Peacock is introducing a vertical video format for live sports, allowing viewers to watch games vertically on their phones. Initially launching with NBA games, this feature will use an algorithm to track players and zoom in on the action. This addition follows a report on NBC Sports’ plans to use a player tracking system, viztrick AiDi, developed by a Japanese broadcaster. It’s unclear if the same technology will power Peacock’s NBA streams, as NBCUniversal hasn’t commented on this. Peacock is expanding its mobile offerings, having already introduced vertical clips and multiview for the 2026 Winter Olympics, along with Bravo show clips. The vertical NBA games will be available under the “Courtside Live” option in the app, which already offers multiple camera angle viewing.
Disclosure: Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, is also an investor in Vox Media, The Verge’s parent company.