New Google Meet feature prevents distractions and can reduce data usage
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Recently Google wrapped up its plan to merge the consumer-oriented Google Duo app with the enterprise-focused Google Meet app to create a single app for all of your video needs called (drum roll, please) Google Meet. Just the other day we told you that Google is requesting that users delete the Meet (original) app from their Android and iOS devices. Google has now announced that it allows Meet users in a video conference to turn off the video feed from other participants during a meeting.
Now why would someone want to do that? Well, perhaps you want to focus on certain participants in the video conference that you’re a part of. Maybe you want to listen to the guy (or gal) who is presenting the meeting, or another participant is distracting you from giving your full attention to what is being said and shown. Or maybe you are on a monthly data plan and you want to reduce the amount of data being consumed by a Google Meet video conference.
You can shut down the video feeds from certain participants and the best thing is that they will never know (unless you tell them). This feature will be available on the desktop and mobile devices.
If you’re joining a Google Meet meeting via a mobile device, by selecting “Audio only” all video feeds will be turned off except for those presenting content. On the desktop, you can select whose video feeds you want to turn off by following the following directions: In a Google Meet conference (again, on the desktop), open the People panel. Tap the three-dot menu next to a particular participant, and select “Don’t watch.” To turn the video back on, from the three-dot menu and select “Start Watching.”
The new feature started rolling out yesterday and it is expected to take 15 days to complete.
Questions & Answers
Q.When can users expect the new feature to be fully available?
When can users expect the new feature to be fully available?
A.
The new feature began rolling out yesterday. It is expected to take 15 days to complete its full rollout to all users.
Q.How can mobile users turn off video feeds from other participants?
How can mobile users turn off video feeds from other participants?
A.
On a mobile device, users can select the 'Audio only' option. This will turn off all video feeds except for those presenting content.
Q.What are the primary reasons a user might want to use this new feature?
What are the primary reasons a user might want to use this new feature?
A.
Users might want to focus on specific participants or presenters, or avoid distractions from others. It can also help reduce data consumption for those on limited data plans.
Q.Can participants tell if their video feed has been turned off by another user?
Can participants tell if their video feed has been turned off by another user?
A.
No, the participants whose video feeds are turned off by another user will not know, unless the user tells them.
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