Today is the start of the BETT conference in London, the world’s largest educational technology trade show. Google made headlines early by announcing over a dozen updates to popular classroom tools such as Google Classroom, Drive, Meet, and ChromeOS. There’s a lot to unpack! Here’s a summary of everything that was announced at the 2023 […]
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You can now easily share files with all participants of a Google Meet
Earlier this year, Google rolled out the ability to start a Meet call and “bring it to” Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as present to the meeting from either of these applications. This is all part of the Smart Canvas rollout, which aims to deliver the next evolution of collaboration for Google Workspace […]
Continue ReadingYou can now have your Google Meet video meetings transcribed for you in Google Docs
Google recently announced that meetings held via Google Meet can now be transcribed into a Google Doc. Similar to meeting recordings, the transcribed file is stored in the “Meet Recordings” folder in the host’s Google Drive. This function is exclusive to the desktop and laptop versions of Google Meet and is currently only available in […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet (Duo) app adds an account switcher to separate work from personal
Following the conversion of Duo over to Google Meet that took place last month, Google had to eventually reinstate the Duo icon to that app due to users expressing confusion over the transition. Now that the app is back to having its familiar blue icon, changes continue within the application with the addition of an […]
Continue ReadingChromeOS is getting on-device background blur and other video conference effects
For a while there, ChromeOS users had no choice but to watch from afar as users of other desktop platforms enjoyed background blur and video effects on Zoom and other video conferencing apps. However, in 2020 – mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a high demand for using video as a means to communicate […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet will now automatically adjust the volume of participants that are too loud
We’ve all been there. We’re in a video meeting, and someone with a hot mic unmutes and sounds significantly louder than everyone else. This issue is hard to control in this age of hybrid work and workers using different types of equipment in their home offices, causing discrepancies in volume. Google is looking to remedy […]
Continue ReadingDedicated Google Meet devices get light and dark mode option on home screen
Google has announced support for light and dark modes for Google Meet hardware devices. These new themes are meant to enhance the look of these devices when they are not in use and to fit the aesthetic of the room they are in. Additionally, FOR Google Meet devices available that sit on a desk and […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet rolling out ability to temporarily unmute yourself with the spacebar
A new Google Workspace update is rolling out that will allow you to unmute yourself using your keyboard’s spacebar during a Google Meet. Having this capability will make it a lot easier for users to quickly unmute themselves without fumbling around for the mute button on the screen. Of course, users will still be required […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet improves quality of background visual effects
When using Google Meet on the web, background effects will now look more accurate thanks to background and foreground separation improvements. This will affect effects such as background blur, background replacement, and the recently launched immersive backgrounds and styles. However, as those video effects can be very resource-intensive, those with devices that have lower specs […]
Continue ReadingDuo and Google Meet merger enters final phase with app rename
Google announced back in June that they would be adding all of Google Meet’s features to Google Duo and combining the two video calling services into one. The transition into this “one video app to rule them all” solution began last month, in stages, as is customary for Google’s larger software rollouts. For Duo customers, […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet’s YouTube live streaming feature rolling out now
Back in March, Google announced their plans to add a live streaming option to Google Meet this year, thus allowing your meetings to be viewed by more than the amount supported to join a Meet. This would also allow your stream to be viewed by large groups of people outside of your organization, giving them […]
Continue ReadingAnonymous questions and polls will now be allowed in Google Meet
In the past two years, Google has brought quite a few helpful improvements and new features to Google Meet, including the ability to ask questions and participate in polls. However, these actions could only be done while identifying yourself, which may not be ideal depending on the type of call you are in. To address […]
Continue ReadingChrome 104 to bring “Region Capture” for better tab sharing over video meetings
We’ve all been there. Someone shares their screen over a Meet or Zoom meeting, and suddenly, you have an endless hall-of-mirrors effect. Usually, that results in that someone having to either quickly stop sharing or disconnect from the meeting altogether. Thankfully, the most recent beta version of Google Chrome, version 104, has provided a sneak […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet will now tell you if someone you invited has not joined your meeting
A new Google Meet update will begin rolling out today to select Workspace tiers that will allow you to see who was invited to the meeting but hasn’t joined the call yet. Absent meeting invitees can be found under the “Also invited” heading, which will appear in its own section underneath the list of participants […]
Continue ReadingYou will now be able to use Picture-in-Picture and multi-pinning in Google Meet
Previously announced at “The Anywhere School” webinar that took place earlier this month, Google is now rolling out picture-in-picture to Google Meet on Chrome web browsers. With this implementation, you’ll be able to see up to four participants in one floating PiP window while you switch back and forth between applications. While in the meeting, […]
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