Digital Trends

NBC Sports Deploys On-Device AI for Vertical Feeds

NBC Sports is deploying viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution from Japan’s Nippon TV, to automatically reframe live games into vertical (9:16) mobile-first video feeds that can follow individual athletes in real time. The ai processes video locally without requiring an internet connection, which NBC says reduces latency and improves reliability for live sports. The system supports human-in-the-loop control so operators can switch from AI tracking to manual re-tracking during camera switches. NBC’s rollout is planned to begin in 2026, with the 2026 Winter Olympics cited as a possible debut stage. Broadcasters view the capability as a way to create mobile-tailored viewing experiences and potential new mobile revenue streams.

HubSpot Acquires Starter Story, Boosts YouTube Reach Dramatically

HubSpot Media, the in-house media arm of HubSpot, has acquired creator-led entrepreneurship brand Starter Story. Financial terms were not disclosed. Starter Story, founded in 2017 by Pat Walls, is a video-first business brand with roughly 800,000 YouTube subscribers, a 275,000-person newsletter and an aggregated audience of about 1.6 million. Pat Walls, COO Sam Walls and producer Gus Tiffer will join HubSpot Media. The acquisition expands HubSpot’s media portfolio — which already includes The Hustle, the My First Million podcast and Trends — and brings HubSpot’s combined YouTube subscriber reach to about 2.9 million. HubSpot frames the move as part of a content-driven demand-generation strategy that prioritizes owning audience attention (not renting it) to attract founders, operators and SMB customers.

Adobe Digital Trends 2022: Digital First

Adobe's Digital Trends 2022 report, based on a survey of about 10,000 marketing and IT professionals and executives, shows Digital First as the prevailing direction for 2022. The pandemic-driven shift to online behavior is accelerating, pushing companies to advance digital initiatives to stay competitive. The report, led by Christoph Kull of Adobe, emphasizes that brand communication and customer interactions must meet high online and offline standards as third-party data declines, making robust first-party data strategies essential. More than two-thirds of respondents report changed customer journeys in 18 months, with new digital options like Click&Collect, virtual fitting rooms, and live streams becoming commonplace. About 85% expect customers to demand digital structures, while 13% believe their companies exceed expectations and 22% fear falling behind. To mitigate gaps, 42% plan cross-channel optimization and 53% expect higher spending on customer-data tech and CX management. Additional themes include personalization without cookies, agility, and talent development.