What you need to know
- Google Meet brings two big improvements with the new update.
- This update allows users to share files from a floating window during a call.
- Another feature allows users to tailor access to shared files to participants.
Video calling service Google Meet is getting a new update aimed at improving and simplifying file sharing.
The first new feature is a new share button in the floating menu bar that appears during a call, allowing users to share files instantly in Meet chat. The purpose is to make it easy for all participants to access the content being presented during the meeting. This is useful if you miss something and need to backtrack.
Call participants will be notified through Meet chat when an item is shared. Participants will receive a link to access the shared file in a notification from the user.
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The update also shows a new access dialog that prompts the call organizer whenever a user shares or pastes a link to the chat window. Through this dialog, you can change access to shared links for call participants. Additionally, the host can add the file to her Google Calendar event.
With the new features announced, Google hopes to eliminate the need to switch between windows during a call to share simple files, the company said in an accompanying blog post. The Dialog Window feature works similarly to the Share feature in Google Docs, allowing users to allow others to view, edit, or comment on shared files.
Easily view and share files directly in Meet during a call, allowing attendees to focus on the meeting instead of fumbling between windows to see shared files.
Google says the rollout will be gradual starting this week, including for Rapid Release domains. This will be followed by Scheduled Release Domains starting February 14th. The update is available to all Google Workspace users, in addition to existing G Suite Basic and Business customers. Additionally, any consumer with his personal Google account will also be eligible for the new update.
Google Meet is the primary video calling app on many Android devices, but this update appears to be aimed at desktop users. Google is now in the process of completely replacing another of its popular Google Duo services with Meet as a one-of-a-kind video calling experience.
