The emergence of 5G technology connectivity could mean big changes in the way that we communicate. Not only could this high-speed solution deliver the potential for high-quality streaming of 4K video through conferencing devices, but some companies are even beginning to explore the possibility of calls augmented by holograms.
While holographic images shooting out of your smartphone might sound a little far-fetched, it's hard to disregard the idea entirely. After all, we're living in a world filled with smart technology, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality - all things we would have equally described as "sci-fi" concepts in the past.
How Close Are We to Hologram Calls?
Communicating with your friends via hologram probably won't be a feature of the next iPhone, but according to an expert from the Knowledge Transfer Network, Richard Foggie, it may be something that we begin to see during the next five years. The driving force behind this technology will be the high-speed connections enabled by 5G, which can manage and deliver more substantial amounts of data at a rapid rate.
Holograms may not be reserved for Star Wars-style communication either. Like AR and VR technology today, there's also a possibility that holographic solutions could help to increase immersion and engagement with video games, business meetings, and even industrial applications.
Experiments into the possibilities of holographic phone calls are already happening around the world. In 2017, US telecom vendor Verizon, and Korean company KT Telecom held the first "live international hologram" call, using trial 5G networks. Now, the UK has Vodafone showcasing similar calls made over their 5G trial network to demonstrate the possibilities of the technology.
The Incredible Potential of 5G
Though the tests that we're seeing in holographic technology today are still in their early stages, they prove that the launching pads are already out there for companies who want to take the concept further. KT has already said that they will be working on commercialising audio video calls to help people meet "in real size, in real time."
