[ad_1]
Google
Google is making more movements in the video chat space during the coronavirus pandemic, which will soon offer its premium Google Meet video conferencing service for free to consumers. Previously available only to organizations using G Suite, Meet will soon be open to all, in a move that puts Google in competition with rival video chat service Zoom.
While Google Hangouts and Duo were previously available for informal video chat, Meet allows up to 100 participants on one call at a time and includes features like scheduling, screen sharing, and realtime captions.
Read more: 10 free alternative Zoom apps for video chats
The free version of Google Meet will require you to create a free Google account. Video calls will have a 60-minute limit, but Google said it won’t apply that limit until after September 30.
Google also established a series of default privacy protections with Meet, including host controls (such as the ability to admit or deny entry to a meeting and mute or remove participants), complex meeting codes, and encryption in transit. This appears to be pointing to Zoom, which saw a massive increase in users after the coronavirus and quarantine blocks It started, but recently it has faced a number of security issues, including “Zoombombing” meetings of uninvited guests.
Google is far from the only tech company looking to get some of Zoom’s businesses: Facebook, Skype and Microsoft have recently launched new free group chat features and services.
Meet will begin releasing its free version in early May, according to Google. You can use the video chat service on the web at meet.google.com and in mobile applications for iOS or Android.
How to use Google Meet, free
To subscribe to the free version of Google Meet, go to the Google Meet page. Enter your name, email, country, and primary use for Google Meet (personal, business, educational, or government). Accept Google’s terms of service and press Send. You will receive a notification when the service is ready for you to use it.
Once it’s available, here’s how to use the free version of Google Meet:
one. Go to meet.google.com (or open the app on iOS or Android, or start a meeting from Google Calendar).
2. Click Start new meetingor enter your meeting code.
3. Choose the Google account you want to use.
4 4. Click Join the meeting. You can also add others to your meeting.
And that is! Happy video chat.
For more help on your video chats, see How to make video meetings less rare, tips on how to use Zoom like a pro, how to look and sound great online with your webcam and how to turn your phone into a webcam.
See this:
Privacy zoom: how to avoid spying on your meetings
5:45
