2026 Winter Olympics: Here’s How to Follow XXV Games With Google

With the XXV Winter Olympic Games officially getting underway this week, Google has rolled out a comprehensive range of features designed to act as a "digital dashboard" for fans. From real-time medal trackers to AI-powered event explanations, the technology giant is aiming to streamline how millions of viewers interact with the Games across Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Olympic Winter Games 2026 Google Doodle: Search Engine Giant Celebrates Winter Games With Special Animation on Curling.

The 2026 Games are the most geographically dispersed in Winter Olympic history, with venues spanning over 22,000 square kilometres of northern Italy. To bridge this gap for remote viewers and assist those on the ground, Google has integrated its Gemini AI and real-time data feeds into its most popular applications.

Search as a Live Dashboard

Google Search has been updated to provide an immersive experience for those looking for instant updates. By searching for "Winter Olympics," a specific sport like "curling," or a competing nation, users are met with a dedicated hub featuring:

• Up-to-the-minute Schedules: Real-time timing for all 116 medal events.

• Live Medal Counts: A dynamic table that updates as podium finishes are confirmed.

• Video Highlights: Partnerships with official broadcasters such as NBCUniversal and Eurosport ensure that key moments and daily recaps are embedded directly into the search results.

For fans who find themselves confused by the technicalities of niche sports, Google’s AI Mode (Gemini) now offers contextual explanations. Users can ask specific questions like, "How is artistry scored in figure skating?" or "What is the purpose of the brooms in curling?" to receive instant, easy-to-understand breakdowns while watching the broadcast.

Navigating Northern Italy with Maps and Waze

For the thousands of spectators attending in person, the decentralized nature of the Milan Cortina Games presents a logistical challenge. Google Maps and Waze have partnered with Italian local authorities to provide:

• Real-time Transit Updates: Integrated schedules for the Olympic shuttle buses and regional trains connecting Milan to the Alpine hubs.

• Dynamic Road Closures: Waze will provide essential tips from local drivers regarding parking, temporary one-way systems, and road signs unique to the Olympic corridors.

• Hands-free Navigation: Using Gemini in Google Maps, attendees can use voice commands to find nearby restaurants or add specific Olympic venues to their route without stopping their vehicle.

YouTube’s Behind-the-Scenes Access

YouTube is shifting focus from traditional broadcast clips to creator-led storytelling. Through the Milan Cortina Creator Collective, a group of high-profile social media creators is providing behind-the-scenes access to the Olympic Village and athlete entrance tunnels. Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Medals Unveiled With Split Design.

Additionally, official Olympic partners like Samsung are utilizing 5G-connected Galaxy devices to stream unique perspectives—such as athlete's-eye views during the Opening Ceremony—directly to YouTube and official broadcast feeds.

Interactive "Easter Eggs"

In a move to make the digital experience more engaging, Google has included several "hidden surprises" within its search interface. To celebrate the start of the Games on 4 February, a special animated Google Doodle featuring curling has been launched globally. Searching for specific winter sports may also trigger celebratory animations or interactive games throughout the two-week duration of the event.

The Games run from 6 February to 22 February, and these digital tools are expected to remain active through the Paralympic Winter Games scheduled for March.