Google Beam Promises Futuristic AI-Powered 3D Video Chats
Beam me up, Google. Video chats could have a much more sci-fi feel with Google Beam, an AI-powered video communications platform that aims to make it feel like you're meeting up in person.
Google announced Beam, an evolution of its Google Starline technology, at its annual I/O developers conference on Tuesday. Google has teamed up with HP to commercialize the system.
Google Beam uses a six-camera array that captures the subject from different angles. An AI video model puts the views together in real-time to create a 3D person. Google says the system features near-perfect head tracking down to the millimeter with video at 60 frames per second.
The idea is reminiscent of any number of holographic communications systems seen in everything from Star Wars to Star Trek. Unlike the tiny, low-quality Princess Leia hologram from A New Hope, Beam is designed to be life-sized and lifelike. Google once described the technology as a "magic window."
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Google's Starline technology platform is growing up and getting a new name, Google Beam.
Google
The platform uses a light field display that doesn't require wearing any special equipment. CNET's Abrar Al-Heeti tried out Starline last year and called it "the closest thing to a hologram I've ever seen."
Speech translation, a feature Google is bringing to Google Meet, could come to Beam as well, Google said.
Google introduced Starline as a research project in 2021 and has been testing and refining prototypes ever since. Today's announcement means the technology is closing in on being ready for prime time.
Video calls have long been plagued with challenges. It can be hard to read expressions and gestures. Traditional video chats are missing a sense of eye contact. Zoom fatigue was a hot topic during the height of COVID-19. Beam wants to address those issues with a more immersive and lifelike experience.
Google said HP will share more about the platform at the InfoComm audio visual technology exhibition in June. Google is also working with Zoom and other audio visual companies. Beam will likely find its footing first with larger organizations that want to shake up the way they handle videoconferencing.
The first Beam devices will be available for early adopters later in 2025, so start practicing your "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope."
Beam isn't Google's only big announcement of the day. Check out everything that's been revealed at Google I/O.
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