Latest news with #hologram
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Festival of fun: Riyadh expo highlights best in entertainment technology
Some of the weirdest and most wonderful innovations are on show at this year's Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo in Riyadh. With 350 exhibitors plus talks and discussions with industry leaders from around the world, the three-day event opened on Tuesday and is expected to attract about 12,000 visitors. Among the products on show is a hologram zoo designed by Australian company Axiom Holographics, which was featured in Time magazine's list of technologies of the year for 2023. Brendan Hodgkins, global sales manager, said: 'We package a full suite of hologram equipment that can be integrated into family entertainment centers, theme parks or shopping malls. 'During our trials, we attracted 25,000 people in just 42 days, generating over $550,000 in revenue.' He said that the company had already sold more than 40 of its 'zoos' around the world and was keen to expand into the Saudi market. 'We're eager to bring this innovation to Saudi Arabia to help shape the future of entertainment in the Kingdom.' Another of the exhibits on show, and possibly the largest, is a 20-meter tall inflatable ogre, designed and built by Anka Inflatable Co. from Guangzhou in southern China. A representative of the company, who gave his name only as John, said the product was ideal for larger venues, like amusement parks. While the purple monster attracted plenty of visitors at the show, the technology can be adapted to suit the end-user's needs, John said. '(It) can be customized in many shapes and the skin can be changed after one, two, or three years. It's also collapsible and easy to transport,' he said. Anka was also keen to increase its profile in the region, he said. 'Many of my friends have built successful companies here. The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is strong and this is a very good market for us.' Besides the products on show, the expo is also being used to attract new people into the industry, with the Saudi Entertainment Academy promoting a series of training programs with links to future career opportunities. 'Our vision is to focus on professional training through diploma programs,' Sultan bin Jumaiah, a sales specialist with the academy, said. 'We aim to provide professional candidates for companies looking to hire. After completing our diploma, students will have the opportunity to join various companies in this sector.' The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for Saudi citizens.
CNET
20-05-2025
- CNET
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." 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.
