How did a stunning light display made up of tiny beads appear above the Tokyo stadium during the closing ceremony? Well, they didn’t
The closing ceremony had more than the eye can see – both as an athlete there in Tokyo arena and a home viewer.
Dazzled by dancing beads
1,824 drones that formed the shape of the world 175m in the air stole the show at the opening ceremony.
However, Tokyo’s closing ceremony featured a stunning high-tech light show that topped off an olympics that many thought wouldn’t have gone ahead.
How did the light show come together?
Japan managed another “how did they do that” with the tech savvy light display.
However – if you were an athlete or lucky enough to be an attendee at Tokyo Stadium – you didn’t see anything.
Show created just for TV viewers around the globe
This spectacle was created especially for the TV audience.
A Montreal-based company used special effects like augmented reality just for us to have a magical moment at home.
Would organisers have gone with something else for the grand finalé had there been paying spectators in the stadium?
The message from the light show rang loud and clear though as the lights swirled together to create an image of the Olympic rings in the sky.
Towards the end of the closing ceremony, the stadium went black as the show transitioned into “the moving forward’ part of the show.
Particle of light joined to form the unmistakable Olympic Rings, a symbol that brought millions of people at home together in celebration of the world’s greatest athletes throughout the past two weeks.
“Together, these lights rise to form a luminous wave — representing the Olympic spirit that lives within us all. As these lights take flight across the stadium, we remember the many people whose contribution made the Olympics possible, both near and far, as well as those who could not be here today,” Olympic organisers said.
How did only TV viewers see this?
The light show was a production specific for television viewing.
The company behind the lights specialises in creating unique light and sound experiences using technologies such as augmented reality and mixed reality.
Other creations from Moment Factory can be remembered around the world:
All eyes were then on Paris as it took the torch from Tokyo
The hand over was literally out of this world, with the transition to Paris 2024 starting above earth at the International Space Station.
For the first time ever, the closing ceremony featured live events from the next host city
The live broadcast took viewers straight into the handover celebration in the streets of Paris.
Hundreds of spectators and French athletes gathered by the Eiffel Tower as part of the handover ceremony.
Special effects used to fly flag as Paris faced bad weather
The home viewer saw the Paris 2024 Olympic flag fly high from the Eiffel Tower.
This (virtually) set a world record as the largest flag ever flown — Almost the size of a football field, but hours before the ceremony organisers decided it would not be safe to go ahead.
“Sadly, the weather conditions today mean that we will not be able to proceed with our plan to raise the flag on the Eiffel Tower safely,” Paris 2024 said.
“For all those watching on screen, they will enjoy a spectacular experience in the heart of Paris, as it prepares to offer an extraordinary playground for the athletes, sport and the Games,” Paris 2024 organisers said.
There was secret drone show we didn’t see?
The official Twitter account of the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee has shared a drone light show video that shows where the Olympic Games are headed next.
LED-equipped drones transformed into the flag of France as well as the Paris 2024 logo that combines three separate symbol.
Was this part of rehearsals or an extension of the Intel drone light show?
How did almost two thousand drones light up the sky to create a spectacular better than fireworks? the idea for a done show began down under
Looking back to the beginning, the drone show was the true highlight of the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony and arguably the blockbuster event for the entire olympics.
TikTok dismisses report of U.S. sale to Musk as fiction
TikTok has categorically denied a report suggesting that Chinese officials are considering selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk amid potential bans.
TikTok has categorically denied a report suggesting that Chinese officials are considering selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk amid potential bans.
The company described the claims, initially reported by Bloomberg News, as pure fiction.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is currently appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to contest the potential ban.
Chinese officials reportedly prefer TikTok to remain under ByteDance’s ownership, dismissing any immediate plans to sell the U.S. operations.
Speculation about a partnership with Musk’s platform X to manage TikTok’s U.S. business has been refuted by TikTok, and no credible sources have verified the claim.
No official comments have been made by TikTok, ByteDance, Elon Musk, or X regarding the report. Additionally, Chinese government agencies, such as the Cyberspace Administration and Ministry of Commerce, have not provided any statements on the matter.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliberate on legislation tied to TikTok’s future, with a decision potentially compelling a sale or ban by January 19, driven by national security concerns. However, TikTok remains firm in its stance, refuting these reports as baseless.
Elon Musk was forced to comply with Brazil’s court order against far-right accounts, highlighting tech companies’ struggles with global regulation.
The influence of social media platforms like X extends beyond economic factors; they also impact public perceptions and democratic values. Governments in India, Turkey, and Brazil have pressured X to remove content they consider harmful or misleading.
Last year, Elon Musk faced legal challenges in Brazil regarding the removal of far-right extremist accounts from X, his social media platform. Despite resisting a court order for months, Musk complied after the court threatened to block access for 20 million Brazilian users. It incident highlights the ability of nation-states to regulate powerful tech companies, which they accuse of spreading misinformation and hate speech.
Many governments say tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon often dominate markets, causing issues with misinformation and monopolistic practices. Their algorithms can lead to user addiction, while private data misuse raises concerns about competition and market fairness.
Governments have attempted to regulate these companies, with varying degrees of success. The European Union has made notable advances, including imposing significant fines on Apple and requiring interoperability between messaging services. In the U.S., Google faced a $700 million antitrust settlement.
Critics argue that government interventions can resemble censorship. Musk has positioned his actions as a defence of free speech, particularly after his acquisition of Twitter and subsequent reduction in content moderation.
While some tech companies are implementing self-regulation measures to safeguard users, these efforts may not be sufficient. As artificial intelligence evolves, regulation may become increasingly challenging for governments.
CES 2025 is lighting up Las Vegas with a showcase of groundbreaking technology.
AI-Powered Beauty and Health Devices
One standout is Samsung’s AI-powered beauty mirror, which delivers personalised skincare analysis and recommendations, setting a new standard for at-home beauty routines. Joining the health revolution is Withings’ Omnia, a smart body scanner that provides comprehensive health insights through advanced sensors and AI technology.
Innovative Robotics
CES 2025 is buzzing with robots designed to make life easier and more interactive. Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi is a pastel-coloured robotic companion that clings to your bag, offering baby-like interactions for comfort on the go. For those needing a helping hand at home, Roborock’s Saros Z70 vacuum robot features an extendable arm to pick up household items while cleaning.
Revolutionary Transportation
Pushing the boundaries of mobility, Atmos Gear’s electric skates promise a thrilling ride, reaching speeds of up to 18 mph with a 16-mile range. Controlled by a waist-worn battery pack and controller, these skates are perfect for commuters or adrenaline seekers.
Health Tech Innovation
FlowBeams’ BoldJet is revolutionising healthcare with its needle-free injection technology, using high-velocity liquid jets to deliver medications painlessly while reducing needle waste. This prototype points towards a future of more comfortable and sustainable medical procedures.
Empowering Robotics for Independent Living
Enchanted Tools’ Mirokai robot is tailored for elderly care, offering assistance and companionship to support independent living. Combining functionality with emotional connection, it’s a heartening example of how robotics can transform lives.
The Future of Smart Living
With its innovative range of devices, CES 2025 is also highlighting the intersection of convenience and technology. From smart home devices to AI-driven solutions, this year’s event underlines the industry’s commitment to making life simpler and more enjoyable.