The Brief: Google Workspace has introduced an automatic picture-in-picture feature for Google Meet, making it easier for users to maintain visibility of their video during meetings. This update, available for Google Chrome on computers, eliminates the need for users to manually activate the picture-in-picture mode when switching tabs. The new feature ensures that meeting participants can seamlessly switch to other tasks, such as reviewing documents or taking notes, without losing sight of their video feed. This update aims to enhance user experience and improve multitasking during Google Meet sessions.
Analyst Perspective: Google Workspace rolled out an automatic picture-in-picture feature in Google Meet. Previously, users had to activate this feature manually when switching tabs, but the latest update triggers it automatically. This new functionality ensures that meeting participants no longer lose visibility of the video feed while multitasking. The update applies to Google Meet users on Google Chrome, providing seamless functionality when switching to other tabs, such as viewing documents or taking notes. The feature improves productivity, making it easier to manage meeting tasks concurrently without interruptions. The rollout is completed on November 15, 2024.
The automatic picture-in-picture feature greatly improves multitasking during Google Meet sessions. Users can now seamlessly switch between tabs without worrying about their video feed disappearing. This ensures continuous engagement with the meeting, even when performing other tasks. Whether you need to take notes, review meeting documents, or access other resources, the video feed will remain visible and easily accessible. This update addresses a common issue that many users have faced, making Google Meet a more efficient tool for virtual collaboration. It is a useful feature for professionals who need to remain engaged while attending to other tasks during a meeting.
While the automatic picture-in-picture feature is designed to enhance user experience, it also provides flexibility. Users can choose to turn off the feature if they prefer not to use it. This can be done through Google Chrome’s settings by selecting the “View site information” icon in the URL bar and adjusting the picture-in-picture settings. The ability to turn off this feature ensures that users have control over their Google Meet experience, providing customization based on their preferences. As a result, users can either enjoy the convenience of automatic picture-in-picture or disable it to suit their needs.
The new automatic picture-in-picture feature is available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account users. For those using Google Chrome on computers, the feature will automatically activate when switching tabs during a meeting, ensuring that the video feed remains visible. There is no action required from admins, as there are no administrative controls for this update. However, for users who prefer not to use the feature, it can be easily disabled. They can turn off the "Automatic picture-in-picture" setting by selecting the “View site information” icon in the Chrome URL bar , offering them control over their Google Meet experience.
The introduction of automatic picture-in-picture in Google Meet sets the stage for future improvements aimed at optimizing user experience during virtual meetings. This feature allows users to stay focused on their meetings while managing other tasks by simplifying multitasking. As virtual collaboration becomes more essential, Google may expand this functionality further, potentially introducing additional features that enhance video interaction, accessibility, or customization. However, challenges may arise if users find the feature intrusive or if it conflicts with other browser settings. Google’s continued focus on flexibility and user control will likely guide future updates, making it an essential tool for effective remote collaboration.