Ever since working from home became a widely accepted mantra due to unavoidable circumstances, teleconferencing platforms have found a new, more significant user base to serve. Google has even been forced to make Google Meet free, and it doesn’t stop there. The platform is also being improved to cater to the booming market.
Recently, Google has gone a step further to integrate Meet inside Gmail. This feature was previously exclusive to G-Suite users, but now it’s making its way to regular Gmail users. From Gmail’s sidebar, you will now be able to start or join a meeting in a few seconds by either hitting the “start a meeting” or “Join a meeting” button.
“With Meet in Gmail, you can easily start or join a meeting in seconds. Our goal is to help you follow the flow of the day, seamlessly switching between email and video meetings—whichever form of communication you need,” the company said in a blog post.
These options can now be found on the sidebar just below the mailbox sections and labels – near Google Hangouts.
Unlike the Hangouts bar, which can be hidden, it currently seems like Google wants to know more about Meet by not providing a hiding option. Meet is also getting a Zoom-like grid layout which should be rolling out already.
Google says the update is gradually rolling out so you should see it after some time.
After ignoring the market for all these years, Google is finally making strides to catch up with platforms like Zoom. The company is also strengthening Duo, its free video calling service by the addition of more features to make it attractive to potential users.
Google Meet is currently free and offering limitless minutes, although the company said they would have some restrictions later in September.
That may turn off some users who have seen some more promising alternatives like Facebook’s own Messenger Rooms which is also free and open to anyone.