At MWC 2024, one of the coolest things we came across was Volum, a project by the i2Cat Research Centre that's making 3D holograms more accessible. The idea? Bring real-time holographic communication to the masses—without needing complex setups.
This could totally change the way we do virtual meetings, remote collaboration, and live events. Instead of talking to a flat screen on a video call, imagine seeing a real-time hologram of the person right in front of you.
Trying Out Volum: A Window into the Future
At the i2Cat booth, we got to check out Volum’s offline demo. It gave us a glimpse of how the experience works, and honestly, it was pretty wild.
We didn’t get to try the real-time version, but from what we learned, it lets people see and interact with each other as holograms in real time. This kind of presence could completely change the way we connect—whether for work, social hangouts, or even entertainment.
Real-Time Holograms, No Fancy Gear Needed
One of the most exciting things about Volum is that it works with regular cameras—no need for expensive motion-capture equipment or special suits. This means you could holoport yourself into a meeting, a presentation, or even a family gathering using just a standard setup.
The experience is paired with a VR headset to view and interact with the holograms. That’s where the real magic happens—it’s what makes the experience feel immersive and real.
For this to work smoothly, the design has to be simple and intuitive. Nobody wants to deal with a clunky interface while trying to have a conversation. If done right, it could feel just as natural as talking face-to-face.
Up until now, our closest experience with volumetric presence has been through platforms like Apple Vision Pro’s Personas, which create floating, life-like 3D avatars in digital spaces. However, Volum takes this concept even further by enabling holograms from standard commercial cameras, making it a more accessible solution in our opinion.
This shift from flat video calls to real-time holograms could change the way we:
Hold meetings – Instead of staring at tiny boxes on a screen, we could sit across from each other as holograms.
Work remotely – Imagine collaborating as if you’re in the same room, without needing a plane ticket.
Experience live events – Performances, interviews, or even gaming could have a whole new level of immersion.
With tech like Volum, this kind of interaction is getting closer to reality. It’s not just about looking cool—it’s about making digital conversations feel more real, human, and engaging.
At the moment, they are just out on the market and still seeking use cases. We will share more when we have more information on how users can get their hands on this product.
Would you want to try a holographic call instead of Zoom or Teams? Let’s talk!
