Holographic Video Calls: Still a Sci-Fi Dream

Holograms and the Future of Communication: Why Holographic Video Calls Remain a Sci-Fi Dream

The Star Wars universe showed us as early as the 1980s what it would be like to use holograms for video conferences, yet this technology is still not ready to become a part of our everyday lives. Although holographic communication has received significant attention in recent years, its widespread adoption is still hindered by numerous obstacles, primarily due to costs and technical implementation challenges.

At the Gitex Global technology exhibition held in Dubai, Antonio Neri, the president of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), participated in a unique format. His holographic avatar was present, providing a spectacular example of what future communication might look like. However, Neri also admitted that we will likely have to wait at least another 5-10 years for everyday hologram use.

Why is holographic technology so expensive?

Producing and displaying holograms requires significant hardware resources. Advanced holographic displays, cameras, and sensors needed to create lifelike images are extremely costly and often require custom development. Additionally, data transmission speed and internet connection reliability are critical factors, as holographic content demands huge amounts of data.

Logistical Challenges

Holographic technology faces not only financial but logistical challenges as well. To conduct a single meeting, both parties must have access to the same level of technology. This means that substantial infrastructure development would be needed both in homes and offices for holograms to be widely accessible. Moreover, displaying holograms requires additional space, as current systems need large and fixed equipment, limiting mobility and application possibilities.

Will There Be a Holographic Future?

The advancement of technology and the integration of artificial intelligence are bringing us closer to making holograms a reality. In the coming years, we can expect several breakthroughs that may allow holographic solutions to become smaller, cheaper, and more accessible. Until then, current video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams will remain the primary platforms for everyday communication.

Antonio Neri's holographic appearance at Gitex Global marked an important milestone and encourages technological developers not to stop innovating in this field. Dubai, renowned for embracing modern technological trends, is likely to continue playing a leading role in this area, potentially being the source of major breakthroughs in the coming decades.