HP and Google announced expanded availability of HP Dimension with Google Beam, a 3D video conferencing system designed to create a more lifelike experience for remote conversations. The system is now available to customers in the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, Germany and Japan.
HP Dimension with Google Beam uses a large display to present a lifelike, three-dimensional rendering of the person on the other end of a call. Its camera system is designed to support more natural eye contact without requiring users to wear additional devices, while spatial audio helps position voices within the conversation.
The companies are positioning the system as an alternative to traditional video conferencing for interactions where nonverbal communication is important, including client meetings, employee coaching, recruiting and strategic discussions.
According to early Google research cited by HP, participants recalled 28% more information and spent 14% more time looking at the other person’s face compared with traditional video calls. Google researchers also observed 39% more nonverbal behavior, including gestures, head nods and eyebrow movements.
Bain & Company, an early pilot customer, tested the system for candidate recruitment calls. According to HP, interviewers reported that the 3D experience helped them assess subtle aspects of body language and eye contact.
HP says the expanded availability will allow more organizations to explore where the system fits within their existing collaboration environments.
