HP Dimension with Google Beam Provides More Humanconferencing, Less Videoconferencing

At InfoComm earlier this month, HP and Google provided details, availability, and pricing for the newly-branded HP Dimension with Google Beam. Those are the new names for Google's "Project Starline" 1:1 video conferencing system that makes it seem like the person you're talking to is sitting right in front of you. I got a live demo last year; it gives you the ability to see and react to the remote person's expressions and body language -- it almost feels like you can hand them something. (You can't.) This can be used to reduce travel, improve communication with dispersed team members, interview candidates, and more. At Google I/O, Google announced it is building in Gemini real-time translation, so eventually this could be a way to check in with suppliers in other countries and see small prototypes as if you could take them and hold them in your hand. (Again, you can't. HP Dimension is not a Transporter or Replicator.)

Dimension looks like a TV fitted into a rounded cubicle desk, but the tech here is significant: it uses a 3D light field display, adaptive lighting, six-camera capture, spatial audio, and AI to create a you-are-there feeling without strapping on a VR system and dealing with avatars. None of the tech is obvious to the end user, it just looks like you're sitting down at the desk and connecting to a video call with specific endpoints. You *do* need an HP Dimension on both ends, but each station is also a high-end 2D videoconferencing system, so it doubles as a huddle room when you aren't connecting to another Dimension.

Pricing is $25,000 per Dimension (you'll need at least two), plus a license for the Google Beam service. When I asked, Google pointed out that companies using Google Meet for conferencing rooms already pay for a license for that software, so this won't be unexpected. Google wouldn't specify how much that license is, which might mean it is wildly expensive, or, more likely, just that it varies based on what subscriptions the company already has. HP already has customers lined up to buy Dimensions, and since I've experienced what it can do, this doesn't surprise me. 2D dedicated video conferencing systems are also expensive but they are a cost of doing business; this 3D system can potentially further save on travel budget, speed decision making, and improve team performance. I'd say it's hard to put a price tag on that, but you can: it's $50,000. If this is successful enough, I could also see it installed in shared conference centers and business office spaces.

The fact that both HP and Google are separately branding the hardware and software -- with good names! -- suggests that Google may eventually have other hardware partners or perhaps even different form factors. For now, HP is the sole provider of Beam hardware, and Dimension goes on sale this fall. It's a shame I can't get one for my home office; it would make vendor briefings much nicer -- less contrived and more human.