- Google adds a background noise cancellation feature to Google Meet.
- The update adds noise filtering for Android and iOS platforms.
- AI-filter distinguishes between active speech and background noises.
- Noise Cancellation is manually configurable based on user’s preferences.
As a result of COVID-related restrictions, video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have become an essential tool for both schools and workplaces around the world. With the surge in its user base, Google announces new updates for Meet.
Google Meet will now be featuring an AI-powered noise cancellation feature, the tech giant mentioned. This functionality will be rolling out for both Android and iOS users and will be available in all regions (except a few).
Google’s initial release of the noise-cancellation feature was limited to desktop users only. According to a new post on the official G-Suite Updates blog -“Google Meet can now intelligently filter out background noise on Android and iOS. This means Meet will automatically remove interferences from your mobile devices’ audio input while still letting your voice through.”
What does Noise Cancellation do?
The smart noise-filtering will be able to remove most of the background distractions such as typing, office bustle, nearby pet, or even from a next-door construction site. But, this is limited to filtering out noises that don’t sound like voices. Thus, it won’t be able to remove voices from TV or nearly people talking at the same moment.
If non-speech parts like musical instruments are to be used, you should turn the noise cancellation feature off. Users can manually turn the noise cancellation on during a Google Meet call, even though the feature is switched off by default.
How can users enable noise canceling on Google Meet?
Just head to the Settings tab under More in your Android or iOS app, and turn on the Noise Cancellation feature.
The update will be available for G Suite Enterprise and G Suite Enterprise for Education users. However, this feature will not be available for G Suite Basic users. Given that Zoom provided this feature back in 2018, this is a welcome upgrade from Google. Google is expected to deliver a best-in-class experience since it is an industry leader in AI-enabled software providers.
This extension adds to the prior updates like hosting meetings with up to 250 participants. The update also has the ability to save meetings to Google Drive. This update also allows calls beyond 60 minutes for all Gmail accounts.
