Google Beam Finally Lands After Five Years, But at What Cost?

Google's Project Starline has finally made its way to market after five years of development. The technology, rebranded as Google Beam, is a 3D videoconferencing platform that uses AI-generated images and spatial audio to create an immersive experience.

The system combines with HP's Dimension hardware, which costs around $25,000 per unit, although exact pricing for Beam itself was not disclosed. Initially available in six countries - Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and US - Google has also partnered with co-working space provider Industrious to offer Beam at its locations across the US.

The technology has been praised by analysts, who note that it can save time and money on travel while enabling closer collaboration. However, Irwin Lazar of Metrigy cautioned that the price tag may be a barrier to adoption.

Google claims an internal study showed 50% of staff who used Beam felt more connected, resulting in a 21% drop in follow-up meetings. The company has also highlighted its efforts to enable group calls, although this is currently at an experimental stage.