Google expands Beam video-calling to six countries

Google has announced the upcoming introduction of 3D meeting booths, known as Google Beam, to co-working spaces across the United States. This expansion follows the success of the service, which was initially launched last year under the name Project Starline. Currently, only large companies have had access to Google Beam, with early adopters including Bain & Company, Netflix, and Capital Group. Internally, Google has also integrated Beam into its own employee work environment.

During an eight-week internal trial, Google teams utilizing Beam reported a 50% increase in feeling connected to colleagues, a 33% improvement in understanding feedback, and a 21% reduction in the need for follow-up meetings. Building on these findings, Google is now launching a "Beam extended network" to offer this technology to a broader audience.

Partnering with Industrious, a global operator of premium flexible workspaces, Google will soon make its HP Dimension units available for booking and use at locations in Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Palo Alto. These units support Google Meet and Zoom, facilitating more immersive and effective virtual meetings.

Early users of Google Beam during this year's pilot program have found it particularly useful for manager check-ins, interviews, and client consultations. With Google Beam now available at Industrious locations starting in October, distributed teams will have a new tool to enhance their remote collaboration. In addition to the U.S., Google is shipping Beam units to customers in Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.

This expansion is made possible through partnerships with 18 other channel providers. For more on this announcement, viewers can check out 9to5Google on YouTube.