Google Meet is updating its video calling feature by rolling out 1080p resolution, aiming to provide users with crisper images during their video calls. This move puts Google in line with its competitors, Microsoft Teams and Zoom, who already offer full HD calls. Previously, Google Meet only provided 720p resolution calls, which is a lower quality than its competitors.
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However, this update is only available for web users and is currently limited to two-person meetings, along with some restrictions on who can access the feature. It is only available for Google Workspace Business Standard, Plus, and Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus, and Essential users. Google One subscribers can also enjoy this higher resolution feature, but they must have at least 2TB of storage on their device.
For users who are eligible for the update, it needs to be manually turned on since it is not enabled by default. To activate the feature, users must click on the “change” button with three vertical dots that appear in a pop-up window on a new Google Meet video call. They can then choose to enable the full HD feature or ignore the notification. Users can change their video resolution at any time by clicking on the settings button, then the video tab, and choosing from the dropdown choices.
This recent update is among other features that Google has recently added to Google Meet, including emoji reactions and automatic transcriptions. The 1080p resolution feature will be available for customers with rapid release domains in the next two weeks and those with scheduled release domains by May 19th.
Some additional comments from the Google Blog:
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. Our Help Centre has more information regarding bandwidth usage for 1080p video calls.
- End users: This feature is OFF by default and can be enabled by the user. Visit the Help Centre to learn more about how to enable 1080p in Meet.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 25, 2023
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on May 4, 2023
Availability
- Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Education Plus, Enterprise Essentials and Frontline customers
- Also available to Google One subscribers with 2TB or more storage space with eligible devices.
- Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Nonprofits, and G Suite Basic and Business customers.
- Not available to users with personal Google Accounts.
