Google Meet adds 360-degree background option for video

Google Meet’s new feature will create an impression of a background moving together with the person in the video call.

Google announced the feature would be available on mobile devices, including iOS and Android.

According to the company, the feature employs the device’s gyroscope to create an illusion of a moving background. That means that if users move their devices, the background will carry with them accordingly.

Gyroscopes are standard in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

So far, the company will provide users with several default options, including a temple and beach background. To avoid unnecessary annoyance, Google has included an option for the conversation admin to deactivate the feature.

This January, Google added an in-meeting emoji reaction to Google Meet. Conferencing apps compete in a crowded market, with fewer users in a post-Covid world. For example, Zoom had to make some difficult decisions, cutting 15% of its workforce earlier in February.