It’s been nearly a year since Google Meet became free for everyone during the global pandemic. Now, boasting millions of connections around the world, the video conferencing software is getting an update.
“Helping everyone safely connect and collaborate is what drives us to continue improving Meet,” according to Dave Citron, director of product management for Google Duo and Meet.
“From introducing features that make video calls more inclusive, such as automated live captions in five languages, to controls that create a safer and more dynamic learning environment for educators and students,” he teased in a blog announcement, “to new mobile capabilities that promote a more inclusive meeting experience.”
New Design
It all starts with a refreshed design, aimed at making it easier to present and engage with others. Beginning next month, users will have more space to see shared content and video feeds. Google is also adding the ability to pin multiple tiles—a presentation and the speaker, for instance, or multiple speakers at the same time.
“People have told us they concentrate better and often feel less tired when they don’t see themselves while talking,” Citron said. “So we’re making it possible to resize, reposition, or hide your own video feed. When doing so, you can use the freed-up space to see even more people on the call.”
High-Quality Meetings
Low light? No problem. Taking a page from its own book, Google Meet for web now detects underexposed users and automatically enhances their brightness for improved visibility. The platform last year added a similar function for mobile.
The use of artificial intelligence doesn’t end there, though. “We’re introducing another feature powered by AI called Autozoom,” the blog said, “which helps others see you more clearly by zooming in and positioning you squarely in front of your camera.” Paid Google Workspace subscribers can keep an eye out for Autozoom in the coming months.
Fun Backgrounds
There’s nothing worse than logging onto a video call only to realize there’s a mess of toys, dirty dishes, or unfolded laundry behind you. Google Meet is making it easier to hide your house with video background replacements. Upcoming options include a classroom, a party, and a forest, with more clips coming soon.
“When we introduced a free version of Google Meet to the world a year ago, none of us knew just how much we’d come to rely on virtual meetings and gatherings to keep us connected to friends, family, colleagues, and classmates,” Citron wrote. “We’re grateful for all the stories and feedback our users and customers have shared along the way, helping us to make Google Meet more engaging for everyone.”
