HP became the first company to show off a device designed specifically for Google's new 3D video calling technology, Beam (formerly known as Project Starline).
The new product is called HP Dimension. It is a business device with a 65-inch light field display and six high-speed cameras in the frame that create a realistic three-dimensional image of the interlocutor without the need for VR helmets or special glasses.
The device costs $24,999 and is designed for corporate use. The price does not include video calling software — to use Zoom or Google Meet, a company will need to separately purchase a Google Beam license (cost not disclosed at this time).
During the presentation, HP representatives emphasized that a specially equipped room is not required for effective use of the system - a white background is enough for a high-quality presence effect. According to Beau Wilder, head of the future user experience direction at HP, the main goal of Beam is to achieve a full sense of the physical presence of the interlocutor, as if he were sitting in front of you.
"We want a person to be able to make eye contact right away without thinking," Wilder said.
HP Dimension also features adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts to the environment, reproducing natural shadows and skin tones. Spatial audio synchronizes voice with the position of the interlocutor on the screen. The kit includes HP Poly Studio A2 microphones and four speakers behind a translucent acoustic wall.
Despite its focus on Google Beam, HP Dimension supports video calls via other platforms as well — though without the 3D effect.
HP Dimension will be available in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Japan by the end of 2025. Salesforce, Deloitte and NEC are already interested in implementing the technology.