Remember when Google first teased Project Starline? It felt like science fiction at the time—a system so advanced it could make video calls feel like real in-person conversations. Fast forward to Google I/O 2025, and that dream is stepping out of the lab and into your conference room. Meet Google Beam, the polished, market-ready incarnation of the once-mythical Project Starline.
After years of research and jaw-dropping demos, Google has trimmed down the prototype, tuned the software, and partnered up to handle manufacturing and sales. The result is a sleek, nearly bezel-free hardware unit that doesn’t just stream your colleague’s face—it projects a photorealistic 3D figure so lifelike it’s easy to forget there’s an LCD panel between you. This is video conferencing, leveled up.
HP Joins the Party
Google didn’t build Beam alone. They enlisted HP to handle production and distribution, tapping the hardware giant’s expertise to make the system robust and scalable. HP’s role goes beyond just putting pieces together: they’ve optimized the thermal design, upgraded the speaker system, and streamlined installation for enterprises of all sizes.
Why HP? It comes down to trust and reliability. Big corporations need rock-solid tech that plays nice with existing IT infrastructure, and HP checks those boxes. With a joint go-to-market strategy, Google Beam will target businesses first—after all, who wouldn’t want meetings that feel like you’re actually sharing the same room?
How Google Beam Works
Let’s peel back the curtain on the tech wizardry powering Beam. At its heart is a custom high-resolution display paired with an array of depth sensors and eye-tracking cameras. These feed a powerful AI engine that converts traditional 2D video streams into real-time 3D models. The end result? You see your coworker in 3D, complete with subtle gestures and spatial audio that shifts as they move across the “room.”
Real-time rendering is the secret sauce. Google’s algorithms fill in missing data, smoothing out motion and preserving facial expressions. Meanwhile, the Zero Border design maximizes your field of view, making the hologram appear as if it’s floating in free space rather than stuck behind glass. And yes, if someone leans in to “hand you” a virtual object, it feels eerily real.
Who Will Benefit First
Google aims to win over early adopters in sectors where presence matters most. Law firms, design studios, healthcare networks, and global financial institutions have already expressed interest. Imagine a surgeon consulting with specialists halfway around the world, or architects reviewing blueprints as if they were shoulder-to-shoulder in a studio.
Major names like Deloitte, Salesforce, Citadel, and Duolingo are on the pre-order list. These companies see the potential for smoother collaboration, faster decision-making, and a wow factor that leaves clients impressed. Of course, support for Google Meet is baked in, and Zoom compatibility is in the works, so you won’t need to ditch your favorite conferencing platform.
Setting Up Google Beam
Don’t be intimidated by the high-tech vibe—installation is surprisingly straightforward. Google and HP have developed a turnkey solution that includes on-site calibration and network integration. All you need is a well-lit meeting room, a stable internet connection, and a power outlet. The Beam unit arrives pre-configured with your company’s branding and security protocols.
Once it’s in place, IT teams can manage it through Google Admin Console or HP’s management suite, keeping firmware and software up to date with minimal fuss. From there, it’s as simple as scheduling a meeting in Google Calendar or Zoom; Beam automatically recognizes participants and adjusts the virtual seating arrangement to mirror a real conference table.
Looking Ahead
While Google Beam’s initial rollout focuses on enterprise use, Google hints at a future where smaller teams and creative studios can tap into holo-conferencing without breaking the bank. Advances in mini-LED displays, sensor tech, and machine learning models could drive the price down over time, making it feasible for startups and home offices alike.
For now, Google Beam is gearing up to redefine how large organizations conduct meetings, launch products, and connect global teams. It’s not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a glimpse at the next chapter of human communication, where distance dissolves and collaboration becomes truly immersive. Ready to leap into the future of video calls? Google Beam is waiting.
