring the Gemini AI chatbot contained misinformation about Gouda cheese consumption statistics, prompting swift corrections before its scheduled airing in Wisconsin. The original ad showed Gemini incorrectly claiming that Gouda accounts for 50-60% of global cheese consumption The commercial was specifically created for Wisconsin, the leading cheese-producing state in the United States The ad focused on demonstrating how small businesses could utilize AI technology, featuring a Wisconsin cheesemaker seeking help with product...

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Feb 7, 2025

AI transforms college, pro sports entertainment ROI with 220M data points

Sports technology company Elevate launches EPIC, a new AI-powered platform that analyzes fan data to help sports organizations optimize revenue and engagement, with early adoption by NFL teams and college athletics. Platform overview: Elevate's performance and insights cloud (EPIC) combines consumer insights, ticketing management, and property analytics to help sports organizations make data-driven decisions. The platform processes data from 220 million people, including fan behavior, ticket sales, and sponsorship information EPIC helps organizations determine stadium seating options, ticket pricing, and fan retention strategies More than 25 organizations, including the Tennessee Titans and University of Illinois Athletics, are already using the...

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Feb 7, 2025

Will pricey Super Bowl ads pay off for AI companies?

The economics of Super Bowl advertising: Marketing during the NFL's biggest game continues to command premium prices, with costs for 30-second air time increasing from $7 million in 2024 to $8 million in 2025. Market research firm Cint's survey of 300 adults reveals that 61% are likely to change their brand perception based on Super Bowl advertisements 41% of respondents maintain a very favorable view of brands that advertise during the game Food and beverage companies traditionally dominate Super Bowl advertising, but tech companies are making significant inroads this year AI companies making their mark: Major technology companies are leveraging...

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Feb 7, 2025

Google admits Gemini AI demo was staged in Super Bowl ad

Google's upcoming Super Bowl advertisement has been found to misrepresent the capabilities of its Gemini AI by showing it generating a product description that existed years before the AI's launch. The central issue: A commercial intended for Super Bowl broadcast shows Google's Gemini AI supposedly creating a product description for Wisconsin Cheese Mart, but investigation reveals the text has existed on the company's website since 2020. The advertisement depicts Gemini generating website copy for a Gouda cheese listing The exact description shown in the ad has been publicly available since August 2020, three years before Gemini's launch Google's Gemini AI...

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Feb 6, 2025

Super Bowl boosts security with AI and facial recognition, restricts drones

Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans is implementing advanced security measures following a recent New Year's Day attack, combining artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and traditional security methods to protect the estimated 100,000 visitors. Security overview and context; The Department of Homeland Security has designated Super Bowl LIX as a Level 1 Special Event, requiring extensive federal interagency support and enhanced security protocols. NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier expressed confidence in the comprehensive security plan, which has been reassessed following the January attack State police will maintain an enhanced security zone around both the French Quarter and Caesars Superdome from...

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Feb 6, 2025

OpenAI to debut first-ever Super Bowl commercial

The artificial intelligence company OpenAI plans to broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl commercial during Super Bowl 59, marking a significant milestone in the company's marketing strategy. Key developments: OpenAI's decision to purchase Super Bowl advertising space, which costs approximately $8 million for a 30-second spot, represents the company's largest advertising investment since its 2015 founding. The company recently appointed Kate Rouch as its first chief marketing officer, bringing experience from Coinbase and Meta Rouch is known for creating Coinbase's attention-grabbing 2022 Super Bowl ad featuring a bouncing QR code OpenAI unveiled a new brand identity this week, including an updated...

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Feb 6, 2025

OpenAI kicks off first Super Bowl ad amid AI marketing surge

OpenAI plans to air its first television commercial during the 2025 Super Bowl, marking a significant shift in the company's marketing strategy and following Google's similar AI-focused advertisement from the previous year. Major development: OpenAI's entry into mainstream advertising represents a strategic move to reach a massive global audience through America's most-watched sporting event. The commercial will air during Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025 The company will pay approximately $8 million for a 30-second advertising slot, up from $7 million in 2024 The 2024 Super Bowl reached an estimated 210 million viewers,...

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Feb 5, 2025

Google admits AI mistake in Super Bowl cheese ad

Google has corrected an inaccurate statistic about Gouda cheese that appeared in its Super Bowl advertisement featuring the Gemini AI system. Key details: The original commercial showed Gemini generating website content that incorrectly claimed Gouda accounts for 50-60% of global cheese consumption. Google modified the YouTube version of the ad to remove the specific percentage, replacing it with a more general statement about Gouda being "one of the most popular cheeses in the world" The business owner featured in the commercial had already implemented the AI-generated content, including the incorrect statistic, on their website Despite Google's correction to the advertisement,...

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Feb 5, 2025

You could win a $1M prize for using Perplexity during the Super Bowl

Super Bowl viewers have a chance to win $1 million by engaging with Perplexity AI's search engine during the game on February 9, 2024. Contest Overview: Perplexity AI has launched a Million Dollar Question sweepstakes that combines artificial intelligence technology with America's biggest sporting event. Users must download the Perplexity app (available on iOS and Android) and create an account to participate Entry period begins at 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET, 30 minutes before kickoff The winner will be announced within three hours after the game ends Entry Requirements and Limitations: The contest structure allows multiple ways to accumulate...

