While Meta is trying to convince consumers to strap on its virtual reality headsets to enter the metaverse, Google continues to experiment with a different kind of false reality: its hologram video chat project known as Project Starline. Project Starline is a video calling booth that uses 3D imagery, high-resolution cameras, custom depth sensor sensors, and a breakthrough light field display to create a realistic experience for callers on both sides of the screen. The early access program will allow Starline to be used in the offices of many enterprise partners.
Project Starline prototypes will be installed in select partner offices later this year.
Until now, the 3D calling booths were found in the U.S., where employees could try them out for things like meetings. Over 100 enterprise partners in areas like media, healthcare and retail were invited by the company to demo the technology in its offices and give feedback on the experience.
With the launch of the new early access program, those partners will be able to test the calling booths in their own offices, giving them valuable feedback and insights about how such a technology would be used in the real world.
The experience of testing Project Starline has been described as being incredibly realistic and impressive.
There have been questions about what extent Starline would ever exist beyond being a very cool tech demo, compared to a technology that would eventually become a part of office workers' everyday lives. They can support more than Starline does.
The long-term status of Project Starline, along with its internal R&D group known as Area 120, has not been known as the project was wrapped up into a reorganization a year ago. In September, the number of projects in Area 120 was slashed by half, indicating that it may not be priorities in the current economy. Some people on the internet were not sure how Project Starline was doing.
Starline is betting on a different kind of virtual reality, one where people aren't represented with gaming-like avatars, but rather as their real selves. Instead of developing tech that uses cameras to track eye and face movements to make avatars more realistic, as Meta is doing, or figuring out how to add legs to your in-VR body, GOOGLE is working to present a person as they are.
As more businesses try to figure out the hybrid future of work model, technology like Starline might be able to bridge the gap between in-person meetings and video chats.
The partners spoke of their interest in trying out the technology, which they believe could make connections between people more meaningful.
Andy White said in a statement that companies need to provide the technology and tools to help employees be more productive. We are always looking for new ways to deliver amazing experiences to our employees and customers. Project Starline could be used to drive deeper connections between people.
There will be more information about the program next year.
Google is making a 3D, life-size video calling booth
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