Google Meet to introduce AI-powered meeting backgrounds for Android users

In a significant update to its video conferencing platform, Google Meet is set to bring AI-powered meeting backgrounds to its Android users, enhancing the app’s functionality which makes it stand out amidst numerous other video chat applications. This feature debuted on the web version last year and now extends its reach to Android devices as demonstrated in a recent APK teardown by tech site Android Authority.

This new capability, fuelled by Google’s AI system known as Gemini, will allow users to generate custom backgrounds for their meetings. According to the findings from Android Authority, the feature is embedded in the latest Google Meet version, 277.0.693808058.duo.android_20241105.16_p1. Though still in the developmental stages, it provides a glimpse into how Android users will soon have the ability to craft their meeting landscapes directly from their mobile devices.

Users will be able to access the “Generate a background” option within the Effects menu of the app. Upon selection, they are directed to a prompt page where they can input their desired imagery, such as “a street with colourful walls,” to create personalised backgrounds. The app generates the background in real time, allowing users to preview and make tweaks before joining meetings. The system also supports re-generating prompts for varied results, thus offering some level of creative control over the generated images.

In addition to this, the feature is set to include various visual styles for these AI-generated images. Users can choose from a range that includes Photography, Sci-fi, Illustration, 3D Animation, Fantasy, and Monochrome. In a nod to the festive season, a Christmas-themed style is also being introduced, although this is, for now, exclusive to the Android version with no immediate plans for web integration. This aligns with Google’s strategy to expand upon the initial rollout last year, providing unique experiences for users equipped with either the Google Workspace Labs or specific Google subscriptions like Gemini for Google Workspace add-on and the Google One AI Premium.

While the AI backgrounds are not yet accessible on Android to the general public, there’s an anticipation of its imminent release as the development appears nearly complete. This will provide users a novel way to personalise their meeting environments, thereby enhancing the overall virtual interaction experience.

As the rollout details are anticipated, users look forward to integrating these dynamic backgrounds into their professional and personal virtual meetings, signalling another step in the evolving functionalities of Google Meet.

Source: Noah Wire Services