Will Hologram Technology Replace Video Calls Soon?
Making video calls as if the person you’re talking to is standing in front of you is getting further away from a realm of science fiction and moving closer to reality — even if not quite the way George Lucas pictured it. But how exactly will hologram technology transform the way we communicate? What could be the future of our conversations? In this article, Max Kalmykov explores the current landscape of hologram technology and the potential it can bring to video communication.
Holograms are coming into our lives, creating the next level in video conversations. The idea of users being converted into a 3D hologram of themselves during a video call is familiar. It has been pitched by big tech companies for a while now. However, the pandemic has accelerated the need and use of this technology.
With Zoom fatigue spreading, could this be the next revolution in remote work? Are the holograms worth the cost? Without diving into the laws of physics and complex technical terms, let’s figure out how it works.
How Do Holographic Calls Work?
Holographic technology is a type of photography that records 3D objects using laser and then restores the originally recorded object or person as accurately as possible.
Simply put, hologram technology is a three-dimensional projection created by the interference of light beams that reflect real physical objects. With the help of holograms technology, you could be sitting at home and be projected to any other location you need to be.
Experiments with holograms and 5G were showcased in 2019 when the telecom industry started demonstrating the 5G capabilities. Using a smartphone selfie camera, a person can capture a 2D video, which is then processed in the cloud, converted into 3D, and broadcasted as a real-time hologram to viewers. Although there is no need for the hologram sender to use any VR/AR hardware, the viewer might need one. Below is a graphic representation of an end-to-end pipeline for holographic communication.
Where the Industry of Holographic Calls Stands Now
The hologram market is projected to double in growth from $2.7 billion in 2020 to about $5.4 billion in 2024. This is driven mainly by the technology’s wide range of commercial applications.
Besides beaming into events or meetings, holograms are used in fields like engineering, healthcare, education, entertainment, and gaming, among others. Right now, the hologram industry comprises big tech giants and smaller startups. So, companies like Google or Microsoft, as well as startups, are involved in the space and vary in what they offer to consumers and businesses. Let’s find out how hologram tech can be applied to making video calls.
A Display Case
Imagine that, instead of chatting with your colleagues on computer screens, you will have their full-size image projected onto a holographic screen. It is the time to suit up and forget about meetings in slippers and PJs. But it can only happen if the person you are interacting with got a particular device to display the holographic version while you have a studio-level camera.
For example, Proto, a Los Angeles tech company, offers life-sized photo-realistic projections. Proto’s holograms appear on a 7-feet tall booth or a smaller 24-inch box. Users can beam in from anywhere. They need a camera, a plain background, and a set of speakers and microphones to record them in real time. Right now, Proto’s hologram ecosystems are primarily aimed at business customers. Clients like Netflix and T-Mobile have tested the device to communicate between offices or beam into shows and events.
3D Video Calling Booths
Imagine that, instead of a screen, you are looking at a magic pane of glass. And through that glass, you see another person on the other side. In 2021, during the I/O conference, Google presented their Project Starline, a next-gen video chat booth that makes a virtual call feel like you are chatting with someone in the same room in 3D. This technology helps you feel more engaged and connected with another person, even if you are on two different continents.
According to Andrew Nartker, Google’s director of Product Management, Project Starline works like a “magic window, where users can talk, gesture, and make eye contact with another person, life-size and in three dimensions.”
The video chat booth is currently available in “a few” of Google’s offices, but they plan to test it further, foremost in the healthcare and media industries.
Mobile 3D Holographic Calls via 5G Networks
Leading European telecom operators Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have joined forces with the world’s first real-time hologram meeting app MATSUKO to conduct a holographic pilot call.
The key to realism is using a smartphone, VR glasses, and a 5G network. Thanks to 5G’s low latency, superior bandwidth, and high speed, the hologram call should feel like a regular video call. It will not happen overnight, but it is possible to overcome challenges in creating realistic 3D video calls.
The Potential of Technologies for Holographic Communication
Inventing the future is not easy. However, we are gradually heading toward a world where holographic technology is about to become a game changer in many industries and significantly affect our lives. The application of holographic technology can be limitless. From telemedicine and video conferencing to manufacturing and education, holographic technology advancements will transform our lives.
To facilitate the next generation of technology, we need a network that could outline the future of communication, creating a world with more connected, meaningful interactions between machines and humans.
6G will be one such disruption, enabling holographic communication as if you could experience telepresence without being limited to certain places that are better connected.
Another big thing that will contribute to the development of holographic communication is augmented reality (AR). It is no secret that AR penetrates our lives, adding spice to digital transformation. But what about AR-enabled contact lenses? This technology allows people to take their eyes off their smartphones or tablets and receive all the information in front of their eyes.
For example, industry veterans from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have united to create a future with fewer screens. Mojo Vision is the world’s first AR smart contact lens. The company has built several prototypes over the years, but in 2022 they announced that they had tested the first prototype that included all the features and components needed for the first product. AR-enabled contact lenses could eventually replace smartphones, smartwatches, and VR headsets. However, launching a fully-fledged product still requires some serious science and time.
In addition, media companies are currently exploring ways to optically combine the real and digital worlds by holding events virtually. Digital 3D objects or people walking around you as part of reality can drastically change communication in consumer and business settings.
Final Thoughts
Hologram technology has the potential to become the next big thing when it comes to video communication. However, as with any new technology, it takes time and testing to make it work smoothly. I hope this piece has shed some light on the future of video calls if you consider building a holographic communication solution.
To learn more about what it takes to design and deliver end-to-end video solutions that will provide you with a competitive edge, check out how DataArt can help.
Author: Max Kalmykov
Vice President of Media and Entertainment Practice at DataArt
Originally published on https://www.dataart.com/blog.
