Google's video chat booths will now be available in real life, according to Engadget. The search giant will install Project Starline prototypes in its corporate partners' offices later this year. This will be for regular tests for Google to see how its "magic windows" work beyond their demonstrations on-campus.
Some of their program partners are Salesforce, T-Mobile, and WeWork. In-house demos will include over 100 companies in various industries, like healthcare, media, and retailers.
Project Starline
The Project Starline is a way to create a natural-feeling telepresence system, in which every participant will sit in a booth with an array of cameras and infrared projectors that will create a realistic 3D depiction. It will come with spatial audio capture that will make it seem as if the voice is coming from the mouth of the digital persona.
In addition to this, it features head tracking and a 65-inch, 8K glasses-free display, which will make it seem like the other person is sitting right in front of you. In theory, this will lead to more effortless meetings instead of the usual staring at a computer screen via a webcam.
Google hasn't outlined the cost of a Project Starline booth yet, but it's safe to say that the technology will be expensive and will take up a lot of space. Therefore, smaller businesses may have a difficult time justifying the booth.
Also Read: Google Completes Raxium Acquisition, a MicroLED Company that Aims to Utilize for its AR Projects
Wrong Timing?
It seems like these video booths coming in real life isn't coming at the perfect time, especially now that remote and hybrid work have taken off. The project is coming in where a growing number of people are now more comfortable to return to work.
Currently, these 3D calling booths are only available in Google's offices in the US where employees are able to test them for meetings, onboarding sessions, and more.
The launch of the new early access program will allow partners to test the calling booths in their own offices to provide valuable feedback to the tech giant. For those who have already tested it described Project Starline as realistic and an impressive technology despite being it in its early stages.
It's unclear whether Google has plans to commercialize the technology. Still, the technology is interesting-and it even seems better than the one Meta is developing because Google is working to present a person as they are. This technology could help bridge the gap between in-person meetings and 2D video chat experience that we have available today.
Related Article: Project Starline: Google's Hyper Realistic 3D Imaging 'Magic Window' Device-What is It?
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by April Fowell
