The digital transition is accelerating and it should come as no surprise that one of the biggest names in tech has developed a video conferencing platform. One of the hallmarks of Google’s success is that their software has been free, easy to use, and accessible to everyone. Google Meet is no exception to this rule. It provides a user-friendly video conference experience, without sacrificing its functionality.
What is Google Meet?
Google Meet is the rebranded and improved video calling software, Google Hangouts. Google Meet can be accessed through a web browser or an app on iOS and Android devices. Additionally, Meet can be purchased (with added features) as part of the Google Workspace package that also includes Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Chat, Currents, Docs, and other Google cloud-based software.
Google Meet allows you to connect in real time with other participants on a video conference call much like its popular competitor, Zoom.
How Do I Use Google Meet?
One of the best things about this product, and Google products in general, is how easy it is to use. If you’ve been invited to a meeting and are using a desktop computer or laptop, just click the invite link or enter the meeting code on Google Meet’s homepage – no download required. If you are using a smart phone or tablet, download the Google Meet app from your app store and enter the meeting code.
What Features Does Google Meet Have?
Google Meet has some very handy features that come with their software, many of which are available with the basic plan.
Closed Captions
Google Meet gives you the option to turn on/off the closed captions that type your speech and interpret others’ in real time. This feature is very useful if you forgot your headphones in a noisy environment or are in a quiet environment where it’d be frowned upon to take a call. Just turn on the closed captions and Google will show you what’s being said.
Jamboard Sessions
One of the great things about using a Google product is its integration with other Google software. From your video call, you can start a “Whiteboard” from the “More Options” menu. This will open a Google Jamboard Session, which allows all call participants to collaborate on a digital whiteboard where they can draw, type, add pictures, and more.
Breakout Rooms
Google Meet gives you the availability to separate your video call participants into smaller groups either of your own choosing or randomly. You can organize breakout rooms in advance by editing the meeting in your calendar or you can create the breakout rooms during the call by using the “Activities” button. You can create up to 100 rooms, but it might depend on the plan you choose.
Polls
A great feature of Google Meet is the ability to create polls in your meeting to survey participants’ responses on a given topic. You can create polls within the meeting and only the poll moderator will be able to see how each participant responded. They’re a great way to gather feedback from employees or test students’ knowledge.
Pros and Cons
Google Meet is an accessible and easy-to-use platform to host your video conferences, but there are a handful of drawbacks as well.
Some of the drawbacks can include screen sharing restrictions, display issues, and some reports of browser freezing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I use Gmail, but I can’t find Meet. Where is it?
A: If you don’t see Meet in the Gmail sidebar, make sure it is enabled in your Gmail settings. If you use Gmail for work or school, your admin also needs to enable Meet.
Q: Can external participants join a call?
A: Absolutely. In fact, you can share the same link with all meeting participants, making it easier to get everyone you need on the call.
Q: Do I need to install anything?
A: Meet works entirely in the browser. This limits the attack surface for Meet and the need to push out frequent security patches on end-user machines. On mobile, we recommend that you install the Meet or Gmail app from Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and frequently check for updates.
Q: Is a third-party service required for dial-in access?
A: No. With Google Workspace, you have the ability to include a phone number and PIN on each of your meetings with no other configuration required.
Learn More About Google Meet
Google Meet is a fantastic video conferencing platform that is especially kind to first-time users. Its ease of function is great if you are hosting meetings with people who aren’t regular users of video conferencing apps.