Google's AI Agent Chat: Real or Not?

Google Beam, a collaborative video chat technology developed with HP, is preparing for a larger rollout later in 2026. This system is designed to connect individuals remotely, simulating the experience of sitting across a table together. A notable feature demonstrated was a photorealistic AI video agent, capable of natural conversation, gestures, and even generating custom images upon request.

This experimental AI agent, built with Google's in-house models, aims to enhance the sense of presence during remote interactions. While the initial demo featured a 2D interface, the technology has the potential for 3D rendering. Its potential applications range from business meeting rooms to interactive kiosks in public spaces.

However, the necessity and societal impact of such advanced telepresence technology are being questioned, especially given the prevalence of existing video chat solutions. Google Beam's success will depend on its ability to offer a significantly enhanced sense of presence for businesses and institutions. The integration of agentic AI also brings forth considerations about user experience and potential job displacement.