Google Workspace Changes

Updated 'Limit video bandwidth' admin setting to include downlink limits and improve two-person call quality.

Google is updating the 'Limit video bandwidth' setting in the Admin console to better manage data usage and call quality. The setting, which previously only limited uplink bandwidth, now also limits downlink bandwidth. Additionally, Google is increasing uplink bandwidth usage specifically for two-person calls to improve overall video quality in those scenarios.

Google Meet users can now connect to nearby conference room hardware using a 5-character room code.

Google Meet hardware now supports connecting via a 5-character alphanumeric room code entered on a personal device, providing a reliable manual fallback when proximity-based detection is unavailable or disabled. To maintain security, users must physically confirm their presence by tapping the hardware screen after entering the code, and the codes refresh every few minutes. This feature is currently available in Early Preview for domains on the Rapid Release track.

iOS users can now join Google Meet calls directly through the Safari browser without installing an app.

iOS mobile device users can now participate in Google Meet sessions via Safari, eliminating the requirement to have the Gmail or Meet apps installed. This process allows individuals, including those without a Google account, to join meetings by simply providing their name to request entry.

Google Meet is now integrated with Android Auto for hands-free meeting access in vehicles.

Google Meet is now available on Android Auto, allowing users to safely access their meeting schedules, join discussions, and make or receive audio calls directly from their vehicle's dashboard. For safety reasons, the camera remains off and video content is not displayed, focusing entirely on audio communication via the microphone and vehicle speakers.

Google Meet now supports sending 1080p HD video from ChromeOS meeting room hardware.

Google Meet has extended its 1080p HD video sending capability to meeting room hardware based on ChromeOS. Full HD video is automatically utilized when additional bandwidth is available and necessary, such as when the room is viewed on large screens in Spotlight mode, during 1:1 calls, when a participant pins the room's video, or when the meeting is being recorded. The system continues to automatically adjust video quality based on network constraints to ensure a smooth experience.