Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones were placed in various locations to broadcast the Paris Olympics opening ceremony live. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
The 2024 Paris Olympics are proving to be a landmark event, with the slogan “Games Wide Open” being realized through the unprecedented use of technological advances. One notable example comes from Korea’s very own Samsung Electronics, which has provided Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones to help enhance people’s viewing experience.
One of the highlights of the 2024 Paris Olympics so far has been its unique opening ceremony. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony was held outside of a stadium. It consisted of a grand parade of athletes from various nations gliding along the Seine in boats. This 6 km procession passed by a picturesque backdrop of cultural heritage sites and iconic landmarks that showcased Paris’s rich history and beauty.
Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones were used in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony parade. The devices were installed on the boats to live stream the athletes. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone was used to broadcast this innovative ceremony. Samsung’s advanced mobile technology allowed for high-quality live streaming, with the devices capturing details of the athletes’ parade and stunning city vistas. This use of mobile technology was a significant milestone in the coverage of live global events. Notably, the phones made the experience more immersive and accessible to viewers worldwide.
The cutting-edge smartphones were also used to provide live coverage of the yachting events. These fast-paced, dynamic races took place on the scenic Seine and at other picturesque locations, with the smartphones’ precise, reliable broadcasting technology helping to capture them as they unfolded. The enhanced coverage brought out the excitement of yacht racing and highlighted the sport’s strategic and competitive aspects, offering audiences a deeper understanding and appreciation of the athletes’ skills and tactics.
Live broadcasting using mobile devices is showcasing these Olympic Games’ touted openness and inclusivity in a novel way. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
The decision to use mobile devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra to help broadcast the Games aligns with the Paris 2024 theme “more inclusive games.” Through leveraging mobile technology, Samsung and the Olympic Committee aimed to reach a broader audience by breaking down traditional barriers to access and ensuring that people from all walks of life can enjoy the Olympics. This move is particularly significant nowadays, when mobile devices are such an integral part of daily life. Their use in such a high-profile event underscores their importance in modern communication and media consumption.
Furthermore, this collaboration is a significant step in the evolution of sports broadcasting. The use of advanced mobile technology has set a new standard for live event coverage, demonstrating the potential for innovation in this field. It has highlighted how technology can enhance the viewer experience by making it more interactive, engaging and inclusive.
Table tennis mixed doubles medalists taking a selfie with a Galaxy smartphone. (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News)
Also introduced at these Olympic Games were “Victory Selfies,” commemorative photos that could be taken by medalists using Galaxy smartphones provided by Samsung. On July 30, this new practice created a historic moment during the table tennis mixed doubles award ceremony. After South Korea received the bronze medal and North Korea the silver, athletes from both nations came together for an unprecedented Victory Selfie, bridging political divides through sport and technology.
Ultimately, the 2024 Paris Olympics will not only be remembered for its groundbreaking opening ceremony and thrilling yacht races but also for the innovative use of technology that’s redefined the experienced for global audiences. As the world tunes in to watch the Games, the blend of athletic excellence and technological innovation is leaving a lasting impression, showcasing the true spirit of the Olympics in the digital age.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."
