Peacock Launches Vertical NBA Streams for Mobile
▼ Summary
– Peacock is introducing a native vertical video format for live sports, starting with NBA games this spring, so viewers can watch without turning their phones.
– The feature will use an algorithm to automatically crop and zoom in on the action by tracking players on the court.
– This follows a report about NBC Sports planning to use a player-tracking system called viztrick AiDi, though it’s unclear if Peacock’s streams will use this same technology.
– The vertical sports feature is part of Peacock’s broader strategy to grow its mobile presence, which includes vertical clips and multiview for the Olympics.
– The vertical NBA games will be available within the Peacock app’s existing “Courtside Live” section, which already offers multiple camera angles.
Peacock is introducing a new way to watch live basketball on your phone, launching a native vertical video format designed specifically for mobile viewing. This means you can watch NBA games this spring without having to rotate your device. The feature will utilize an algorithm to automatically follow the play, cropping and zooming in on the action to fit the portrait screen. This move represents a significant push by the streaming service to enhance its mobile experience and capture viewers who prefer quick, on-the-go content.
The development follows a recent report about NBC Sports planning to adopt a player-tracking system known as viztrick AiDi. This technology, originally created by a Japanese broadcaster, employs facial recognition, letting mobile users tap on their screen to focus on a particular athlete. While it’s not confirmed if Peacock’s new vertical streams will use this exact system, the similar algorithmic tracking suggests a focus on creating a more interactive and personalized viewing format. The streaming platform has been actively building out its mobile offerings, having previously added vertical clip playlists from popular shows, planning a mobile multiview for the Olympics, and creating a dedicated feed for clips from Bravo series.
You can access these vertical NBA broadcasts through the Courtside Live section within the Peacock app, which already provides games from multiple camera angles. This initiative highlights the broader industry trend of adapting traditional horizontal content for the vertical screens that dominate smartphone use, aiming to make live sports more accessible and engaging for the mobile-first audience.
(Source: The Verge)
