Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
In brief
- Google Meet updates video calling with a more advanced, feature-rich interface.
- You can apply multiple video effects such as backgrounds and filters at the same time.
- The app’s On-The-Go mode lets you switch calls to audio-only when needed.
Yesterday’s Made by Google event was nothing short of a marathon, as the company unveiled feature after feature, app after app, and a whole bunch of new Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch hardware. After that deluge of announcements, how could there be anything left? Believe it or not, the action isn’t stopping now, and today we’re learning about some big changes to Google Meet video calling.
First, Google is revamping the app’s user interface and bringing a breath of fresh air to the new layout. The company is trying to make the software more consistent across the board and is updating the video calling experience to make it more similar to what you’re used to in meetings. Google is understating this quite a bit in its announcement, but 9to5Google points out that this is a pretty important step towards clearing up some inconsistencies that have existed since the duo merger years ago.
The calling interface offers functional improvements, such as the ability to quickly open a chat window for sharing links. And new emoji reaction tools in group calls let you quickly express yourself without interrupting others.
You also have the option to try out a new look, as you can now stack effects like custom backgrounds or video filters and apply several at once. Sometimes you can’t show yourself at all — perhaps when you’re in the middle of a commute — so Meet is expanding its “on the go” audio-only mode that was previously available for meetings. And if you have more to share than normal, Meet can share your screen with whoever you’re on the call with.
Additionally, Google is making it easier to switch devices during a call and offering access to live captions in over 70 languages and more. With so many updates coming, it’s understandable that Google needs some time to roll these out, with the company noting that they’ll likely be available in the next few months.
