In 2019, the whole world changed and was forced to move everything online, as we were heading to 2021, recovering from difficult months of lockdowns, people have felt the urge to go out and to meet others in person, while those others could prefer to stay at home. It was difficult to make some to go, for instance to the offices, so the solution was found – hybrid mode. It was considered to the helping hand and solution for people to be connected but staying at their comfortable space.
Now, we are at the beginning of 2023, and the new issue has been identified, the lack of feeling of being connected, some people can turn off their cameras, others can simply not answer. Logitech – a Swiss company that is concentrated on developing innovation products in the tech industry, recently they have announced a Telepresence Video Booth, which was called ‘Project Ghost’.
Life-size, eye-to-eye conversations are ensured by new mechanism of using a mirror to project the video chat. ‘Project Ghost’ – is a separated Video Booth, that assure people’s have ability to connect all over the world being secure and private during the call.
This novelty is a great step towards acquainting people closer to one another even for those that are not able to meet in person, it allows to have direct eye contact, which is impossible when it comes to Zoom, Skype or other similar platforms.
Sure, such inventions have drawbacks, in this case, the size and price. It is not possible to install a lot of such Video Booth even in big offices, as they require a lot of space. By putting them too close, we are taking some part of the privacy of the conversations, which was actually, one of the main advantages of the ‘Project Ghost’. What is more, the price can possible be not as huge as several hundred thousand, but more if instead of the mirror the glasses-free 3D part was used, which is taking some part of the quality of the video series.
So, there is a battle between practicality and neediness, connection, or convenience. The only thing left is to observe the changes, as we will eventually come to some better ways of connection rather than Zoom calls.
To read more about the ‘Project Ghost’: https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/31/23577918/logitech-steelcase-project-ghost-video-chat-booth-starline
Great analysis of the current situation in remote communication and the potential of new technologies like Project Ghost. The trade-off between practicality, privacy and cost is well presented. It is interesting to see how technology continues to evolve and help bring people closer even from afar. Can’t wait to see how remote communication develops and improves in the future.
Honestly, i don’t see the privacy aspect in it, as the capsule is not closed, moreover currently for this price people would probably choose the “normal” video call which seems to be more efficient when compared to costs. However, I’m very curious how this technology will develop in the future and how expensive it will be.