Google Meet unveils High Definition Video Calling Capability – Here’s What You Need to Know

The rise of hybrid work settings has resulted in the rise of online communication platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Although these platforms already existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is now fierce competition to become the leading workspace provider in the market. As a result, developers are continuously introducing new features to retain users and prevent them from switching to other platforms. Recently, Google Meet introduced 1080p video calling for one-on-one video chats, and now this feature is being extended to group calling as well.

Google Meet gets Full HD video group calls

Google announced in a blog post (via 9to5Google ) that it’s updating its workspace and bringing Full HD (1080p) video calling to group calls, months after rolling it out for one-on-one video chats. This higher resolution is available online when using computers with a 1080p camera. Note that the higher resolution is off by default, but during a meeting a prompt appears in the upper right corner of the screen asking if you want to switch to 1080p resolution. Accordingly, you can also change it in the settings menu.

Google said: “Note that 1080p is only transmitted when one or more users attach a 1080p-capable user to a display large enough to display the 1080p video feed. In these special situations, additional bandwidth is required to transmit 1080p video – Meet will automatically adjust the resolution if the device’s bandwidth is limited.

Google is also increasing the resolution of shared content on screen from 720p to 1080p in recorded meetings, which means you can now see the content being presented more clearly. However, the meeting recorded elsewhere will retain the same 720p resolution.

These features are available to subscribers on various Google platforms, including Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus and Teaching and Learning Upgrade, as well as Workspace Individuals.

However, those with a personal Google Account cannot take advantage of this feature today. Google Meet’s one-to-one Full HD video calling feature requires a Google One subscription of at least 2 TB.