In its videoconferencing service Google Meet, Google is introducing a new feature that allows users to turn on their camera and share their video feed with all participants when in Companion mode.
According to a Google Workspace blog, this is intended to improve collaboration and representation equity for in-room participants attending a hybrid meeting by allowing everyone to share their own video with other on-call participants.
The feature will be enabled by default, and users will be able to join a web meeting using Companion mode from the green room prior to
The company started its rollout this week, with users in the company’s rapid release channel getting access starting this week. Other domains will begin to see the new feature on May 17.
All Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, have access to the feature. It will not necessitate any administrative controls.
Companion mode allows users to connect to a Google Meet video call on a second screen, allowing in-room users to participate in activities or share their screen without having to worry about echo for remote participants. Last year, the feature was introduced.
Companion mode users will have their microphones muted to reduce the risk of audio feedback from the second screen. It is intended for conference rooms that have audio and video capabilities on meeting room hardware, such as a Google Nest Hub Max.
Users can also use Companion mode to view presentations or captions more clearly. Users who want to speak or view the participant grid must join with full audio and video on a separate non-Companion mode screen.
