So, here’s the thing—HP just dropped this bombshell last year, right? They basically whispered in our ears, “Hey, we’re getting all cozy with Google Beam,” which, who even knew it was once called ‘Project Starline’? Sounds like starships or something. Anyway, fast forward to now—ta-da—HP trots out Dimension. Imagine rolling this out for $25K! A bit of sticker shock, huh?
Alright, picture this: Dimension’s got six cameras. Not just any cameras though—fancy-pants ones with “state of the art AI.” Supposedly, they make these super realistic 3D versions of folks just chatting away, plastered across a giant 65-inch screen. It’s like they’re popping out at you but, you know, without the creepy jump scare. Real size, depth, colors, the whole shebang. Heck, even eye contact—though does a camera’s “eye contact” count as eye contact? Debate for another day.
Here’s the kicker, though. HP’s like, “Sure, have the tech… but not the whole package.” That Google Beam license? Yeah, you gotta snag that separately. A bit cheeky, if you ask me.
Oh, and get this—this gizmo’s ready for Zoom Rooms, Google Meet, all the usual suspects. Want 3D chats? Done. Prefer good ol’ 2D? Covered. Integrate with Teams, Webex? Easy-peasy. They’re really trying to be everyone’s buddy here. Helen Sheirbon, the HP honcho, basically said—or maybe I’m just reading between the lines here—this thing’s about making you feel all warm and fuzzy ‘cause of “authentic human connections.” Guess tech’s hugging us closer now, huh?
Flashback to 2021—Google Beam, which they sneakily called ‘Project Starlight’ back then (because why not)—was all about using this light-field display magic. No sci-fi headgear needed, just people looking more… human, I guess? Real convo vibes without feeling like a hologram from Star Trek.
Some stats they throw at us—like tossing candy at a parade—are pretty wild. Testing showed 39% uptick in noticing those eyebrow wiggles and subtle nods. Better turn-taking by 37%. Why not 38%? Who knows. And a 28% boost in memory—you know, like remembering not to forget your next meeting.
And here I am, just marveling at how tech almost feels like a trusty old friend now. Sort of.