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Feb 3, 2025

One of Google’s AI Super Bowl ads is getting its facts all wrong

Google's Super Bowl commercial featuring Gemini AI has drawn attention for making an inaccurate claim about global Gouda cheese consumption. The questionable claim: Google's advertisement showcasing Gemini AI's capabilities across all 50 states included a misleading statistic about Gouda cheese consumption in its Wisconsin segment. The AI system claimed that Gouda makes up "50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption" This statistic appears to lack credible sourcing and contradicts expert knowledge about global cheese consumption patterns Expert perspective: Cornell University's agricultural economics expert provides important context about actual global cheese consumption patterns. Professor Andrew Novakovic clarifies that while...

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Feb 3, 2025

ChatGPT vs DeepSeek: Which can plan the better Super Bowl party?

Super Bowl party planning gets a technological upgrade as ChatGPT and DeepSeek AI assistants demonstrate their party planning capabilities through specific, practical advice. Initial Testing Parameters: The experiment involved using three targeted prompts to assess how each AI assistant handles party planning tasks for a 15-person Super Bowl gathering. The test focused on three critical areas: menu planning, room layout, and entertainment options Both AI assistants were evaluated based on their ability to provide practical, detailed advice The testing method involved consistent prompts across both platforms to ensure fair comparison Menu Planning Capabilities: ChatGPT and DeepSeek showcased different strengths in...

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Feb 1, 2025

Google buys 50 different Super Bowl ads to make sure you know how cool its AI tools are

Google's Workspace division is launching its first-ever Super Bowl campaign featuring 50 distinct local TV commercials showcasing small businesses across the United States. Campaign Overview: The "50 States, 50 Stories" initiative represents Google's strategic push to demonstrate the practical applications of its AI tools in small business settings. Each state will receive a unique commercial featuring a local business that actively uses Google Workspace's AI capabilities The campaign highlights diverse businesses, from a Nebraska cattle ranch to a Wisconsin cheese shop All 50 advertisements will air simultaneously during Super Bowl 59 on February 9 Production Details: The ambitious project combined...

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Jan 21, 2025

Google’s AI is being used to judge snowboard halfpipe competitions at X Games

The X Games is testing artificial intelligence to assist with judging snowboard halfpipe competitions in Aspen, marking a significant step in bringing AI technology to subjectively judged sports. The technology setup: Google Cloud's Vertex AI system has been trained on thousands of hours of halfpipe footage and established judging criteria to evaluate snowboarding performances. The AI platform was developed through a collaboration between X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom and Google founder Sergey Brin The system analyzes key performance elements including jump height, trick difficulty, and execution Judges traditionally score runs on a 100-point scale based on these technical components Initial...

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Jan 17, 2025

The Australian Open is trying to woo viewers with Nintendo Wii-style AI animations

The Australian Open tennis tournament is leveraging AI technology to create Nintendo Wii-style animated broadcasts of matches, offering a unique solution to broadcast rights limitations. The innovation explained: The tournament has implemented a system called AO Animated that converts live tennis matches into animated recreations, streaming them on YouTube with a 2-minute delay. The system uses court sensors to digitally reproduce live action in a style reminiscent of Nintendo Wii Tennis Live commentary and crowd noise are included to enhance the viewing experience The broadcasts are freely available worldwide via YouTube Technical implementation: The technology represents a creative solution to...

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Jan 15, 2025

AI supercomputer predicts this team to win Super Bowl LIX

NFL supercomputer analysis predicts the Detroit Lions will secure their first-ever Super Bowl appearance and victory, potentially ending their 60-year championship drought by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. Key predictions: BetVictor Canada's AI supercomputer analyzed regular-season records, winning streaks, schedule strength, and playoff experience to forecast Super Bowl LIX outcomes. The Detroit Lions have a 20% chance of reaching the Super Bowl, second only to the Kansas City Chiefs at 25% In a head-to-head matchup, the Lions are favored to win with a 52% probability over the Chiefs' 48% The Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles are each given an 18%...

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Jan 14, 2025

Pebble Beach introduces AI cameras and shot tracing tech to its nine-hole golf course

Pebble Beach Resorts has introduced ReelGOLF®, an AI-powered video capture system, at The Hay's ninth hole, allowing golfers to create and share high-quality videos of their shots. What's new: The ReelGOLF Experience combines AI-enabled cameras, shot tracing technology, and social sharing capabilities to enhance the golfing experience at the Tiger Woods-designed short course. AI-powered Bosch cameras positioned near tee boxes and greens automatically record players' shots Players activate the system by scanning a QR code, receiving enhanced videos with shot tracing and branding within minutes Starlink satellite internet ensures reliable video delivery even in remote course locations Technology implementation: The system...

