Google is rolling out some new updates for Google Meet on the web. The update essentially improves the background effect accuracy and performance. Previously, the backgrounds on Google Meet weren't accurate, and you could see patches of background getting washed off when a background effect was applied.
Now, with the new update, Google has improved the accuracy of these effects. This results in better foreground separation and the application of accurate background blur, background replacement, and immersive style. Additionally, Google is also rolling out support for cloud processing for Google Meet. As per the official blog, Google Meet will use cloud processing on devices that are not capable of running real-time video effects. So, if you're using a Samsung Galaxy laptop or Chromebook, you should see these improvements.
The video calling service “automatically adjusts between device-based and cloud-based effect processing to offer the best possible experience.” Thanks to cloud processing, Google Meet will “automatically adjusts between device-based and cloud-based effect processing to offer the best possible experience.”
Both features are available for Google Meets users on eligible devices
The update not only improves the performance and accuracy of the background effects but also improves video quality and helps save battery and CPU resources. The official blog notes that the cloud processing is initially arriving for the background blur and light adjustment, while support for background replacement and additional effects will arrive in the future.
There will be no admin control or end-user settings to enable these features. You can follow this guide to learn more about how you can change the background and apply visual effects in Google Meet. The improved background effects feature is available for all Google Meet users on eligible devices.
On the other hand, cloud processing is available for Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus customers, and Workspace Individual users on eligible devices in eligible countries, which include Northern America, Europe, Northern Africa, Central Asia, and Southeastern Asia. It isn't available for users with personal Google accounts.
