Video conferencing has become an integral part of our daily routine since the pandemic. It has enabled people to work remotely, attend virtual events, and stay connected with friends and family. Among the many video conferencing platforms, Google Meet is a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. However, until recently, Google Meet only supported resolutions of 720p or lower. But now, the good news is that Google Meet finally supports 1080p video calls, which means clearer and sharper video quality for users. Let's dive deeper into what this upgrade entails.
What is Google Meet?
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform developed by Google. It was initially designed for businesses and organizations to conduct virtual meetings, but it's now available for anyone with a Google account. Google Meet has various features like screen sharing, live captions, and virtual backgrounds, making it a versatile platform for video conferencing.
Google Meet's 1080p video calling upgrade
Google recently announced that it's bringing the 1080p video calling upgrade to select Workspace and Google One users. However, the feature is only available for paying subscribers. It's worth noting that 1080p video calls can only be accessed on the web-based version of Google Meet, and it all depends on whether your computer's webcam supports the resolution.
Additionally, Google says that you'll need extra bandwidth to send 1080p video, and it will automatically adjust your resolution if bandwidth is "constrained." The feature isn't enabled by default, but you can toggle it on by selecting the three dots in the top right corner of your video feed and then hitting "Turn on HD video." This upgrade is a significant improvement over the previous 720p resolution.
Availability and System Requirements
According to Google, the 1080p video calling feature is only available for select Workspace and Google One users. It is also available for users with a Google One plan that supports at least 2TB of storage. The feature is not enabled by default and needs to be turned on manually. To toggle it on, select the three dots in the top right corner of your video feed and then hit "Turn on HD video."
However, there are some limitations to this feature. You can only access 1080p video calls on the web-based version of Google Meet. Also, it all depends on whether your computer's webcam actually supports the resolution. Furthermore, you'll need additional bandwidth to send 1080p video, and Google notes that it will automatically adjust your resolution if bandwidth is "constrained."
Benefits of 1080p Video Calls
With this upgrade, Google Meet users can finally enjoy higher-quality video calls, making it easier to see and communicate with colleagues, clients, and friends. Previously, Google Meet only supported resolutions of 720p or lower. Other popular video conferencing apps, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams, already have support for 1080p calls. So, it's good to see that Google is catching up with its competitors.
Who can access 1080p video calling?
Google says that 1080p video calling is available for all users with the following plans: Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Education Plus, Enterprise Essentials, and Frontline. It's also available to users with a Google One plan that supports at least 2TB of storage.
How does Google Meet compare to other video conferencing platforms?
Google Meet is not the only video conferencing platform available in the market. Other popular platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams also offer 1080p video calling. However, Google Meet has some unique features that set it apart from other platforms.
For instance, Google Meet allows users to join a meeting without signing in to a Google account, which can be convenient for participants who don't have a Google account. Additionally, Google Meet has integrated Google's AI-powered live captions, making it easier for participants to follow the conversation.
Conclusion
Google Meet's upgrade to 1080p video calling is a welcome improvement for users who require high-quality video calls. While the feature is only available for paying subscribers, it's still a significant upgrade from the previous 720p resolution. Google Meet's unique features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and AI-powered live captions make it a versatile and user-friendly platform for video conferencing.
FAQs
Q1. Can free Google Meet users access 1080p video calls?
No, the new feature is restricted to paid subscribers only.
Q2. Which Google Meet plans have access to 1080p video calls?
1080p video calling is available for all users with the following plans: Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Education Plus, Enterprise Essentials, and Frontline. It’s also available to users with a Google One plan that supports at least 2TB of storage.
Q3. Can I access 1080p video calls on the mobile app?
No, the upgrade is only available on the web-based version of Google Meet.
Q4. Do I need additional bandwidth to send 1080p video?
Yes, you will need additional bandwidth to send 1080p video. Google will automatically adjust the resolution if bandwidth is constrained.
Q5. Can I enable 1080p video calls by default?
No, the feature is not enabled by default. However, you can toggle it on by selecting the three dots in the top right corner of your video feed and then hitting Turn on HD video.
