Google has recently revealed artificial intelligence (AI) updates to its long-distance communication prototype, “Project Starline,” a system first introduced two years ago with the goal of creating an immersive communication experience that bridges the physical gap between users in remote locations — in a more lifelike setting than current metaverse solutions have to offer.

As part of the update, Google shared that AI integrations have allowed it to reduce the size and complexity of the device. Previously, Starline filled an entire room and required complex equipment like specialty cameras and infrared light emitters — making for a less-than-ideal user experience.

In contrast, the latest prototype is said to require only a few standard cameras and has gone from “the size of a restaurant booth to a flat-screen TV,” Google shared, making it more familiar to standard conferencing systems.

Despite living in a world where remote communication systems are the most advanced they’ve ever been, Google recognizes that nothing can make up for face-to-face interaction, which is the core value presented by its Project Starline concept that it has been developing since 2021.

The tech giant admitted that while technologies like email, Google Photos, and Google Meet have made strides in facilitating communication, they still fall short of replicating the authentic experience of being in the same room with someone. Instead, Google shared “Imagine peering through a magical window and seeing another person on the other side, appearing life-size and in three dimensions,” an example of what Starline is meant to achieve.

To achieve this, the tech giant has leveraged a variety of tech, including computer vision, machine learning, spatial audio, real-time compression, an innovative light field display, and most recently the use of AI. Additional benefits of its current prototype include a more lifelike sense of depth and volume with no need for added equipment like glasses or headsets.

Currently, Project Starline is only available through select Google in select Google offices and through its early access program, which has been shared with select partners including Salesforce, T-Mobile, and WeWork.

“Trust and innovation are at the heart of Salesforce’s values,” shared Andy White, the SVP of Business Technology at Salesforce,” adding that “Project Starline has the potential to help create authentic and immersive connections that foster deeper relationships with both our employees and customers, enhance trust and transparency, and drive productivity and efficiency.”

Google expressed that Project Starline is the next step toward a world that is no longer separated by the barrier of distance — while it hasn’t announced a public rollout for the system, it did share that it will continue development with various partners, as it gathers “real-world data,” with an eventual public released assumed.

In other news, Apple employees have been banned from ChatGPT over AI security fears.