[ad_1]
SAN FRANCISCO: On April 29, Google made its commercial video conferencing service free for all users, increasing competition for Zoom as people flock online to stay connected during the pandemic.
Google Meet was previously reserved for subscribers of the premium G Suite for Business software tools.
Meet will be available “to all users around the world, to allow people from all walks of life to communicate, collaborate and really stay in touch more effectively during the pandemic,” said the G Suite vice president, Javier Soltaro.
Google touted the security and reliability features of Meet, and its base in the cloud computing of the California-based Internet giant.
The use of video calls and conferences has skyrocketed as people remotely work, learn, and socialize while staying home to avoid the coronavirus.
Many people have turned to Zoom, which has made an effort to stop security problems, such as data hacking and harassment by people who block sessions in what is known as “Zoombombing”.
Google said in a blog post that it “has spent years making Meet a secure and reliable video conferencing solution trusted by schools, governments and companies around the world.”
People will need to use or create free Google accounts to participate in the meetings, which will have a 60-minute time limit that will apply from the end of September, according to the company.
Google said the free access will be rolled out gradually in the coming weeks.
According to Google, some six million companies and organizations, from hospitals and banks to manufacturing facilities and warehouses that already use G Suite, already have access to Meet video conferencing.
The announcement comes a day after Google’s parent company Alphabet reported higher revenue and profit, while highlighting its efforts to help people affected by the pandemic.
Earlier this week, Facebook introduced a new video chat service with virtual “rooms” where people can visit friends.
Through the Facebook Messenger app, users will be able to start video call sessions that up to 50 friends can join and stay as long as they like, even if they don’t have Facebook accounts. – AFP Relaxnews
[ad_2]
