The launch of 3D hologram telephony is progressing

The introduction of three-dimensional hologram telephony is making some progress. This is intended to improve collaboration between employees at the home office.

The software company Matsuko announced on Tuesday at the mobile communications fair MWC in Barcelona the market introduction of a further developed product in which the conversation partners can be seen as a three-dimensional image. According to the information, one of the first customers is the German construction company Goldbeck. Matsuko plays a central role in the development of 3D telephone conversations; the company works with several mobile phone companies.

In the new product, which could be a milestone in the introduction of the technology, conference call participants wear virtual reality goggles that allow them to see the other participants in a room in front of them. In the center is a virtual 3D object that they are talking about – perhaps a building that needs to be built.

Still something of the future

Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), participants see the conversation partners without VR glasses, even though they are wearing the glasses. This is possible because they have filmed themselves beforehand and the AI ​​changes the image to reflect what the area around their eyes covered by the glasses looks like in a conversation without glasses.

The telecommunications industry has great expectations of hologram telephony. The fast 5G mobile communication standard with its low latencies (response times) is an important part of this. This should improve the appearance and make the virtual conversation partners appear more authentic.

Until now, three-dimensional telephone conversations have been something for specialists, and that will probably remain the case for a few years to come. Matsuko from Košice in Slovakia only sells its product to business customers who expect professional benefits from it. Private customers may be able to contact each other in three dimensions from 2026: Then the mobile phone provider Telefónica Deutschland (O2) wants to offer the technology to the mass market. (dab/sda/awp/dpa)