Video Conferencing: This new Google Meet update will make meetings less of a free-for-all

 

Google Meet

(Image credit: Google)

Never get ignored again

Getting your voice heard during a Google Meet call should be easier than ever because of a replacement update to the service.

Google's video conferencing tool is upgrading its "Hand Raise" tool so as to form it simpler to deal with those participants eager to speak.

The improvements, which have begun rolling out now, include an "updated and improved visual icon and animation" on a user's video tile, giving a more dynamic view of when a participant wants to talk, and an audio notification will now play when the primary hand raise occurs on a call.

Raise those hands

Google Meet can support up to 100 participants on desktop devices, and recently announced support for even bigger calls on Android and iOS devices also.

Many of the new changes look to be focused on large group calls and making users who wish to talk more visible to hosts. This includes a change that moves the video tiles of users who have raised their hands to become more visible during a group call. 

Google Meet hand raise the new tool

There will even be a clickable notification that shows everyone who has already raised their hand, also as ordering these people during a queue determined by once they first activated the decision for attention.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, and a welcome update for several, a participant’s hand will now even be automatically lowered after they speak, removing what had been a serious headache for call hosts everywhere.

The new tool is going to be on by default, with no admin or user controls, as Google aims to assist foster better teamwork in meetings.

Google says that the new features are going to be available in meetings organized by users with Workspace Essentials, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Nonprofits, also as G Suite Business customers.

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