Microsoft Teams-powered virtual fans shown off at Lakers game
Some awkward waves surrounded the LA Lakers as they warmed up for a scrimmage this weekend.
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What you need to know
Microsoft and the NBAannounced last weekthat Microsoft Teams will allow fans to virtually attend NBA games this season. The feature uses Microsoft Teams Together Mode and places fans across giant 17-foot tall screens. Over the weekend, we got a glimpse of the experience at a Lakers game.
Lakers beat writer Tania Ganguli shared a clip of the virtual fans during the LA Lakers' warmup on Saturday.
Digital fans are here. 👋🏼 👋🏼pic.twitter.com/9Uv4XfpKU0Digital fans are here. 👋🏼 👋🏼pic.twitter.com/9Uv4XfpKU0— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli)July 25, 2020July 25, 2020
The virtual fans are visible to the players, which is a different virtual approach than coverage of MLB baseball is taking.Fox added virtual fansto a game over the weekend, but the fans were only visible on television. The NBA’s approach allows human fans to interact with the players and cheer in real time, though it looks less natural on TV than the Fox viewing experience of MLB games.
The NBA virtual fan experience is new and seems like it needs some tweaks to appear more natural. The fans don’t have a uniform camera setup, so some people appear to be different sizes than others. Some fans also have their hands cut off, so it appears like their hands are appearing and disappearing as they cheer.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
