Highlights

• Introduction of combined background and filter effects in Google Meet.
• Redesigned user interface for simpler effect application.
• Studio lighting feature added for web users with specific device compatibility.
• Studio Sound feature enhances audio quality using AI.

Google Meet is set to receive a significant update that enhances the virtual meeting experience with new features aimed at personalizing user appearances.

This update, rolling out in phases starting January 17, 2024, introduces a blend of video effects, improved user interface, and advanced audio-visual quality enhancements.

Enhanced Video Effects and Interface

Google Meet users will now have the ability to combine background and filter effects.

This feature, available on both web and mobile platforms, aims to add more dynamism and personalization to the virtual meeting environment.

A newly added layer icon will help users keep track of and manage the effects they apply.

The effects section in Google Meet undergoes a significant redesign, making it easier for users to discover and apply various features.

The effects are now grouped into categories like backgrounds, filters, and appearance adjustments, streamlining the user experience and providing quick access to these enhancements.

Advanced Lighting and Sound Features

A notable addition is the studio lighting feature, part of the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on.

It allows users to adjust lighting position, brightness, and color, emulating studio-quality lighting.

This feature, however, requires compatible devices for its initial launch phase.

Studio Sound, another key feature, leverages AI to enhance audio quality, especially from Bluetooth headsets and dial-in participants.

It aims to recreate higher audio frequencies for a clearer sound.

Initially available for web and dial-in users, this feature will soon extend to mobile app users.

Rollout Details and Accessibility

The rollout schedule for these new features varies based on the user’s domain type and platform.

Rapid Release domains will see web features starting January 17, while mobile users can expect updates from January 16.

Scheduled Release domains will follow slightly later in the month.

While the combination of video effects is available to all users, the advanced studio lighting and sound features are exclusive to customers with the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on.

The studio lighting, in particular, necessitates specific device compatibility.

FAQs

What new video effects are being added to Google Meet?

Google Meet is rolling out the ability to combine background and filter effects, allowing users to create a more personalized and dynamic meeting experience.

How has the Google Meet user interface changed with this update?

The update introduces a revamped interface for effects, categorizing them into backgrounds, filters, and appearance settings for easier discovery and application.

What is the studio lighting feature in Google Meet?

Available for Google Workspace Enterprise users, the studio lighting feature in Google Meet allows users to adjust lighting settings for enhanced video quality. This feature requires an eligible device for use.

What does the Studio Sound feature do in Google Meet?

The Studio Sound feature uses AI to improve audio quality, especially from Bluetooth headsets and dial-in participants, by recreating higher audio frequencies for a clearer sound.

What is the new stacking feature in Google Photos?

Google Photos’ stacking feature uses AI to group similar photos together, suggesting the best shot from the collection to help declutter your photo library. Users can also select their preferred photo to represent the stack.

How does Google Photos’ new sorting feature work?

The sorting feature automatically organizes photos by identifying the content of images, such as IDs, receipts, and tickets, and placing them into respective albums for easy access and organization.

Can I add events to my calendar using Google Photos?

Yes, Google Photos now allows you to add events to your calendar directly from a photo or screenshot of a ticket, streamlining the process of event management.

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