Video chat came into its own during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only providing an audiovisual lifeline for fragmented families and social groups, but also keeping teams working remotely in touch. But compared to the telepresence booth concept unveiled by Logitech at ISE 2023 this week, it looks pretty flat and low-tech.
Logitech has the right format for online communication thanks to its high-quality webcams and conference cameras. With Project Ghost, the company adds another dimension to his one-on-one video chats.
Unveiled at the Integrated Systems Europe Audio/Video Expo in Barcelona, Spain, the prototype is a walk-in telepresence booth that looks a lot like Google’s Project Starline in 2021.
Inspired by an optical illusion known as Pepper’s Ghost, the setup utilizes a reflective mirror display and hidden camera technology to create a virtual conversation with a remote friend, family member, or colleague for an authentic, face-to-face experience. Brings For VR/AR headsets.
Logitech
The semi-enclosed booth itself, built in partnership with furniture maker Steelcase, allows users to sit in comfortable lounge chairs facing a screen. There’s also a side table with tablet-like controls and greenery for a homely feel.
Logitech leverages its existing Rally Plus modular 4K video conferencing system and RoomMate computing module hidden within the booth frame, allowing users to focus on natural eye contact with life-size 3D images . Chat instead of staring at the camera.
AI-enabled technology automatically optimizes audio, video, and lighting for ease of use, and the system is reportedly compatible with Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom platforms.
Exhibiting at ISE 2023 this week and heading up to a New York demo later this year, it remains to be seen when (or if) Project Ghost video conferencing booths will appear in offices, shopping malls, and even at home. While nothing has been announced at this stage, Logitech’s engineers and design team will incorporate feedback received on working prototypes to inform the next iteration.
Source: Logitech
