Google has introduced a big Google Meet Android app update for enhancing virtual meetings, in line with its enterprise versions. The new update, the ‘Start a call’ screen is now available for free Google Account users.
The new update is available on Android devices with version 266 of the Google Meet App, streamlining the meeting initiation process.
The application's new interface boasts a pill-shaped search bar for "Search contacts or dial," and has bigger buttons for link creation, scheduling, and for starting new groups.
The main change is that the newer version has a "Suggestions" grid that shows recent contacts, instead of the long list that used to be present. Hence the efficient layout is devised for a rapid dial-like experience facilitating faster connections. There is a new "Code" shortcut in the search bar on the home screen that lets the participants join meetings with a code directly.
This update is in line with Google's current push for improvements in enhancing user engagement in the competitive video conferencing landscape. The tech mogul has recently updated Google Photos with AI-powered video presets as well as new video editing features.
According to news coverage by Gartner, the video conferencing market is growing by 23% per year, and the focus for this industry is on user experience. The improvements Google is introducing into Meet come at a well-timed point because businesses need reliable solutions for virtual meetings.
“This makes sense”, says Google Meet specialist Emily Chen, since this streamlines the interface for everybody. "With remote work expected to continue shortly, there's a lot to be gained from simplifying how users connect," she further noted.
The latest enhancements place Google Meet in a firm position against the competitors, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, both have refreshed their user interfaces recently. Companies are quickly adopting the new work culture of ‘remote working’.
Thus, competition among work productivity tools like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc to provide efficient communication tools is increasing. Will Google be able to maintain its lead with this new update, remains to be seen.