Google Meet is an essential tool for remote work and virtual
communication. It's a platform that enables users to communicate with
colleagues, friends, or family through video conferencing. Google has been
continuously updating the platform with new features to make it more
user-friendly and improve its functionality. In its latest update, Google Meet
now allows users to turn off the video feed of other participants.
Here's everything you need to know about this new feature:
What is the new feature on Google Meet?
Google Meet now allows users to turn off the video feed of
other participants. This new feature is available on the web, iOS, and Android.
Users can turn off the video feed of other participants during a meeting or a
regular video call.
How to use the new feature?
To use this feature, click the overflow menu next to a user.
It will show you a new ‘Don’t Watch’ option under ‘Pin.’ You can hit the ‘Start
Watching’ option within the same menu to resume the video feed.
If you're using the Google Meet mobile app, you can also find
a new ‘Audio Only’ option. This will turn off the video feed of other
participants and keep the video feed of the actively presenting participant.
Will others know that you have turned off their video feed?
No, other participants won't be notified when you turn off
their video feed. The changes will apply only to you, and other users won't be
aware that you have blocked their feed.
Why is this feature helpful?
This feature is helpful in situations where you want to focus
your meeting view to just the presenter or hide participants with distracting
video feeds. It allows users to avoid distractions during meetings and improve
their productivity.
Who can access this feature?
This feature is rolling out to all Google Workspace customers,
including Google One subscribers with 2TB or more storage space and legacy G
Suite Basic and Business customers. The feature is rolling out gradually, starting
April 18, to all Google Meet users on the web and mobile.
Conclusion
Google Meet's new feature to turn off other participants'
video feed is a much-awaited update. This feature will make virtual meetings
more productive and less distracting. Users can now choose to focus on the
presenter and avoid getting distracted by other participants' video feeds. This
feature is rolling out gradually, and all Google Meet users will be able to
access it soon.
FAQs
Can I turn off the video feed of all participants at once?
No, you can't turn off the video feed of all participants at
once. You can only turn off the video feed of individual participants.
Can other participants turn off my video feed?
No, other participants can't turn off your video feed. The
feature is available only for individual users.
Will turning off the video feed affect the audio feed?
No, turning off the video feed won't affect the audio feed.
You can still hear other participants during the meeting.
Can I turn off my video feed for other participants?
Yes, you can turn off your video feed for other participants.
The feature is available under the ‘Turn off camera’ option.
Is the new feature available for free Google Meet users?
Yes, the new feature is available for all Google Meet users, including free users.
