Exploring Google Beam: A next-gen 3D video conferencing tool

Video calls and virtual meetings have made remote work possible, helping teams stay connected across countries and time zones. They've become a regular part of our lives and have changed the way we communicate.

However, despite their widespread use, the core technology behind video conferencing has remained mostly unchanged for years. Thanks to recent advancements, video conferencing platforms are starting to shift, aiming to feel more natural and lifelike.

Interestingly, at its annual developer conference (Google I/O 2025), Google introduced its new video communication tool, known as Google Beam. Beam uses artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D video conferencing technology to move beyond traditional flat screens and create a more immersive, in-person experience.

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In fact, Google Beam is designed to make it feel like the person you're talking to is right there in front of you. Unlike regular video calls, it brings back subtle human cues, like eye contact and natural movement that shifts with your perspective, details that are often lost on flat screens.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Google Beam is, how it was developed, how it works, and its applications. Let’s get started!

Going from Project Starline to Google Beam

Before we take a closer look at Google Beam, let’s get a better understanding of its predecessor, Project Starline.

Introduced at Google I/O 2021, Project Starline was a research initiative aimed at making remote communication feel more lifelike, almost as if you were in the same room. It worked by creating life-sized, 3D images of people in real time. Even though the technology attracted a lot of attention, it required complex setups and heavy hardware.

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Over the years, as technology advanced, Google refined the software and streamlined the hardware. After four years of development, Project Starline has evolved into Google Beam - a more compact and user-friendly solution.

Google Beam uses AI to enhance video calls by creating more realistic, 3D-like images of the people you're talking to. It turns regular 2D video into views that adjust with different angles, helping maintain eye contact and making facial expressions easier to see. It also includes features like real-time translation, head tracking, and spatial audio.

An overview of Google Beam

Google Beam has been developed to work without extra accessories like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) headsets. Instead, it comes with its own built-in display, camera system, and hardware to create 3D visuals. This makes video calls feel more natural, comfortable, and engaging than typical video meetings.

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How Google Beam creates realistic virtual meetings

Now that we’ve discussed how Google Beam came to be, let’s take a closer look at how it works.

Image capturing for immersive remote collaboration

It all starts with capturing visual information. Beam uses six high-resolution cameras to take pictures from different angles at the same time. 

These cameras help track facial features, body language, and small movements in real-time. AI plays a key role by optimizing camera settings and keeping all the video feeds perfectly synchronized. This prepares the system for the next stage: data processing.

2D image to 3D video conferencing

Next, AI is used to combine the six 2D camera feeds to generate a real-time 3D model of the person in view. Rather than simply layering 2D images, it reconstructs depth, shadows, and spatial relationships to create a full 3D digital twin.

To build this 3D model, Beam uses AI and computer vision techniques like depth estimation and motion tracking. These methods help determine how far a person is from the camera, how they move, and how their body is positioned. With this data, the system can map facial features and body parts accurately in 3D space.

The AI model behind Beam updates the 3D representation at 60 frames per second (FPS) to keep conversations smooth and lifelike. It also makes real-time adjustments to reflect the person’s movements accurately.

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Google Beam’s light field display systems

The 3D model is displayed on the receiver’s Beam system using a light-field display. Unlike conventional screens that present the same image to both eyes, a light-field display emits slightly different images to each eye, simulating the way we perceive depth in real life. This creates a more realistic, three-dimensional visual experience.

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Real-time millimeter-accurate head tracking

One of Google Beam’s most impressive features is its real-time AI tracking ability. The system uses precise head and eye tracking to follow movements down to the smallest detail. 

For instance, Beam’s AI engine can continuously track the user’s head position and make subtle adjustments to the image in real time. This creates the impression that the person on screen is truly sitting across from you. As you move your head, the 3D image shifts accordingly, just like in a real, face-to-face conversation.

Audio processing for AI-enhanced virtual communication

Beam also improves the audio experience by using spatial sound that matches where the person appears on the screen. If someone is on the left side of the display, their voice will sound like it’s coming from the left. As they shift positions, the audio adjusts with them. This makes conversations feel more natural and helps your brain follow who’s speaking without extra effort.

This works by combining directional audio techniques with real-time tracking. Beam uses spatial audio to simulate how we naturally perceive sound in the real world (based on the direction it comes from and how it reaches each ear). The system also tracks the viewer’s head movements and adjusts the audio output accordingly, so the sound stays “attached” to the person on screen. 

Applications of Google Beam

Google Beam, though still in its early stages, shows promising potential in the video conferencing space. Here are some of its key applications:

• Remote collaboration: Google Beam can make meetings, especially leadership discussions or high-stakes negotiations, feel more personal and effective. By capturing subtle factors like body language and eye contact, it helps people feel more present, even when they’re far apart.
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• Education: Beam has the potential to make virtual learning more exciting and accessible. Imagine a scientist giving a live lecture to students halfway across the world, and it actually feels like they’re in the same room. 
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• Healthcare: Beam could make remote consultations feel more personal. When doctors and patients can see each other clearly and make natural eye contact, it builds trust and makes the interaction feel more human.
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• Creative industries: For people in creative fields, like animators, artists, and producers, Beam can make remote teamwork feel easier and more natural. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas or reviewing a project, it feels more like sitting together in a studio than being on a video call.

Pros and cons of Google Beam

Here are some of the key benefits that an innovation like Google Beam brings to the table:

• No headsets needed: Unlike many immersive technologies, Beam works without requiring AR or VR headsets. This makes the experience more comfortable and avoids common issues like motion sickness or the inconvenience of wearing extra gear.
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• Reduced screen fatigue: The 3D display offers a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, which can help reduce eye strain compared to staring at flat screens for long periods.
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• Real-time language translation: Beam can incorporate AI-powered real-time translation, making it easier for people who speak different languages to communicate naturally in international meetings or learning environments.

Beam is a promising step forward, but like any new technology, it comes with a few limitations. Here are some things to consider:

• Hardware requirements: Beam requires specialized, high-end equipment, such as light-field displays and multiple cameras, which makes it expensive and less accessible for individuals and smaller organizations.
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• Not portable: Beam’s system is designed for fixed installation and isn’t meant to be easily moved, which limits its flexibility and use in mobile or changing environments.

Key takeaways

Google Beam is a fascinating step toward making virtual communication feel more human. While it's still in its early stages, it has the potential to transform the way we meet, connect, and collaborate. By blending advanced AI, 3D imaging, and spatial audio, it creates a more lifelike and engaging remote experience.

As Google continues to improve Beam’s hardware, make it even smaller, and possibly bring it to everyday users, it brings exciting possibilities for the future of virtual communication. Along with new technological trends like holographic meetings and 3D avatars, Beam is setting a new standard for virtual meetings.

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