A few years back, Google’s research arm unveiled Project Starline—an ambitious proof of concept designed to make remote conversations feel as though you’re sharing the same physical space. Fast-forward to Google I/O 2025, and that vision has evolved into Google Beam, an enterprise-grade 3D video communication platform. Google has partnered with HP to bring the first commercially available hardware, the HP Dimension with Google Beam, to market for a not-so-modest MSRP of $24,999 per unit. But beyond the sticker shock, what does this technology actually promise, and who stands to benefit enough to justify this investment?

Project Starline, first demoed in 2021, aimed to shatter the two-dimensional confines of standard video calls by using light-field displays, depth sensors, multiple cameras, and AI-driven volumetric rendering. The goal: capture a lifelike 3D representation of a person and render it on the other end in real time, without headsets or glasses. Now rebranded as Google Beam, the platform leverages Google Cloud infrastructure and advanced AI video models to convert ordinary 2D video streams into realistic 3D visuals, preserving eye contact and subtle non-verbal cues that are often lost over traditional video conferencing.

At Google I/O 2025, Google emphasized that Beam is not just a flashy demo but a fully-fledged platform ready for enterprise deployment. Early trials within Google and through an Early Access Program with partners like Salesforce, Deloitte, and T-Mobile have shaped the hardware and software integration. The announcement of a commercial solution via HP signals Google’s confidence that the market for more immersive remote collaboration is mature enough to bear a high price point.

The HP Dimension with Google Beam is the inaugural device built specifically for Beam. Here’s the breakdown of what you get for $24,999 (hardware only; licensing is extra):

• 65-inch light field display on a floor stand, designed to render true-to-life depth, color fidelity, and realistic eye contact without glasses or headsets.
• Multiple cameras (six or seven, depending on the source) arrayed around the display to capture you from different angles as you sit at the table, feeding into an AI volumetric model.
• Spatial audio setup, including four or more speakers and acoustically transparent elements, to recreate directional sound cues and natural voice quality.
• Microphone array: typically 14 microphones, designed to pick up clear speech and ambient context.
• Adaptive LED lighting integrated into the unit, ensuring consistent illumination conditions for optimal 3D capture.

An AI-powered video model runs at up to 60 frames per second, transforming 2D video feed into a volumetric-like 3D representation for the remote Beam display.

HP and Google cite preliminary internal studies indicating meaningful boosts in engagement and communication quality compared to standard 2D calls. Reported figures include:

• Up to 39% more non-verbal behaviors displayed, such as gestures, nods, and facial expressions becoming more visible and natural.
• 28% increase in memory recall among participants, suggesting conversations are more memorable when participants appear three-dimensional.
• 14% boost in focus on the meeting partner, implying reduced distractions and greater presence.

These metrics come from controlled trials and early deployments, where participants compared Beam sessions against traditional video conferencing. The sense of “being there” reportedly drives these gains, potentially translating into faster alignment and deeper empathy during discussions.

The headline price—$24,999 per HP Dimension unit—covers only the hardware. Additional costs to factor in:

• Google Beam room license: sold separately on an annual basis (exact fees not publicly disclosed).
• Professional installation and calibration, as Beam requires precise alignment of cameras, microphones, and lighting conditions for optimal performance.
• Recommended furniture: HP suggests pairing the display with a specific table (e.g., MillerKnoll’s Collaborative Arch Table) and seating optimized for alignment and comfort, adding to the overall outlay.
• Room preparation: While no special “Starline room” is strictly required, a visually uncluttered, well-lit environment with minimal background distractions is optimal to maximize the 3D effect.

Finally, because a Beam call requires two endpoints equipped with compatible hardware, organizations looking for bilateral immersive communication must budget for at least two units plus licenses.

HP has confirmed that the Dimension with Google Beam will ship later in 2025, initially targeting select enterprise customers. The rollout regions include the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Japan. Companies like Salesforce, Deloitte, NEC, and other early adopters have been involved in trials or have publicly expressed interest. For now, availability is limited to “select partners” or customers with sufficient budgets and use cases that warrant such an investment.

Remote and hybrid work models have become entrenched, with studies showing that a significant portion of the workforce will continue to work away from central offices at least part-time. According to recent surveys, around 48% of employees maintain remote arrangements post-pandemic, and many organizations view deeper engagement tools as strategic advantages in retaining talent and fostering collaboration. In this context, Google Beam addresses several pain points:

• Enhanced presence and empathy: By recreating eye contact and subtle cues, Beam can mitigate “Zoom fatigue” and asynchronous misunderstandings.
• Memory and retention: Teams that recall discussions more clearly may see productivity gains in decision-making and project alignment.
• Competitive differentiation: For consultancies or client-facing firms, providing a “next-level” meeting experience can signal innovation and premium service.

