HP has unveiled a groundbreaking device, the HP Dimension, making it the first company to showcase hardware integrated with Google Beam, a 3D video communication technology previously referred to as Project Starline. The HP Dimension is equipped with a 65-inch light field display and features six high-speed cameras embedded in its bezel, providing what HP describes as a “true-to-life” 3D experience for video calls.
Google announced the rebranding of Project Starline just last month, revealing plans to allow third-party manufacturers, starting with HP, to utilize its design framework for devices featuring Beam. Targeted primarily at enterprise users, the HP Dimension is priced at $24,999, and additional software for video conferencing, such as a Google Beam license to access platforms like Zoom or Google Meet, will need to be purchased separately. The cost of the necessary licenses has not yet been disclosed by either HP or Google.
In a demonstration of Google Beam, it was highlighted that users do not require any special equipment like headsets or glasses to experience the technology. According to Beau Wilder, HP’s head of future customer experiences, a standard room setting is adequate, though a white background is recommended for the best visual clarity.
“Our aim is not to create a caricature sitting in a small box in front of you,” Wilder stated. “We want to enable a natural interaction where you can walk into the room and make immediate eye contact without effort.”
While users of the HP Dimension can connect with colleagues across various video conferencing platforms, those on other systems won’t experience the same 3D image projection. The device incorporates multiple built-in cameras and adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts to different environments, ensuring realistic shadows and natural skin tones during virtual interactions.
The device also features spatial audio that keeps the sound in sync with the visual representation, enhancing the immersive experience. It is equipped with HP’s Poly Studio A2 tabletop microphones alongside four strategically placed speakers that provide direct sound to users’ ears.
Andrew Nartker, general manager of Google Beam, expressed the overarching goal of the technology: “The objective of Google Beam, as showcased with the HP Dimension, is to create an experience that feels like you’re genuinely present. It’s designed to foster collaboration where all participants feel completely engaged.”
The HP Dimension is set to launch later this year across multiple markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. Major companies, such as Salesforce, Deloitte, and NEC Corporation, have already indicated their plans to integrate Google Beam technology into their workspaces.
