- HP Dimension and Google Beam brings video calling into an immersive 3D environment without accessories.
- The system is based on IA, six cameras, 65” screen and spatial audio to recreate realistic presence.
- Its use is geared toward the business sector, with a high price and technological and logistical barriers.
Can you imagine making a video call and really feeling like the person on the other side of the screen is sharing the table with you, with a depth and naturalness That goes far beyond the typical two-dimensional image we're accustomed to? That's exactly what HP Dimension promises and begins to deliver with Google Beam, a technological breakthrough that aims to revolutionize business communications, allowing us to get closer than ever to the feeling of physical presence without leaving the office or home.
In the last months, This system has raised enormous expectations, especially among technology companies, senior executives, and organizations that rely on nonverbal communication. If you're wondering exactly what it is, how it works, and what the key factors are that differentiate it from other video conferencing solutions, in this article you'll find the clearest, most practical, and most comprehensive explanation imaginable. Get ready to discover everything about the 3D video call that aims to make history.
What is HP Dimension and what role does Google Beam play?
HP Dimension is the first commercial device to incorporate Google Beam technology., a system designed to enable hyper-realistic 2021D video calls. This device is primarily intended for professional and executive environments, becoming the evolution of the pilot projects that Google has been showcasing since XNUMX under the name Project Starline.
Google Beam, formerly known as Starline, is the platform that allows transforming the images captured by the system into 3D volumetric models in real time through Artificial Intelligence advancedThis not only means seeing the person in depth, but also perceiving their body language, gestures, and gaze direction, significantly improving the quality and impact of video calls compared to any previous solution.
HP, one of the giants of computing, has joined forces with Google to offer what will be the first hardware Ready to take full advantage of Google Beam. The result is a spectacular booth, packed with state-of-the-art sensors, cameras, and audiovisual technology, aimed at business customers looking to improve remote communication like never before.
Design and technical components: this is the HP Dimension cabin
The key to the immersive experience lies in a set of perfectly integrated hardware and software elementsThe HP Dimension system consists primarily of:
- 65 screen inches with 8K resolution and light field technology, designed to project realistic three-dimensional images that create the illusion of volume without the need for glasses or helmets. virtual reality or wearables.
- Six high-speed cameras located in the frame of the screen, which capture the user's face and torso from different angles at 60 frames per second (fps), allowing the generation of a precise and fluid volumetric model.
- Adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts shadows and skin tones based on the environment, achieving a natural image with great facial detail.
- Spatial Audio Suite with four high-fidelity speakers and twelve beamforming microphones, capable of placing the voices exactly in the space where each 3D avatar is located, achieving a clear and immersive experience.
- Auxiliary control panel to manage functions such as muting the microphone, pausing the video call, or adjusting different system parameters.
The result, according to those who have tried the system, is so surprising that you get the feeling that the other person is really present, thanks to the perfect integration between the three-dimensional image and positional audio.
How it works: This is how the illusion of physical presence is created in a video call
When you start a video call with HP Dimension and Google Beam, The six cameras capture the user from different angles And using AI algorithms, all the images are processed to create an animated volumetric model in real time. This 3D avatar is projected onto the light field screen, which directs light beams in different directions, allowing each eye to perceive a different image and thus generating a sense of depth and volume.
La AI corrects even small details like eye position to facilitate eye contact, a key aspect that falls far short of what is achieved in a conventional video call. Furthermore, when the user moves slightly, either by tilting their head or shifting in their chair, the avatar's perspective on the screen changes naturally, creating a much more realistic experience without noticeable delays.
An essential differentiating factor is that no accessories are needed additional to enjoy the experience: just sit in front of the device and start the video call. No glasses, helmets, or other accessories required. This puts HP Dimension and Google Beam a step above traditional virtual or augmented reality offerings.
