Google has unveiled “Beam”, a revolutionary AI-first 3D video communication platform, as an extension of Project Starline, marking a major leap in AI-driven immersive communication technology.
About Google Beam
- Beam is built on the foundation of Project Starline and utilizes advanced AI and 3D video rendering to provide life-sized, true-to-life human interactions in video calls.
- Described as a “next-generation” video communication tool, it aims to deliver emotionally rich, natural face-to-face experiences virtually.
- It uses:
- Six-camera array to capture depth, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact.
- AI volumetric video models to reconstruct a 3D rendering of the speaker.
- Custom light field displays to project a 3D lifelike image of the caller.
- Users feel as though the other person is physically present, eliminating the flatness of traditional 2D video calls.
How Beam Works?
- Capture: Multi-angle views using a six-camera array.
- Processing: Google’s AI merges streams in real time to create a volumetric 3D image.
- Display: A light field display presents the caller in three dimensions, simulating in-person presence.
- Cloud Integration: Powered by Google Cloud, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability and compatibility with existing conferencing tools.
Launch and Availability:
- Developed in partnership with HP; first devices for Google Beam to be unveiled at InfoComm 2025.
- Expected to roll out to select enterprise customers later this year.
- Google is partnering with Diversified and AVI-SPL to expand adoption among global enterprises and organisations.
Other Related Innovations:
Real-Time AI Speech Translation in Google Meet:
- Translates live conversations while retaining user’s voice, tone, and facial expressions.
- Currently supports English and Spanish.
- Available in beta for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
- To be rolled out soon to Workplace Business customers.
Relevance for India
- Beam could have transformative potential for:
- Online education: Enhancing virtual classrooms with real-time interaction.
- Telehealth: Improving remote diagnosis and doctor-patient communication.
- Remote Work: Enabling deeper collaboration among distributed teams.
- Aligns with India’s goal of building a digitally inclusive economy.
- Can help bridge the connectivity and communication divide across regions by offering realistic, immersive digital interactions.
Strategic Importance
- Reinforces Google’s lead in extended reality (XR) and AI-driven communications.
- Suggests a shift toward more human-centric tech solutions in the digital communication landscape.
- May influence future developments in education technology, telemedicine, and corporate virtual infrastructure.