The X Games Team With Google On AI Judging System For Ski And Snowboard Events
The X Games, after striking a streaming rights deal with Roku, is taking another leap into the digital future by partnering with Google on a new AI judging technology.
Ski and snowboard competitions at the 'superpipe,' the competition's signature, 20-foot-tall freestyle course feature, will have a computers evaluating their moves instead of humans as part of a pilot program. While AI and digital technology more broadly have upended the sports world, the introduction of the new setup is unusual for sports based on judges, points to intriguing future scenarios for sports like figure skating, diving or gymnastics.
More from Deadline
Apple Ceases AI News Alerts After High-Profile Mistakes
YouTube And Google Contribute $15M To L.A. Wildfire Relief
Hollywood Labor Leaders At CES Discuss How Their AI Negotiating Strategy Will Ease Members' "Fear Of Replacement" And The Importance Of Sticking Together
Superpipe, according to the X Games website, is 'judged on combinations, flow, difficulty, amplitude, and execution.' Those judgments will be rendered by a new experimental AI technology developed in collaboration with Google Cloud.
The X Games (x for 'extreme') were founded by ESPN programmers in the mid-1990s as a way to bring sports like snowboarding, freestyle skiing, skateboarding and motocross to wider audiences. MSP Capital acquired the X Games in 2022.
The AI system will debut during this year's X Games Aspen. The announcement of the new system said it aims to 'explore the potential for enhancing objectivity in judged sports, increasing fan engagement, and providing athletes with additional insights into their performances.'
X Games AI uses Google Cloud's tools, including Vertex AI and advanced large language models, to analyze video footage and capture data on metrics such as airtime, trick difficulty, and execution. The system is designed to provide deeper analysis of each run. The tech was developed with input from X Games judges, athletes, and analysts to ensure alignment with the competition's needs.
'When we acquired X Games, our goal was to reimagine unique fan experiences and increase access to the world's premiere athletes,' said Jeff Moorad, CEO of MSP Sports Capital. 'The X Games partnership with Google is a great example of how we intend to use technology to enhance that experience.'
The Roku streaming rights deal was announced in December as part of a broader push into technology by MSP and the X Games.
'This is just the beginning,' said Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games. 'AI is still in its early development when applied to action sports, but I'm blown away by what our model can already do. Aspen will allow us to test its capabilities and explore how it might enhance transparency, fairness, and engagement for fans and athletes alike.'
Best of Deadline
'Back In Action' Soundtrack: All The Needle Drops In The Netflix Film
2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
'Severance' Cast Through Seasons 1 And 2: Innies, Outies, Severed and Unsevered
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Nuclear Air Filtration for HVAC Managers: Why the Nuclear Comeback Demands Next-Gen Filtration Standards
The Big Reveal: What HVAC Managers Must Know About High-Performance Filtration. Camfil Nuclear air filters are used for containment control during dismantling or maintenance work at a nuclear sites. Nuclear Energy is Making a Comeback in the U.S. Why Advanced Air Filtration is More Vital Than Ever Riverdale, NJ, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Learn how Camfil supports safe nuclear energy expansion in the U.S. with cutting-edge containment solutions. With nuclear energy making a significant comeback in the United States as a reliable and carbon-free power source, advanced air filtration systems are playing a pivotal role in ensuring safety and operational integrity. Camfil, a global leader in clean air solutions, emphasizes the essential role of containment and air filtration technology in supporting the safe expansion of nuclear power with an extensive new guide. The U.S. government's goal to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 and the 20% increase in planned nuclear reactor projects reported in 2023 signal a pivotal shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Large technology companies such as Amazon, Google, and Meta are also investing in nuclear power to meet their ambitious clean energy goals, highlighting its importance as part of the renewable energy ecosystem. However, the expansion of nuclear energy production demands a renewed focus on maintaining safety standards. Modern nuclear facilities must integrate robust safety measures to mitigate airborne hazards and prevent the release of radioactive contaminants. Advanced filtration systems are essential for managing these risks, ensuring that nuclear energy remains a viable and sustainable solution for addressing the challenges of global energy demand. "Containment of airborne contaminants and air filtration play a critical role in ensuring the safety and operational integrity of nuclear power plants," said Paul Charbonneau, Nuclear Air Filtration Systems Segment Manager at Camfil, "As the nuclear industry experiences a renaissance, advanced containment and filtration systems serve as a key enabler, reinforcing the viability of nuclear energy as a sustainable and secure power source. Camfil remains dedicated to driving innovation in containment and air filtration technology, continuously developing solutions that meet the highest safety and performance standards." The guide details Camfil's proven track record in pioneering nuclear air filtration, dating back to 1963. The company's innovative containment solutions, such as the CamContain series, are specifically engineered for high-risk environments such as nuclear facilities. Featuring HEPA filters designed to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, gas-tight stainless-steel construction, and advanced mechanisms such as bag-in/bag-out (BIBO) systems for safe filter replacement, these cutting-edge solutions ensure optimal safety and efficiency. