AI in the announcer's booth (that's not an L)

[stepson_and_toe]

Bit curious about where to start this thread but a friend just sent a message to me and several others about an article on the Strategy+Business website regarding work done by IBM and Amazon to produce artificial-intelligence powered robots to provide personalized sports broadcasts. In fact, MLB is working with Amazon to develop AI-based technology that will “create analysis for live games in the tone and style of iconic announcers.” There are a number of links in the article that point to related articles, including one saying that it has already been used to generate stats-based insights for Minor League Baseball.

Larry's email to the group said, "Too bad this didn't arrive in time to replace 'The Hawk'."

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Obligatory: many of us have believed for decades that any supposed intelligence in the announcers' booth has been artificial.

 

[The Gray Eagle]

This could be fun, as long as one of the options offered is no commentary, just the sounds of the ballpark/stadium.
But it would be cool if you could choose a commentator and switch it up during a game. Like, start out with Vin Scully calling the game, then switch to ballpark sounds.
Then if a Yankee pitcher hits a Red Sox batter, I can immediately switch to Robotic Jack Edwards calling the scene.

 

[wiffleballhero]

This is going to be awesome for my beer league hockey team.

 

[uncannymanny]

Likely to have more personality than Joe Buck.

 

[Reverend]

This could be fun, as long as one of the options offered is no commentary, just the sounds of the ballpark/stadium.
But it would be cool if you could choose a commentator and switch it up during a game. Like, start out with Vin Scully calling the game, then switch to ballpark sounds.
Then if a Yankee pitcher hits a Red Sox batter, I can immediately switch to Robotic Jack Edwards calling the scene.

If they produce an AI that can Vin Scully, I quit.

And that’s not a typo: the man is a verb.

 

[Conigliaro's Potential]

Obligatory: many of us have believed for decades that any supposed intelligence in the announcers' booth has been artificial.

 

[shaggydog2000]

If they can figure out how to make it do Will Ferrell's impression of Harry Caray, I'm in.

 

[EvilEmpire]

I'm very disappointed that this thread isn't about Allen Iverson doing NBA games in the booth.

 

[bankshot1]

If they can figure out how to make it do Will Ferrell's impression of Harry Caray, I'm in.

Gifoyle and Dinesh can do anything.