Pearl will definitely be an attraction when watching the games live.
PLDT, MediaQuest Holdings, Cignal TV, and NTT DATA have joined forces to introduce an innovative offering for basketball enthusiasts attending the FIBA World Cup in Manila.
The collaboration will introduce Pearl, the country’s first "Digital Human," enabling local and international fans to engage in conversations digitally.
“We are thrilled at the chance to bring these next-generation technologies to Filipino basketball fans as we adapt more innovative and customer-centric digital solution,” said PLDT and Smart Communications president and CEO Al Panlilio, who's concurrently president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“We will learn from the interactions that the fans will have with Pearl, and we will continue to improve the live stadium experience for future events,” he added.
Pearl, powered by conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and stationed at designated kiosks at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena, employs ChatGPT technology alongside visual and auditory sensors.
Essentially a chatbot, Pearl can communicate with fans in both English and Filipino, addressing inquiries related to the FIBA showpiece. Among other things, fans can ask Pearl questions about seating directions, refreshment options, and recommended tourist activities in Manila.
Fans can also ask Pearl for real-time game updates, including running scores, statistics, rankings, and details about upcoming matches.
“Aside from helping sports fans enjoy the FIBA games, Pearl gives them something more—a taste of the emerging digital future today. That’s why we are quite keen on bringing Smart Solutions to Philippine sports. This will bring the fan experience to new, higher levels.”, said Jane J. Basas, President and CEO of Mediaquest and Cignal.
Basas likewise commended the team's collaboration and expressed her awe at the release of the new Pearl Kiosk at the FIBA World Cup venues in Manila.
NTT DATA, in collaboration with NTT Ltd. and NTT DATA Business Solutions, has been developing Digital Human technology to promote Smart Solutions for a globally immersive fan experience.
Aside from the FIBA World Cup, the NTT Group has also introduced Smart Solutions through various sporting events such as the Tour de France, IndyCar Series, and Major League Baseball.
“The NTT Group has been advocating Smart Solutions for sports for some time now, and we are happy to introduce it to the Philippines at this global event,” said NTT DATA Executive Vice President, Noriyuki Kaya.
“We look forward to more collaborations with the PLDT Group and the MediaQuest Group as we develop more innovations,” he added.
(GM)