AdminWith the new service update, connecting a USB accessory like a headset or microphone will finally make it much easier to chat in Google Meet.
The videoconferencing platform has revealed changes that will allow users to have much more functionality when using such devices.
In the future, users will be able to switch between mute and unmute unmute with headsets, speaker microphones, and other USB peripherals.
USB function for Google Meet
Users can also apply LED color changes on the USB device to determine if they are muted or not, hoping to eliminate any risk of accidental speech while the microphone is hot.
This feature is only available in Chrome or Chromium based browsers, so Microsoft Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera will also be supported along with Google’s own browser.
Unfortunately, Bluetooth devices are not yet supported, and Google notes that the user experience “may vary by device.” The company provided a list of Meet certified headers and speaker microphones, including products from Poly, Jabra, Anker and Bose. extensive list (opens in a new tab).
“Videoconferencing has become the foundation of a hybrid work environment, and Google Meet improves communication and collaboration for teams of all sizes,” the company noted in blog post (opens in a new tab) update announcement. “It also means that people believe that the use of peripheral devices – such as headsets, microphones, mute buttons and more – is essential for video meetings.”
Google added that this update is only the first in what it hopes to be a series of new changes to Meet, saying it plans to expand the functionality to include video muting, ending a meeting, and more in the future.
The change now being made is available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers.
The update should bring Google Meet a bit closer to its big rival Microsoft Teams as the battle for video chat dominance continues.
Microsoft recently revealed that users can now use a Bluetooth headset or handsfree to answer or end a Teams call, as well as answer, end, or suspend a call during initial deployment – all without a USB dongle.