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Jan 6, 2025

AI could standardize targeting penalties in college football with real-time analysis

The context: The recent Texas-Arizona State Peach Bowl quarterfinal game highlighted ongoing concerns about the consistency of targeting calls in college football, particularly after a controversial no-call impacted the game's outcome. A critical hit by Texas DB Michael Taaffe on an Arizona State receiver during a crucial third-down play sparked debate when officials upheld a no-targeting call after review The decision forced Arizona State to punt instead of potentially receiving a first down near the Texas 35-yard line Texas ultimately won the game in double overtime Current targeting rules: The NCAA defines targeting as when a player deliberately attacks an...

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Dec 30, 2024

NASCAR is exploring the use of AI in racing and strategic operations

NASCAR's Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell has revealed plans to potentially integrate artificial intelligence into future racing formats and strategic operations. Key development: NASCAR is exploring ways to leverage AI technology for enhancing both operational decisions and the playoff format structure in upcoming racing seasons. The organization sees AI as a valuable tool for simulating various racing scenarios and predicting their potential impacts AI could help evaluate adjustments to playoff driver numbers and analyze different race conditions The technology would build upon existing data analysis capabilities already used in motorsports Current implementation: Motorsports teams have already begun incorporating AI and...

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Dec 22, 2024

Autonomous race car crashes at Abu Dhabi Racing League event

An autonomous race car crashed during a warm-up lap at Japan's Suzuka Circuit, preventing a planned competition between artificial intelligence and former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat from taking place. The incident details: The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) organized the event to showcase the current capabilities of self-driving race cars. The autonomous vehicle, carrying 95 kg of computers and sensors, lost control during preliminary laps Cold tires and track conditions were identified as the primary factors in the crash The accident occurred before any actual racing could begin against the human competitor Technical specifications and limitations: A2RL provides competing...

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Dec 20, 2024

How AI is transforming the game of baseball

The intersection of artificial intelligence and Major League Baseball is creating new competitive advantages, with the Texas Rangers leveraging data analytics to enhance their game strategy and operations. Data-driven success story: The Texas Rangers' 2023 World Series victory showcases how professional baseball teams are harnessing AI and big data to gain competitive advantages. Data engineer Oliver Dykstra has been instrumental in transforming collected information into actionable insights since joining the Rangers in October 2022 The team employs hundreds of predictive models that analyze various aspects of the game Accurate predictions helped forecast the Rangers' successful 2023 season performance AI-powered predictions...

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Dec 18, 2024

Fury vs Usyk heavyweight boxing championship to be the first ever judged by AI

Recent advancements in sports technology have taken an unprecedented turn as artificial intelligence prepares to make its debut in professional boxing judging during the highly anticipated Fury vs Usyk 2 heavyweight title fight. The groundbreaking development: The upcoming heavyweight championship rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will be the first boxing match to incorporate an AI judge, marking a significant shift in combat sports officiating. The AI judging system, introduced by Ring Magazine owner Turki Alalshikh, is being promoted as a solution "free from bias and human error" While the technology provider hasn't been officially confirmed, reports suggest it...

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Dec 15, 2024

Toyota robot sinks 80-foot basketball shot, sets world record

The intersection of robotics and sports reached a new milestone as Toyota's humanoid robot successfully completed an unprecedented long-distance basketball shot, highlighting the advancing capabilities of AI-powered robotics in precision tasks. Project Background: Toyota's basketball-playing robot "Cue" began as a volunteer side project in 2017 and has evolved through multiple generations of increasingly sophisticated development. The robot first debuted at an Alvark Tokyo professional basketball game in March 2018 Cue has progressively mastered various basketball skills including three-point shots, dribbling, and free throws In 2019, the third-generation model "Cue3" set its first Guinness World Record by making 2,020 consecutive free...

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Dec 9, 2024

PUMA and Man City invite fans to co-design uniforms with AI

The initiative's scope: PUMA has launched an innovative campaign allowing fans to co-design Manchester City's Third Kit for the 2026/27 season using a new AI-powered design platform. The project utilizes DEEPOBJECTS, an AI platform integrated with Google Cloud technology, to create the PUMA AI Creator tool Fans can use text prompts and customization tools to generate unique kit designs The design submission window remains open until December 20 Participation mechanics: PUMA has established a structured system for fan engagement and design selection. Each participant receives 15 Credits and 2 Entries for design submissions Users can rate other participants' designs to...

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Nov 28, 2024

Sportradar launches AI-powered audio ads for sports broadcasts

Sportradar's introduction of AI-powered audio advertising represents a significant advancement in sports marketing technology, combining real-time sports data with artificial intelligence to create personalized audio advertisements. Major Innovation: Sportradar has launched a Generative AI audio feature within its multi-channel marketing service ad:s, targeting sports betting and iGaming operators. The new feature leverages AI to create personalized, real-time audio advertisements The system utilizes live sports data to generate dynamic content during sporting events The technology aims to simplify audio advertising creation without requiring extensive creative teams or high production costs Market Context: Consumer behavior trends and industry data support the strategic...

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