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 … [Read more...] about 18 EDU Updates from the BETT Conference
Google Meet
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 … [Read more...] about You can now easily share files with all participants of a Google Meet
You 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 … [Read more...] about You can now have your Google Meet video meetings transcribed for you in Google Docs
Google 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 … [Read more...] about Google Meet (Duo) app adds an account switcher to separate work from personal
ChromeOS 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 … [Read more...] about ChromeOS is getting on-device background blur and other video conference effects
Google 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 … [Read more...] about Google Meet will now automatically adjust the volume of participants that are too loud
Dedicated 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 … [Read more...] about Dedicated Google Meet devices get light and dark mode option on home screen
Google 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 … [Read more...] about Google Meet rolling out ability to temporarily unmute yourself with the spacebar
Google 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 … [Read more...] about Google Meet improves quality of background visual effects
Duo 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 … [Read more...] about Duo and Google Meet merger enters final phase with app rename
Google 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, … [Read more...] about Google Meet’s YouTube live streaming feature rolling out now
Anonymous 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 … [Read more...] about Anonymous questions and polls will now be allowed in Google Meet
