Google’s futuristic 3D video conferencing experiment, Project Starline, has officially entered the commercial market under a new name, Google Beam. In a significant development announced following last month’s Google I/O, HP has revealed the first commercial implementation of the technology. The system, dubbed the HP Dimension, will be available later in 2025 for a staggering price of $24,999. Aimed squarely at enterprise users, this immersive video chat system transforms virtual meetings into lifelike encounters, making it feel as though participants are sitting across the same table.
The HP Dimension leverages cutting-edge hardware, including six high-speed cameras strategically positioned around a 65-inch display. These cameras work in unison to capture multiple angles of the user, which are then processed by Google’s proprietary volumetric video model. The result is a 3D holographic-like image that appears on a light field display no glasses or headsets required. This allows for remarkably realistic visuals, delivering 60 frames per second with millimeter-level accuracy.
Premium Features and Enterprise Appeal
HP and Google claim that Beam technology significantly enhances communication by capturing subtle non-verbal cues, which can improve memory retention and comprehension during meetings. Google showcased the technology at I/O, where attendees noted the system’s striking realism and immersive presence. Future enhancements are also expected, including Google Meet’s live translation tools, which will be integrated into Beam, further strengthening its utility for global business communication.
Although the Beam system shines with its 3D features, it also supports conventional 2D video calls through platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. This means businesses can still communicate with external partners who do not own Beam-compatible hardware. However, the 3D effects only function when both ends of the call use Beam devices a limitation that may affect wider adoption.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the HP Dimension is unlikely to find its way into home offices anytime soon. The $25,000 price tag, along with a yet-to-be-disclosed cost for a mandatory Google Beam license for cloud-based processing, positions it firmly in the enterprise and institutional market. Google has not yet revealed full pricing details for the Beam subscription model, but the ongoing operational costs are expected to be significant.
A Glimpse into the Future of Virtual Collaboration
The HP Dimension launch signals a major step forward in virtual collaboration technology. However, it also highlights the challenges of scaling such advanced systems to broader markets. While the realism and technical sophistication of Google Beam offer clear advantages for high-level business communications, the cost and infrastructure requirements make it a luxury product for now.
Initial availability will be limited to select enterprise customers beginning in late 2025, with more models and form factors expected in the future. As companies increasingly seek deeper engagement and better communication tools in a hybrid work world, Google Beam could become a benchmark for premium video conferencing, provided it can balance innovation with broader accessibility in the long term.
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