Google LLC today unveiled Google Beam, a new artificial intelligence-powered enterprise-focused 3D video communication platform designed to bring remote collaboration closer to in-person interaction.

Beam is an evolution of Project Starline, a multiyear research initiative first announced in 2021 that was aimed at redefining video calls through advanced AI and imaging technologies. Project Starline enabled remote conversations that felt almost like being in the same room, all without the need for specialized glasses or headsets.

The core innovation behind Google Beam lies in an AI volumetric video model that converts 2D video feeds into realistic 3D renderings in real time. The platform creates a sense of presence using a light field display, allowing participants to make eye contact, read subtle cues and build understanding and trust as if they were actually in the same room face-to-face.

Beam is built on Google Cloud and integrates with Google’s AI stack to deliver enterprise-grade reliability and compatibility with existing workflows. The platform is designed to scale across organizations of varying sizes and support secure, high-quality communication in business environments that depend on strong interpersonal cues.

Beam is expected to be available later this year, first from products made by HP Inc.

As part of the rollout, Google is also introducing speech translation capabilities to Beam, starting today with Google Meet. The feature delivers authentic, near real-time translated conversations while maintaining voice tone and expression.

The speech translation functionality is aimed at removing language as a barrier to global collaboration. According to Google, it represents the first step in a broader goal to enable people to see and understand each other across cultures, geographies and languages with minimal friction.

Google Beam in the workplace

To commercialize Beam, Google is partnering with HP Inc. to bring the first hardware products to market. The devices will be showcased at the upcoming InfoComm event, with availability planned for select enterprise customers later this year.

Google is also working with integration partners, including Zoom Communications Inc., Diversified Media Group LLC and AVI-SPL LLC, to ensure Beam can operate within established enterprise communication ecosystems. The company says this will help organizations adopt the technology without overhauling their infrastructure.

While only officiallly launching today, Beam has already been tested by early adopters, including Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Salesforce Inc., Citadel LLC, NEC Corp., Hackensack Meridian Health Inc., Duolingo Inc. and Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd. Deloitte described Beam as not just a technical breakthrough but a meaningful shift in how people form connections in a digital-first world.

Image: Google