Samsung Electronics, a long-standing Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, is poised to transform the viewing experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through innovative use of its latest smartphone technology.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), Samsung will deploy its cutting-edge Galaxy S24 Ultra to capture unprecedented footage of the historic Opening Ceremony on the Seine River and the sailing competitions.
Revolutionary Coverage of the Seine River Opening Ceremony
For the first time in Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony will take place outside a stadium. This monumental shift presents unique challenges and opportunities, which Samsung is eager to tackle:
- Over 200 Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones will be strategically installed on 85 athlete vessels
- High-quality HDR cameras will capture intimate footage of athletes’ reactions during the six-kilometer parade
- A private 5G network, powered by Orange (the official mobile network provider of Paris 2024 in France), will stream the footage globally
- Orange will install more than a dozen 5G antennas along the Seine, creating France’s first-ever 5G standalone network
Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
“We’re honored to be working closely with the IOC and OBS to provide high-quality footage that will be part of a series of firsts at Paris 2024 and bring fans at home and onsite even closer to the excitement.”
Innovative Sailing Coverage in Marseille
Samsung’s technological prowess will also revolutionize the broadcast of sailing competitions in Marseille:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra devices will be installed on each competition boat
- Fans can experience races alongside Olympic sailors, getting an unprecedented view of the action
- Advanced optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures high-quality footage in various weather conditions, from calm seas to choppy waves
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The ambitious project required Samsung, OBS, and Orange to collaborate closely to address unique broadcasting challenges:
- Months of intensive research and development to ensure consistent video quality across various water and weather conditions
- Increased transmission power and strategically placed relay towers on chase boats to guarantee seamless livestreaming
- Leveraging the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s advanced OIS features to combat motion and provide stable footage
Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS, commented on the partnership’s potential:
“Samsung’s latest mobile innovation will allow millions of fans around the world to live and breathe the spirit, action and emotion of the Opening Ceremony and sailing competitions alongside their favorite athletes in real-time.”
Samsung’s Legacy of Olympic Innovation
This initiative is the latest chapter in Samsung’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the Olympic experience through technology:
- Introduced the first ‘Call Home’ program for athletes in 1998, allowing nearly 2,500 competitors to speak with their families for free when access to mobile phones was limited
- Developed the Wireless Olympic Works (WOW) app, first introduced to Olympic organizers at Athens 2004 and made available to the public at Vancouver 2010
- Provided over 120,000 mobile products to athletes and staff since Nagano 1998, facilitating communication during the Games
The Impact on Olympic Broadcasting
The use of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at Paris 2024 marks a significant leap forward in Olympic broadcasting. This innovative approach promises to deliver an immersive and unprecedented viewing experience for fans around the globe.
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By bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before, Samsung is helping to fulfill Paris 2024’s promise of being the most open and accessible Games in history.
Looking Ahead: Future Innovations
Samsung has hinted at further technological innovations aimed at bringing fans even closer to athletes. While specific details remain under wraps, the company has promised to reveal more information in the coming weeks.
This tantalizing prospect suggests that the Paris 2024 Olympics may set new standards for interactive and immersive sports broadcasting.
As the Olympic movement continues to evolve and adapt to the digital age, partnerships like the one between Samsung, the IOC, and OBS are becoming increasingly crucial.
By leveraging cutting-edge mobile technology and 5G connectivity, Samsung is not only enhancing the Olympic viewing experience but also contributing to the Games’ legacy of innovation and global unity.
The use of the Galaxy S24 Ultra at Paris 2024 represents more than just a technological advancement; it’s a step towards a future where sports fans can feel truly connected to the Olympic spirit, regardless of their physical location.
As we approach the Games, all eyes will be on Samsung and its partners to see how this revolutionary approach unfolds, potentially setting a new standard for sports broadcasting in the years to come.
