In response to customer feedback and to improve the overall video conferencing experience for its users, Google has announced an update to its Meet interface for desktop and laptop users, to be launched next month.
With the aim of reducing meeting fatigue, Google is giving users more control over how they see themselves in meetings. Users have the choice of saving their video feed in a standard file on the grid or as a floating image that may be resized, repositioned or fully minimized.
The tech giant will also add a setting that will allow people to turn off self-feeding on all Google Meet calls.
Meet is part of the Google Workspace Office suite. Subscribers receive additional tools such as an auto-zoom feature that zooms in and positions the user directly in front of it.
Other user interface changes include automated live captions in five languages, intervention controls for teachers and students, and new mobile enhancements to keep team members connected everywhere.
The bottom navigation bar is also upgraded: dial-in codes, attachments, call lists, chat and other functions are grouped in the lower area, giving more screen space for additional subscribers.
The feature uses AI to seamlessly customize a participant’s video to make it more visible in dark environments or reduce glare when the user has too much light. This light adjustment feature will be visible in the web interface in weeks. Users will also be able to enjoy “fun” video backgrounds such as a party, a classroom or a forest.
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