Latest news with #PrincessLeia
CNET
21-05-2025
- CNET
Google Beam Futuristic AI-Powered 3D Video Chats Are Coming This Year
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 developer conference on Tuesday. Google has teamed up with HP to commercialize the system. Read more: Google I/O 2025 Live Blog 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." Enlarge Image 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.
News.com.au
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Billie Lourd pays tribute to Carrie Fisher on Star Wars Day
On Sunday, the Scream Queens actress took to Instagram to post a photo of her son Kingston, four, and daughter Jackson, two, watching Fisher portray the iconic character of Princess Leia in one of the original Star Wars films. In the accompanying caption, Lourd spelled out "May the 4th" using emojis. Originating from the catchphrase "May the Force be with you," Star Wars Day has been observed on 4 May by fans around the world since the epic space franchise began in 1977.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Billie Lourd pays tribute to Carrie Fisher on Star Wars Day
On Sunday, the Scream Queens actress took to Instagram to post a photo of her son Kingston, four, and daughter Jackson, two, watching Fisher portray the iconic character of Princess Leia in one of the original Star Wars films. In the accompanying caption, Lourd spelled out "May the 4th" using emojis. Originating from the catchphrase "May the Force be with you," Star Wars Day has been observed on 4 May by fans around the world since the epic space franchise began in 1977.
BBC News
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Replica Star Wars blasters to be auctioned in North Yorkshire
Model Star Wars blasters are set to go under the hammer in North mint-condition metal replicas, accurate to the fictional guns used by Princess Leia and Han Solo in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, are being auctioned at 10:00 GMT. Ryedale Auctioneers estimated the limited edition items would each fetch between £600 and £1, come with a display case, base and plaque, as well as a certificate of authenticity. Nick Turner, from the auction house in Kirkbymoorside, said: "For Star Wars collectors, they're about the pinnacle of prop collectable items."They only made 2,500 and they very, very rarely come up." As strictly static models, they are meant to be displayed rather than used for re-enactments and cosplay. The two coveted Master Replicas items will be sold alongside stormtrooper, rebel trooper and Jango Fett blasters. Mr Turner said the owner had decided to part ways with his collection, after displaying it for a while. "He's just downsizing," he said."He's one of these guys that gets a bit restless, so he's selling these and is concentrating on building a one-third scale armoured car from Aliens." With Star Wars being such a popular franchise, Mr Turner hoped the collection of blasters, lightsabers and full-size character busts would drum up a lot of interest."We've got a load of watchers and absentee bids but we can't access them because they're hidden," he added. "The replicas are generally in the States as well, so if you did want to buy one in the UK, you'd have your import duties and expensive shipping."Mr Turner said he put the items up at a competitive price but brand new, they could fetch up to £2,000. "Auctioneers have a saying, 'Put them low, watch them go. Put them high, watch them die'," Mr Turner said."I want to get collectors sitting up and getting out of their chair at the chance of getting them."Hopefully, we'll get a bidding war." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
