Google Meet Adds New Host Controls for Audio & Video

Enhanced Control in Google Meet: New Audio and Video Locking Features

Google Meet is introducing enhanced controls for meeting hosts with the implementation of new audio and video locking capabilities. These features empower hosts to disable the microphones and cameras of participants, maintaining order and focus during virtual sessions.

The core functionality allows a host to mute a participant and, crucially, prevent them from re-enabling their audio or video feed without explicit permission. This builds upon a previously released feature that enabled hosts to mute all participants simultaneously.

Lock Settings and Breakout Rooms

When a host activates an audio or video lock within the primary meeting interface, the setting is automatically extended to all active breakout rooms.

It’s important to note that adjustments made to lock settings within a breakout room are isolated to that specific room and do not impact the main meeting or other breakout sessions.

Benefits of the New Features

According to Google, these new locks provide hosts with greater authority over their meetings. They facilitate the management of participant contributions and allow for the swift handling of any disruptive behavior that may arise.

Hosts can strategically determine when and to what extent participants are permitted to engage through audio and video.

Compatibility and App Updates

Users operating older versions of the Android and iOS apps that lack support for these new features will be automatically removed from the meeting if a host activates the audio or video lock.

These users will be prompted to update their application to gain re-entry. Conversely, disabling the locks will allow previously disconnected participants to rejoin the session.

Rollout and Availability

The rollout of these audio and visual lock features has commenced today. They are being made available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as those utilizing G Suite Basic and Business plans.

Ongoing Development of Google Meet

Google continues to actively develop and enhance Google Meet, responding to the increased demand for videoconferencing solutions driven by the remote work landscape.

Recent additions include automatic webcam brightness adjustment and a UI refresh implemented in April. Furthermore, Google has established partnerships, such as the integration with Otter.ai, to broaden the platform’s capabilities and attract a wider user base.

These ongoing improvements position Google Meet as a strong competitor in the market alongside platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.