Google has unveiled its vision of the future of video conferencing

Holographic video conferencing is coming

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Google’s plan to change the way we interact usingvideo conferencing softwarehas just been taken to the next level with the rollout of Project Starline to Google offices and more locations across the US.

Despite Meta’s growing success in the VR headset space, Google remains committed to holographic forms. Google says its “magic window” allows users to “talk, gesture and make eye contact with another person, life-size and in three dimensions.”

Of course, the technology and hardware required for this can be pretty costly, comprising machine learning, computational vision, spatial audio, and light field display systems, however all of these in tandem bring us the most realistic representation to date.

Google Project Starline

Google reckons that a boost in communication cues can help make meetings more efficient, saving companies time and therefore money. In its own research, it saw an average of around 40% more hand gestures, around 25% more head nods, and around 50% more eyebrow movements.

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Internal testing at Google locations has proven successful, and following some visits from retail, media, and healthcare partner companies, the tech giant now hopes to roll out demos in offices other than its own. Its early access program, starting this year, will install prototypes inSalesforce, WeWork, T-Mobile, and Hackensack Meridian Health offices as the future of video conferencing takes a step closer to becoming a reality.

Beyond building and maintaining company relations, Google sees its Starline booths expanding to customer-company relations and even “just sitting down for a coffee chat”, though it’s likely to be years until this technology becomes commonplace in household environments.

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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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