Google's realistic 3D conferencing setup comes to life with the help of HP — but it comes with a $25,000 price tag
When Google showcased its 3D conferencing booth — 'Project Starline' — last year at I/O, it took video conferencing to a whole new level. Last month, at Google's developer conference, Project Starline was rebranded as Google Beam. Now, Google is turning its sci-fi technology into a commercial product, with HP becoming the first company to launch a Beam device. However, the price is an eye-watering $25,000.
Called HP Dimension, the device is an AI-powered communications solution that makes video calls feel more three-dimensional and lifelike. The system uses a light field display that creates a visual depth effect of the person on the call, and it integrates six cameras into three surrounding bezels for head tracking — essentially becoming a 3D, glasses-free TV. HP says the special light field display renders participants realistically in terms of size, depth, colour, and even eye contact.
AI is used to merge multiple 2D video streams of a person into a '3D light field with perfect tracking.'
HP Dimension with Google Beam aims to address a major challenge in many workplaces: staying connected in remote settings. HP shares that 73 percent of knowledge workers report wanting to feel more connected to their coworkers.
According to internal testing, HP Dimension with Google Beam has effectively addressed workers' connectivity concerns — showing a 28 percent increase in memory recall, a 29 percent rise in non-verbal behaviors displayed, and at least a 14 percent increase in focus on meeting partners.
The HP-made Beam model features a large 65-inch display, but eventually, Beam systems will be offered in multiple screen sizes. Google says it is working with companies like Zoom, and organizations including Citadel, Deloitte, Duolingo, Hackensack Meridian Health, NEC, Recruit, and Salesforce have expressed interest and plan to bring the technology to their teams.
HP stated that the Dimension will be made available to select customers later this year. The device is aimed at enterprise use — not designed for home consumers.
At last year's Google I/O, in a rare opportunity, The Indian Express' Anuj Bhatia tried Google Beam (then still called Project Starline). Here's an excerpt from his hands-on experience with the 3D video calling booth.
'As I walked into the Project Starline demo room, I met Andrew Nartker, General Manager, Google, who has been the lead on this project. Nartker asked me to take a seat, assuring me that he would join me on a call in seconds. I couldn't understand what he meant by that, but I complied. I took the seat, and the screen in front of me lit up, revealing Nartker. He greeted me as if we were meeting face-to-face for the first time in a normal meeting. Within the next few minutes, I completely forgot I had just met Nartker. However, Nartker had gone to the other room and was being projected in front of me through Google's Project Starline.'
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