After experiencing the buzz around Android XR smart glasses, I was particularly eager to try out Google Beam—a commercialized, compact iteration of the ambitious Project Starline. Over the past few years, Google has been quietly refining this technology, which aims to revolutionize video calling by creating a glasses-free, lifelike 3D representation of the person you’re speaking to.
Everyone who’s tried Project Starline has described it as mind-blowing, almost like sitting across the table from the other person in real life. When I finally got a chance to test it at Google I/O 2025, the experience was certainly impressive, though far from flawless.
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The Magic Behind 3D Video Calling
To be clear, the technology Google has developed is nothing short of extraordinary. By capturing a series of 2D videos and stitching them together with a custom AI neural network, Google can generate a 3D holographic representation of a person. When looking at the screen, the person feels almost tangibly present, as if they are truly sitting across from you.
During my demo—which used an earlier Project Starline setup rather than the more compact unit currently being developed by HP—I spoke with Jerome, who was streamed live from Seattle, Washington to Mountain View, California. Jerome reached out to hand me an apple on the screen, and I instinctively reached out to grab it. At the end of our brief interaction, we even shared a virtual high-five. Throughout the 1-2 minute conversation, we made eye contact, smiled, and laughed in a way that felt surprisingly natural. The experience was familiar, almost eerily so.
Early Limitations and Technical Hiccups
Despite the impressive technology, some limitations became immediately clear. The 3D render of Jerome exhibited slight jittering, reminiscent of unstable TV scanlines. This subtle but persistent movement was noticeable and somewhat distracting.
Another significant constraint was the viewing angle. The system only works optimally when viewed dead center. Any shift to the left or right caused the image to darken and distort, breaking the illusion. Even with an 8K resolution light field display, the image appeared grainy upon close inspection.
One noticeable shortcoming was the lack of full 360-degree capture. Trying to “look around” Jerome’s body revealed empty, particle-like space since the cameras only capture the front and partial sides. This makes sense given the technical setup but detracts from the immersive effect, much like looking at the back of a portrait-mode photo.
Environmental Factors and Reliability Concerns
I also question how well Beam would perform in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The room I tested in was well-lit with diffused light, which likely contributed to the image quality. It’s reasonable to suspect that dimmer environments would result in lower-quality images with noticeable noise.
My demo with Jerome was actually my second attempt. My first was with another participant named Ryan, but that call froze and crashed mid-conversation, necessitating a transfer to Jerome. While software crashes happen on all video platforms, it’s a stark reminder that these prototypes are still works in progress—and real-life conversations certainly don’t freeze.
What About Google Beam vs. Project Starlin
Because the demo units were the original Project Starline booths—with cameras and speakers mounted externally—it’s hard to know if the newer, commercial Google Beam product offers improved polish or performance.
Impressive, But Not Mind-Blowing
I came in expecting to be completely blown away, given the rave reviews from others. Instead, the experience felt surprisingly natural and “normal.” For me, this lack of shock factor is actually a sign of success—the technology largely fades into the background, allowing authentic human interaction to take center stage.
While Google Beam and Project Starline are not yet perfect, their ability to create a convincing sense of presence in a remote video call is a remarkable step forward. With further refinements, this technology could redefine how we connect, making remote conversations feel almost like being in the same room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Beam?
Google Beam is a commercialized, compact version of Project Starline—a cutting-edge 3D video calling technology developed by Google that creates glasses-free, lifelike holographic representations of people during calls.
How does Google Beam create 3D video calls?
The system captures multiple 2D video angles of a person and uses a custom AI neural network to stitch them into a realistic 3D model, displayed on a special light field screen that simulates depth and presence.
What makes Google Beam different from traditional video calls?
Unlike standard video calls that show flat images, Google Beam produces a hologram-like 3D image that gives the illusion the other person is physically present, enabling natural eye contact and gestures without needing special glasses.
What are the current limitations of Google Beam?
The technology currently suffers from slight image jittering, limited viewing angles (optimal only when viewed head-on), graininess despite high resolution, and incomplete 360-degree capture, resulting in empty space around the person’s back.
Does lighting affect the quality of the 3D video call?
Yes. The technology performs best in well-lit environments with diffused light. Dimmer or uneven lighting may degrade image quality and introduce noise.
How reliable is the technology?
Since Google Beam is still in development, occasional technical glitches like freezing or crashing can occur, similar to other early-stage software products.
Conclusion
Google Beam—and its predecessor, Project Starline—offers a compelling vision of what the future of communication could look like. The technology’s ability to recreate a convincing, glasses-free 3D presence is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. In brief moments, it genuinely feels like you’re sharing space with another person, even when they’re hundreds of miles away.
