Google is launching its advanced 3D video conferencing system, Google Beam, later in 2025. Formerly Project Starline, the platform aims to make remote interactions strikingly lifelike without special eyewear. This commercial debut, in partnership with HP, comes as many companies shift back to physical offices.
Announced at Google I/O 2025, Beam targets enterprise customers first. The system’s AI-driven 3D imaging and real-time speech translation promise enhanced remote collaboration. Google Beam intends to create a “magic window” experience where participants appear to be sitting in front of each other.
Immersive Technology And AI Innovations
Google Beam’s foundation is a blend of specialized hardware and intelligent software. The system employs a six-camera array and a custom light field display. These components capture and project individuals in three dimensions. An AI model then converts these video feeds into a realistic 3D rendering.
Google asserts Beam offers “near-perfect” millimeter-level head tracking and 60-frames-per-second video streaming. Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated, “The result [is that Beam is] a very natural and a deeply immersive conversational experience.” The platform is built on Google Cloud’s power and scale, combined with Google’s AI expertise, as detailed on the Google Blog.
A key innovation is Google Beam’s AI-powered real-time speech translation. This feature, also coming to Google Meet, translates conversations while preserving the speaker’s voice, tone, and expressions. Initially, translation will support English and Spanish, with more languages to follow.
Dr. Anya Sharma, a workplace technology analyst at FutureComm, noted that preserving vocal nuance “could be a game-changer for international teams,” though she added “the true test will be widespread adoption and whether the perceived benefits justify the likely cost and dedicated hardware.”
Hardware, Partnerships, And Market Rollout
HP is manufacturing the Google Beam hardware, which an HP spokesperson said aims “to make sophisticated technology feel approachable and seamlessly integrated.” The hardware is described as having a minimalist aesthetic. HP will share more details about the devices, with the first units to be shown at InfoComm in a few weeks. Google is also collaborating with channel partners like Diversified and AVI-SPL for global distribution.
The system will integrate with Google Meet and Zoom. Early adopters include Deloitte, Salesforce, Citadel, NEC, Duolingo, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Recruit. Angel Ayala, Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, remarked that Deloitte views Beam as “a groundbreaking, innovative step of human connection in the digital age,” adding their teams and clients see it as “a reimagining of how we connect” rather than just a technological breakthrough.
Industry analysts predict a premium price for Beam hardware, possibly tens of thousands of dollars per unit, due to its advanced technology. Logitech’s Project Ghost systems, which also produce a 3D hologram of the person at the other end of your call, are estimated at $15,000-$20,000 per booth. Beam in comparison promises to offermore advanced rendering. More information is available at the official beam.google site.
Navigating The Hybrid Work Challenge
Google Beam enters a market where many companies are increasing in-office work, a trend highlighted by a Resume Builder survey. The perception among some managers that remote work has underperformed, especially in tech, according to Statista data, presents a challenge. However, Google sees a strong case for Beam in office-to-office conferences and for organizations committed to hybrid models. The question of Microsoft Teams integration also remains a key consideration for enterprises. Project Starline, Beam’s predecessor, underwent extensive testing with about 100 partners, including WeWork and T-Mobile, since its 2021 inception, as detailed in a TechCrunch report on Project Starline.
