One of the cameras used for freeD technology. Image source: Intel.
What happened?
Chip giant Intel (INTC 0.38%) has announced that it has acquired Israel-based Replay Technologies. The company's technology delivers immersive 3D viewing experiences for sports events, and the two companies have partnered before. Intel and Replay demonstrated "free dimensional," or freeD, video before running on 6th Generation Core processors. freeD creates seamless renderings using over two dozen cameras.
freeD™ | 2016 Slam Dunk Contest from Replay-Technologies.com on Vimeo.
Does it matter?
CEO Brian Krzanich has previously mentioned the "digitization of sports," and now Intel is looking to capture part of that opportunity. Everything else in the world is quickly becoming digitized, generating massive amounts of data, including sports. Considering how popular sports are globally, it's probably a safe bet.
While not mentioned explicitly, it also seems like the technology could have other applications in live events and entertainment. But for now, Intel will be focusing on immersive sports. Replay Technologies CEO Oren Yogev will continue to lead the team.
