Project Starline Becomes Google Beam, Debuts Real-Time Translation

Google’s barrier-breaking Project Starline is stepping aside to make way for Google’s next phase – Google Beam. The new 3D communication platform is one step closer to becoming a real product, and will incorporate all of the tech Starline offered in addition to real-time translations using natural AI-generated language.

The last couple of Google I/O events have offered some really cool tech in the way of AI, but Project Starline always took a portion of that spotlight for itself. The experiment offered a way for users to video conference in a way that felt entirely too real, using tech that portrayed the call partner in 3D without the use of glasses.

Announced at Google I/O 2025, Project Starline is becoming Google Beam. The name change doesn’t mean Google is abandoning the product. Instead, Google is building on it further with more tech that broadens its use.

Google Beam will still offer a 3D render to represent the other person in the video call, even if captured in 2D. With that, we expect it will have the same natural feel, including oddly comforting eye contact and incredible detail to make the call feel like a palpable interaction.

The big addition in the transformation to Google Beam is real-time translation. The new integration will mean users can speak their natural language to the other caller. Even if the person on the other end doesn’t speak that language, they’ll hear their own language generated naturally. In a demo video, Google shows off the real-time translation. It has a slight delay, but looks all the more impressive.

Google notes that it’s working with HP to get Google Beam into customers’ hands. The partnership was announced a year ago, and Google is reiterating its expansion plans. The evolution of Project Starline will be powered by Google Cloud, which positions it well for corporate applications.

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