Let’s be honest most video calls still kind of suck. Laggy audio, awkward eye contact, and that weird delay where everyone stares blankly before someone finally speaks. But after reading up on Google Beam, I’m starting to believe video calls are about to get way more human. Here’s what I found out, and why I think this could actually change the way we connect across distances.
This all started a few years ago with something called Project Starline. Google introduced it back in 2021 as a kind of high-tech 3D calling booth think of it as FaceTime, but with a life-sized hologram of the person you’re talking to.
Fast forward to Google I/O 2025, and it’s now officially called Google Beam. The company announced (Google Blog) that it’s moving out of the lab and into real-world offices and it looks nothing like a science project anymore.
What Makes It Different?
Unlike traditional video calls, Google Beam uses a light-field display, depth-sensing cameras, and AI-powered head tracking to create a 3D version of the person you’re talking to no headset or glasses required.
It doesn’t just project an image. It actually renders a volumetric representation, which means facial expressions, gestures, and even eye contact come through naturally. The goal is to make it feel like the other person is really sitting across from you.
It’s kind of wild, honestly. Even The Verge, who got to see it in action, said it “makes virtual meetings suck less”.
“Real-Time Translation That Sounds Human”. Another huge feature: AI-powered live translation. Google is starting with English↔Spanish and plans to add more languages like German and Portuguese. What’s cool is that the system preserves your tone and voice, so it doesn’t sound robotic when translated. This feature is already rolling out to Google Meet, and it’s built into Beam.
The Price Tag? Definitely Not for Everyone
Beam isn’t a gadget you or I can pick up at Best Buy. Google partnered with HP to produce a dedicated device called the HP Dimension, and it’s priced at a whopping $24,999.
Yeah definitely aimed at large enterprises right now. Companies like Salesforce, Deloitte, Duolingo, and Citadel are already testing it out.
The Promise (and the Limits)
Google claims that Beam helps reduce fatigue and improve memory retention in virtual meetings, and honestly, that makes sense. If conversations feel more like in-person ones, it’s bound to be easier to stay focused and remember what was said.
That said, there are some clear barriers: the cost, the need for high-speed infrastructure, and potential privacy concerns from all the rich 3D data being captured. As much as I love the idea, this isn’t something we’ll all be using overnight.
Final Thoughts
We’re probably still a few years away from Beam being in homes or classrooms but as far as enterprise tech goes, this feels like a meaningful leap forward. For once, a “futuristic” product. Google Beam looks like a real attempt to make remote communication feel like the real thing.
Will it succeed? Hard to say. But I’ll be watching closely and hoping the rest of us get to try it someday.