HP Dimension: Google's 3D video conferencing solution Beam comes at a high price
HP has announced its first market-ready 3D video conferencing system, the Dimension, which is based on Google Beam, also known as Project Starlink.
HP Dimension in the application.
(Image: HP)
HP is the first company to launch a hardware product based on Google's 3D video call technology, Google Beam. The technology is designed to ensure that users perceive a “lifelike image” of the person in front of them. However, at 25,000 US dollars, HP's solution is not cheap.
Light field screen, many cameras, and AI
The HP Dimension has a 65-inch light field display with 8K resolution and six high-speed cameras that are embedded in the frame of the housing to create an almost spatial video image of the user. A “state-of-the-art volumetric AI video model” is used for this effect, which converts “2D video streams into realistic 3D”, explains Google.
(Image:Â HP)
To create a 3D effect of the other person, an optical layer is attached above the panel, which apparently consists of microlenses. These can influence the direction of the light rays emitted by the panel to create a spatial view of the person. Spatial audio and adaptive backlighting are intended to create a stronger immersion effect.
In development for years
The technology was first presented by Google at I/O 2021 as Project Starline. The prototype shown at the time, which consisted of a 65-inch 8K panel, speakers, microphones, lighting, a computer and several camera sets, was the size of a separate dining area in a restaurant. Since then, the company has been able to reduce the technology so that it is not larger than a flat-screen TV.
In the course of I/O 2025, Google renamed the 3D video conferencing solution Google Beam and brought HP on board as its first hardware partner. Google had previously conducted test runs with the conferencing solution within its own company and with an early access program. Salesforce, T-Mobile and Wework, among others, took part in the program to gather practical data on how the solution can help colleagues working remotely to stay connected.
Videos by heise
According to Google's initial findings from 2023, the interaction between people during video calls via the 3D video conferencing solution should be more interactive. In terms of non-verbal behaviors, participants were more animated and used significantly more hand gestures, head nods and eyebrow movements.
Participants also reported a significantly better ability to perceive and communicate non-verbal behaviors than in conventional video conferencing. According to Google, the conversational dynamics were also higher than in conventional calls.
However, the 3D conferencing solution has one major limitation: only one person per screen can take part in the video calls, as face and eye tracking, among other things, does not work with multiple people.
25,000 dollars just for the hardware
HP's Dimension is intended for use in companies, costs 25,000 dollars and will be launched in the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Japan this year, according to the manufacturer. Companies such as Salesforce, Deloitte and NEC have already agreed to bring Google Beam into their offices.
Incidentally, the purchase price of the 3D video conferencing system only includes the hardware. Google charges an additional amount for the software license required for video calls. Neither Google nor HP have revealed the price of a separate Google Beam license to gain access to Zoom or Google Meet.
(afl)