Key advantages over traditional video calling
The possibilities of this new 3D video call go far beyond the initial “wow” effect. HP and Google claim with data that communication improves substantially:
- People remember what was said in meetings better (up to 28% or 8% more, according to internal sources and tests)
- A is detected notable increase in the interpretation and transmission of gestures and non-verbal communication (between 29% and 39%)
- Participants pay more attention to the interlocutor (at least 14% more, according to HP)
These advances can be translated into a reduction of cognitive effort By holding remote meetings, we achieve better idea retention, greater empathy, and more fluid communication—fundamental aspects in sectors such as team management, medicine, high-level negotiation, and high-quality remote training.
Real-life applications and featured use cases
- Engineering and design: Real-time CAD model review, presentation of prototypes with intricate details, and immediate gestural feedback, as if both parties were examining the object from different angles at the same time.
- Telemedicine: remote consultation where the professional can observe the patient's expression and reactions in detail or teach complex techniques with three-dimensional realism.
- Distance learning and hybrid education: Teachers can perceive students' real-life reactions, adjust the pace of the lesson, and use 3D models to explain difficult concepts.
- Executive negotiations and corporate communications: Nonverbal language takes center stage, and details such as a simple crossing of the arms or a genuine smile can change the course of an important negotiation.
- Premium customer service: Luxury brands or exclusive products can offer personalized and much richer consultations thanks to advanced virtual presence.
Economic cost and barriers to entry
The biggest obstacle to enjoying HP Dimension and Google Beam today is, without a doubt, its price. The device will be sold for $24.999 (about 21.700 euros at the current exchange rate), and that amount only includes the hardware. To actually work, you need to purchase a separate Google Beam license, which is essential to connect the booth to platforms like Zoom Rooms, Google Meet, Teams or Webex using the 3D system.
In addition, we must bear in mind that For 3D video calling to work, both ends need a compatible system, which means at least doubling the initial investment for each realistic meeting between two locations. While the team can switch between 3D meetings and standard 2D interactions (when only one end has access to the booth), the true potential is only achieved with two Beam systems communicating with each other.
HP also sells the accessories as well. Poly Studio A2 microphone ($329) and the HP Poly Studio A2 audio bridge ($549), which enable system scalability and the integration of up to eight microphones and 32 high-fidelity audio channels respectively, although they are not strictly necessary for basic operation.
Installation, physical requirements and privacy
Although HP assures that a special dedicated room is not essential, To achieve the best experience, it is recommended to have a space with controlled lighting. and, if possible, with a light background. The size of the system requires a dedicated room or corner for the booth, which can pose an additional logistical challenge in small offices.
Regarding privacy, one of the major concerns for companies will be the management of volumetric data streams captured and processed by the Google cloud. Questions arise about where this 3D data is temporarily stored, who can access it and whether they could be used to train AI models without explicit user consent. It is recommended to carefully review license agreements and establish clear protocols on storage and secure deletion of all generated information.
Where will HP Dimension be available and to whom?
The HP Dimension is initially scheduled to launch in late 2025 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, excluding markets such as Spain and Latin America for now. It will only be available to select companies and corporate customers willing to accept the initial cost and complexity, but both HP and Google have indicated that more affordable models adapted to smaller spaces or even the home could appear in the future.
Tips for companies interested in implementing Google Beam
- Analyze use cases where nonverbal communication and presence are truly crucial., since the cost is not worth it for routine or low-emotional meetings.
- Calculate the return on investment estimating the savings in travel, the reduction of misunderstandings, and the possible acceleration in decision-making or project approval.
- Verify the compatibility of the company's network and technological infrastructure, since the transmission of volumetric images requires a very stable connection, similar to a highway without traffic jams or interruptions during rush hour.
- Define strong data protection policies and privacy, establishing clear protocols on who can access 3D recordings and how they are disposed of at the conclusion of each meeting.
- Start with gradual adoption pilot programs, collecting metrics on productivity and satisfaction before expanding the system to the rest of the organization.
3D video calling with HP Dimension and Google Beam represents a very real technological leap. Companies for which human communication, gestures, and proximity are critical can now take the step into a new era of remote collaboration. The future is already here, and while for now there's a high price to pay to jump on the bandwagon, everything indicates that what is exclusive and expensive today will gradually transform the way we share ideas and emotions remotely.
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