Google has announced new AI-powered tools and services for its video conferencing platform, Google Meet, aimed at making it a core part of everyday working life. The new tools use the recently unveiled Duet AI for Google Workspace platform to generate customized virtual backgrounds based on text descriptions, allowing users to show off their personalities and tailor their backgrounds to specific clients or teams. Duet AI is already present in other key Google Workspace services, including Slides and Sheets.
The generative AI backgrounds were first hinted at by Google earlier this year as part of its Workspace AI push, and this marks the first time the technology has been put into action. AI technology could be a small step towards making video conferencing more bearable by boosting personalization and enhancing the user experience.
Google will be hoping its generative AI backgrounds will be enough to capture users’ attention and compete with Microsoft Teams, which recently announced a range of new virtual backgrounds aimed at boosting mental health and enhancing collaboration and productivity. AI is currently prevalent in the software industry, and companies of all sizes are scrambling to include the technology in their platforms and processes.
Overall, the new AI-powered tools and services for Google Meet are an attempt to make video conferencing a more personalized and enjoyable experience for users. By tailoring virtual backgrounds to specific clients or teams, Google hopes to make video conferencing more bearable and engaging, helping it compete with other video conferencing platforms in the market.
