Google Workspace Changes

Admins can now configure custom screen saver policies for Google Meet hardware devices to use them as digital signage.

Google is providing admins with more control over screen savers on Google Meet hardware devices, enabling their use as digital signage. Admins can now set a publicly accessible URL to display when devices are inactive, define the number of minutes of inactivity before the screen saver appears, and specify how soon before the next meeting the screen saver is dismissed.

Google Meet introduces automatic return of breakout room participants to the main meeting room.

Google Meet is enhancing breakout room management by allowing hosts and co-hosts to automatically move participants back to the main meeting room once the breakout session ends. This update includes a countdown banner to notify participants of the transition, improved visual indicators confirming the move, and the automatic disabling of cameras and microphones upon return to the main room to ensure a smooth transition.

New built-in interoperability between Google Meet and Cisco Webex.

Google Meet is introducing built-in video conferencing interoperability with Cisco Webex, allowing users to join Webex meetings from Google Meet hardware devices and join Google Meet calls from supported Cisco Webex devices. While core video conferencing features are supported, some advanced features like polls, breakout rooms, and dual-screen support may be unavailable. Admins can enable or disable this feature for specific organizational units via the Google Meet Hardware Settings page in the Admin console.

Google Meet hosts and co-hosts can now lock participants' audio and video from iOS devices.

Google Meet hosts and co-hosts can now lock all participants’ audio and video from iOS devices, which allows them to mute all participants or prevent the use of cameras to reduce disruptions. Previously, these lock settings were only available on computers. The audio and video lock settings apply to all participants regardless of the device used to enable the lock.