However, the investment hurdle is steep. Beyond hardware and licensing, organizations must justify how Beam’s incremental benefits outweigh less costly upgrades (e.g., better cameras, mics, or standard large-format displays). The ROI calculation often involves pilot programs: companies trialing Beam in critical use cases (e.g., executive meetings, client demos, or high-stakes negotiations) to measure tangible improvements before wider rollouts.

While any business with geographically distributed teams could be curious, certain sectors stand to gain more:

• High-touch client interactions: Consulting, finance, legal, or design firms where nuanced conversation and building trust are paramount.
• Global leadership meetings: Executive teams spread across regions might leverage Beam to maintain cohesion and cultural context.
• Healthcare consultations: Although regulatory and privacy considerations apply, richer non-verbal cues could aid telehealth or specialist second opinions.
• Education and training: Immersive instructor-led sessions, though cost per classroom may limit broad deployment.
• Creative collaboration: Design reviews or product demos where spatial perception adds clarity.

Even within these, organizations often pilot a small number of units to gauge effectiveness before scaling.

Despite the promise, several practical considerations remain:

• Bandwidth and infrastructure: High-fidelity 3D rendering and streaming require robust network capacity and low latency. Enterprises must ensure their networks can support Beam’s data demands.
• Room setup: While not requiring dedicated “white box” studios, optimal lighting and minimal background clutter are recommended to maximize volumetric capture fidelity.
• User comfort and novelty: Some users may initially find 3D video uncanny or distracting; adoption may require acclimatization and training.
• Integration with workflows: Beam aims to support native Zoom Rooms or Google Meet experiences, but organizations relying on other platforms may need to wait for broader interoperability.
• Scalability: One-on-one immersive calls are the initial focus; group 3D sessions are reportedly in development but may introduce complexity in camera arrays and processing.

Organizations should weigh these factors and consider phased deployments with clear metrics (e.g., meeting satisfaction scores, recall tests, engagement analytics) to validate Beam’s value proposition.

Google Beam occupies the high end of immersive conferencing. Alternatives include:

• Enhanced 2D setups: Large-format screens, high-resolution cameras, spatial audio bars, and AI-based framing/enhancement (e.g., auto-framing, background blur) can improve standard video calls at a fraction of the cost, albeit without true 3D depth.
• VR/AR platforms: Solutions like Meta Horizon Workrooms or Microsoft Mesh offer virtual environments but require headsets, which pose comfort, hygiene, and adoption barriers. They may suit certain collaborative scenarios (e.g., 3D design), but user acceptance varies.
• Specialized hardware vendors: Historically, companies like Cisco’s TelePresence invested in higher-fidelity 2D experiences; however, these lack volumetric depth and rely on multi-screen arrays.
• Future AI enhancements: As AI-driven video upscaling, background replacement, and gaze correction improve, 2D calls will continue narrowing the gap, potentially deferring the need for full 3D gear for many use cases.

Each organization must assess whether the premium for Beam’s immersive “being there” experience is critical for their most important interactions or whether incremental upgrades suffice.

For organizations intrigued by Google Beam, a structured pilot approach is advisable:

1. Identify high-impact scenarios: Choose meetings where non-verbal cues and presence are especially important—e.g., client pitches, negotiation sessions, leadership alignment meetings.
2. Secure budget and executive sponsorship: Given the cost, leadership buy-in is crucial. Frame Beam as a strategic investment in collaboration culture and business outcomes.
3. Technical readiness assessment: Audit network capacity, room environments, and AV support teams to handle installation and maintenance.
4. User training and expectations: Prepare participants for the novelty of 3D calls, conduct orientation sessions, and gather feedback on comfort and perceived benefits.
5. Metrics definition: Establish KPIs—engagement surveys, recall tests, meeting duration analysis, and qualitative feedback—to evaluate whether Beam delivers measurable improvements over baseline video calls.
6. Iterate or scale: Based on pilot outcomes, decide whether to expand deployment, adjust use cases, or explore alternative solutions.

Is it worth it?

Google Beam’s debut via HP Dimension marks a milestone in remote collaboration technology. The promise of more authentic presence, richer non-verbal communication, and improved engagement is compelling, especially for organizations where human connection drives value. However, with a hardware price tag of $24,999 plus licensing and ancillary costs, Beam remains a premium option. Most enterprises will start with cautious pilots, comparing outcomes against enhanced 2D alternatives and emerging AI-driven tools. For those with the budget and a clear need for high-fidelity remote presence—particularly in sectors where trust and nuance matter most—Google Beam may well justify its princely sum. For everyone else, keeping an eye on the evolving landscape of AI-powered video enhancements may offer more accessible ways to “get closer” to colleagues and clients without breaking the bank.