Google has announced significant enhancements to its picture-in-picture mode in Google Meet, aiming to provide users with improved multitasking capabilities during video conferences.
Previously, the picture-in-picture feature allowed participants to view other attendees, control microphone and camera settings, and exit the meeting—a sufficient set of options for basic use.
With the latest update, Google is expanding the functionality of picture-in-picture to include additional controls such as hand raising, enabling and disabling captions, and access to the chat feature. These additions grant users more flexibility and interaction within the video conference while maintaining a compact pop-out window.
Furthermore, the updated picture-in-picture feature allows for more effective resizing, enabling users to customize the layout according to their preferences and seamlessly arrange the pop-out window alongside other open applications on their desktop.
The update does not require any action from administrators, as it does not alter the fundamental workings of Google Meet. However, the rollout of the feature will occur gradually, starting from June 7, and may take up to 15 days for some accounts to receive the update.
Importantly, this update benefits all Google Meet users, including personal account holders. Typically, new features are initially introduced to business or paying customers, but Google has made this improvement accessible to all users.
While Google primarily envisions picture-in-picture as a means to conveniently reference meeting notes and work-related documents, the addition of more features within the pop-out window minimizes the need for users to switch to full-screen mode. This freedom empowers users to engage in other activities such as browsing social media or making online purchases during the meeting.
Notably, a study by Slack revealed that workers spend nearly a full day each week on video calls, which many find exhausting and avoidable.
Google’s updated picture-in-picture mode aims to enhance productivity and user experience in Google Meet, allowing participants to effectively manage meetings while optimizing their multitasking capabilities.
