Like many people, the past year of travel restrictions and social distancing has meant online video conference services has become another communication method I use with my clients.
Since I use Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) for my mail, calendar, and files, my favorite service is Google Meet.
It’s quick to schedule video conferences in my calendar.
Overall, Google Meet has worked seamlessly for all my clients. We use the chat, screen sharing, and auto captions.
Except one client.
Every time we have a Google Meet call, the audio doesn’t work well. Or the video resolution is poor.
We spend a few minutes trying to troubleshoot and almost always end up with a phone call for our conversation.
Which is why I was glad to read the announcement this week about Google Meet’s new features.
Preview Google Meet Audio and Video Quality
Launched this week, the new features in Google Meet creates a “green room” where you can check video and peripheral device quality and configuration before you enter your video call.
The new functionality allows you to:
- Confirm your audio, video, and monitor are configured correctly
- Check for good network connectivity
- Review noise cancellation option (only for Enterprise Plus and G Suite Enterprise for Education accounts)
According to the launch announcement, you’ll be able to catch problems like:
- A muted microphone
- Display monitor with missing headphone or speaker connection
- Other audio issues like poor sound quality, loud audio, or background noise amplification
You’ll also have the opportunity to adjust lighting and positioning, to improve video quality.
What You Need to Know
The new feature is available to end users, admins don’t have to do anything to enable it.
Before beginning a meeting, select the Check your audio and video button on the screen.
The “green room.” will open where you can preview audio and video.
Within the green room, you’ll see which devices are configured for Google Meet and can make changes to other devices as needed.
If a problem is found with your device setup, a warning will display along with tips for troubleshooting.
The new feature began rolling out February 2, 2021.
It’s expected to be available to the following customers in the next 15 days:
- Google Workspace Essentials
- Business Starter
- Business Standard
- Business Plus
- Enterprise Essentials
- Enterprise Standard
- Enterprise Plus
- G Suite Basic, Business, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits
I can’t wait to try it out!
Have you already received the new feature? If yes, has it improved your Google Meet calls?
