Google Meet to Alleviate Annoyance: Addressing Persistent Issue during Conference Call Participation
Google has introduced a new feature called Companion Mode for its video conferencing platform, Google Meet. This innovative feature aims to make joining video conferences easier and more efficient by using ultrasonic proximity detection.
When you're in a Google Meet room equipped with certified Google Meet hardware and open the meeting link on your laptop, the system detects your physical presence via ultrasound. This detection triggers a "Use Companion mode" button to appear in the pre-join screen before you enter the call.
Joining via Companion Mode automatically checks you into the correct room and disables audio output/input that could cause echo, preventing disruptive feedback loops. This feature simplifies joining meetings by eliminating fiddly manual settings and reducing echo issues commonly caused when multiple devices join the same room audio.
In Companion Mode, users can view presentations, use the in-meeting chat, participate in polls, share their screen, and use captions. The microphone and camera are disabled by default to prevent audio feedback or echo.
The new Proximity-based Room Check-in feature, a part of Companion Mode, is currently only supported on Google Meet web via Chrome, together with certified Google Meet peripherals. Workspace administrators can control the feature's availability and settings via the Admin console.
Google's Companion Mode provides a context-aware, echo-free experience facilitated by ultrasonic proximity detection signaling the system you are present and guiding you into the meeting in the proper mode to avoid audio problems. The feature is set to be available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware from August 4 onwards, with a possible rollout period of up to 15 days.
Google Meet will not use the tool Gemini to suggest "next steps" after your team meetings, as previously reported. If you're in need of an upgrade, consider one of the best business laptops for a better Google Meet experience.
[1] Google's blog post on the new feature: https://blog.google/products/google-meet/google-meet-companion-mode/ [2] Google's support page for Companion Mode: https://support.google.com/meet/answer/9613688 [3] Google's help centre article on ultrasonic proximity detection: https://support.google.com/meet/answer/9613688?hl=en&ref_topic=9613689
- Upgrading your laptop could enhance your Google Meet experience, considering the advanced features like Companion Mode that Google has introduced.
- The ultrasound technology used in Google's Companion Mode not only ensures a context-aware, echo-free experience during video conferences but also facilitates home-and-garden lifestyles by making digital meetings more efficient.
- To fully appreciate the benefits of Companion Mode, it's essential to use compatible audio equipment, as the technology works in conjunction with certified Google Meet hardware.
