Amid the buzz surrounding Gemini at the Google I/O event last month, Google unveiled an exciting development by transforming one of its experimental projects into a tangible product. Project Starline has now reemerged as Google Beam, a cutting-edge 3D video conferencing system designed to create the illusion that participants are in the same room together. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize virtual meetings and enhance communication.
At the event, Google announced that HP would be the first to showcase the Beam setup, now known as the HP Dimension. Set to launch later this year, the HP Dimension comes with a staggering price tag of $24,999. The high cost is attributed to the advanced hardware required to operate the Google Beam system. This includes six high-speed cameras strategically positioned around the display, allowing for multi-angle capture of the speaker during video calls.
The visual data collected from these cameras is processed through Google’s proprietary volumetric video model. This advanced technology merges the various streams of video into a cohesive 3D reconstruction of the speaker. The HP Dimension is equipped with a large 65-inch display, which is essential for showcasing the immersive experience that Google Beam offers. Notably, all Beam systems will leverage light field screen technology, enabling viewers to perceive the volumetric model in true 3D without the need for headsets or glasses.
Google Beam claims to deliver stunning visual performance, with the capability to depict minute details at 60 frames per second and millimeter-scale precision. The technology's ability to make it appear as if your conversation partner is sitting directly across from you is nothing short of remarkable. Google and HP assert that the 3D video capabilities of Beam enhance meeting efficiency by improving the display of non-verbal cues, resulting in participants having better recall of details compared to standard 2D video chats.
Moreover, Google has announced plans to integrate its Meet-based live translation features with the Beam system in the future. The HP Dimension will support popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. Importantly, users are not restricted to using the advanced 3D technology; traditional 2D video meetings are still an option, although the necessity of a $25,000 3D device may not seem justified for those primarily communicating with individuals using standard 2D laptop cameras.
Unsurprisingly, the HP Dimension is primarily aimed at enterprise customers who can benefit from enhanced communication tools. The video model utilized in Google Beam demands intensive cloud processing to maintain the necessary low latency for real-time interactions. This processing is not without cost. In addition to the hefty price of $24,999 for the hardware, the HP Dimension will also require a Google Beam license, the pricing details of which remain undisclosed. We have reached out to Google for clarification on the licensing fees, but it seems that the company may still be determining the specifics.
While HP will be the first to provide Beam hardware, the HP Dimension is not expected to hit the market until late 2025, and it will initially be available to select customers only. This rollout strategy indicates that Google Beam is poised to make a significant impact in the world of video conferencing, especially for businesses looking to elevate their communication capabilities.
