Al Jazeera Uses Augmented Reality To Explain Winter Olympic Sports


Every four years, when the Winter Olympics arrive, undoubtedly there are many people who don’t know exactly what every sport is. This year, for PyeongChang 2018, Al Jazeera sought to change that.

Using augmented reality, the Qatar-based network showed its viewers how curling, biathlon, skiing and bobsled, among others, actually work, according to a report by NewscastStudio.

To create the augmented reality visuals, the network used its large LED video walls and 3D models ranging from mannequins to ski slopes and bobsled courses, it was reported. The 3D models are motion tracked to create the AR effect on screen. The augmented reality scenes are created using Vizrt.

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Al Jazeera took to Facebook to share videos of its explainers featuring narration over an augmented reality visual. For curling, the augmented reality effect spanned the length of the screen, and perhaps the studio.

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Posted by Al Jazeera English on Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The New York Times also used AR to explain the Olympics, with a special focus on particular athletes and their specialized techniques.

With the technology emerging as a popular way to engage viewers, readers, and fans, expect to see AR used in many more instances.