Google enhances Meet picture-in-picture experience with new features

 

Gif Credit: Google Workspace Updates

Google is making the Google Meet picture-in-picture experience more engaging and feature-rich by introducing several enhancements that let users interact and navigate the platform more effectively.

Previously, the picture-in-picture window in Google Meet allowed users to only toggle their camera or microphone on/off or exit the meeting. However, the latest update expands the capabilities of this window, offering a range of new functionalities that enhance the overall meeting experience.

One of the notable additions is the ability to raise your hand directly from the picture-in-picture window. This feature provides a convenient way for participants to express their desire to speak or ask a question during a meeting. Another significant addition is the introduction of in-meeting chat within the picture-in-picture window.

Google has also made it easier for users to enable or disable captions directly from the picture-in-picture window. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments or for situations where audio may not be accessible. Users can conveniently toggle captions on and off without disrupting the flow of the meeting.

Other enhancements include the ability to resize the picture-in-picture view. Participants can now more effectively adjust the size of the window according to their preferences, ensuring a comfortable and customized viewing experience. Additionally, the updated picture-in-picture experience offers access to flexible layouts.

The rollout of these new Google Meet features will be conducted in a gradual manner over a period of up to 15 days, starting from June 7, 2023. The update will be made available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Meanwhile, Google is also improving the experience for admitting or denying join requests in Google Meet. Currently, the admitting dialog box can disrupt access to other meeting features and create pressure for users to quickly accept or deny join requests. To alleviate these issues, Google is relocating join requests to the people panel, allowing users to review join requests at their own pace without interrupting the overall meeting experience or blocking the functionality of other meeting features.

For Rapid Release domains, the new join request process will undergo a full rollout starting from June 7, 2023, with feature visibility expected within 1-3 days. On the other hand, Scheduled Release domains will experience the full rollout starting on June 15, 2023, with feature visibility expected within the same timeframe. Both Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts will have access to this improved join request feature.

With the improved picture-in-picture functionality and streamlined join request process, Google is once again elevating the user experience of its popular video conferencing platform.