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), continue to mandate stringent standards for air filtration and containment systems to protect workers, local communities, and the environment. Camfil's technologies are designed to meet and exceed these requirements, providing nuclear facilities with reliable, state-of-the-art solutions for airborne hazard management. As the U.S. harnesses the potential of nuclear power to achieve both energy security and sustainability goals, Camfil's air filtration solutions remain at the forefront of maintaining safety and reinforcing public confidence in this vital energy source. Learn more by accessing the full guide: About Camfil Camfil Nuclear Air Filtration & HVAC The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 29 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and 5,700 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at Contact Information Lynne Laake Camfil USA Air Filters Phone: 888-599-6620 Email: Attachment Nuclear Energy is Making a Comeback in the U.S. Why Advanced Air Filtration is More Vital Than Ever
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
These New Pixel 10 Features Will Challenge The Competition
The new Pixel 9 With the launch of Android 16, many expect the first smartphones to ship with the latest version of the OS will be Google's Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. While the focus will no doubt be placed on both the new capabilities of Android and the increased application of artificial intelligence, some huge hardware changes should not go unnoticed. The changes focus on the camera. It's already clear that Google is adding a telephoto lens to the Pixel 10; the Pixel 9's wide-angle and ultrawide-angle lens will be joined by a telephoto lens. This isn't a direct addition… the Pixel 9's with the 50 megapixel wide and 48 megapixel ultrawide will be bumped down to a 48 megapixel wide and 13 megapixel ultrawide pairing (a pairing that matches that of the Pixel 9a). Nevertheless, the telephoto will be welcome both in use and by the marketing team. The camera system is expected to feature gimbal-like stabilization across the entire Pixel 10 family. Using a mix of optical image stabilization, software-based electronic image stabilization, and AI algorithms, the Pixel 10 camera system should allow for sharper images thanks to the steadying influence of the hardware compensating for dynamic movement while the phone's camera is being used. The Pixel 10 has a critical role to play in the smartphone ecosystem. As the entry-level Pixel smartphone, it will challenge the current 'flagship-killer' handsets in price and capability. With it, Google will be looking to set the standard that consumers should expect at this price point. While the Pixel range plays a part in defining what it means to be a smartphone—be it a flagship, a foldable, or the base function of a phone—the Pixel 10 will arguably be the Pixel that can have the most significant impact on the ecosystem. Adding a telephoto lens and image stabilisation sets another marker for the competition. Whether it is a justification for a decision already made in their design process, or a push to include these elements in the next phone, the Pixel 10 represents Google's image of what a smartphone should be. And that view now includes some big steps forward for the camera. Now read the lates Pixel 10 and Android headlines in Forbes' weekly smartphone digest...
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Google Battery Warning Made Worse By Pixel Trade-In Problems
Google will soon reduce the performance of Pixel 6a phones affected by a new battery overheating problem. If you plan to upgrade and trade-in, however, your used Pixel phone won't fetch much on the secondary market. The battery problem was first spotted by Android Authority, which discovered a line of text buried in the Settings app of the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 specifically mentioning a Pixel 6a 'battery overheating issue.' This was later confirmed by Google, which says that a forthcoming update will reduce the capacity of the Pixel 6a battery, and charging performance, once it hits 400 charge cycles. This comes after users posted on Reddit that their Pixel 6a handsets had caught fire. It's also not the first time a Pixel A-series phone has had battery overheating issues. The Pixel 4a suffered from a similar problem, while some Pixel 7a owners complained about swollen batteries last year. Google's fix for the Pixel 4a also resulted in an update that throttled the phone's battery life. In both cases, a free battery replacement, or money towards a new phone, was offered. In the case of the Pixel 7a, the company was offering up to $456 under warranty, and $300 out of warranty. If Google makes a similar offer for your affected Pixel 6a, you should take it because the phone itself isn't highly valued on the secondary market, nor will it fetch much when trading in. It's not just the Pixel 6a; the price of almost all used Pixel phones craters after one year. A-series devices are obviously budget phones, which will guarantee a low price when sold on the secondary market. But even Google's recent flagships struggle to net much when trading in. Take a look below at how Samsung prices Pixel phones when buying the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Even Google offers little for its own devices. You will get more for a used Samsung or Apple phone when buying a new Pixel 9. Your Pixel 6a won't fetch much when trading in. The best deal you will find is Samsung U.K.'s guaranteed £200 ($271.30) for any Android phone when buying the Galaxy S25. If you decide to sell your Pixel 6a on the secondary market, in good condition the phone will sell for roughly $100 on eBay. The situation is slightly better on Swappa, where you might net $120. Considering that there have been three Pixel A-series phones with battery problems, all of which have virtually no sell-on value, if Google offers some money off of a new flagship phone in exchange for your Pixel 6a, take it.
