Combine multiple video effects, improve lighting and audio in Google Meet

What’s changing

We’re launching three new features to personalize your appearance in Google Meet. Specifically, we’re adding:

• Combine multiple video effects on web and mobile: You can now combine a background effect with a filter effect to create a more dynamic, fun experience. This gives you the flexibility to find the right mix of effects that will represent you best during your meetings. The new layer icon on your self view tile can be used to keep track of which effects you’re using and remove one or all effects at once.

• You'll also notice a brand new user interface for effects. The streamlined design makes it easier for you to discover and apply various features. Specifically, you’ll notice effects grouped by category:
  • Backgrounds: Backgrounds are now organized into categories based on the type of scene you are looking for, such as new backgrounds, blurred backgrounds, your uploaded or company uploaded background, and more.
  • Filters: Sort through filters by category, including funny filters, accessories, costumes and characters.
  • Appearance: Adjust your appearance as needed by improving your lighting, framing, and video quality.
• Studio lighting on web: Available with the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise, the new studio lighting feature can be used to simulate studio-quality lighting. You’ll be able to adjust the lighting position, brightness, and color to look your best. Note that for this initial launch an eligible device is required to use this feature.

For illustrative purposes only — to use Studio Lighting, go to Apply visual effects > Appearance > Studio lighting.

• Studio sound: This feature will automatically improve poor audio quality from typical bluetooth headsets and dial-in participants by using AI to recreate higher audio frequencies. Currently, this feature is available for meetings on the web and dial-in, with support for the mobile Meet app coming in the coming weeks — we’ll share an update on the Workspace Updates blog at that time. This feature is available with the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on.

Studio sound will use AI to improve audio quality. 

Getting started

• Admins: Existing admin controls still apply. Visit the Help Center to learn more about allowing users to apply backgrounds and special effects.
• End users
  • Visit the Help Center to learn more about combined effects and studio lighting.
  • Studio sound is automatically active for dial-in and web when noise cancellation is enabled..

Rollout pace

Combining multiple video effects

Web availability:

• Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 17, 2024
• Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 29, 2024

Mobile availability:

• Rapid Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on January 16, 2024 for iOS and Android devices.
• Scheduled release domains:
  • For Android devices: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 17, 2024
  • For iOS devices: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 17, 2024

Studio lighting

Web availability:

• Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 17, 2024
• Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 29, 2024

Studio sound 

• Dial-in availability: Available now.
• Web availability: Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) beginning on January 17, 2024

Availability

Combine multiple video effects:

• Available to all users. The availability of specific video effects is based on your specific Google Workspace edition and admin policy

Studio lighting and sound:

• Available for customers with the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on. Note that for this initial launch an eligible device is required to use Studio lighting.