In addition to a slew of Workspace updates at Cloud Next 2022, Google shared today that Project Starline is entering the “next phase of testing,” where more people outside the company can experience it.
Google Cloud considers the 3D video conferencing booth the “next frontier of collaborating and connecting from afar.” It leverages 3D imaging, real-time compression, spatial audio, and a light field display to virtually replicate in-person interactions. Last November, the company detailed more about the tech and shared photorealistic render comparisons.
Project Starline has been tested for thousands of hours within Google and used daily across its US offices, while more than 100 enterprise partners across media, healthcare and retail have received demos.
The next testing step is “deploying units in select partner offices for regular testing” as part of an early access program. Partners named today that are getting prototypes include Salesforce, WeWork, T-Mobile, and Hackensack Meridian Health, with deployments occurring “starting this year.” A disclaimer in today’s post says Starline is “Not authorized by FCC rules. No sales or leases permitted until authorized.”
Starline, which is part of Google’s broader AR efforts, provides an alternative to remote work that involves headsets or taking meetings in virtual spaces. It makes sense that it’s eventually sold as a Google Cloud product/service. That said, Google is rumored to be working on such a headset and glasses.
More on Google AR:
Google reorg creates new ‘Labs’ group focused on ‘high-potential, long-term projects,’ like ARLive View getting nearby search and elevated to the Google Maps search barGoogle Lens getting ‘AR Translate’ and expanding Multisearch to more languagesGoogle bringing ‘Immersive Stream for XR’ to AR/VR headsets
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