Intel acquires sports instant replay startup Replay Technologies

Intel has acquired the Israeli startup Replay Technologies to capitalize on its technology for capturing sports events with instant replays that are viewable from all angles.

The technology is a piece of Intel’s grand plan to digitize sports, bringing the magic of computing power, measurement, and sensors to real-world athletic events.

“More than ever, everything in sports is becoming digital and measurable,” said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, in a blog post. “This will fundamentally change everything we know about the way athletes perform — and the arenas in which they compete.”

Intel recently collaborated with Replay Technologies to create 360-degree replays of NFL football games. At the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, Intel and Replay delivered another immersive 3D viewing experience that showcased Replay’s “free dimensional” or “freeD” video — freezing a play in mid-action and then rotating it so it can be viewed from multiple angles. Leveraging Intel’s server technology, Replay created 28 ultra high-definition cameras around the basketball arena to make the video possible, and Intel promises that this is just a taste of what’s to come.

Replay Technologies CEO Oren Yogev said in a statement, “We are extremely excited with this transaction, which we believe will be a winning proposition for everyone involved. The strategic fit between our two companies is a powerful combination; the Replay team is enthusiastic about joining Intel. This transaction will allow us to accelerate Replay’s advanced technology plans, offer advanced services to our clients and provide increased opportunities to our employees.”

The purchase price wasn’t disclosed.

Replay was founded in 2011.