Google brings Beam to life. Beam creates realistic 3D representations of people to make virtual conversations feel more natural.
During I/O, Google launches Beam, which Google describes as an AI-driven 3D meeting platform. The goal of Beam is to elevate virtual conversations by making them feel like physical interactions. Beam is essentially the embodiment of Project Starline that saw the light of day three years ago, but until now never managed to become a commercial solution.
Meeting in 3d
The announcement contains many references to AI to justify the relevance of Beam in 2025. An AI model working behind the scenes converts the standard 2D video images we’re accustomed to in virtual meetings into volumetric 3D representations. People can see each other lifelike from different angles without having to purchase special glasses or headsets.
In addition to the 3D video features, Google is also developing speech translation in Beam, which will soon be available in the Meet platform. This feature translates conversations almost in real-time, preserving voice, tone, and expressions. This should break down language barriers and enable natural communication.
The combination of realistic image and sound should lead to much more natural-feeling video meetings. The need for virtual meetings has not diminished due to hybrid work. There are many solutions available today to professionally equip meeting rooms, but virtual conversations still feel unnatural. With Google Beam, you can see your conversation partners in person and even look them straight in the eyes.
Chatbox
The platform runs on Google Cloud and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows within companies, Google writes in a blog. Google Beam focuses on business applications, emphasizing reliable and realistic communication that should make physical distance fade away. The platform will be made available to selected customers later this year. Among the first testers are Deloitte, Salesforce, and Duolingo.
Google is working with technology partners such as Zoom and HP to bring Beam to the business market. HP will soon showcase its first Beam devices under its Poly brand. You should imagine this as an oversized ‘chatbox’ with a 65-inch 8K TV screen, 14 cameras, 16 infrared projectors, microphones, and speakers. Additionally, channel partners are involved in the global rollout of Beam.