A guy with a scarf

🧠 As you may know i have recently started a collaboration with Ably for the Realtime Fan Engagement initiative, as I really believe that what they have is very useful to many of in sport and media tech. 🎙️ To share more about what they do I thought of (again) asking for the help of my good AI friends Miles and Faye and recorded a podcast to deep dive, instead of boring you with feature lists. 👩‍💻 They break down Ably, a real-time technology platform (fully API-based) that's powering next-level experiences for everything from live sports to esports tournaments, online auctions, and even live concert experiences! 🚀 They cover all the cool features Ably offers, like live chat with real-time reactions, personalized push notifications, and dynamic data broadcasts that keep fans glued to the action. 🤖 They even explain how Ably handles those massive traffic spikes without crashing. (Talk about a game-changer! 😉) 🎙️ Have a listen here below! Link to their Realtime Fan Engagement API and features in the comments.

The third instalment of Product Byte Live, held in London, brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of product development in media, sports, and entertainment. I talked to the organizer Tom McDonnell, CEO of Monterosa , and Matthew O'Riordan , CEO of Ably , who shared their insights on real-time fan engagement and the challenges facing the industry in a panel I moderated in the afternoon also with Vishal Parikh from LiveLike.

🥇 Post-Paris mini-series! Episode 6 with Alex BalfourI have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf:1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short.2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social).3. What should be improved in LA?Here is what Alex had to say:🌟 Spectacular Success:Olympics has "got its mojo back"Reminiscent of London 2012's energyParis beautifully showcased, with Eiffel Tower as the star🖥️ Digital Triumph:First truly end-to-end digital GamesFlawless IOC platforms and outstanding appEnhanced storytelling across all digital channels🏙️ Urban Integration:Masterful use of Paris's iconic landscapesSet a new standard for urban Olympic environments🤳 Innovation:New digital initiatives like "victory selfies" added valueSuccessful sponsored digital-physical crossovers🎭 Cultural Presentation:French high culture elements well-deliveredSome room for improvement in popular culture aspects👀 Looking Ahead:LA 2028 expected to raise the commercial barExcitement building for Milan-Cortina 2026hashtag#Olympics hashtag#Paris2024 hashtag#SportsDigital hashtag#OlympicLegacy

🏅Olympics 🇫🇷 Post-Paris 2024 Mini-Series: Episode 5 with Michael Payne I have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf:1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short.2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social).3. What should be improved in LA?Here is what Michael had to say:- Overall🏛️ Stunning historical backdrop turned Paris into a sports venue🗼 Magical elements like the Eiffel Tower rings and innovative cauldron🎟️ Successful implementation of digital ticketing system🌟 Overall, a massive reboot for the Olympic brand- Areas for Improvement:🍽️ Surprisingly disappointing food quality🚗 Ineffective traffic app- Innovations:✨ Bringing back the Olympic magic🏃‍♀️ Champions parade🎭 Enhanced venue entertainment- Concerns:🤳 Sponsor product placement (e.g., Samsung phones on medal stands)📺 Excessive commercialization during ceremonies- Looking Ahead to LA 2028:🎬 Potential for Hollywood-style innovation🏟️ Opportunities in venue experiences and sport presentationhashtag#Olympics hashtag#Paris2024 hashtag#LA2028 hashtag#SportsInnovation

🥇 Post-Paris mini-series! Episode 4 with Joe FarrenI have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf:1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short.2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social).3. What should be improved in LA?Here is what Joe had to say:🌟 Exceeded Expectations:- Organization level- Look and feel of the Games- Premium design without excessive sponsorship logos- Cultural Olympiad offerings🏠 Innovative Highlights:- Public access to hospitality houses- Alibaba's 360 camera activation💡 Suggestions for LA 2028:- Enhance digital elements- Expand use of 3D technology for replays and fan engagement- Develop interactive experiences for exploring 3D replays- Improve digital collectibles offeringsJoe praised the Games' premium feel, comparing it to Wimbledon. He particularly enjoyed the cultural experiences and the opening of hospitality houses to the public, fostering a true "nations coming together" atmosphere.

I have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf: 1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short. 2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social). 3. What should be improved in LA? Here is what Thierry had to say: 🎉 Exceeding Expectations: Despite initial doubts, Paris 2024 was a resounding success, dispelling concerns about high prices and overcrowding. 🗼 Iconic Venues: The games uniquely integrated iconic Parisian landmarks, setting a high bar for future hosts. 📺 UHD Breakthrough: For the first time, UHD coverage was widespread: 100% UHD production (where possible) 70% DTT coverage in France Major ISPs offering 2160p60 HDR 🔍 Room for Improvement: Graphics support was limited compared to other major broadcasters Broadcast constraints highlighted the potential for OTT services 🎬 Innovative Viewing Experiences: Peacock (US) offered extensive coverage, custom alerts, and multiview options Warner Bros Discovery provided impressive thumbnails and navigation Looking ahead to LA 2028, Fautier anticipates: 🤖 Enhanced AI integration for personalized viewing 📊 Improved statistics and graphics 📱 Potential for companion mobile apps to complement TV viewing hashtag#Paris2024 hashtag#Olympics hashtag#Sportstech hashtag#Broadcasting hashtag#UHD

I have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf: 1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short. 2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social). 3. What should be improved in LA? Here is what Pete had to say: 🗼 Pete spent 17 days in Paris, implementing Play Anywhere's technology with two broadcasters. 🚇 He praised Paris's infrastructure, particularly the efficient public transportation and multilingual staff. 🚴 The city was less crowded due to Parisians taking their August vacations, making it easier to navigate. 🤸 Pete highlighted the diversity of sports, including breakdancing and speed climbing, showcasing the Games' evolution. 📱 Olympic Broadcast Services excelled in storytelling across platforms, especially leveraging social media for "snackable" highlights to attract younger audiences. 🚏 Innovative signage, including floor stickers in train stations, helped guide visitors effectively. 🌴 Looking ahead to LA 2028, Pete anticipates transportation being a major challenge compared to Paris. hashtag#Olympics hashtag#Paris2024 hashtag#SportsInnovation hashtag#LA2028

🥇 Post-Paris mini-series!I have asked few of people in my network with direct experience of the games these 3 questions for A guy with a scarf:1. How was Paris 2024 compared to your expectations? What exceeded, what fell short.2. The most innovative thing you saw (in any of venue, broadcast, digital, social).3. What should be improved in LA?First is Sébastien Audoux, this is what he had to say:🏅 Exceeded Expectations: The Games far surpassed even optimistic predictions.📺 Visual Spectacle: The TV broadcast was particularly impressive, showcasing Paris beautifully.🎟️ Seamless Experience: Excellent logistics, with easy movement between events and last-minute ticket availability.🎥 Production Value: Extensive camera coverage, though some felt underutilized.📊 Graphics Innovation: Impressive use of graphics in some events (e.g., 100m race), but room for improvement in others.🔮 Future Improvements: Potential for multiple world feeds, enhanced graphics, and more 3D/volumetric video in future Olympics.👏 Overall Success: Despite minor areas for improvement, the Paris Olympics were a resounding success, leaving France proud.Looking forward to seeing how LA 2028 builds on this success with even more technological innovations!