Intel's New Super Bowl Pitchman: Tom Brady
Intel has tapped NFL superstar Tom Brady as the face of a Super Bowl ad that spotlights Intel 360, the company's 360-degree virtual reality video replay technology.
The advertisement deal with the New England Patriots quarterback and four-time Super Bowl champion includes a social media campaign and a 30-second commercial that will air during Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5.
The Super Bowl spot follows Brady through a relatively mundane morning routine, which is intermittently interrupted by 360 degree freeze-frame replays of him yawning, brushing his teeth and eating pancakes, compliments of Intel's 360 replay technology, with the tagline "Intel 360 makes anything look epic."
[Related: Intel Tackles Sports, Drones And Wearables In CES Kickoff]
In the real world, the technology employs a fleet of high-resolution cameras placed around the perimeter of the field to create real-time virtual reality environments that can be replayed from any angle and broadcasted live.
The technology will be showcased as part of the Super Bowl play-by-play television coverage, introducing many to the capabilities of Intel's new sports technology unit, which launched shortly after the company's acquisition of Replay Technologies in November.
"There is nothing like the experience of being on the field in the center of the action in the biggest game of the year, and now Intel technology is making it possible for fans to experience the action like never before,’ Brady said in a statement.
During the big game, Intel's new technology will allow broadcasters to pause and replay moments from the game from the same perspective that players themselves have during the game.
"We are building the foundation to take sports and technology to new heights with solutions that will allow fans to experience the game like never before, all in a personalized way," said James Carwana, general manager, Intel Sports Group. in the statement. "Intel's technology in the biggest football game of the year is one example of how we are driving a new wave of powerful technologies that will transform sports for athletes, teams, fans, coaches and even broadcasters."
This move is part of a trend for Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel. Within the past year, the company has been reaching beyond its traditional PC market with investments into virtual reality, most notably with its purchase of Canadian augmented eyewear company Recon Instruments in June.
Earlier this month, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich kicked off the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, touting Intel's move beyond gadgets and PCs into areas such like sports, wearables and drones, fostering what he said is the "new era of consumer technology."