Google's Project Starline is like Zoom with holograms — and we’re kind of scared

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Project Starline uses light field displays and loads of data to create hologram-like communications

Google IO 2021
(Image credit: Google)

Google's working on a new form of virtual communication that basically look like holograms, from the right point of view. 

Teased today at Google's I/O press event, this new communication tool — currently dubbed Project Starline — aims to give you the sense that whoever you're calling is right in the room with you, using light field displays, spatial audio, and oodles of data.

Here's how it works: Google currently has Project Starline booths set up in its offices that use an array of cameras and custom depth sensors to capture a live three-dimensional image of you. 

Project Starline

(Image credit: Google)

That image is then transmitted to another booth along with your audio, where it's all projected as a real-time 3D model using a 65-inch light field display. Both booths transmit their audio/visual data simultaneously, and when it works, the effect is almost holographic — in the video demonstration Google provided, two speakers using Starline were able to make eye contact and use gestures as though they were sitting together in the same room.

Google IO 2021

(Image credit: Google)

The data is transmitted bidirectionally using custom compression techniques developed by Google, via the open-source WebRTC framework which underlies Google Meet.

Google Starline: Outlook

The Starline technology is still deep in development, so don't expect to see it rolling out to customers anytime soon — if at all. Since Starline relies on a suite of special cameras and depth sensors, not to mention expensive light field displays, any communications product it might lead to would presumably first roll out to corporate and enterprise customers with the means to make use of it.

Still, it's exciting to see Google pushing the limits of how volumetric holograms can be used for live communications. Google AR/VR VP Clay Bavor recently told Wired that the company will be doing trial runs of Starline tech with a few corporate customers later this year, after roughly 14 months of trialing it in-house.

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Alex Wawro
Alex Wawro
Senior Editor Computing

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.